Snorkelling Dave

Further to the info re the Prototype P4 FV432 vehicle, I was involved with testing its steering characteristics in the 1970's on the old Gloucester Aircraft Runway for MVEE, when it was on loan to Serck / Commercial Hydraulics. It was rebuilt with a hydrostatic steering system, and the hydraulics and track torques & revs were fully instrumented up by Serck.Testing included on wet and dry surfaces and also the effects of changing the Cof G. This was achieved by attaching 45 gallon oil barrels filled with concrete to the front (and back?). The welded fixing brackets can still be seen. Procuring track pads for this vehicle proved difficult and in the end the company had to take standard pads and cut them down on a band saw to fit. This vehicle was also used to demonstrate infinitely variable steer. The hydraulic pump and motor running gear in the P4 was a Serck Size 9 and this design of running gear formed the basis used in STN37 steering system for Challenger made by Commercial Hydraulics, who took over Serck & the P4 testing at Gloucester. David