Registry of Ex Military Land Rovers

Vehicle Variants => 106 MM RCL, aka The Gunbuggy => Topic started by: Carzee on April 07, 2013, 09:14:02 PM

Title: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Carzee on April 07, 2013, 09:14:02 PM
I had a look at the S2 Gunbuggy at the AWM Open Day, 6apr13

I took pics - see below.
I came home to check the REMLR gunbuggy list... I had made an assumption we had it listed....but the AWM one is not identified yet??? I couldn't see a ref to it. What is its ARN?

Oh, btw, no need to have a proper 106. You just need the wheel and brace and some pipe and a canvas bag to cover the pipe and no ones the wiser :(

[a bakers dozen photos]
1
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CyOD46k5Blk/UWFPjEGqaqI/AAAAAAAAC2s/ueESo8tFdx0/s1280/gb-5x1400.jpg)
2
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zElnJPYzKqk/UWFPX3Mm4hI/AAAAAAAAC1s/uRy2l0A374w/s1280/gb-2x1400.jpg)
3
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5LWG264B7ws/UWFPfvnFVlI/AAAAAAAAC2U/qWUq5oM-9lY/s1280/gb-7x1400.jpg)
4
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8xapirVXWGQ/UWFPY4fll5I/AAAAAAAAC10/2qn6xRJF5mE/s720/gb-1x1400.jpg)
5
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pNZsXBeFcxU/UWFPhC1dTUI/AAAAAAAAC2c/dNphiCiaDjY/s1280/gb-8x1500.jpg)
6
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-51F5OGJhoQ4/UWFPTwkdY8I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/xc4QqK-DPss/s1280/gb-10x1500.jpg)
7
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KOBSyDimYmE/UWFPT2jkbjI/AAAAAAAAC1c/FTgBvV8WbkA/s1280/gb-11x1500.jpg)
8
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I_6LTwyKk1s/UWFPTlO27nI/AAAAAAAAC1M/QtmkEushD_s/s1280/gb-12x1400.jpg)
9
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J29RbqVN9q4/UWFPWnaCWhI/AAAAAAAAC1k/ssT09wGUx7s/s1280/gb-13x1500.jpg)
10
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MzDNPVqPeAA/UWFPZ4-ezMI/AAAAAAAAC18/vyzNMVnfK5Y/s1280/gb-3x1400.jpg)
11
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OnblpwApuOA/UWFPbTyPHSI/AAAAAAAAC2E/6GeT0APcZbA/s1280/gb-4x1400.jpg)
12
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cGuMBtgsUTA/UWFPdKN2qTI/AAAAAAAAC2M/i0s3x0apE1A/s1280/gb-6x1400.jpg)
13
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QUuLZvXhqrk/UWFPiX_0ZTI/AAAAAAAAC2k/zDAafU-0ZYE/s1280/gb-9x1400.jpg)
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy, big pics.
Post by: Minikeg on April 08, 2013, 01:07:07 AM
Love the cabletied brake pedal chock
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy, big pics.
Post by: Carzee on April 08, 2013, 09:54:58 AM
...simple solution to the problem, elegant simplicity.

...but whats the problem? Is it that the brakes or pedal box are u/s?

(Its not a anti-theft measure, Igot the impression there was a rent-a-cop every 20m -30m.)
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy, big pics.
Post by: Phoenix on April 08, 2013, 02:07:07 PM
It is there, the notification just isn't so obvious, 111-613  ;)   

Vic. 'Fitted For Rifle 106mm'. ANZACsteel archive. AWM exhibit & photo REL/19356 with details.
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy, big pics.
Post by: Carzee on April 08, 2013, 02:57:43 PM
 :) thats good. mystery solved for me. maybe we should have a whip round and buy them some replica ARNs??
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Jye Maude on April 10, 2013, 03:01:12 PM
whats the little tray next to the gear stick??
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: aussiegregmac on April 10, 2013, 03:24:12 PM
ah haa    Zulu Delta will answer that one.

Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: DennisM on April 10, 2013, 03:24:34 PM
Prick 10 sits in it, cheers Dennis
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Tommy on April 10, 2013, 05:43:17 PM
Prick 10 sits in it, cheers Dennis

Looks too wide for a prick 10 Dennis. Probably 25 or 77 set :)

There are no straps or other supports for the radio so I presume the battery box sits very snuggly into that holder.
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Diana Alan on April 10, 2013, 05:45:48 PM
Hi Jye

To explain the tray is for the PRC-10, which is a low-band VHF backpack radio set with a range of 38.0 to 54.9 megacycles.

