Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Land Rover 110 Defender 4x4 Utility Vehicle

The British Land Rover, one of the most influential and much-loved British vehicles of all time, was launched in 1948 and remained in production with much the same basic specification until 1983 when the Series III 109 inch was replaced by a new One-Ten model (110 inch wheelbase). The traditional Land Rover body shape remained but coil springs, introduced in the new Range Rover, replaced the long-lived leaf spring suspension, and the four cylinder engines were fitted with an all-synchromesh five speed gearbox. In 1984 the coil spring Ninety (with a wheelbase just short of 93 inches) fitted with a four cylinder engine was introduced. A V8-powered version appeared the following year and in 1986 a new 85bhp, 2495cc turbo-diesel engine became available, then in 1990 the Ninety and One-Ten range was renamed Defender 90, 110 and 130. Not surprisingly the new Land Rovers proved popular for Military use and UK Ministry of Defence.

Land Rover has a range of specialised Defence Vehicles including the Defender FFR (Fitted for Radio) model, a platform to provide modern Defence Forces with a flexible and highly-mobile range of Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) roles. The vehicle combines an upgraded dual-voltage power supply and full electrical suppression with the acclaimed all-terrain performance of the Land Rover Defender. It is capable of transporting sensitive electronic equipment safely through challenging conditions in support of C4i operations, and is also effective as a carrier of electronic surveillance and electronic counter-measures technology.

To support the power demands of the latest electronic equipment, the new Defender FFR features a new electrical architecture with a dual 12v / 24v power supply, replacing the 24v system of the previous model. The total output is raised from 100 amps to 280 amps, enabling a significant increase in the amount of C4i equipment that can be operated. Two high-output 12v glass mat, air-transportable military specification batteries are fitted, giving improved engine cranking at lower temperatures. The batteries are now stowed under the rear floor, releasing extra space in rear body for equipment. All of the Defender FFR’s electrical systems are fully suppressed in accordance with the most stringent test standards (including Def Stan 59-411 Class A and Mil Std 461F) enabling C4i equipment to be installed without further suppression work.

The operational performance of the Defender FFR is further enhanced by the standardisation of a heavy duty 3500kg chassis, providing improved payload capability, and the fitment of a new 90kW 2.4-litre diesel engine which offers over 35% more torque than the previous model.

Additional improvements include a more spacious and efficient driving environment with a new ergonomic dashboard design, and a foldable forward-facing radio operator’s seat with integral headrest and 3-point safety belt for improved comfort and safety.

Sources from :

www.classicdriver.com/en/car/land-rover/defender/1987/691401

www.army-technology.com/contractors/vehicles/land-rover/p...

The Ural-375 is a General Purpose 4.5 ton 6x6 Truck, which has been produced at the Ural Automotive Plant in the Russian SFSR since 1961. The Ural-375 replaced the ZIL-157 as the standard Soviet Army truck in 1979. It was itself replaced by the Ural-4320. The Ural-375 was used, for example, as a platform for the BM-21 Grad Rocket Launcher, Troop Carrier, and as a Supply Carrier. The Ural-375 comes in a variety of models, the list is very exhaustive:

▪︎Ural-375 - Base model, it has a canvas roof, and no steel cabin.

▪︎Ural-375A - The same but has a slightly longer chassis.

▪︎Ural-375D - The most produced 375, which has a proper all-steel cabin.

▪︎Ural-375E KET-L - Recovery Vehicle equipped with a front-mounted and a rear-mounted winch along with a jib crane.

▪︎Ural-375S - 6x6 Tractor Unit.

▪︎Ural-377 - A 6x4 civilian truck.

▪︎Ural-377S - 6x4 Tractor Unit

▪︎Ural-375DM - Modernized version of the Ural-375D, built at least until 1991.

General characteristics:

▪︎Manufacturer: Ural Automobile Plant, Miass

▪︎Production: 1961 to 1964 (Ural-375) / 1964 to 1983 (Ural-375D) / 1982 to -1991 (Ural-375DM)

▪︎Production End: 1993

▪︎Powerplant: ZIL-375Ya 7.0 litre V8 petrol (carburetor) pushrod engine, 174hp

▪︎Transmission: 5-speed manual + 2-speed transfer case

▪︎Length: 24ft 1in) / Width: 9ft 8.5in / Height: 9ft 9in (with tarpaulin)

▪︎Curb Weight: 8.3 tons

▪︎Predecessor: Ural-355M

▪︎Successor: Ural-4320

▪︎Crew: 3 or more

▪︎Payload: 4.7 tons

▪︎Maximum Permissible Mass: 13 tons

▪︎Suspension: Live beam axles, leaf springs

▪︎Gearbox: 5x2 speed gearbox

▪︎Maximum Speed: 47 mph

▪︎Brakes: Pneumatic drum brakes

▪︎Fording depth: 4ft 11in

▪︎Ground Clearance: 1ft 3in

▪︎Fuel Capacity: tank: 65 gallons + 13 gallons

▪︎Fuel Economy: 4.7 to 5.2 mpg.

Tropospheric Scatter, also known as ''Troposcatter'' is a method of communicating with microwave radio signals over considerable distances, 310 miles and further depending on frequency of operation, equipment type, terrain, and climate factors. This method of propagation uses the tropospheric scatter phenomenon, where radio waves at UHF and SHF frequencies are randomly scattered as they pass through the upper layers of the troposphere. Radio signals are transmitted in a narrow beam aimed just above the horizon in the direction of the receiver station. As the signals pass through the troposphere, some of the energy is scattered back toward the Earth, allowing the receiver station to pick up the signal.

Normally, signals in the microwave frequency range travel in straight lines, and so are limited to line-of-sight applications, in which the receiver can be 'seen' by the transmitter. Communication distances are limited by the visual horizon to around 30 to 40 miles. Troposcatter allows microwave communication beyond the horizon. It was developed in the 1950's and used for military communications until communications satellites largely replaced it in the 1970's. Because the troposphere is turbulent and has a high proportion of moisture, the tropospheric scatter radio signals are refracted and consequently only a tiny proportion of the transmitted radio energy is collected by the receiving antennas. Frequencies of transmission around 2 GHz are best suited for tropospheric scatter systems as at this frequency the wavelength of the signal interacts well with the moist, turbulent areas of the troposphere, improving signal-to-noise ratios.

