So I have an old race car trailer that my wing owns. I'm in the process of renovating it for CAP use and I need some ideas for things that work or maybe lesson's learned. It needs a new coat of paint and we were trying to decide on logos and what we wanted painted on the thing. Any ideas would be helpful.
White with a command patch?
Quote from: jimmydeanno on October 07, 2011, 03:22:54 AM
White with a command patch?
No no, its PAWG, so it must be orange with ranger tabs all around >:D
I keed, i keed
To paraphrase Steve Jobs (RIP) , "We have a reg for that."
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R077_001_E756CBD5E7D0B.pdf (http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R077_001_E756CBD5E7D0B.pdf)
You know, I'm familiar with one situation where a wing made a command trailer that never ever moved after it was obtained. I sort of question the need for them for CAP. They sort of fall in that category of "nice to have, but not necessary" in my book.
Quote from: RiverAux on October 07, 2011, 03:42:57 PM
You know, I'm familiar with one situation where a wing made a command trailer that never ever moved after it was obtained. I sort of question the need for them for CAP. They sort of fall in that category of "nice to have, but not necessary" in my book.
True, but it's the sort of thing that when you
really need it, it's to late to start putting together!
Quote from: ZigZag911 on October 07, 2011, 04:39:39 PM
Quote from: RiverAux on October 07, 2011, 03:42:57 PM
You know, I'm familiar with one situation where a wing made a command trailer that never ever moved after it was obtained. I sort of question the need for them for CAP. They sort of fall in that category of "nice to have, but not necessary" in my book.
True, but it's the sort of thing that when you really need it, it's to late to start putting together!
If no one knows how to set it up, how can you use it?
If no one can tow it to the scene, what good is it?
Quote from: arajca on October 07, 2011, 05:09:11 PM
Quote from: ZigZag911 on October 07, 2011, 04:39:39 PM
Quote from: RiverAux on October 07, 2011, 03:42:57 PM
You know, I'm familiar with one situation where a wing made a command trailer that never ever moved after it was obtained. I sort of question the need for them for CAP. They sort of fall in that category of "nice to have, but not necessary" in my book.
True, but it's the sort of thing that when you really need it, it's to late to start putting together!
If no one knows how to set it up, how can you use it?
If no one can tow it to the scene, what good is it?
So train your people on how it works and how to tow it.
I too have seen the boondoggle with the FEMA trailers......but just because it did not work here does not mean the OP can't do it where he lives.
If he/they are willing to put in the time, effort and money to make a mobile command post.....more power to them!
The bigger the better ;)
See: http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/31269458 (http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/31269458)
http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/31205428 (http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/31205428)
http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/80508293 (http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/80508293)
Or perhaps this:
http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/80438612 (http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/80438612)
Or more reasonable for CAP:
http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/98764806 (http://www.pbase.com/firefly019/image/98764806)
Also my understanding is that the MA Emergency Management Agency has Ford Explorers, that when you open up the rear door there a complete command & control e.g. radio/computers etc set up, and I think there's small tent/canopy that can also be set up at the back of the vehicle in case of inclement weather.
Here's one vendor that does the special cabinets:
http://www.odysseyauto.com/vehicles/suv_index.html (http://www.odysseyauto.com/vehicles/suv_index.html)
I know also some folks in our wing think that a small mini bus (like you have at airports) would work best. Any time you have to tow something, especially if it's in the winter in the northeast, IF the roads are slippery you are pretty much out of commission to deploy anywhere.
RM
If I was a gazillionair...
I would #1. make CAP my full time job
and #2. would buy this for my wing.... http://www.piercemfg.com/en/trucks/by-purpose/mobile-command.aspx (http://www.piercemfg.com/en/trucks/by-purpose/mobile-command.aspx)
Quote from: RADIOMAN015 on October 07, 2011, 07:19:11 PM
Also my understanding is that the MA Emergency Management Agency has Ford Explorers, that when you open up the rear door there a complete command & control e.g. radio/computers etc set up, and I think there's small tent/canopy that can also be set up at the back of the vehicle in case of inclement weather.
Something like this would be much more reasonable for CAP. Its my feeling that for major CAP missions we're always going to be somewhere we have electricity and computer access and if that isn't available, we're probably not going to be participating anyway, at least in regards to a major mission base coordinating air and ground assets. Now, a mobile command vehicle such as described above would make a lot of sense, especially from the point of view of working with ground teams on GSAR searches in remote areas. Plus, it could still be used for other CAP purposes while the big command trailer would not.
The mission should shape the trailer. Define the mission, fill the needs, worry about graphics last.
If the mission definition says you don't need a trailer, don't force the issue.
The comments about a dedicated tow vehicle should be heeded, and the location of the asset should not be based on who builds it.
Also, without an ongoing maintenance budget, you might as well park it now. The USAF will not cover trailer maintenance, which means it has to come out
of the wing's operational budget or "other".
Instead of reinventing the wheel...work with your local Emergency Services and develop either an MOU where you can borrow and train with their's on occasion. If the incident is that big it would probably be there anyway. Maybe offer them some equipment for it and make it a community trailer.
Incident Command trailer? An IC can setup almost anywhere, as can most of the command staff.
