Log Hauler

N o one ever outgrows toy trucks-especially the kind made by Ron and Rick Wiggell. The father-and-son team from Cardston, Alta., produce what they call “Wood n Motion Model Trucks n Trailers,” hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind models in roughly 1/24 scale. They’re not cheap–trucks start at $250, tractor-trailer combinations average twice that amount. But they’re custom built and the sort of gift just about any trucker or wannabe would crave.

“My dad was in the excavating and trucking business and as a hobby he built toy trucks for my brother,” says Rick. “I saw what he was making–they were beautiful–and thought, ‘We should work out a marketing plan…'”

The models are remarkably detailed. Under the hood is an engine complete with belts and hoses. Some trucks are equipped with spring suspensions that move with the wheels. You can lift the top of the tractor and peer inside the sleeper compartment, exposing a bunk, cubbies, and cabinets.

“People send us a picture of the truck they want us to model and we go from there,” Rick says. “We don’t use a template, so we’ll do whatever we can to match the look of your real truck. We use combinations of wood, like white or red cedar or pine, and different grains and veneers to make marker lights, tank straps, pinstriping–little details.”

Most of Ron and Rick’s customers are corporations looking for a unique, personal gift, either for a retirement or as a reward. The models also fetch a good buck at charity auctions. Some people just want a keepsake of their favourite rig.

Each model takes four to six weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the job. Ron and Rick also have a wide range of existing styles and options. “We make a flatdeck trailer that’s a cribbage board, with a little drawer underneath to keep the crib pegs,” Rick says. “We can get pretty creative.”
RnR General Wholesaler
www.rnrgw.com; 403/653-1414