Indestructible Kenyan Mobile Clinic

[calvin]

This is a project I have been working on for a couple of years, and after reading some of the comments (all good I might add) I thought some of you loonies might want to give me a hand. I must stress this is a not for profit project, even though designing vehicles is what I do for a living, this is my personal way of putting something back into the world.

Here is the basic sinopsis:-
I am designing an lightweight articulated mobile clinic, which can take education and support into the Kenyan waste lands, both slums and the bush. That means that it has to be able to travers and survive some very servere terrain. It needs an engine with loads of low end grunt, that can pull upto 6,000kg up a 45 degree slope, without weighing a ton itself. More importantly it needs to be petrol and it needs to be simple to service, out in the field.

It is possible to buy an all terrain truck, but the bodies are small (ish) well too small to do what I had in mind, and you would need well in excess of 100k to purchase just one. PLus you have to haul arounf 6,000kg of truck before you put anything on it, so that is why I am considering a lightweight artic version.

My plan is to develope a vehicle with twice the size of body (allowing a better scope for education and storage) for no more than half that budget.

Build a prototype and test it to destruction, if it survives then send it to kenya for active service, and then contact the big aid agencies to get them rolled out en-mass.

I need to put together a team, I will find the neccessary finance, but what is needed is man hours.

I have worked out that I don't have all ther neccessary talent, to make this project happen. So considering that everone here owns a car like mine, and quite possibly has the same out look then I thought I would ask, to see if anyone would like to get involved. Like I said it is purely non profit making but that doesn't stop the subject matter being very interesting.

[Stu C]

Ooo that sounds an exciting project! Problem is, the weight and terrain its got to cross.

How about one of the artic vans, something like this and then build a trailer to suit? -

http://www.logismarket.co.uk/iveco/n...914843-nd.html

Either way i'd be happy to lend a hand on weekends, and do some of the driving as i got the usual +E entitlements being a C+E (class 1) driver

[calvin]

Exactly what I was thinking, welcome on board Stu, I will need a test pilot, might even need some overland work if it survives.

Here is a link to some I have built before on a commercial basis http://www.vipex.co.uk/gallery/vantage/vantage.htm I put this link up purely to show you how serious I am at helping the Kenyans. They are dieing out as the middle sector of the population, which the old and the young rely, is stricken with AIDS. There is a hospital already set up and this clinic will be its satellite arm. here is the link to the organisation that is helping me on the ground in Kenya www.nabuur.com

I was thinking of a 72 range rover modifed into a small tractor and a grunty pulling engine that Rpi (http://www.v8engines.com/) have spec'd. That is the only combination I have come up on so far. The Range is readily available and its modular contruction makes it easier to modify. Failing that a defender with the same treatment. The engine will be required to pull something like this.

[Stu C]

Ah i see yeah, so basically an urban artic just using a LR based 4x4 instead.

Would it be better if a drawbar type trailer were used if its going to be all terrain? As the A-Frame on the towing eye can be a bit more flexible compared to a 5th wheel....

[Max260]

If you like I could test the waters with Landrover over in Gaydon as I deal with them on the military vehicles side. There are also ofter old landrovers and other types of 4x4 vehicles that the MOD auctions off regularly. So one could assume that someone might be interested in working with us for a charitable cause.

I have many contact within the MOD procurement agency.

Max

[Stu C]

That sounds cool Max! - Ive just been looking at ex-military vehicles for sale and wished i hadnt, ive seen some lovly Scammels that are like nearly new (me want!)

There are loads on here

http://www.mod-sales.com/direct/

Just soo much choice about! - Its a shame this isnt what you want, build a body on the back and a drag and you'll be well away!

http://www.mod-sales.com/direct/vehi...Bedford_TM.htm

[SH4RKY]

You can buy tanks off ebay....

[calvin]

Ah i see yeah, so basically an urban artic just using a LR based 4x4 instead.

Would it be better if a drawbar type trailer were used if its going to be all terrain? As the A-Frame on the towing eye can be a bit more flexible compared to a 5th wheel....

I chose the articulated format because it applies weight on top of the axle rather than behind it, which helps when needing grip, and also a larger trailer is more stable. One of the resons for having a latge trailer is that it will be an outside projector screen, for educational films to the people seated on the ground outside. I am not sure of the best combination so my theory is that if I build one and test it then I will have more actual information to base the theory on.

I have prepared a list of areas where I could do with a hand.

1) Engine dynamics and survivability.
2) Electrical systems.
3) Fuel and Fluid control
4) Vehicle structures, as in bodywork and protective measures.
5) Drive train design.
6) Braking systems.

It is important that I get it right at this stage as if the unit fails in the field then all the effort put in will be for nothing.

[calvin]

If you like I could test the waters with Landrover over in Gaydon as I deal with them on the military vehicles side. There are also ofter old landrovers and other types of 4x4 vehicles that the MOD auctions off regularly. So one could assume that someone might be interested in working with us for a charitable cause.

I have many contact within the MOD procurement agency.

Max

Wow that would be fantastic, finding donor vehicles to modify and test is my biggest financial drain at the moment. I do have access to a full fitted trailer Manufacturing plant and also a 1000 sq ft vehicle workshop.

I have worked with the project solo for 2 years now and boy am I struggling with the way forward. The offer of help from everyone is really really appreciated.

[calvin]

Just soo much choice about! - Its a shame this isnt what you want, build a body on the back and a drag and you'll be well away!

http://www.mod-sales.com/direct/vehi...Bedford_TM.htm

the terrain I am after beating is only accessible by motorbike at the moment This site explains it much better than I could http://www.riders.org/default.aspx So really size is a major factor.

Its not really about what I want, but what will do the job best, so even though I have an idea of what needs doing improvement is always possible, always. I think the major downfall of the big trucks is the Size, weight and expense.