Reiver on 3,000-mile Safari
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AN Albion Reiver six-wheeler has covered 3,000 miles in 22 days over the Kalahari desert of South West Africa to determine the suitability of longwheelbase vehicles for operation in sandy regions with 7-8-ton payloads. Average speeds of 30 m.p.h. were Maintained on bitumen surfaces and over 20 mph. over sand, and the fuel-consumption rate worked out to 8.8 m.p.g.
Reduction of the front track by 91 in. and of the rear track by 41 in. were among modifications made to the vehicle before its journey. Extreme heat pre.vailed over many miles of soft sand, and for a stretch of three miles there were floods which transformed the, surface into a swamp. The " rocking " method was adopted to surmount steep sand dunes.
The vehicle was rushed at a dune in the highest gear possible, and just befor, the engine stalled reverse gear was engaged, so that the Reiver could be quickly backed up another dune. Alain just immediately before the engine stalled, first gear was engaged so that the vehicle could be charged forward with greatest momentum up the first dune.
This procedure was repeated until the first dune was overcome, an important part being to keep the wheels running in the same tracks all the time.