Military Lightweight Forum

Hello Chaps,
Am hoping someone in the know might be able to shed a bit more light on 26 RN 89, ideally a contract no or approximate build date, in fact anything relevant. Considering an addition to the fold..... thankfully not a basket case like the last one!
Thanks for any light you can shed.
Mac

RN is Royal Navy I think.

I read somewhere that they are almost considered 'missing' there are so few about. As I understand it there are very few photos of them in service, compared to say the Army or RAF equivalents.

This may of course be myth / hearsay, so wait for someone knowledgeable like Bob or Clive to come along and correct me.

I say go for it! But then I would say that.

Would be nice to see one done to the proper spec /colours. If someone could advise you what that is of course.

Andy

Yep, just checked the MJC book.. RN are Royal Navy dedicated vehicles (ie the contract was not shared with Army). Rover 1 Contracts with RN numbers were WV7835, 9322, 9383, an 10274

Also go to page 118 of the book if you have it - there is a vehicle from the RN89 range in the back of the landing craft. I won't post a photo out of respect for Mark Cook's copyright, but I can email you a close up if you don't have the book.

Sadly the Navy and were recycled, so potentially there have been several vehicles with that ERM over the years meaning the chassis number will be more useful than the ERM, this will give you some information.

Gaydon would probably be the best place to start, then maybe the RN museum who may have your vehicle on there files, and maybe the "what do they know" freedom of information service.

Shaun

Thanks for the input so far...
Am hoping it might be of WV 7478 or 7477 origin which I believe were all for RM but then, by the sounds of it, the Reg no could, in this case, have been applied to another vehicle once the original holder had deceased. Sorry no chassis number yet. In fact I have yet seen in the flesh...
Mac

Morning All.
Had a butchers today at the S2a.
Chassis no is 23601321 A bit no more info. Suspect it might have been an FFR but not sure.
Not a lot of originality left.
Any pointers much appreciated.
Thanks
Mac

Mac - I only read this after replying to your message so apologies - I see now which vehicle you were talking about.

Ok - a few questions (and it might be too after the fact to be helpful as you've already been to see it)..

Was there any evidence that the batteries had been moved to the rear tub at any point?if so it will have been winterised. Very desirable.

Was there a bloody big (likely blue/green) alternator with big round plugs on it? If so it's 24 volt (FFR).

Andy

Morning All.
Had a butchers today at the S2a.
Chassis no is 23601321 A bit no more info. Suspect it might have been an FFR but not sure.
Not a lot of originality left.
Any pointers much appreciated.
Thanks
Mac

Most RN Rover 1s were GS not FFR. You do not say if headlights in wings or not? I suspect it is from contract WV9322 (or WV9383 which was FFR)

26 RN 77 was from WV10274 but this has a much higer chassis number

Am hoping it might be of WV 7478 or 7477 origin which I believe were all for RM

No its not chassis number is too high.

Thanks Guys for your input and advice. Sadly, vendor has back tracked and taken higher offer. Heyho, not to be.
Mac

I'm sure if you keep your eye out you'll bag a 2a soon enough (assuming that's what you are after). Another option to consider would be an ex-RAF vehicle. I've always like the blue-grey paint jobs. Not so keen on the bright yellow glider support vehicles myself but I suppose that's the great thing about RAF trucks - you get to choose between three or four colours and still claim it's authentic