[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Almost right, Richard: the chassis is a Leyland Martian, FV1103A, but the bodywork, while broadly based on the Leyland bodywork, was wholly Australian, hence the differences you have observed. Only the single rolling chassis and mechanicals were imported. Testing was carried out in 1957.

The project was shelved once the Army testing authorities realised the pilot model was (1) overwidth at 8 foot 6 inches and (2) overweight on each tyre when laden and would therefore require State issued permits everytime the type ventured onto Australian roads.

Now why both those issues were not evident in a desk-top study prior to committing considerable resources to importing the chassis, then constructing a complete set of bodywork, followed by testing of the vehicle, is anyone's guess!

Mike

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the insight on this. I noticed from the entry that it was cab/chassis, but bodywork looked very similar to the British gun tractor, except that they had a crew cab so shorter body. I cannot believe that it was overwidth for Australian roads!!! We would not give it a second thought in UK and roads are much narrower. The recovery version was all up weight of 26 tons I think from memory. Had a lot of workshop experience on them in the distant past.

cheers Richard