It’s that time of year again, the temperature drops, the nights are drawing in, and Mudmaster is upon us. Hosted by 221 squadron Scottish Transport Regiment RLC and normally held as the final event of the year, taking part across the spectacular Scottish countryside in a range of vehicles, from series Land Rovers to SV Man 6 Tonne trucks the event is an exercise in navigation and driving skill this year having 47 4×4 teams and 12 SV Lorries take part over two days in conditions that challenge the drivers, navigators and trucks alike over wet ground with the final trial finishing in darkness.
For many as the event begins to draw near preparation comes to the forefront as trucks need to be prepared, navigation routes pre-plotted, and kit packed to keep team members warm and dry in an unforgiving environment before the transit up to Glasgow to begin the event, starting with scrutineering on Friday evening. Unfortunately, one truck suffered mechanical failure just south of the border dropping numbers, and with a little fettling in the dark to pass scrutineering we entered two trucks ready to go Saturday morning.
The day started cold but dry at 0830 at the event HQ of 221 logistics regiment with the event briefing giving the crews details on what to expect over the coming days, with an alteration to the route causing some last-minute changes before the off, ready for trials coming thick and fast throughout the day.
Truck 6’s first problems began following the first off road trial with heavy vibration apparent through the vehicle almost making the vehicle undrivable between stages however, after making it to the halfway halt it was discovered that the front panhard rod was the problem and was changed by the REME that had a servicing truck with them for the event. The truck was now back on the road but with a lot of time to catch up.
Sunday started much the same as the previous day, with the trials challenging most of the trucks and drivers before heading into 221, and following vehicle wash down the highly anticipated results were out. After excellent nav and driving from the crew of Nick and Rob truck 21 come in 5th overall and first military crew, with truck 6 coming in at 9th overall and the highest place of a green fleet vehicle, excellent placing for both crews overcoming adverse ground conditions and poor luck in one of the year’s most challenging events.