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helly said:You'd be lucky to fit 4 cops in the crewman... We have tested one up in NSW and with all the crap that has to be carried around with you, like ballistic vests and kit bags, fire extinguishers, maps, torches on charging posts, computer (MDT), radio and light system controllers, you can only fit 4 at most.
It was the same in the Rodeo's aswell...
The biggest benefit is how much better they perform compared to the old paddy wagons. Its lower and has much less body roll. The downside is they don't go places the Rodeo's do... Try getting up over a normal street gutter with 4 bodies on board, go on I dare ya!!!
Quite honeslty I think the new toyota Hilux Dual Cab would be a cracker!!!
Agree'd, although I suppose like the Rodeo counterpart the rear seat will also serve as a useful crap collector including rain coats, jackets, folders and various paperwork!I still think the Commodore Ute would be a better vehicle to base the Prisoner Transport Van (PTV) on. The extra seating in the Crewie isn't really warranted, when you take into consideration the increased fuel bill incurred and the limitations of use which come with the Great White Hearse.
Are you still around ? Do you have any more info on the crewmansPolice crewman - not to good
Hey guys just saw this thread
As for the crewman well, Ive had some involvement, and it has many issues. Some are
Ventilation
There is little ventilation in the prisoner compartment. The first model had two vents at the side of the prisoner seating area. These are still there today, only after ventilation was pointed out they added a grill to the back door. If the vehicle isn't in motion there is no air. Not good during summer. If I was locked in the back, I'd probably try to kick my way out, just so i could breath.
Rear Compartment
The floor paneling is grooved, which is good for drainage, although there is no drain and where the rear door panelling sits the edge is raised, which is no good, considering you get drunks being sick in there, not mention blood, urine etc. If you wash it all out the floor is still wet, up to the grooves.
Police equipment
All radios etc are mounted in the prisoner compartment behind the fibre glass panels. If you wanted to or had tools etc, you could kick the middle hump and break the cover, then help yourself. If the first prisoner didn't break it on will in a year or so, after someone has weakend it. Also I pitty the guy who has to get in the back to replace/repair anything.
Side windows
These are only siliconed on. It's a good grade silicone but if the prisoner has a pen or knife etc they can start to pick off the window. Once again if he doesn't break it the next prisoner will. Although these windows are very small, and only a small person could fit out of one. Although there is a back door window.
Emergency exit hatch
This is mounted in the roof. It is perfect if you ant to lay on your back and use your legs to break out. As above if not immediately, it will break eventually. You would be surprised at the amount of flex generated when you do this.
Vehicle
It's pretty good. The prisoner cell, ways next to nothing as it's mainly all fibre glass. No weight issues like the current divi vans which are all steel. The vehicle allows for the transportation of extra members and witness's. The vehicle has plenty of get up and go. In theory you could fit 5 people, but it's police, with equipment belts etc. If the driver is 6 foot or taller then forget trying to sit behind him. The back to doors on the unit are suppost to be for the bullet proof vests. The only problem, our vests are to big for the compartment.
There are many little issues like this.
Another one, that I don't like is the emergency lights. They look good now, but picture the vehicle in a high 30 degree day, with the sun shining. Unless you are looking directly at the lights you would be lucky to see them operating. The problem has been resolved a little bit, with the removal of the original clear lids, and the addition of the red and blue. It's just a darker cover, which helps stop sunlight penetration, making the lights a little more visable.
Well that my two cents worth. Any comments?