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.
Many old army trucks are surprisingly still going strong. Trucks as old as 1943 models are still here and running. One would imagine they are great museum pieces not good for anything much. However a group of owners of these trucks got a crazy idea. Why not take the old trucks and put them to some serious use - just like in the old times when they where used to cross the most difficult rivers.
Jon (in white) from the country pub Langbrok and Gunnar (2nd from right) from Orkan petrol station company planned a weekend of TRUCKS AND SHRIMP. Crossing Markarfljot river to get to Thorsmork and having a fun day there and then a grand shrimp feast at the pub Langbrok in Fljotshlid at the evening.
Friday afternoon I follow the trucks out of town. They move slowly at around 50-60 km/hr so I soon pass them and head on east.
Weather forecast for the weekend looks promising. Light breeze coming from north - usually means that we will get a clear sky but it will be a bit chilly with temperature close to freezing.
Trucks gather at Langbrok. Coming in at dusk and lining up for the big day tomorrow.
Starting these old army trucks is not easy. They have a 6 volt electrical system and in the cold morning starting takes time and patience.
Leading the way to begin with is this pink 1947 Jeep Willies owned by Orkan.
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 Fljotshlid...
First river is not a great obstacle.
View to Thorsmork and the Myrdalsjokull ice cap.
Jon from Langbrok got an interview on national radio and had the most amazing view in the background.
Markarfljot is a big river and usually can not be crossed at this spot. In this GMC truck is Hakon, 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 Krossa 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 Markarfljot river again a bit downstream.
The green Dodge Weapon with the Perkins Turbo Diesel Engine handles the river with ease.
This red Weapon like the green has specially built rims to handle 38 inch tires. Seems to work pretty good.
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 Markarfljot 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 Solonsson, the driver in the Shoe Sole GMC, looks shaken but not stirred!
TV reporter Omar 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 Langbrok 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:
Langbrok pub and Orkan Petrol Stations
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