(http://olive-drab.com/images/anprc10_01_6in.jpg)

The bracket next to the gearstick held the top of the 10 set.

Quote
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pNZsXBeFcxU/UWFPhC1dTUI/AAAAAAAAC2c/dNphiCiaDjY/s1280/gb-8x1500.jpg)

The sets weren't very reliable and were replaced by the PRC-25 set very shortly after Australia entered the Vietnam War.

Diana
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Diana Alan on April 10, 2013, 05:49:27 PM
Prick 10 sits in it, cheers Dennis

Looks too wide for a prick 10 Dennis. Probably 25 or 77 set :)

There are no straps or other supports for the radio so I presume the battery box sits very snuggly into that holder.
Hi Tommy

It must be an optical illusion, it is the PRC-10 base, far too narrow for the PRC-25 or 77.  The radio was used with it's internal battery.  The box on the firewall is for the crew's Rat-Packs.

Diana
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Tommy on April 10, 2013, 06:09:20 PM
Prick 10 sits in it, cheers Dennis

Looks too wide for a prick 10 Dennis. Probably 25 or 77 set :)

There are no straps or other supports for the radio so I presume the battery box sits very snuggly into that holder.
Hi Tommy

It must be an optical illusion, it is the PRC-10 base, far too narrow for the PRC-25 or 77.  The radio was used with it's internal battery.  The box on the firewall is for the crew's Rat-Packs.

Diana

You could be right Diana :). Just noticed the restraint bracket on the dash. Too high for the PRC 25/77 set.

Next question....what held the radio in place whilst in the bracket?

Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Diana Alan on April 10, 2013, 07:24:33 PM
Hi Tommy

Have been told it was held in with one of the webbing straps, but have not seen one fitted up IRL.  Perhaps Glen ZD534 will have better info.

Have seen a metal strap below the glove tray on the passengers footwell to hold the PRC-25/77 sets but it wouldn't leave much room for ones knees or calves.

Diana
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Tommy on April 10, 2013, 08:05:20 PM
Hi Tommy

Have been told it was held in with one of the webbing straps, but have not seen one fitted up IRL.  Perhaps Glen ZD534 will have better info.

Have seen a metal strap below the glove tray on the passengers footwell to hold the PRC-25/77 sets but it wouldn't leave much room for ones knees or calves.

Diana

Thanks Diana

I suppose if the carrying harness was left on the radio set, the use of the straps etc could be an option to secure it.

I have noticed that Bandianas Gunbuggy has a floor mounted holder that may have been constructed to hold the prc 25/77 set. It appears to be wider than the prc 10 holder. If so, the height of the corner angle braces would hold the set quite securely. If you look closely you can just make out an upturned bracket mounted on the firewall above the floor holder.
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: AGAS 5 on April 10, 2013, 09:02:00 PM
Diana,

Does yours have the PRC-10 frame ?  We could test fit one of my PRC-10s some time   :)

(http://www.remlr.com/photos/pics13/gb_1.jpg)

Pete
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Diana Alan on April 10, 2013, 09:02:32 PM
Thanks Tommy

That does look more of the 25/77 size.  The set wouldn't be tall enough to need a bracket on the dash panel.  I also notice the container on the firewall has been removed.

One more question, the LHS mirror.  Is it fitted through the original windscreen hinge bracket?

Most buggied have this removed.

I also notice the door hinge holes are filled.

Diana
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Diana Alan on April 10, 2013, 09:09:04 PM
Diana,

Does yours have the PRC-10 frame ?  We could test fit one of my PRC-10s some time   :)

<image removed>

Pete

Hi Pete

Unfortunately no it doesn't, but were a pair of brackets I intended to replicate, but possibly modified to hold my TRS-300 HF set.  Very similar to the Clansman 320 and in the realm of the PRC 10 size to be convincing to the untrained eye.

(http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m2/Auntikinus/Rock%20Art/DSCN0142-1.jpg)
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Tommy on April 10, 2013, 09:22:07 PM
Thanks Tommy

That does look more of the 25/77 size.  The set wouldn't be tall enough to need a bracket on the dash panel.  I also notice the container on the firewall has been removed.