Sourced from:

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospheric_scatter

Sourced from en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural-375

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

(1941-1945) WILLYS MB

One of the first mass-produced military vehicles in the United States, the Willys MB (and Ford GPW) U.S Army Jeep is the culmination of war-time ingenuity, standardization and strategic personalization for transport of personnel and cargo. Soon to become the ubiquitous, ''world-famous'' Jeep, the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00x16 tyres, 60 honest horsepower at 4,000rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provisions for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.

Prior to the production of the MB/GPW, other attempts were made to satisfy the Army's need for a Light Utility Vehicle including the first prototype presented by the American Bantam Car Company. Nicknamed the ''Blitz Buggy'' this vehicle concept which was the first bid accepted by the Army, as it satisfied the Army’s Ordnance Technical Committee specifications that the vehicle has:

▪︎Four-wheel drive.

▪︎Crew of three.

▪︎A wheelbase of no more than 75in and tracks no more than 47in.

▪︎A fold-down windshield.

▪︎A 660lb payload.

▪︎An engine capable of 85 ft lb of torque.

▪︎With an empty weight of no more than 1,300lbs. (590 kg).

While the ''Blitz Buggy'' did satisfy these requirements, Bantam was not able to deliver with the fiscal strength or production capability needed to win the contract with the War Department. As as result, Ford and Willys were asked to product their own pilot models for testing, the results of which would determine the contract. The original pilot models were submitted and named accordingly. The Willys Quad by Willys Overland, the Ford Pygmy by Ford and the BRC 60 by Bantam were accepted and orders were given for 1,500 units per company, with a revised weight limit of 2,160Ib. During these pre-production runs, each vehicle was re-named. The Willys Quad became the “MA”, the Ford Pygmy became the “GP”, and the “BRC 60” became the “BRC 40”. By July of 1941, the War Department, needing standardization, selected Willys-Overland to fulfill its contract, on account of the MA’s powerful engine, silhouette, low bid ($748.74/unit), and because of the company’s ability to fulfill production needs, ordering another 16,000 vehicles.

Absorbing some of the design features of the Bantam and Ford entries, the Willys “MA” was then renamed the Willys “MB”, and featured the powerful “Go Devil” engine and a welded flat iron “slat” radiator grille (which was later replaced by a stamped grille in March of 1942). By October 1941, due to an increased demand for production, Ford was contracted to assist Willys-Overland and changed their model’s name from “GP to “GPW”, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. During World War Two, Ford produced some 280,000 of these vehicles.

The MA and early MB's had the “Willys” name stamped into the left rear panel; however, in the spring of 1942, the War Dept. decided not to feature the logo and removed them. Early MB's had a wiper for each side of the windshield, which were hand operated in contrast to later configurations. The windshields also varied slightly. The first 3,500 produced used an MA-type frame, which had a shorter distance between the cowl and the glass frames (4in) The later models had a 6in measurement, and were noticeably taller. In the earlier model MB's, the gas tank still had rectangular lower corners, as opposed to later versions.

While earlier black-out lamps for the MB were used as aids to see other vehicles in the convoy, later MB's feature a large blackout headlamp mounted on the left front fender that was used to help the driver see where he was going. The headlamps on all World War Two Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps hinged up so they could illuminate the engine compartment in dark times. In 1942 the MB Jeeps got combat wheels, replacing the original stamped and welded version. Combat wheels were heavier and bolted together to facilitate field repair, and also had the ability to transport the vehicle for a distance with deflated tires. All jeeps had brackets for their pioneer tools mounted on the left side below the entryway.

Rounded rear corners were found on the bodies of all the production Jeeps, both Willys MB and Ford GPW models. All models also featured larger bumperettes, exterior handles for manual extrication from sticky terrain, and two top bows to raise the height of the canvas and keep it from pounding the heads of the front seat occupants. The instrument panels began to look more militarized on the MB and GPW. Instruments were separate (oil pressure, fuel level, ammeter, water temperature, speedometer) had black faces, and were externally illuminated. The in-out lever for the front differential, and the transfer case lever, were on the right side of the transmission lever, as those components had migrated from the left side on the Bantams to the right side on the production models.

Sourced from www.kaiserwillys.com/about_willys_jeep_mb_history_specs

A 1952 British ex Royal Air Force Standard Vanguard Phase 1A Pickup Truck, fitted with a 4 speed manual gearbox by the RAF. The last elderly owner was ex RAF groundcrew and used one of these in his glory days, the previous owner to him was a Aircraft Engineer who is also believed to be ex RAF.

The Standard Vanguard is a car which was produced by the Standard Motor Company in Coventry, from 1947 until 1963. The car was announced in July 1947, and was completely new, with no resemblance to the previous models, and, designed in 1945, it was Standard's first post-World War Two car and intended for export around the world. It was also the first model to carry the new Standard badge, which was a heavily stylised representation of the wings of a Griffin.

In the wake of World War Two, many potential customers in the U.K and in English-speaking export markets had recently experienced several years of military or naval service, and therefore a car name related to the Royal Navy carried a greater resonance than it would for later generations. The name of the Standard Vanguard recalled H.M.S 'Vanguard' the last of the Royal Navy's battleships, launched in 1944 amid much media attention, permission to use the name involved Standard in extensive negotiations with senior Royal Navy personnel.

The Vanguard was first exhibited to the public at the Brussels Motor Show in February 1948. It began to come off the assembly lines in the middle of 1948 but all production was allotted to the export trade. An estate car and a utility pickup version were announced in September, and then a 12 cwt delivery van. Aprons were fitted over the Vanguard's rear wheels from September 1949. In 1950, the Vanguard and the Triumph Renown were the first cars to be fitted with a Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The Laycock overdrive operated on the second and third gears of the three-speed transmission, creating, in effect, a five-speed gearbox.

General characteristics Phase 1:

▪︎Manufacturer: Standard Motor Company

▪︎Production: 1947 to 1953

▪︎Produced: 174,799

▪︎Designer: Walter Belgrove

▪︎Body Style: 4-door saloon / 4-door estate car / 2-door coupe utility (Australia) / 2-door convertible (Belgium) / 2-door van

▪︎Powerplant: 2,088cc Standard I4 engine 68bhp at 4,000rpm

▪︎Transmission: Three speed manual, overdrive optional from 1950

▪︎Brakes: Lockheed hydraulic

▪︎Wheelbase: 7ft 10in

▪︎Length: 13ft 8in

▪︎Width: 5ft 9in

▪︎Height: 5ft 4in

▪︎Maximum Speed: 80mph

▪︎Fuel Consumption: 23-24mpg

▪︎Fuel Capacity: 15 gallons

▪︎Tyre Size: 5.75 X 16.

