Ref pics on Leyland/DAF DROPS Bedford MK and TM?

[okdoky]

Hi Folks

DROPS pics needed!
Basically, I am kind of stuck as to how the big side locker bin on the DROPS is hung off the chassis (I am presuming that it is bolted through the reinforced corner pieces). I don't have pics of the chassis behind and to the sides of the locker. For some reason I did take reasonable pics of supports to the battery box and fuel tank, but not around the locker.

I am lacking details of the drive steer axle and second steering axle hubs and set ups with drag links to each. I never had a camera handy when they did wheel change training. I once saw the DROPS underside when one got rolled inside a mud bath (tank trap) at Salsbury Plain (not the one I was getting training in I hasten to add), but again did not have a camera handy. The truck had a nice neat tide line of chalky white mud half way across the cab inside and out.

Cab roof and cupola details have been done from memory only as I don't have topside views or hinge and weapons mount detailing (never ever seen any weapon actually mounted there to see how it would be used if ever). Any pics of weapons on DROPS, MK or TM

Behind the hydraulic tank/auxiliary hook lift control box and air filter area is vaugue because of camera angle restricted by cab.

Engine bay and under cab detailing I have blurry photos of (only ever took two pics when cab up for our training). With using the resin cab I will only be detailing what can be seen around the cab and chassis areas when cab in driving position. Am not going to chance hinging it for the weight. It would be nice to see the engine for if I ever do anything with the plasticard version of the cab and to bring back memories.

The front skid plate, exhaust and underside of engine (visible parts) would be handy as I have very little to go on.

Inside cab I have only a couple of odd angle shots (handy if you could get all four internal sides and roof) gun racks, BV/cupola step box areas and internal to cupola. and dash board.

Bedford MK and TK
Anything you can do on these would be greatly appreciated. Since these will be totally scratch build (other than conversion of the TK to an MK cab) the more pics face on and from angles, close up and at distance of all parts the better. Thank god for digital video and photos. As for drawings, scale front, rear, sides, top, and chassis layout would be greatly appreciated with basic dimensions to allow scaling off of others.

Any detailing sketches of items that are available would help greatly. Hope someone out there can help.

Can trade with walk round pics of the new Tank Transporter in process of loading an AS90.

196 stills taken from my digital camcorder footage taken at our local military show.





Only cab roof surface, internal and top of Goosneck not photographed for obvious reasons.

That is one big beast of a truck

All the best

Nige

[rwaldram]

That awesome little toy you have pictured is the Oshkosh made HET, there's a US version and a UK version. I'm surprised that the UK bought these as the Australian army has just bought the UK made 8x8 MAN tank carrier (ironically, to carry the US made M1A1 Abrams).

If you try to get onto the companies website that makes the DROPS (is it a MAN, DAF, or other?), you might find that these companies can't resist showing off their defence projects and there is just about always a pic or two on their site. Failing that, as a guide, most of the Military vehicles i've driven/worked on/worked around (Land rover 110, Mercedes Unimog, Mack RM6866RS, even the US Marines Hummvv and their troop carriers) all had the same sort of set-up. That is that the tool boxes were suspended off the chassis by two sections of U Channel fitted vertically at each rear corner.

[okdoky]

Hi there Ryan

The politics of trade and warfare!!!!! Ehhhh!!!!

So much for home grown products to keep our own production industry competative with the world. We better not fall out with all these countries.

You would think with the British opting for the MAN versions of DROPS and GS trucks to replace the DROPS, etc that they would go for the Man 8x8 for standardisation of parts supply, etc.

Some Yank somewhere smoking a few extra cigars with some MOD official on a golf course owned by Donald Trump discussing how best to get the next golf course in Aberdeen.

Mind you, it does look nice as does the MAN. And if they work, well all the better.

Thanks for the tip on the locker supports.

Nige

[rwaldram]

This is "our" new toy. This trailer has got a 4x8 axle/wheel configuration and then the dolly has an additional 2x8 configuration.



The original truck we trialed had balloon tyres however for some reason they've elected for the narrower ones as seen here

[okdoky]

Hi there Ryan

That is a really nice looking truck and very remanisant of the DAF DROPS in shape. The British Army also uses Foden Cabbed 8x6 with 5th wheels in articulated trailer format for warhead transporters.

This is a nice combination. Did you say that you got to drive the trial versions. Who is the trailer produced by. If there is a MAN cab as a kit this would be a beaut to have as a 1/24.

Is it one on your to do list?

Nige

[rwaldram]

I have just been doing a google search for the DROPS and the IMMLC, there's not a lot out there but i did find a few pics on army.mod.uk that might be of use to you.

[okdoky]

Hi there

Yep, been through that web site and downloaded as many of the reference pics for the DROPS and the Bedfords. Problem is with any pic it is the angle of shot is maybe just out a wee tadge that you can't see the bit you want.

Main problem for the Bedfords is just getting scaled drawings to work from. Got that one side view of the MK and the dimensions only to work on. I know some guys would have the lot done just having been given the drivers show lace length as a start but I ain't that good.

Hope your New Year has started well. I have a Landie 109' (Paratroopers version) in 1/24 winging its way to me from EVIL BAY. My very first purchase a couple of hours into 2008.

Boy am I in for bother when the postie delivers it. SWMBO will string me up!!!!!!!

Nige

[rwaldram]

I found this pic for you yesterday, thought it might help


Also found one of a "drops on steriods"

[okdoky]

Hi there Ryan

Thanks for those. Nice front underside view of both. They are both about the same size, but the poor Fodden looks a bit uglier than the sleek Leyland. I saw a pic of both these in Soldier magazine on convoy together in Iraq and the only cab protection were several pads of kevlar stuck on the front and sides and a wire mesh screen over the windscreens.

Did not look very reasuring to my mind that it would stop very much.

Very soft - soft skins!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nige