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The
Driving Home project will take two Land Rovers, one Discovery
and one 110 Defender' on the African expedition. Both vehicles
are diesel transmission and of a similar engine to ensure some
compatibility between spare parts. Land Rovers are also found
all across Africa ensuring a supply of local mechanical knowledge
if needed en route.
Vehicle 1 - Land Rover Discovery 300Tdi
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STAGE 1 - FINDING AND MECHANICALLY OVERHAULING
THE VEHICLE
This vehicle
has been sourced and overhauled by Keith Gott Land Rovers in Alton,
adding new suspension for the overland trip. The air conditioning
has also been checked as this will be very important to enable
Colin to regulate his temperature. It is now ready for stage 2
and to be adapted for Colin to drive.
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STAGE
2 - ADAPTING THE VEHICLE FOR COLIN TO DRIVE
There are only very few companies in the UK who specialise in
adaptations for the disabled. Colin chose to work with Steering
Developments Ltd., based in Hemel Hempstead who showed professionalism,
but more importantly an eagerness to get involved with Driving
Home. Grant and Paul designed the equipment for the vehicle -
a horizontal arm accelerator and brake with an elbow touchpad
for the lights and indicator controls and a modified lightened
steering wheel. Every modification they make is unique to fit
with the driver's unique needs and abilities.
  
At the first 'testing' session the controls weren't yet 'light'
enough for Colin to operate the vehicle. The Discovery was having
to be pushed to the extreme of its capabilities. The solution
needed to be mechanical and not electrical which would become
far harder to fix in the middle of the Sudan. It has now been
achieved and Colin is now driving confidently along the roads.
Colin also has a special Recaro seat fitted to provide maximum
support. A J2 cushion to sit on will minimise the risk of pressure
sores.
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Operating the Adapted Vehicle
Colin will control the speed of the vehicle with his left arm
by using a manual Push/Pull hand control, which will operate the
accelerator and brake. This operation is all totally manual and
uses a series of rods and levers to reduce effort required to
operate it over a long distance. To steer the vehicle, Colin will
use the existing steering that will be lightened to reduce the
effort.
Colin will control all of the vehicles accessories i.e. lights,
indicators, horn, windscreen wipers with a touch pad operated
control unit. This is a touch pad that is activated when Colin
touches it with his elbow.
As Colin is unable to hold onto anything a Tetra Grip will be
used to overcome this. A tetra grip is a very basic piece of apparatus
that will allow Colin to hold on to the steering wheel and hand
control. Finally at the push of a button an electric gear selector
will put the vehicle into gear (automatic transmission).
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STAGE
3 - GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE
Having got our hopes up to use a Turney seat, an electrical seat
that lowers to the level of the wheelchair then rises up and into
the driving position, we were informed that it would not be able
to be fitted into a Land Rover Discovery. This was a disappointment
as was felt to be the most dignified method for Colin to be used.
Instead Cowal Mobility have designed a simple winch and hoist,
which with a simple bottle jack lifts and lowers Colin from his
wheelchair to the driving seatn with the help of one other person.
This is an ideal, simple solution, perfect for Africa.
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STAGE 4 - PREPARING THE VEHICLE FOR EXPEDITION
Another critical stage before the expedition can leave. The roof
tent has been fitted to the vehicle for 2 members of the team
to sleep in. Colin will be in a tent that will be attached to
the rear of the vehicle
 
Richard Wood, the mechanic, is working on the interior of the
vehicle, fitting storage boxes for medical kit and personal equipment
inside the vehicle and strapping to secure the wheelchair en route.
Additionally there will be electrical points for the recharging
of wheelchair wheels and the team's camera and laptop equipment.
Also to produce hot water for Colin to shower in, to minimise
the risk of getting cold.
Finally the exterior of the vehicle will be worked on, the 'expedition
look' with an ARB Bull bar and Air snorkel, all fitted by Richard
at his Dad's garage. An oil cooler will be an extra piece of equipment
in the engine to prevent the Automatic transmission from over
heating. All this is currently in progress.
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STAGE 5 - FINAL TESTING
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