One more question, the LHS mirror.  Is it fitted through the original windscreen hinge bracket?

Most buggied have this removed.

I also notice the door hinge holes are filled.

Diana

At some stage in it's past, Bandiana's Buggy had the bulkhead mounted machine gun. This modification involved the drilling of holes to the far left hand top corner of the bulkhead. This same modification can be seen on the Army Museum of WA's Buggy. If the MG was mounted so close to the corner it may have necessitated the re-positioning of any mirror located on the passenger side.

If you look at this 'larger' version of the same photo Diana you will notice that the door hinge holes appear to have been 'bogged up' as you can just make out two indentations where the holes are. Probably done when the Buggy acquired it's new coat of 'museum' paint.

http://www.grubbyfingersshop.com/walkaround_galleries/landrover_swb_recoillessrifle_walkaround/content/landrover_swb_recoillessrifle_bandiana_20_large.html
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Mike C on April 11, 2013, 02:25:56 AM
The brackets in the AWM's RCL carrier are sufficient to restrain the radio set AN/PRC-10 without an additional strap. I know: I've driven this vehicle some distance around Canberra and environs with the AN/PRC-10 in place. It is very tight to insert into the clips, which hold the radio quite steady.

Pr**k of a vehicle to operate in traffic with the weapons mounted - no/restricted view of the left side and left side mirror. We always moved the vehicle with a jockey in the CC's seat for safety - so there was someone to check the left side was clear before moving lanes.

I have to admire the original crews: those rear seats are just simply unsafe by modern standards: no wonder there are stories of crewman falling asleep and out of the vehicle during night moves, and no weather protection either.

The vehicle is in original condition as transferred direct from the Army. The weapons (M40A2 and M8C) are genuine but deactivated.

The original AMF number plates are held in the collection, though why they have not replaced the historic vehicle registration plates with the originals is not known to me: the vehicle was de-registered from the historic vehicles register several years ago and 'mothballed' once the FFR came on line. Mothballing included the removal of brake fluid from the system and replacing it with an inhibitor, hence the wood block to prevent the great unwashed from pressing the pedal.

Mike C
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Carzee on April 11, 2013, 06:00:31 AM
Thank you Mike, very helpful info!
No brakes..
Can I ask if you recall any 'sportscar' films or pams in the AWM collection, anything training related that came from  RAINF?
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Mike C on April 11, 2013, 06:34:55 AM
No, it's not the sort of 'stuff' that is considered appropriate or a priority for collection. Higher priority items are those associated directly with the Australian experience of war, rather than training information/images. Pams on particular items already held in the collection are given some priority, but by the MHT section, rather than the Research Centre. In saying that, I don't recall any info being held specific to the GB - and I looked at most of it in the MHT section at one time or another.

Mike C
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Mike C on April 11, 2013, 06:46:58 AM
I'd better amplify my comment about 'appropriateness' for collecting: the AWM like most museums, has a space problem: they simply cannot collect everything, so by necessity have to be selective. As a result, there is an 'importance' level associated with an item during the deliberation process. High importance/well provenance items the Memorial will usually find space for - a VC, for example, is a sure thing, while several shelf metres of training pams with no provenance and little association with objects already in the collection would attract a very, very low priority for collection.

Space costs money, care and preservation for the long term cost money, and both have finite limits, so curators (and their managers!) are always careful to weigh up all the factors before accepting - or rejecting - an offer of an item.  It was how it worked when I was there, and I suspect not much has changed in that regard.

Mike C
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Carzee on April 11, 2013, 06:56:25 AM
Well, I'm thankful for all the info we do have via yourself and a couple of ex-HW members (ZDelta and the NCO at the RAINF that I recall)

http://www.remlr.com/what-gunbuggy.html

http://www.remlr.com/2_2Agunbuggy.html
 
Title: Re: AWM Gunbuggy 111-613.
Post by: Carzee on April 11, 2013, 07:02:33 AM
 ..talked over you just then. Yes, I imagine if they had more space and money they may well have acquired a 2A LRPV.
...meanwhile, on the other side of Lake Hurley Griffin in the National Art Gallery.... Oh well.


Edit. Hurley hah. These smartphones are not as smart as they all think.

..but I.must add that their photo outputs are pretty good (see the AWM openday pics and those 13 of the gunbuggy).

edit
added AWM 111-613 photo info - http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL/19356/