Along with two JR21 TB craft, this strange plastic blue toy recently sold on Fleabay. It looks like an airport luggage carrier? Or an amphibious car? Listed as JR21 I contacted the seller for any further info regarding makers' mark and model number. As there were none I decided it wasn't JR21. Anyone know what it is? PS. the lot sold for £4.99!
Is it all there? It look's like something may be missing from on top.
ReplyDeleteI know what it puts me in mind of .... those things called "wash monsters". Don't know what the proper name for them is, but look here for an example:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fotolibra.com/gallery/167106/wash-monster-crossing-the-beach/
Yes, I know that one is too late, but could the toy be an early type? For taking people on short beach crossings? Maybe that will help you track it down (crosses fingers) ...
Or this one here:
ReplyDeletehttp://miami.about.com/b/2007/07/05/miami-duck-tours.htm
Or here:
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Duck_Tour_boat_beaching.JPG
By Jove I think you've got it Toadster! Now to find another pic of the toy. But hey, great detection!
ReplyDeleteToad is thinking of members of the LARC family I think?
ReplyDeleteLighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo.
The Wash Monster is a medium-sized LARC-XV, which is driven from the rear.
That toy might be very very -very- vaguely based on the smaller LARC-V which has a cabin at the front.
(And to finish off there's the HUGE humungous LARC-LX).
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/larc.htm
The yellow contraption coming out of the Thames is built on a WW-2 DUKW. (Just do a google pic search on that abbreviation and you'll instantly recognize it).
Best
--
Paul
Thanks, Paul. I did the search, and can see it now. What a marvellous reuse of a military vehicle.
ReplyDeletemy pleasure, Toad.
ReplyDeleteTho if you don't mind, I prefer them chugging about in their original paint somewhere off the Normandy beaches (which I'm sure a few of the survivors will be doing in a couple of days' time - marvelous sight!)
Best
--
Paul
(smiles) I'm sure you're right about the paint work, Paul. I'd love to see one and, even better, ride in one.
ReplyDeleteTwo questions (and apologies if this is getting off-topic):
(1) I know the letters in "DUKW" have meanings relating to the vehicle's characteristics. But is it really just a delicious coincidence that it sounds like "duck", or was there some tinkering with the designation of this machine?
(2) This is the bit that puzzles me ... are the components for DUKWs still made? I imagine those that might be seen at Normandy are lovingly restored and maintained. But that one on the Thames - surely it isn't using an original engine, is it?