ARN books

[Richard Farrant]

I was looking at an old film of the International 4x4 being tested on Youtube,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roj2G5uNptA

At one point they are using a Leyland Martian 6x6 as an anchor point for the tensiometer while testing the Inter's winch. The ARN number of the Leyland was 88099 which I looked up, it looks to be a sole entry and probably sent from UK to trial. It may well have been a prototype as it has 'cycle' type front mudguards fitted to the pivoting axle, where the production ones used by the British had large box shaped ones. I see it was disposed of in the early 60's.

Richard

[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

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Now why both those issues were not evident .. prior to committing .... to importing the chassis, is anyone's guess!

Mike

Maybe it just arrived here unannounced and said: "Take me to your leader!"

[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