Royal Navy Airfield vehicles

[Evalman]

On a similar track to the modern RAF vehicle thread, here is one for Royal Navy airfield vehicles and ground equipment. It is only recently that the RN and RAF have standardized their fleets (eg MFV, RIV, Schopf Tractors, MAN refuellers etc). Prior to this each service tended to deal with vehicle procurement individually.

One vehicle used by both the RAF and RN was the TACR1 (Truck, Airfield Crash Rescue, Mark 1) based on a Land Rover chassis. They were first delivered during the early 1970's and not finally replaced by the TACR2 until the late 1980's. RN TACR1's were initially painted a rather garish flourescent orange colour with a black bonnet however towards the end of their Naval career they were repainted red as in this photo taken at RNAS Yeovilton in 1988. This TACR1 has all equipment removed and was awaiting disposal.

The TACR1 is available in 1/48 Scale (Hart Smith Models) and 1/76 Scale (BW Models); here is the BW Kit;

Another vehicle ordered by the RAF and RN was the Mark 10 series built by Scammell / Carmichael. The Royal Navy opted for the Mark 10C which differed from early RAF Mark 10s by having a more powerful engine and a larger rear engine compartment. The Mark 10C was introduced into RN service during the mid 1980's and was replaced by the Alvis RIV towards the end of the 1990's. They operated from most RN airfields including Culdrose, Yeovilton, Portland, Merrywether and Predannack. This photo was taken at Yeovilton during 1988, the Mark 10C operated alongside the TACR2 and Mark 12.

The Mk 10 is available in both 1/48 scale and 1/76 scale. Here is the BW models 1/76 scale kit.

An item of Ground Equipent in use with the Royal Navy which differs slightly from the RAF version is the Houchin 48kVa ground power unit. These have been around since the 1980's and are still in use with both services. The RN version is 'powered', ie it can be moved around without a tractor, the main visible differences are the extra lights on the roof of the RN version. They were commonly seen with Sea King HAS and AEW versions, Merlins and other visiting aircraft such as Tornados, Nimrods etc.

The Houchin is available in 1/72, 1/48 and I believe 1/32 scale from Flightpath: here is the 1/72 scale kit;

[Westie7]

"was replaced by the Alvis RIV towards the end of the 1990's."

Do you know if anyone does a kit for the Alvis RIV?

rgds

Mark

[Evalman]

Do you know if anyone does a kit for the Alvis RIV?

rgds

Mark

Not that I am aware of. Fire brigade models do a 1/48 Scale Carmichael MFV;

http://www.freewebs.com/firebrigademodels/...1990/FBM50.html

Pete

[Reg Metcalfe]

Hi Guys, yes I do a 1/76 white metal RIV. Give me a bell if u want one or go on Ebay and look for Mid Devon Models.

Cheers

Paul