From: william f cox (grntrks@juno.com)
Date: Sat Jan 11 2003 - 23:05:12 PST
I have to agree with David concerning the heavy vehicles. The convoy I
set up only had jeeps and 3/4 ton WWII vehicles attending. Excellent
points to consider.
Frank
On Sat, 11 Jan 2003 08:26:23 -0500 ddoyle9570@aol.com writes:
> In a message dated 1/11/2003 2:21:11 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> grntrks@juno.com writes the following, which in the interest of
> expressing other ideas, will state that I fundamentally disagree
> with. My thoughts follow the quote.
>
> > 2. If any WWII jeeps etc., then they should be in the lead
> > positions because they have to set the pace for the convoy, (45
> mph.).
> > The M series vehicles will be able to keep up but, if they lead
> they
> > might unintentionly leave the slower vehicles behind as the
> > drive
> > progresses and they convoy will become strung- out.
>
> I have participated in, organized, and been asked to lead many
> convoys. The theory I have always used, succesfully is: Heaviest
> vehicle in front (unless it is armor with poor visiblilty), with the
> following vehicles in descending weight order, warning beacon on
> rear vehicle. And in the lead vehicle someone who has driven the
> route a few days in advance, and made notes about traffic
> conditions, what lane to be in when, etc. Then, during the driver's
> meeting ask everyone what is the fastest they feel comfortable
> driving continously. The leader then drives 5 mph slower.
>
> The theories behind this are many. First of all, I have driven a 5
> ton wrecker when it lost the power assist to the brakes, and a ten
> ton tractor when there was a complete brake failure....had I been
> trailing a Jeep...or most anything else, and rearended it, it would
> have been hard on Jeep and occupents. A little truck may run INTO a
> big truck, but a big truck runs OVER a little truck. A moments lapse
> of attention, mechanical problems, all sorts of things could bring
> about this situation, I feel the heavies in front are safer for all
> involved.
>
> Perched in the cab of a big truck, its driver can easily keep his
> eye on the tail vehicle, and all between (after the convoy gets to 20
> vehicles or so, that beacon on rear vehicle sure helps keep up with
> where it is, although its true purpose is for rear warning).
>
> Instruct all the drivers "If the guy in front of you stops, you
> stop, if the guy behind you slows, you slow, if he stops, you stop.
> Stay in your vehicle at roadside unless instructed otherwise at that
> time." Thus the slowest vehicle still sets the pace. Once guy in
> slowest vehicle was wise guy, gave smart answer of 65....me being
> ignorant drove that speed to first rest stop, where he said uncle,
> 40 from then on.
>
> Having the heavies in front allows them to "get a run" at steep
> grades.....the Jeeps and Dodges will easily catch them.
>
> Always plan your route for right turns, even if that means driving
> around the block. If a left turn is unavoidable, the big trucks in
> front are also great for illlegal traffic control. Locally, I can
> stretch an M62 across two lanes of traffic, and allow the rest of
> the convoy to roll through the intersection. The guy in the number 2
> vehicle (locally an M3A1 Scout Car) knows I am driving a slug, and
> holds the convoy speed down until I regain position. Have done this
> while cops watch, may be illegal, but done quickly and smoothly they
> don't seem to care.
>
> Anyhow, my .02,
> David Doyle
>
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>
Frank Cox (grntrks@juno.com)
MVPA 14530
'45 GMC 353 DUKW
'66 Kaiser-Jeep M35A2 w/w
'68 M105A1 trailer
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