▪︎Brakes: Lockheed Hydraulic

▪︎Price: £515 plus £143.16.1 purchase tax, total: £6,58.16.1 (Vynide upholstery).

Sourced from:

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Vanguard

www.gracesguide.co.uk/Standard:_Vanguard

www.roncobb.com/VanguardPickUP.html

At the Black Diamond Invitational Car Show.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Food trailers with Big Rock Amusements being positioned for the fair. I was at the fairgrounds setting up a booth for work. Since my wife was at work that evening, I chose to walk the midway to see the rides being set up.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

The Willys MD, formally the M38A1 Truck, Utility: 1/4 ton, 4x4, or the G‑758 by its U.S Army Standard Nomenclature supply catalog designation, was a four-wheel drive, military light utility vehicle, made by Willys and Willys Motors / Kaiser Jeep from 1952 to 1971. It was widely procured by the U.S Military from 1952 until 1957, after which U.S purchases were reduced to the U.S Marine Corps, the Marine version had minor differences from the units used by other branches.

The MD was the first Willys Jeep with a significantly restyled body, immediately recognizable by its rounded hood and fenders. It formed the basis for the civilian and commercial Jeep CJ‑5, built for three decades (1954 to 1983) and subsequent models, and called the first 'round-fendered' Jeep. Although hard doors were still not available, the soft-top could be complemented with soft side panels and little hinged doors, that consisted of a thin steel frame with cloth and plastic window. For the U.S Army, the MD was replaced by the Ford M151 Jeep, from 1960. Low volume production of M38A1's for export to friendly foreign governments continued through 1971. Production totalled 101,488 units (80,290 domestic / 21,198 foreign sales) M38A1 Jeeps saw extensive service during the Korean War, Vietnam War and several other conflicts.

The M38A1 / MD was the second post-war evolution of the World War Two Willys MB Jeep (after the M38 or MC, F engine Prototypes) and the first Willys Jeep to feature the new rounded fenders and hood body design that would become the distinguishing body style of the 1955 CJ‑5, and which was carried through for decades on the CJ‑6, CJ‑7 and CJ‑8 Jeeps. The M38A1's wheelbase grew by a single inch, and overall length by some 6 inch. The M38A1 was the first Army Jeep to use the Willys Hurricane F-Head 134 inline-four engine. This engine was taller than the ''Go-Devil'' engine that powered the World War Two era Jeeps and the M38, and was the reason for restyling the body over the higher power plant. Otherwise, the MD had a T-90 3-speed transmission, Dana 18 transfer case, either the Dana 25 or the Dana 27 front axle, and Dana 44 rear axle.

General characteristics:

▪︎Manufacturer: Willys 1952–1953 / Willys Motors - Kaiser Jeep 1953–1971 / NEKAF 1955–1962 / Sherkat-Sahami (Iran) / Kia (South Korea) / Keohwa, Ltd. (now SsangYong Motor, South Korea) 1974–1984

▪︎Also Called: Willys MD

▪︎Production: 1952 to 1971

▪︎Body Style: 2-door SUV

▪︎Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

▪︎Related to: Jeep CJ-5 / Jeep DJ-5

▪︎Engine: 2.20 litre Hurricane I4 (gasoline)

▪︎Transmission: 3-speed Borg-Warner T-90 manual

▪︎Wheelbase: 6 ft 9 in

▪︎Length: 11 ft 6 in

▪︎Width: 5 ft 0.5 in (body)

▪︎Height: 6ft 1 in (with top up, reducible to 56 1⁄4 in

▪︎Curb Weight: 2,660 lb

▪︎Predecessor: Willys M38

▪︎Successor: Ford M151.

Information sourced from:

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willys_M38A1

In 1959 the British Army needed a vehicle capable of working with armoured formations in the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) in Germany. The Alvis company developed the Stalwart basing it on the Salamander fire truck using the same chassis as the Sarecen and Saladin.

It is fitted with power assisted steering on the two front axles and has a load capacity of 5 tons. The vehicles six wheels are independently sprung to giving it the capacity to cross trenches up to 5 feet wide and to climb gradients of 1:3.

It was also designed to be amphibious thereby enabling it to ''swim'' across water obstacles powered by a water propulsion system mounted behind each of the rear wheels giving it a speed of 6 mph.

It was the principle support vehicle for armoured tanks and artillery regiments in combat area and a variant was also produced equipped with an Atlas crane enabling the lifting of pallets of ammunition.

Specifications -

▪︎ Engine: Rolls-Royce B81 8-cylinder petrol, 220 hp

▪︎ Range: 250 miles

▪︎ Speed (land): 35 mph

▪︎ Speed (water): 4.5 knots (6 mph)

▪︎ Weight: 14 tons

▪︎ Crew: Two.

Information from The Muckleburgh Military Collection.

THREE QUARTER TON MODELS -

By late 1941, the Dodge WC range was significantly revised, all four-wheeled models were reinforced and uprated for a nominal three-quarter ton off-road payload; and for 1943, a stretched six-wheel drive, 11⁄2-ton (5.5-ton) rated variant was developed. All models were widened to front and rear tracks of 5 ft 4+3⁄4 in, widening the front track by as much as 5+3⁄8 in, and the rear track by 3+3⁄8 in on most models. The tyres were widened from 7.50x16 to 9 in wide. moreover, the bulk production variants were significantly shortened, giving the vehicles much more square proportions, like on their younger 1⁄4‑ton brothers.

On the troops & weapons carriers, and command / reconnaissance & radio trucks, the wheelbase were all cut by almost 1ft 6 in, from 9 ft 8 in to 8 ft 2 in wheelbase. Only ambulances, carry-alls, and technical service trucks kept a long wheelbase. Panel vans were dropped from the range and no longer made.

The big volume models (the WC-51/-52, and the WC-56/-57/-58) also got literally more square bodies, and overall length to width ratios. The integrated grille / brush-guard became straight, and the hoods became lower and wider, and were flattened, both as in losing their previous curvature, and now being simply horizontal, so they became more useful as an improvised table-top, and the front windshields on these models could now also be folded forward, to lay flat on their hoods, just like on the 1⁄4-tons. Under the hood, the 3⁄4-tons kept the 6-cylinder inline, L-head engine of 92 hp gross, from the later model half‑ton WC series.

