The truck itself...looks to be a 1927/31 Ford Model AA.
http://aafords.com/home/aa-fords-overview/
Take Care!
Frank
Lifetime member ATHS (American Truck Historical Society).
Brooks Stover models in S (1:64 scale) and I do not know if the Esso (phonetic for "Standard Oil" = SO) tank truck was something he painted and lettered, or was one of the many 1:64 die cast models that are "out there" but not necessarily aimed at the model train trade.
The Walthers catalog shows some Brekina European Esso tank trucks in HO that might have a vaguely old American truck look. Perhaps one of those would make your father happy.
Model die cast trucks are a hobby themselves, and an interesting one.
Dave Nelson
Hi Narofvod:
Welcome to the forums!!
I can't answer your question but you might consider contacting Steven Otte at Model Railroader to see if he can ask Brooks Stover whose layout the truck is on. Note that the layout is S scale if that matters.
To send Steven a message, go to the first thread in General Discussion and click on his picture. That will bring up a screen with the option to "Start Conversation" in the upper right corner.
Cheers!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
My 80 year old Dad is a longtime subscriber and modeler. I happen to be visiting and he has remarked a couple of times about the Esso fuel tanker truck sitting at the crossing in the cover photo. It must have sparked some childhood memory for him. Does anyone know if that piece is available as a specific model or replica somewhere or if not what vehicle it represents? I'm thinking a 1930ish Ford? Maybe I canfind something close. Thanks very much for any leads.