Humber FV1600

[fv1620]

As this is a 1960 VAOS notice that only a few items have so far been NATO codified. Although 4 ton jacks are codified the illustration still bears VAOS designation. The retracted height differs in the illustration, although on mine there is a thingy that slides on the top to extend the height a little & gives a narrower platform, which might explain the difference.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Fantastic,
Thanks Clive.
Good news is that I do not think I have ever seen one of these before, which means I have not picked one up and then put it back again. (Really hate that)
Bad news is that I have never seen one of these before, which means they are probably as rare as hens teeth. All I ever seem to find are those blasted Universal Carrier Jacks.
Regards
Rich.

[fv1620]

Rich they are not that rare over here. What I like is that it is not dependant on hydraulic fluid or the integrity of oil seals, just old fashioned mechanical reliability.

[Keith Webb]

Richard, I trust you're doing the right thing with the carrier jacks and putting them in the scrap bin to make sure they become rare.

Originally Posted by Richard Coutts-Smith

Fantastic,
Thanks Clive.
Good news is that I do not think I have ever seen one of these before, which means I have not picked one up and then put it back again. (Really hate that)
Bad news is that I have never seen one of these before, which means they are probably as rare as hens teeth. All I ever seem to find are those blasted Universal Carrier Jacks.
Regards
Rich.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Clive,
Is that the same sort of "Mechanical Reliability" that British vehicles are loved and reknown for.....
Keith,
the curved base plate ends mean that carrier Jacks do work OK as boat anchors, and it is not a big deal when you lose one. Just another $2 at the next swap meet.
Rich.

[fv1620]

Originally Posted by Richard Coutts-Smith

Clive,
Is that the same sort of "Mechanical Reliability" that British vehicles are loved and reknown for.....

Oh yes most certainly. Borne out by the trials at Innisfail 1955-6



I do just wonder what the outcome would have been if a properly serviced vehicle had been delivered on time, with spares, documents & technical backup.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Clive, Clive, Clive,
You can't put something like that up and walk away, even if it is 2.00am.
Is this Innisfail Australia? 1955/56: production would have ceased by then? Army or Civilian?
Sounds like the Humbers biggest problem was lack of customer support. Maybe they were training for the exemplary service standards to be set by British Leyland in the 1970's.
More please.
Rich.

[fv1620]

Rich yes "Tropical Trials at Innisfail, Queensland Oct 1955 - May 1956"
Vehicles involved Saracen, Ferret, Humber 1 Ton, Champ

As British Humbers go the last ones into service were mid 1955. The report refers to them as Humbers, but that may be a colloquialism for FV1601 as we know they were plated as Commers for you.

Might have a picture or two