The biggest volume production variants, the pick-up / troops and weapons-carrier models, received a completely redesigned rear bed, that mostly consisted of two longitudinal, rectangular boxes, that integrated the rear wheel wells with under-seat stowage compartments fore and aft of the rear wheels, while now seating troops on top of the rear wheels, facing each other, instead of in between the wheels, further widening these models to 6 ft 11 in, but offering much more space for the troops' backpacks and gear, between their feet.

A single such truck, at less than 14 ft 8 in long, offered practical all-terrain transportation to a full eight man rifle squad, their weapons and personal kit. With the nickname 'jeep' now moving on to the smaller 1⁄4‑ton trucks, some soldiers called the Dodges 'Beeps' (for ''Big Jeep'') Eventually, as much as half of the more than fifty different WC series models manufactured, were WC‑51 & WC‑52 cargo / troop and weapons carriers, and one third of those with an engine-powered front winch.

WC-53 ¾-ton CARRYALL - Length: 15 ft 6 in / Width: 6 ft 7 in / Height: 6 ft 8 in / Weight: 5,700 lb / Payload: 1,750 lb.

A carryall, mechanically the WC-53 was virtually identical to the WC-54 but was fitted with a body which was the 1939 civilian carryall modified to military specifications. All four rear side windows were wind-up opening and the seating consisted of front folding passenger seat to allow rear access, two person second row leaving space to access to the rear full width three person seat. The spare wheel was carried on a mount on the driver's side and although the door was fully operational it could not be opened and the driver had to enter from the passenger side. The rear end had split tailgates. WC-53's were also fitted as radio trucks with a bench on the left side with the operator seated sideways. 8,400 WC-53 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge Carryall (G-502) were built. No carryalls came from the factory with a winch, though there was a field modification available.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS -

▪︎Type: 1⁄2-ton / 3⁄4-ton 4x4 truck / 11⁄2-ton 6x6 truck

▪︎Place of Origin: Warren Truck Assembly, Michigan, United States

Conflicts: World War Two / Korean War / Various post 1945 conflicts

▪︎Manufacturer: Dodge / Fargo

▪︎Produced: 1940 to 1945

▪︎Number Built: Total = 382,350 excluding variants consisting of: 1⁄2-ton 4x2 models = 1,542 units / All 4x4 Models = ~337,600 units – across: ≈82,390 1⁄2-ton units (1940 to 1942) and 255,195 3⁄4-ton units (1942 to 1945) 11⁄2-ton 6x6 Models 43,224 units

▪︎Variants: D8A 1⁄2-ton, 4x4 (1941, Canada) = 3,000 units / D3/4 APT 3⁄4-ton, 4x4 (1945, Canada) = 11,750 units / VF-401 – VF-407 11⁄2-ton, 4x4 (1940) = 6,472 units / T-203B 11⁄2-ton, 4x4 (1941) = 1,500 units / WF-32 - G-618 11⁄2-ton, 4x2 (1942 to 1944, Iran) = 9,600 units

SPECIFICATIONS (WC-51 / WC-52) -

▪︎Mass: 5,250 lb empty / 5,550 lb with winch

▪︎Length: 13 ft 10 7⁄8 in / 14 ft 8 1⁄2 in with winch

▪︎Width: 16 ft 10 3⁄4 in

▪︎Height: 6 ft 9 7⁄8 in

▪︎Engine: Dodge T-214, 92 hp

▪︎Payload Capacity: 1,500 lb

▪︎Transmission: 4 speed × 1 range

▪︎Suspension: Live beam axles on leaf springs

▪︎Ground Clearance: 10 in

▪︎Fuel Capacity: 30 U.S gallons

▪︎Operational Range: 240 miles

▪︎Maximum Speed: 55 mph.

Information sourced from - en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_WC_series

Photographed at the First Annual New Salem Shrine Club Car Show in Petersburg, Illinois on September 15, 2012.

Please visit my collection of Motor Vehicles on Flickr where you will find more than 10,000 photographs thoughtfully organized into albums, and presented by model year, manufacturer, vehicle type, and more. This project, which began in 2008, continues to expand with new material added daily.

(1941-1945) WILLYS MB

One of the first mass-produced military vehicles in the United States, the Willys MB (and Ford GPW) U.S Army Jeep is the culmination of war-time ingenuity, standardization and strategic personalization for transport of personnel and cargo. Soon to become the ubiquitous, ''world-famous'' Jeep, the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00x16 tyres, 60 honest horsepower at 4,000rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provisions for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.

Prior to the production of the MB/GPW, other attempts were made to satisfy the Army's need for a Light Utility Vehicle including the first prototype presented by the American Bantam Car Company. Nicknamed the ''Blitz Buggy'' this vehicle concept which was the first bid accepted by the Army, as it satisfied the Army’s Ordnance Technical Committee specifications that the vehicle has:

▪︎Four-wheel drive.

▪︎Crew of three.

▪︎A wheelbase of no more than 75in and tracks no more than 47in.

▪︎A fold-down windshield.

▪︎A 660lb payload.

▪︎An engine capable of 85 ft lb of torque.

▪︎With an empty weight of no more than 1,300lbs.

While the ''Blitz Buggy'' did satisfy these requirements, Bantam was not able to deliver with the fiscal strength or production capability needed to win the contract with the War Department. As as result, Ford and Willys were asked to product their own pilot models for testing, the results of which would determine the contract. The original pilot models were submitted and named accordingly. The Willys Quad by Willys Overland, the Ford Pygmy by Ford and the BRC 60 by Bantam were accepted and orders were given for 1,500 units per company, with a revised weight limit of 2,160Ib. During these pre-production runs, each vehicle was re-named. The Willys Quad became the “MA”, the Ford Pygmy became the “GP”, and the “BRC 60” became the “BRC 40”. By July of 1941, the War Department, needing standardization, selected Willys-Overland to fulfill its contract, on account of the MA’s powerful engine, silhouette, low bid ($748.74/unit), and because of the company’s ability to fulfill production needs, ordering another 16,000 vehicles.

Absorbing some of the design features of the Bantam and Ford entries, the Willys “MA” was then renamed the Willys “MB”, and featured the powerful “Go Devil” engine and a welded flat iron “slat” radiator grille (which was later replaced by a stamped grille in March of 1942). By October 1941, due to an increased demand for production, Ford was contracted to assist Willys-Overland and changed their model’s name from “GP to “GPW”, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. During World War Two, Ford produced some 280,000 of these vehicles.

