Old Army Trucks in Thorsmork

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Let's go back in time when the World War II was still in full power. Iceland got occupied first by the British army and later by the US army. The US brought along with them trucks to move troopers and inventory around this barren country. When the war ended the trucks stayed and where used by Icelanders for tasks such as fetching milk from farms or as buses for remote areas.

At 9:00 the trucks line up for photo shooting. Closest is a pink Jeep Willys with extra fuel for the thirsty trucks. Then come three 1953 Dodge Weapons all with Iceland made cabs. Next to them is the youngster in the group a 1968 6x6 REO truck and then three 1943 GMC trucks. Top left is an original and unmodified Dodge Weapon.

Driving on the country road in Flj�tshl��...

First river is not a great obstacle.

View to Th�rsm�rk and the M�rdalsj�kull ice cap.

J�n from Langbr�k got an interview on national radio and had the most amazing view in the background.

Markarflj�t is a big river and usually can not be crossed at this spot. In this GMC truck is H�kon, our guide for the rivers. He has extensive experience crossing the rivers in the area and he leads us to a safe place to cross.

It is deep but all cross safely.

Can you imagine a more beautiful scenery for a 4 wheeling trip?

Driving the old trucks is fun but hard work - riding on the trucks is also fun...

...and since the suspension is practically nonexistent - hard on your behind.

Every once in a while a stone gets picked up by the 10 wheelers. It has to be removed using something like a pinch bar.

Right at home!

The small Weapon proved to be the truck of the day. It showed remarkable ability to cross deep water with strong stream without any problems. The truck goes out wherever it comes to the river however steep the bank is and regardless of depth and current. This looks like a close call.

Don't try this at home!

The old 1943 GMC army truck looks right at home in the river.

Truck of the day. You can see how deep it goes by the waterline on the spare tire!

River Kross� is no hindrance for the 1968 REO.

Same with the Weapons. Suspension looks pretty good even though it is leaf springs.

Could this be the end of World War II?

 

Second Crossing

My Sport Track with the REO on the side to compare. New vs. Old. The REO is bigger and much heavier but the wheel height is similar.

Crossing on branch of Markarflj�t river again a bit downstream.

The green Dodge Weapon with the Perkins Turbo Diesel Engine handles the river with ease.

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Only Problem

Beating these trucks throughout the day doesn't seem to result in any mechanical breakdowns. Finally though - crossing the main stream of the Markarflj�t river - one truck dies in the middle of the river!

This has to be handled quickly and successfully. The river is extremely efficient at burying anything stuck in it.

The REO is prepared with a strong elastic rope and backed out in the river. The 7 ton GMC truck is already starting to dig in.

After a few attempts using all the impressive torque of REO it breaks free...

...and is hauled the rest of the way back.

Einar S�lonsson, the driver in the Shoe Sole GMC, looks shaken but not stirred!

TV reporter �mar Ragnarsson in the Ferrari red 1946 Jeep on 35 inch tires is lucky enough to catch the episode on film and just has to try the river himself! He stays clear of the deepest section with the strongest current - it would be to much to handle.

Coming home

Coming back to Langbr�k the country pub.

Experienced hands take out the carburetor from the GMC to see if it is the reason for the dead engine.

At the evening - during the grand shrimp feast - tales are told of past adventures and some put up helmets and soldiers hats to celebrate the successful day.

Thanks to all that took part and made this a great weekend!

The event was sponsored by a joint venture:

Langbr�k pub and Orkan Petrol Stations

Get Your Own Old Army Truck Here!

Thrandur
4x4OffRoads.com

Comments:

Starting 6 volt GMC trucks

I read your webpage and enjoyed it very much - especially the crossing of the river with the GMC's. In one photograph, a comment is made about starting the 6 volt system and needing patience.

I am the owner of www.oldgmctrucks.com and I have many GMCs. The newest one is a 1954! What I have learned from these trucks is that you must have minimum 0/0 ("double zero") electrical cables for the 6 volt system. Six volts needs at least two times bigger electrical wires and these must be special ordered from an electrical supply house. If you put 0/0 battery AND GROUND! cables on your GMC, it will start like it is on 24 volts!

Thanks for your webpage. I enjoyed it very much.

Rob