The following information comes off the HCB Angus ID plate inside our TACR2:
TRUCK FIREFIGHTING AIRFIELD CRASH RESCUE
2 TON 6 X 4 Mk2 RANGE ROVER
SERIAL No. PT -
CON No. FVE 22B/320
CES No. 31379
NSN. 4210 – 99 – 893
TYPE. GME 79837
CODE No. 1963 – 0782
HCB ARCHIVES
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The information below comes from a gentleman called Aidan Fisher, who complies the HCB Angus Register. If you want his contact details please email me on clara@tacr2.co.uk
HCB Angus built eighteen TACR2. The first on body serial number 6159, was the working prototype and was very shortly followed by the bulk of the appliances on body serials 6163.1 through to 17
The prototype was registered 94AM37 and the main order on 31AG 52 to 61 and 51AG 46 to 52 These orders were placed by the MOD in 1981. Unfortunately there are no build files for these appliances in the Register as they were removed by the MOD with the last vehicle deeming them “sensitive” information, this means there are no accurate records outside of the MOD of chassis numbers or kit supplied.
The information in Italics comes from the HCB Angus brochure (I will scan it in when I can!)
The Airfield Crash Rescue Rapid Intervention Vehicle is a versatile appliance to cover initial aircraft crash rescue duties, operating within military establishments in the role of a Rapid Intervention Vehicle for immediate suppression of fire in advance of Primary Main Crash Tenders. The appliance is suitable for operation in ambient temperature ranges from -18′C to +52′C.
CHASSIS/ENGINE
RANGE ROVER 2.54 (100″) wheelbase, basic 2/4 door model converted to provide 6 x 4 or 6 x 6 wheel drive configuration providing payload capacities up to 2,000 kg. Left or right hand steering control is available. Wheelbase extended to 3.03 mean (119.5″). 3.5 litre V8 petrol engine developing 132bhp at 5,000 rpm.
Performance at operating weight: 0 -50 in 30 seconds. Top speed 65 / 70 mph.
POWER TAKE OFF
The fire pump is driven by the vehicle engine through a centre power take off. Engagement is by means of a cab mounted lever.
PUMP
A single stage centrifugal pump, mid or rear mounted, provides a pre-mix synthetic foam/water solution to two deliveries each connected to a 100′ (30m) length of delivery hose and self aspirating branchpipe. The pump also is capable of feeding a roof mounted monitor where fitted.
WATER TANK
a 900 litre (200 gallon) pre-mix tank is fitted, constructed of light-weight material incorporating strength and durability, treated where necessary with anti corrosive materials. The tank is fitted via a hinged filler at the top of the tank or pressure feed through a 63.5 mm pipe with instantaneous connector at the rear of the vehicle.
BODYWORK
The standard Range Rover, bonnet screen, front seating and 2/4 door entry arrangement retained. The rear body superstructure is a lightweight high strength shell containing side stowage facilities for the hose and foam making branches with additional stowage space through a rear locker enclosed by a slat type aluminium roller shutter.
An observation hatch can be incorporated.
The overall height is below 3.2m (126″) compatible with air portability.
FINISH
High standard full paint finish to Military specification. Underbody sealing is applied to all underbody surfaces.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
1 x Swivelling 9″ searchlight on cab roof
1 x Two tone horn
1 x Map reading lamp
1 x Blue rotating / flashing beacon on cab roof
2 x Blue repeater lamps on the front grille
1 x Elevating floodlight at rear of vehicle
1 x 6.1 m (20′) two section aluminium ladder
SHIPPING SPECIFICATION
Length: 5.5 m
Width: 1.81 m
Height: 2.36 m
Weight: 2,400 kg
One piece of information Aidan did tell me that conflicts with our vehicle was that the HCB Angus plate found on the front crash bar was “a later addition” as he believed that the vehicles would not have left the factory with them on. He informs us that the MOD did not allow body builders identification marks to be visible on the outside of vehicles.
HOWEVER
While paint stripping our vehicle we stumbled upon something that surprised us…
As it appeared on arrival
First application of paint stripper
What we found!
The layers of paint match the layers of paint found on the rest of the vehicle which leads us to believe that when the MOD did not allow the plates to be visible they were simply painted over.