The MA and early MB's had the “Willys” name stamped into the left rear panel; however, in the spring of 1942, the War Dept. decided not to feature the logo and removed them. Early MB's had a wiper for each side of the windshield, which were hand operated in contrast to later configurations. The windshields also varied slightly. The first 3,500 produced used an MA-type frame, which had a shorter distance between the cowl and the glass frames (4in) The later models had a 6in measurement, and were noticeably taller. In the earlier model MB's, the gas tank still had rectangular lower corners, as opposed to later versions.

While earlier black-out lamps for the MB were used as aids to see other vehicles in the convoy, later MB's feature a large blackout headlamp mounted on the left front fender that was used to help the driver see where he was going. The headlamps on all World War Two Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps hinged up so they could illuminate the engine compartment in dark times. In 1942 the MB Jeeps got combat wheels, replacing the original stamped and welded version. Combat wheels were heavier and bolted together to facilitate field repair, and also had the ability to transport the vehicle for a distance with deflated tires. All jeeps had brackets for their pioneer tools mounted on the left side below the entryway.

Rounded rear corners were found on the bodies of all the production Jeeps, both Willys MB and Ford GPW models. All models also featured larger bumperettes, exterior handles for manual extrication from sticky terrain, and two top bows to raise the height of the canvas and keep it from pounding the heads of the front seat occupants. The instrument panels began to look more militarized on the MB and GPW. Instruments were separate (oil pressure, fuel level, ammeter, water temperature, speedometer) had black faces, and were externally illuminated. The in-out lever for the front differential, and the transfer case lever, were on the right side of the transmission lever, as those components had migrated from the left side on the Bantams to the right side on the production models.

Information sourced from - www.kaiserwillys.com/about_willys_jeep_mb_history_specs

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

(1941-1945) WILLYS MB

One of the first mass-produced military vehicles in the United States, the Willys MB (and Ford GPW) U.S Army Jeep is the culmination of war-time ingenuity, standardization and strategic personalization for transport of personnel and cargo. Soon to become the ubiquitous, ''world-famous'' Jeep, the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00x16 tyres, 60 honest horsepower at 4,000rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provisions for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.

Prior to the production of the MB/GPW, other attempts were made to satisfy the Army's need for a Light Utility Vehicle including the first prototype presented by the American Bantam Car Company. Nicknamed the ''Blitz Buggy'' this vehicle concept which was the first bid accepted by the Army, as it satisfied the Army’s Ordnance Technical Committee specifications that the vehicle has:

▪︎Four-wheel drive.

▪︎Crew of three.

▪︎A wheelbase of no more than 75in and tracks no more than 47in.

▪︎A fold-down windshield.

▪︎A 660lb payload.

▪︎An engine capable of 85 ft lb of torque.

▪︎With an empty weight of no more than 1,300lbs. (590 kg).

While the ''Blitz Buggy'' did satisfy these requirements, Bantam was not able to deliver with the fiscal strength or production capability needed to win the contract with the War Department. As as result, Ford and Willys were asked to product their own pilot models for testing, the results of which would determine the contract. The original pilot models were submitted and named accordingly. The Willys Quad by Willys Overland, the Ford Pygmy by Ford and the BRC 60 by Bantam were accepted and orders were given for 1,500 units per company, with a revised weight limit of 2,160Ib. During these pre-production runs, each vehicle was re-named. The Willys Quad became the “MA”, the Ford Pygmy became the “GP”, and the “BRC 60” became the “BRC 40”. By July of 1941, the War Department, needing standardization, selected Willys-Overland to fulfill its contract, on account of the MA’s powerful engine, silhouette, low bid ($748.74/unit), and because of the company’s ability to fulfill production needs, ordering another 16,000 vehicles.

Absorbing some of the design features of the Bantam and Ford entries, the Willys “MA” was then renamed the Willys “MB”, and featured the powerful “Go Devil” engine and a welded flat iron “slat” radiator grille (which was later replaced by a stamped grille in March of 1942). By October 1941, due to an increased demand for production, Ford was contracted to assist Willys-Overland and changed their model’s name from “GP to “GPW”, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. During World War Two, Ford produced some 280,000 of these vehicles.

The MA and early MB's had the “Willys” name stamped into the left rear panel; however, in the spring of 1942, the War Dept. decided not to feature the logo and removed them. Early MB's had a wiper for each side of the windshield, which were hand operated in contrast to later configurations. The windshields also varied slightly. The first 3,500 produced used an MA-type frame, which had a shorter distance between the cowl and the glass frames (4in) The later models had a 6in measurement, and were noticeably taller. In the earlier model MB's, the gas tank still had rectangular lower corners, as opposed to later versions.

While earlier black-out lamps for the MB were used as aids to see other vehicles in the convoy, later MB's feature a large blackout headlamp mounted on the left front fender that was used to help the driver see where he was going. The headlamps on all World War Two Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps hinged up so they could illuminate the engine compartment in dark times. In 1942 the MB Jeeps got combat wheels, replacing the original stamped and welded version. Combat wheels were heavier and bolted together to facilitate field repair, and also had the ability to transport the vehicle for a distance with deflated tires. All jeeps had brackets for their pioneer tools mounted on the left side below the entryway.

Rounded rear corners were found on the bodies of all the production Jeeps, both Willys MB and Ford GPW models. All models also featured larger bumperettes, exterior handles for manual extrication from sticky terrain, and two top bows to raise the height of the canvas and keep it from pounding the heads of the front seat occupants. The instrument panels began to look more militarized on the MB and GPW. Instruments were separate (oil pressure, fuel level, ammeter, water temperature, speedometer) had black faces, and were externally illuminated. The in-out lever for the front differential, and the transfer case lever, were on the right side of the transmission lever, as those components had migrated from the left side on the Bantams to the right side on the production models.

Sourced from www.kaiserwillys.com/about_willys_jeep_mb_history_specs

The Ford WOT 2 (War Office Trucks) was in production throughout WW2 with almost 60,000 manufactured. Most were fitted with a general service body and were used to carry stores, baggage, ammunition and occasionally heavy weapons.

The early models had open cabs with a folding windscreen and canvas tilt. Some had canvas doors while others had a metal door on a wooden frame. Van bodywork vehicles were used as wireless trucks or as fire service vans for the ARP (Air Raid Precautions). At Weybourne Camp a WOT 2 was used as the Cinema Van to transport the film reels and supplies.

