Gun Trucks

[StainlessSteelCynic]

Good point, but keep in mind that lugging around an AFV hull is going to dramatically increase wear and tear on the truck's various components, so it's a bit of a trade-off.

Absolutely and I think the way to alleviate some of the negative connotations of this is to make it a part of the gameplay - as in, the group discusses their options and decides which option is better for them, running the armoured vehicle as it was intended, or carrying it portee style on a truck (or evern abandoning one vehicle or the other!)
Depending on the model of truck, it's probably far easier to source spare parts for it than it is to get spares for the armoured vehicle. Trucks typically require less maintenance than armoured vehicles and you can sometimes get away with using non-standard components on the truck e.g. using wheels/tyres from a similar vehicle.

[ChalkLine]

It should be noted you'd probably have to use a crane to get the AFV onto the truck. It's about 12 tons+ for a BMD from memory

[Legbreaker]

A crane would be helpful and probably quicker, but not vital. Any combat engineer / assault pioneer can rig up the necessary apparatus using trees, logs, steel beams, rocks, ropes, chains and so on.
Just sitting here writing this post I can think of three ways to do it without using equipment heavier than a chainsaw.

[StainlessSteelCynic]

If you have the time (and you will want plenty of it) and some shovels, you can always use the old trick of digging a hole that's only as deep as the rear tray is high and reverse the truck in. Then it's a simple enough task to drive the BMD onto the truck bed.

[Legbreaker]

[QUOTE=StainlessSteelCynic;80699... old trick of digging a hole that's only as deep as the rear tray is high and reverse the truck in.[/QUOTE]

Explosives do the job too. Using time delay detonators properly you not only dig your hole, but toss the spoil out in a suitable direction too. Drop a few planks in for your wheels, and you're good to go!

[ChalkLine]

Our PCs were using an A-frame to put a ZSU-23-2 onto the back of a truck when we fumbled and the zoo landed on my character
:squish:

[Legbreaker]

Just a few of the available lifting options, all fairly easy to construct out of (usually) locally sourced materials.

[Raellus]

Depending on the model of truck, it's probably far easier to source spare parts for it than it is to get spares for the armoured vehicle. Trucks typically require less maintenance than armoured vehicles and you can sometimes get away with using non-standard components on the truck e.g. using wheels/tyres from a similar vehicle.

Very true.

[rcaf_777]

[QUOTE=Legbreaker;80707]Just a few of the available lifting options, all fairly easy to construct out of (usually) locally sourced materials.

a Gin Pole is found on the M88 Recovery Vehicle/ M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lifting Extraction Systems

[Legbreaker]

A Gin Pole is found on the M88 Recovery Vehicle/ M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lifting Extraction Systems

Not surprising really given it's it the simplest of all the lifting methods, although does require a significant amount of rope or chain, and some strong anchor points (three will work, four is better).

[Raellus]

War Trophies

So, the Russians have a travelling [rail-] roadshow of war booty from Syria, including some pretty creative gun-trucks. Check them out here:

http://thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26659/moscow-has-a-syria-fracture-propaganda-train-loaded-with-war-trophies-crisscrossing-russia

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[Raellus]

Return of the Tachanka

And now, based on their combat experiences in Syria, the Russians are developing their own light gun truck forces.

https://southfront.org/russian-ground-forces-the-return-of-tachanka/fbclid=IwAR3NKjT7WMUBTOFfNGPN28Vfx__fqgR0JZED2gu-puOYXTfabNbmc2ZMTM0

[StainlessSteelCynic]

There's an interesting point made in the discussion section of that page about the increased use of drones. I can understand the appeal of light & fast vehicles as some enemy forces make more use of drones for spotting and even anti-vehicle attacks.
Many drones are still rather noisy but not noisy enough to be heard inside a typical armoured vehicle. Arguably people in an open vehicle would have a better chance of detecting a drone and thus avoiding or destroying it.

The light vehicle would likely have enough spare room to accommodate some sort of anti-drone tech or comms jamming system. Even if you had it installed in say one in every three vehicles.
Just bouncing some thoughts around. I'm certainly not saying the gunned-up pickup is the ultimate answer, but I can see the appeal... plus they're plenty cheap not just in purchase cost but also in regards to sourcing spare parts.

[Raellus]

Proof that resourceful civilians- albeit criminally-minded ones- can also produce functional gun-trucks:

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/30494/cartel-narco-tanks-heavy-weapons-on-full-display-during-battle-over-el-chapos-son

[Legbreaker]

Proof that resourceful civilians- albeit criminally-minded ones- can also produce functional gun-trucks:

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zon...-el-chapos-son

Why do I immediately start thinking CIA