In 2017 Will Shiers went to New Mexico in search of the Convoy film locations. This time he heads to southern California to discover where the Steven Spielberg classic Duel was shot
I’m sat at the level crossing in Acton, California waiting for two miles of freight train to slowly trundle past when I notice a Ram pickup truck in my rear-view mirror.
It’s massive, menacing and it’s creeping ever closer. But what’s really alarming me is that I’ve spotted the same truck several times today already. Is it following me? What do I do?
The hot desert sun is reflecting in the truck’s windshield, completely obscuring the driver’s identity. I contemplate getting out of the car and tackling the driver, but decide it’s probably best to stay put.
I’m sweating profusely now, and my knuckles turn white as I grip the steering wheel for dear life. There’s no sign of an end to this train, and the truck is edging closer.
Its aggressive black grille is now filling my entire mirror, and even with my windows closed I can hear the 6.7-litre Cummins turbo diesel engine growling. The driver blips the accelerator, presumably trying to intimidate me – and it’s working.
He does it again, for longer this time, and the engine’s growl becomes a fierce roar. Am I about to be pushed under the passing train? The fear of the unknown is unbearable…
Truth be told, there isn’t actually anything to worry about. I’m in southern California searching for the film locations used in Steven Spielberg’s classic trucking movie Duel, and the Ram is just a prop for the video I’m making. Having failed to get hold of a Peterbilt, I called a friend in the Fiat Chrysler press office and asked if I could borrow the most fierce-looking pickup truck on the press fleet – and he certainly delivered. The Ram 3500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 Long Box is one aggressive-looking vehicle. They’d might as well have designed the grille to look like a clenched fist!
Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
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Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years