The Museum's truck is shown carrying a working Godiva Coventry Climax fire pump which has been used to empty the water fire tank in the museum compound.

Specifications -

▪︎Engine: Ford V8 giving 60bhp

▪︎Transmission: 4 forward, 1 reverse, rear wheel drive

▪︎Speed: 45mph

▪︎Weight: 4,520lb (2 tons)

▪︎Crew: 2 + 6 troops or 1.3 tons of cargo.

Information from The Muckleburgh Military Collection.

(1941-1945) WILLYS MB

One of the first mass-produced military vehicles in the United States, the Willys MB (and Ford GPW) U.S Army Jeep is the culmination of war-time ingenuity, standardization and strategic personalization for transport of personnel and cargo. Soon to become the ubiquitous, ''world-famous'' Jeep, the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00x16 tyres, 60 honest horsepower at 4,000rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provisions for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.

Prior to the production of the MB/GPW, other attempts were made to satisfy the Army's need for a Light Utility Vehicle including the first prototype presented by the American Bantam Car Company. Nicknamed the ''Blitz Buggy'' this vehicle concept which was the first bid accepted by the Army, as it satisfied the Army’s Ordnance Technical Committee specifications that the vehicle has:

▪︎Four-wheel drive.

▪︎Crew of three.

▪︎A wheelbase of no more than 75in and tracks no more than 47in.

▪︎A fold-down windshield.

▪︎A 660lb payload.

▪︎An engine capable of 85 ft lb of torque.

▪︎With an empty weight of no more than 1,300lbs. (590 kg).

While the ''Blitz Buggy'' did satisfy these requirements, Bantam was not able to deliver with the fiscal strength or production capability needed to win the contract with the War Department. As as result, Ford and Willys were asked to product their own pilot models for testing, the results of which would determine the contract. The original pilot models were submitted and named accordingly. The Willys Quad by Willys Overland, the Ford Pygmy by Ford and the BRC 60 by Bantam were accepted and orders were given for 1,500 units per company, with a revised weight limit of 2,160Ib. During these pre-production runs, each vehicle was re-named. The Willys Quad became the “MA”, the Ford Pygmy became the “GP”, and the “BRC 60” became the “BRC 40”. By July of 1941, the War Department, needing standardization, selected Willys-Overland to fulfill its contract, on account of the MA’s powerful engine, silhouette, low bid ($748.74/unit), and because of the company’s ability to fulfill production needs, ordering another 16,000 vehicles.

Absorbing some of the design features of the Bantam and Ford entries, the Willys “MA” was then renamed the Willys “MB”, and featured the powerful “Go Devil” engine and a welded flat iron “slat” radiator grille (which was later replaced by a stamped grille in March of 1942). By October 1941, due to an increased demand for production, Ford was contracted to assist Willys-Overland and changed their model’s name from “GP to “GPW”, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. During World War Two, Ford produced some 280,000 of these vehicles.

The MA and early MB's had the “Willys” name stamped into the left rear panel; however, in the spring of 1942, the War Dept. decided not to feature the logo and removed them. Early MB's had a wiper for each side of the windshield, which were hand operated in contrast to later configurations. The windshields also varied slightly. The first 3,500 produced used an MA-type frame, which had a shorter distance between the cowl and the glass frames (4in) The later models had a 6in measurement, and were noticeably taller. In the earlier model MB's, the gas tank still had rectangular lower corners, as opposed to later versions.

While earlier black-out lamps for the MB were used as aids to see other vehicles in the convoy, later MB's feature a large blackout headlamp mounted on the left front fender that was used to help the driver see where he was going. The headlamps on all World War Two Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps hinged up so they could illuminate the engine compartment in dark times. In 1942 the MB Jeeps got combat wheels, replacing the original stamped and welded version. Combat wheels were heavier and bolted together to facilitate field repair, and also had the ability to transport the vehicle for a distance with deflated tires. All jeeps had brackets for their pioneer tools mounted on the left side below the entryway.

Rounded rear corners were found on the bodies of all the production Jeeps, both Willys MB and Ford GPW models. All models also featured larger bumperettes, exterior handles for manual extrication from sticky terrain, and two top bows to raise the height of the canvas and keep it from pounding the heads of the front seat occupants. The instrument panels began to look more militarized on the MB and GPW. Instruments were separate (oil pressure, fuel level, ammeter, water temperature, speedometer) had black faces, and were externally illuminated. The in-out lever for the front differential, and the transfer case lever, were on the right side of the transmission lever, as those components had migrated from the left side on the Bantams to the right side on the production models.

Sourced from www.kaiserwillys.com/about_willys_jeep_mb_history_specs

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

When the UK MoD procured the current military Land Rover fleet in 1996, the coil-sprung turbo-diesel inter-cooled engine Defender HS/XD or ‘Wolf’ version which primarily replaced the last of the leaf-sprung and petrol engined Series III fleet mostly built between 1971 and 1984, they also had on strength several thousand naturally aspirated diesel engine pre-Defender (mostly) long and short wheelbase Land Rovers mainly built around 1985-87. As these mid-80's vehicles had a planned service life of 15 years plus an expectation of a few more years in reserve stocks, only 8,000 of the Wolf model (plus 800 similarly engined stretched wheelbase Pulse Ambulances) were procured. However by 2006/7 the roughly 4,000-strong pre-Wolf fleet was both overdue for replacement and also assessed as being no longer compliant with the latest road safety regulations. Tithonus was a means of temporarily solving these issues without buying a fleet of new vehicles.

There is no doubt that UK MoD got its money’s worth with the pre-Wolf Land Rover fleet, which saw active service in quantity in the 1991 Gulf War and on following operations in the Former Yugoslavia, though it was mostly the Wolf which stepped up to the plate for the later conflicts in Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq, but by 2007 the now 20-year old fleet was getting a little jaded and most of the short wheelbase models had been replaced by their younger Tdi-powered siblings. However the option of buying more Wolf Land Rovers was no longer on the table, as not only had this model only ever been produced for the UK Forces and that part of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps designated to work alongside the Royal Marines, but once the original contract was fulfilled UK MoD expressed no willingness to support Land Rover in keeping the specialist Wolf jigs and pressings in store for future contracts. In 2007 there was no budget available to allow competitive trials, as required under EU rules, for a new vehicle fleet. The option of a mid-life upgrade for the best of the ageing fleet was, however, deemed viable.

