These things have been visible from the M275 for as long as I can remember. They were part of a marine graveyard that has all now been weighed in for scrap. The compound has always looked muddy and secure but when a report popped up recently and I had a quiet sunday so a trip was planned.
Passing at warp speed through the Hindhead tunnel Portsmouth was reached in minutes and it was only a quick drive round the streets to my chosen parking spot. A stroll round the perimeter of the site leads to a simple entry and short walk to the beasts.
Passing at warp speed through the Hindhead tunnel Portsmouth was reached in minutes and it was only a quick drive round the streets to my chosen parking spot. A stroll round the perimeter of the site leads to a simple entry and short walk to the beasts.
Here is the usual wiki steal
LARC-LX (Lighter, Amphibious Resupply, Cargo, 60 ton), or as it was originally designated BARC (Barge, Amphibious Resupply, Cargo) is a welded steel hulled amphibious cargo vehicle. It could carry up to 100 tons of cargo or 200 people, but a more typical load was 60 tons of cargo or 120 people. The vehicle was powered by four 265 hp (198 kW) GMC diesel engines positioned in the sides of the hull, each of which drove one wheel on land. Pairs of engines were coupled to drive each of the two 1.2 m (47 in) diameter propellers, which propelled the vehicle in the water. Its top speed was 20 mph (32 km/h) on land, or 7.5 mph (12.1 km/h) afloat. The operator occupied a small cab on the port side at the aft end of the vehicle.The LARC-LX was used to transport wheeled and tracked vehicles, including beach preparation equipment and general cargo, from ship-to-shore or to inland transfer points. It was also capable of transporting 40 ft (12 m) shipping containers, which could be landed from the LARC either by crane, straddle carriers, or rollers. It was the only amphibious vehicle in U.S. Army service capable of landing on a beach through surf. Typically, the LARC-LX was carried as deck cargo on a commercial vessel or heavy lift ship to be transported overseas.
These things are massive, from a distance they just don't look that big but they are. Climbing the ladder up to the deck is something you would not want to do drunk,,,, though there is evidence they are a sometime party venue as there are empty beer cans and wine bottles in the hold, and in one of the tool lockers were what I would call essentials for an overnight stay. Bog roll, tooth brushes, and empty packets of snacks, although the other essential of a comfortable bed was missing.
A couple of pics for you.
All sixes and sevens by stu8fish, on FlickrSteering gear.
Steerage. by stu8fish, on FlickrYankee spelling
Tire air. by stu8fish, on FlickrDeflated
Portsmouth by stu8fish, on FlickrShackled. This is about 300mm long.
Shackled by stu8fish, on FlickrProp boss and sacrificial electrodes.
Space. by stu8fish, on FlickrDull day
Lark LX by stu8fish, on FlickrColour
The Beast. by stu8fish, on FlickrOne of the four diesel engines, part of the diesel electric motive power
Detroit by stu8fish, on FlickrThe tiller/steering arrangement.
Tiller by stu8fish, on FlickrDirty old town.
Pimped by stu8fish, on FlickrA quick selfie to show how big these things are.
Big. by stu8fish, on FlickrHave a great day.
