The Judge Rules: Scott Shaw’s Judge Mental Kenworth T909

Scott Shaw of Shaw Haulage Rockhampton has spent plenty of time planning the creation of his perfect truck. Australian Custom Trucks’ lead investigative reporter Warren Aitken discovers how his plans came to fruition to create this spectacular 2013 Kenworth T909 show stopper.

Words by Warren Aitken. Photography by Warren Aitken.

I am the first to admit I am not the best at planning ahead. My wife is the first to admit I actually suck at it. So I definitely felt inferior when I sat down with Scott Shaw of Shaw Haulage Rockhampton and learned he had been planning this truck, from make, model, colours and contours for many, many years. So here was my chance to look around the North Queensland working showpony and get a little “Judge Mental.”

Like so many of the true battlers in our industry, Scott has grown up on diesel fumes and ten studs. He worked for many years alongside his father carting cattle in and around central Queensland before purchasing a small block on the outskirts of Rockhampton and deciding to venture out on his own.

Swapping stock for stones, Scott purchased a Western Star and side tippers and started Shaw Haulage three years ago. Although he started the company by steering a Western Star, Scott’s memories of riding in the old W-Model Kenworth as a teenager were the driving force behind his dream and plans for his own working showpony “Judge Mental.”

Brown and Hurley Rockhampton were the team in charge of his order. Scott was absolutely sure it had to be a T909, it also had to be set up to allow it to tow everything from his AB triple side tippers to a heavy haulage low loader and even full length triple roadtrains. The final order was a 2013 Kenworth T909, with a fully fitted 54” bunk with fridge and storage cupboards, Icepack, hydraulics, round fuel tanks, super single steers and a Cummins Signature 600 EGR motor. Much of the work was completed ‘in house’ at Kenworth’s Melbourne factory, one of the most obvious and standout features was the King Bars powder-coated bullbar. The powder-coated FUPs bar is actually aluminium, allowing for a weight saving. Fear not though, Scott can testify to the fact that the strength has already been very well tested against some ‘standing steaks’ and preforms perfectly. The decision to powder-coat the bar wasn’t a superficial one. The truck was intended to spend a lot of time amongst the red dirt which has a tendency to “wreck everything” say Scott. The curse of the red dirt also led to Scott’s plan to go for painted tanks, which tie in extremely well with the overall staunch look of the truck.

From Melbourne the truck was sent up to PJs Custom Paints in Brisbane.

It came as no surprise that Scotts colour choices were based on his fondness for anything with a motor, the silver is a factory Hilux Silver.

The charcoal is direct from Toyota and the beautiful blue is a classic Commodore colour. PJ’s included the three colours, along with some stunning scroll work and it resulted in a breathtaking original look. Scott also set them loose on the rear sleeper wall and the PJ’s boys didn’t disappoint.

The almost 3D looking signage on the back needs to be seen to be believed. To finish it off PJ’s added a set of 7” pipes, modifying the brackets to allow for a seamless look.

Rocklea Truck Electrical added an impressive looking stainless visor before the truck was sent over to Barry Stoodley Ltd to work on the rear toolboxes, guards and Icepack cover.

Knowing the truck would be working in some of Australia’s toughest conditions Scott opted to avoid stainless guards instead fitting durable and replaceable full cover rubber. The choice actually enhancing the overall look.

The rear cab mounted toolboxes added plenty of storage and were customised to include a water tank to be used for washing up when Scott’s out on the road.

Brown and Hurley Rockhampton brought the truck up to Rockhampton where it was sent to Phil Love Auto Electrics for the final touches. The addition of several added LEDs and stainless to the tanks, roof and mirror arms finished the truck of perfectly. LED headlights, as well as two LED spotlights and two lightforce spot lights were also added in to ensure that there was no hiding this big girl in the dark. All that was needed was a personalised plate T909 KW and a name. When asked where the name “The Judge” came from Scott cryptically replied “at the time it sorted a lot of shit out for me” which seems entirely appropriate. The diversification to “Judge Mental” on the front, stems from a session around the fire with a couple of mates, which also seems entirely appropriate.

So after years in the planning Scott finally got his dream on the road. In my attempts at investigative journalism I had to ask the difficult question of how it compares to the Western Star to which he joked “after stepping out of the Western Start to this thing… I wouldn’t give you two bob for a Star now!” However, when pushed further for his view on the new T909 he remarks, “I like the smaller cab, it’s easier to keep cool in hotter weather.”

Scott also noted the advantage in the ease and accessibility for maintenance of the Kenworth. He is the first to admit however he hasn’t been blown away by the Signature 600 EGR, happily admitting, “it’s been a pain in the arse, I’d go back to the Gen2 any-day”.

The main issue being the hot humid working conditions mixed with road train loads often in excess off one hundred tonnes meaning the fan is consistently on. When queried about the visibility from the driver’s seat Scott jokes, “yeah, it is kind of like driving around in a Ned Kelly suit, but you get used to it”.

Get used to it he did, two years down the track and “Judge Mental” is doing everything asked of it. One week you may find Scott in the middle of a deserted dirt highway hauling a dozer, next weekend he’s scooping the prize for ‘Best prime mover 1-5 years (people’s choice) and ‘Rig of the show’ at the 2015 CQ Convoy then it’s straight back to work with a triple road train through the middle of nowhere.

The Judge is definitely a versatile Australian Custom Truck.

Rear Vision: where are they now?

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