It was therefore decided that around £10 million would be spent on cosmetically sprucing up the best 3,700 or so of the remaining pre-Wolf Land Rover fleet to theoretically extend in-service life to over thirty years. That figure, which works out at around £2,700 per vehicle, had to include fitting a new Wolf-style roll-over cage and bodywork strengthening fitments to the rear compartment plus fitting either a new Wolf-style hard top or canopy, and external protection bars also had to be added to the cab as well as a new paint job applied to make the vehicles look a bit smarter. It was suspected that the £10 million figure did not include ABRO staff wages and when the project team were questioned at DVD 2007 they admitted there was no money in the budget for major mechanical upgrades. The brief was simply: To repair the vehicles to field standard, refurbish bulkheads and chassis, renew all brake components, wheel bearings, hub seals and shock absorbers, wax inject chassis and bulkhead, repaint the vehicle and underseal the chassis.

The external inverted safety hoop over the windscreen was bolted to the the door and windscreen hinges and through the wing top and the two welded tubes which ran above and parallel to the door tops were connected through the new hard top to the front internal roll cage hoop by a single bolt. This bolted construction allowed for the top to be removed and the vehicle to be stripped down to waist height for reduced silhouette in combat environments, where safety from enemy attack naturally takes precedence over peacetime road safety considerations. Turning to the rear roll cage cum canopy support, looked quite similar to that of the 1997/8 Wolf model, but it was actually re-engineered by Ricardo to make it stronger. Marketed by the company as ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) the most noticeable internal difference of strengthening was the cross-bracing behind the cab.

Each Tithonus Land Rover was individually selected and fully refurbished by the MoD in 2007-2008 as part of the British Army LEP (Life Extension Programme) The project was to extend the overall service life of the Land Rover's by 10 years, from 20 to 30 years.

▪︎Year into service: 1980's

▪︎Defender 110 Tithonus Hardtop RHD

▪︎Features include

▪︎2.5 litre NAD diesel reconditioning engine

▪︎5 speed LT 77 gearbox

▪︎Hi / Low transfer box

▪︎Centre diff lock

▪︎Front disc brakes

▪︎Fully integrated Wolf roll cage including front external and rear internal hoop system

▪︎16in rims

▪︎7.50R16 Michelin XZL tyres

▪︎Updated Exmore front seats with head rest

▪︎Rear bench seats x2 with lap belts

▪︎Front and rear, sound proof rubber matting

▪︎Chequer plating to siils and bonnet.

Informed credited to - www.joint-forces.com/land-rovers/37091-mlr44-tithonus-a-s...

This Push Broom Attachment is on a 3450 UTV sweeping the parking lot.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

When the UK MoD procured the current military Land Rover fleet in 1996, the coil-sprung turbo-diesel inter-cooled engine Defender HS/XD or ‘Wolf’ version which primarily replaced the last of the leaf-sprung and petrol engined Series III fleet mostly built between 1971 and 1984, they also had on strength several thousand naturally aspirated diesel engine pre-Defender (mostly) long and short wheelbase Land Rovers mainly built around 1985-87. As these mid-80's vehicles had a planned service life of 15 years plus an expectation of a few more years in reserve stocks, only 8,000 of the Wolf model (plus 800 similarly engined stretched wheelbase Pulse Ambulances) were procured. However by 2006/7 the roughly 4,000-strong pre-Wolf fleet was both overdue for replacement and also assessed as being no longer compliant with the latest road safety regulations. Tithonus was a means of temporarily solving these issues without buying a fleet of new vehicles.

There is no doubt that UK MoD got its money’s worth with the pre-Wolf Land Rover fleet, which saw active service in quantity in the 1991 Gulf War and on following operations in the Former Yugoslavia, though it was mostly the Wolf which stepped up to the plate for the later conflicts in Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq, but by 2007 the now 20-year old fleet was getting a little jaded and most of the short wheelbase models had been replaced by their younger Tdi-powered siblings. However the option of buying more Wolf Land Rovers was no longer on the table, as not only had this model only ever been produced for the UK Forces and that part of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps designated to work alongside the Royal Marines, but once the original contract was fulfilled UK MoD expressed no willingness to support Land Rover in keeping the specialist Wolf jigs and pressings in store for future contracts. In 2007 there was no budget available to allow competitive trials, as required under EU rules, for a new vehicle fleet. The option of a mid-life upgrade for the best of the ageing fleet was, however, deemed viable.

It was therefore decided that around £10 million would be spent on cosmetically sprucing up the best 3,700 or so of the remaining pre-Wolf Land Rover fleet to theoretically extend in-service life to over thirty years. That figure, which works out at around £2,700 per vehicle, had to include fitting a new Wolf-style roll-over cage and bodywork strengthening fitments to the rear compartment plus fitting either a new Wolf-style hard top or canopy, and external protection bars also had to be added to the cab as well as a new paint job applied to make the vehicles look a bit smarter. It was suspected that the £10 million figure did not include ABRO staff wages and when the project team were questioned at DVD 2007 they admitted there was no money in the budget for major mechanical upgrades. The brief was simply: To repair the vehicles to field standard, refurbish bulkheads and chassis, renew all brake components, wheel bearings, hub seals and shock absorbers, wax inject chassis and bulkhead, repaint the vehicle and underseal the chassis.

The external inverted safety hoop over the windscreen was bolted to the the door and windscreen hinges and through the wing top and the two welded tubes which ran above and parallel to the door tops were connected through the new hard top to the front internal roll cage hoop by a single bolt. This bolted construction allowed for the top to be removed and the vehicle to be stripped down to waist height for reduced silhouette in combat environments, where safety from enemy attack naturally takes precedence over peacetime road safety considerations. Turning to the rear roll cage cum canopy support, looked quite similar to that of the 1997/8 Wolf model, but it was actually re-engineered by Ricardo to make it stronger. Marketed by the company as ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) the most noticeable internal difference of strengthening was the cross-bracing behind the cab.

Each Tithonus Land Rover was individually selected and fully refurbished by the MoD in 2007-2008 as part of the British Army LEP (Life Extension Programme) The project was to extend the overall service life of the Land Rover's by 10 years, from 20 to 30 years.

