From: Jack (milveh@sbcglobal.net)
Date: Sun Dec 05 2004 - 20:52:37 PST
First, we have to be sure we're comparing apples to
apples. Basically my "opinion" is regarding the Valp
4X4 troop carrier v similar weight and size Mog and
Pinz. The SUMB mentioned earlier is a whole different
class, more like a deuce than a Valp.
Remember, this is just my opinion and I am speaking
off the top, from memory....
The original canvas topped L3314, nicknamed the Valp
(Swedish for Puppy) has a rugged axle configuration
that is basically the same as the American CJ-5
Willys. Simplicity and durability at its best, a
hallmark of the Valp.
The engine, either the B18 (first in service) or the
B20 a slightly higher HP version that was a simple a
drop in replacement were perfect for the Valp. Volvo
had been building this cross country race pr oven
engine for years, so it was a natural for the Valp.
The unique body style with 5 entry points, is
virtually the same length as an M38 jeep yet holds
twice the cargo/passenger area, thanks to a cab
forward design and a well placed engine between and to
the rear of, the two front seats. Then 4 cyl., OHV,
engine location made for better balance, more
efficient use of space and protection from frontal
impacts.
If you look closely at the prototype of the very first
USA Mule built around 1957 you will see striking
similarities to the Valp. Lift up to unhinge and
remove the Valps small steel doors and take a look,
you have what is a dead ringer for the very first
Mule. Unfortunately the design was ahead of its time
and soldiers like the secure feeling of placing the
engine forward of the passengers so that design was
never used by the USA. But, it was a design that
married simplicity superior form and function.
Ask any US soldier who was lucky enough to drive one
as part of the UN forces in Germany during the 60s,
which 4X4 they preferred, a Mog or a Valp? It was no
contest, Valp's won hands down and in almost all
categories on the proving ground too.
Give a young soldier a manual, a screw driver and an
adjustable spanner and he could field repair most
things on a Valp. However, mechanical failures were
very rare on this slightly overbuilt and slightly
underpowered vehicle. Volvo's reputation of building
vehicles that last and in all sort of climate extremes
was never better exemplified than in the Valp.
The irony here is the first Valp mock up was built in
about 30 days with the full functioning prototype
beating the competition on the obstacle course a few
months after that. I can't think any other more
successful vehicle that was designed from scratch to
entering competition in such a short time.
The Valp's 4 speed gearbox with hi-lo and locks
will take it from highway speeds, about 58-60 mph down
to a 4 wheel crawl. It's been said that it a Valp
could get the traction it would likely go straight up.
However, I think its rated at a 40 percent grade, if
memory serves me.
Coming and going thru ditches is made simply by the
extreme angle between the leading front and absolute
trailing edge of rear wheels v placement front and
rear bumpers.
Nobody else in the world had a better designed or more
capable vehicle when the first Valp rolled off the
assembly line. It was an absolutely marvel of
engineering. Consider this, with just a small bit of
prep a well balanced Valp could be floated or actually
driven on water. I've seen it or I wouldn't have
believed it. The flooring is totally sealed and the
rust proofing employed was so thick you barely cut
down to steel with a knife.
Later models of the Valp added more horsepower and
reduction gears like the Pinz for more clearance, but
the original design concept is still visible.
The Pinz and Mog incorporate much of the outward
appearing design of the Valp, but the similarity ends
there. Both vehicles, Mogs and Pinz are mechanical
marvels and if you are a mechanical marvel you can
repair them, but if you do not have a PHD in MOG and
PINZ servicing, you better send them to somebody that
can handle their complexities. I have to admit,
breakage in such vehicles is rare, but nothing
mechanical is safe from the whims of the teenage
enlisted in anyones army.
In closing, the Valp was built in extreme haste to
meet a deadline for a government contract, yet it was
still expertly crafted. It should also be noted the
Valp was the little 4X4 that saved Volvo from
financial ruin in 1960-61, a pretty good story in
itself.
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