Defender 110 91 KE 17 -

▪︎Year into service: 1986

▪︎Defender 110 Tithonus Hardtop RHD

▪︎Features include

▪︎2.5 litre NAD diesel reconditioning engine

▪︎5 speed LT 77 gearbox

▪︎Hi / Low transfer box

▪︎Centre diff lock

▪︎Front disc brakes

▪︎Fully integrated Wolf roll cage including front external and rear internal hoop system

▪︎16in rims

▪︎7.50R16 Michelin XZL tyres

▪︎Updated Exmore front seats with head rest

▪︎Rear bench seats x2 with lap belts

▪︎Front and rear, sound proof rubber matting

▪︎Chequer plating to siils and bonnet.

Informed credited to - www.joint-forces.com/land-rovers/37091-mlr44-tithonus-a-s...

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Trailers are a handy way to lighten your load, this 3400 Utility Vehicle shows the versatility.

THREE QUARTER TON MODELS -

By late 1941, the Dodge WC range was significantly revised, all four-wheeled models were reinforced and uprated for a nominal three-quarter ton off-road payload; and for 1943, a stretched six-wheel drive, 11⁄2-ton (5.5-ton) rated variant was developed. All models were widened to front and rear tracks of 5 ft 4+3⁄4 in, widening the front track by as much as 5+3⁄8 in, and the rear track by 3+3⁄8 in on most models. The tyres were widened from 7.50x16 to 9 in wide. moreover, the bulk production variants were significantly shortened, giving the vehicles much more square proportions, like on their younger 1⁄4‑ton brothers.

On the troops & weapons carriers, and command / reconnaissance & radio trucks, the wheelbase were all cut by almost 1ft 6 in, from 9 ft 8 in to 8 ft 2 in wheelbase. Only ambulances, carry-alls, and technical service trucks kept a long wheelbase. Panel vans were dropped from the range and no longer made.

The big volume models (the WC-51/-52, and the WC-56/-57/-58) also got literally more square bodies, and overall length to width ratios. The integrated grille / brush-guard became straight, and the hoods became lower and wider, and were flattened, both as in losing their previous curvature, and now being simply horizontal, so they became more useful as an improvised table-top, and the front windshields on these models could now also be folded forward, to lay flat on their hoods, just like on the 1⁄4-tons. Under the hood, the 3⁄4-tons kept the 6-cylinder inline, L-head engine of 92 hp gross, from the later model half‑ton WC series.

The biggest volume production variants, the pick-up / troops and weapons-carrier models, received a completely redesigned rear bed, that mostly consisted of two longitudinal, rectangular boxes, that integrated the rear wheel wells with under-seat stowage compartments fore and aft of the rear wheels, while now seating troops on top of the rear wheels, facing each other, instead of in between the wheels, further widening these models to 6 ft 11 in, but offering much more space for the troops' backpacks and gear, between their feet.

A single such truck, at less than 14 ft 8 in long, offered practical all-terrain transportation to a full eight man rifle squad, their weapons and personal kit. With the nickname 'jeep' now moving on to the smaller 1⁄4‑ton trucks, some soldiers called the Dodges 'Beeps' (for ''Big Jeep'') Eventually, as much as half of the more than fifty different WC series models manufactured, were WC‑51 & WC‑52 cargo / troop and weapons carriers, and one third of those with an engine-powered front winch.

WC-53 ¾-ton CARRYALL - Length: 15 ft 6 in / Width: 6 ft 7 in / Height: 6 ft 8 in / Weight: 5,700 lb / Payload: 1,750 lb.

A carryall, mechanically the WC-53 was virtually identical to the WC-54 but was fitted with a body which was the 1939 civilian carryall modified to military specifications. All four rear side windows were wind-up opening and the seating consisted of front folding passenger seat to allow rear access, two person second row leaving space to access to the rear full width three person seat. The spare wheel was carried on a mount on the driver's side and although the door was fully operational it could not be opened and the driver had to enter from the passenger side. The rear end had split tailgates. WC-53's were also fitted as radio trucks with a bench on the left side with the operator seated sideways. 8,400 WC-53 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge Carryall (G-502) were built. No carryalls came from the factory with a winch, though there was a field modification available.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS -

▪︎Type: 1⁄2-ton / 3⁄4-ton 4x4 truck / 11⁄2-ton 6x6 truck

▪︎Place of Origin: Warren Truck Assembly, Michigan, United States

Conflicts: World War Two / Korean War / Various post 1945 conflicts

▪︎Manufacturer: Dodge / Fargo

▪︎Produced: 1940 to 1945

▪︎Number Built: Total = 382,350 excluding variants consisting of: 1⁄2-ton 4x2 models = 1,542 units / All 4x4 Models = ~337,600 units – across: ≈82,390 1⁄2-ton units (1940 to 1942) and 255,195 3⁄4-ton units (1942 to 1945) 11⁄2-ton 6x6 Models 43,224 units

▪︎Variants: D8A 1⁄2-ton, 4x4 (1941, Canada) = 3,000 units / D3/4 APT 3⁄4-ton, 4x4 (1945, Canada) = 11,750 units / VF-401 – VF-407 11⁄2-ton, 4x4 (1940) = 6,472 units / T-203B 11⁄2-ton, 4x4 (1941) = 1,500 units / WF-32 - G-618 11⁄2-ton, 4x2 (1942 to 1944, Iran) = 9,600 units

SPECIFICATIONS (WC-51 / WC-52) -

▪︎Mass: 5,250 lb empty / 5,550 lb with winch

▪︎Length: 13 ft 10 7⁄8 in / 14 ft 8 1⁄2 in with winch

▪︎Width: 16 ft 10 3⁄4 in

▪︎Height: 6 ft 9 7⁄8 in

▪︎Engine: Dodge T-214, 92 hp

▪︎Payload Capacity: 1,500 lb

▪︎Transmission: 4 speed × 1 range

▪︎Suspension: Live beam axles on leaf springs

▪︎Ground Clearance: 10 in

▪︎Fuel Capacity: 30 U.S gallons

▪︎Operational Range: 240 miles

▪︎Maximum Speed: 55 mph.

Information sourced from - en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_WC_series

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

Redesigned in 2018 from the ground up, one of the latest Jeep Wranglers for 2021 is a plug-in electric variant dubbed the 4xe to bring the American icon up-to-speed with green energy expectations. As the proud owner of three prior Wranglers, and my current 2016 Unlimited, I enjoy the “spirit of adventure” Wranglers offer and the unequivocal go-anywhere and self-assurance they present. And now, I can partake in Jeep group activities with more planetary consciousness.

This 3400 UTV enjoys a smooth ride with excellent suspension, even on the toughest terrains.