Now a communications trailer/vehicle is another story. Sure is nice to have radios and antennas already wired for sound. Park the beast and be on the air in less than 10 minutes. That beats the heck out of grabbing all the gear you need, finding a place to set it up in whatever borrowed facility you find yourself in, commiserate in heat or cold because the antenna cables had to be run through a window or door. Yeah, I'll take a trailer or truck any day.
Something similar to this would be great: http://fireops.com/aviationtrailer.html (http://fireops.com/aviationtrailer.html) It doesn't need to be one of those $300k monstrosities, just a place with all your stuff ready to go.
Quote from: wuzafuzz on October 07, 2011, 11:05:06 PM
Incident Command trailer? An IC can setup almost anywhere, as can most of the command staff.
Now a communications trailer/vehicle is another story. Sure is nice to have radios and antennas already wired for sound. Park the beast and be on the air in less than 10 minutes. That beats the heck out of grabbing all the gear you need, finding a place to set it up in whatever borrowed facility you find yourself in, commiserate in heat or cold because the antenna cables had to be run through a window or door. Yeah, I'll take a trailer or truck any day.
Something similar to this would be great: http://fireops.com/aviationtrailer.html (http://fireops.com/aviationtrailer.html) It doesn't need to be one of those $300k monstrosities, just a place with all your stuff ready to go.
WOW....NBB needs one of those very very badly. Anyone want to make a donation?
Quote from: NCRblues on October 07, 2011, 11:13:19 PM
Quote from: wuzafuzz on October 07, 2011, 11:05:06 PM
Incident Command trailer? An IC can setup almost anywhere, as can most of the command staff.
Now a communications trailer/vehicle is another story. Sure is nice to have radios and antennas already wired for sound. Park the beast and be on the air in less than 10 minutes. That beats the heck out of grabbing all the gear you need, finding a place to set it up in whatever borrowed facility you find yourself in, commiserate in heat or cold because the antenna cables had to be run through a window or door. Yeah, I'll take a trailer or truck any day.
Something similar to this would be great: http://fireops.com/aviationtrailer.html (http://fireops.com/aviationtrailer.html) It doesn't need to be one of those $300k monstrosities, just a place with all your stuff ready to go.
WOW....NBB needs one of those very very badly. Anyone want to make a donation?
Is NBB taking over the tower? >:D
things that come to mind:
Dedicated comm position (it would be nice to make that so it is/can be seperated from the rest of the trailer.
-Multiple VHF radios, UHF radio, aircraft band radio, computer, Satphone, scanner (audio type)
-Intercom system to the rest of and outside of the trailer
-Antenna mast set (like the military 292 system)
-TV (for wacthing local broadcasts)
-Wireless router
-Air card (or cards)
-Printer/copier/fax
Portable power-ie generator big enough to power the whole thing and then some.
battery back up...ie 12 volt bank with a charger (specific to the radios)
An actual wired power in point with breaker box
Ability to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer
Area to do mission planning, hangs maps and status boards
additional counter/work space (thinking fold down sort of deal)
ability to create an outside briefing area (ie a system for attaching a canopy/tarp and some sort of white board mounts)
All of the equipment you need to set up a deployable base camp for whatever size operation its able to support:
portable/chemical toilet
portable shower
field mess suplies (like gas grill/camp stove, assorted cooking equipment....pots pans, utensils, wash basins)
a coulple of large military type tents (sleeping or other additional mission support functions)
cots
chairs
tables
extra fuel (or at least containers)
water jugs or containers
MRE cases or other long term storage type food supplies
portable lighting (outside set up)
Misc medical and public health type supplies....first aid kit, insect repellants, ant/roach and mouse traps, water purification system and water test kit, outdoor weather monitor, TP. paper towels, soap, waterless hand cleaner,
Obviously the assorted mission base needy type of supplies...pens, paper, pencils, markers, forms etc etc etc
mk
I had a Church give me an old Airporter style bus. All the glass had been shot or broken out. We replaced the sliding windows with plexiglass, and went to the discount glass place outside the Gates at Travis and they installed a new Window for 120.00 bucks. ( Ford Econoline 350) We pulled almost all the seats ( seating for 25) and reset some of them as fore and aft seating with a table and a near full length counter built by a local shop. Although the original idea was to use it for SAR, it had more utility in Cadet Programs. We could load everyone gear in the bus with one driver and drive the CAP Van to encampments, etc. The Bus then became a mobile office, meeting room, and spare bedroom. Eventually, we had to get rid of it ( it was too old to donate to CAP) and I got back about 50% of the money I put into it. It was purchased by volunteers for the Forest Service, who used it as a mobile ( mostly parked) information pamphlet distribution center. It never once saw action as an incident command center for SAR. If I was to start from scratch, I would think about how to accomplish the tasks needed with a bare minimum of gear and electronic complexity, while allowing for the most comfortable environment, and keeping in mind a place to sleep ( and hide cold beer)
Major Lord
Quote from: Spaceman3750 on October 07, 2011, 11:39:00 PM
Quote from: NCRblues on October 07, 2011, 11:13:19 PM
Quote from: wuzafuzz on October 07, 2011, 11:05:06 PM
Incident Command trailer? An IC can setup almost anywhere, as can most of the command staff.
Now a communications trailer/vehicle is another story. Sure is nice to have radios and antennas already wired for sound. Park the beast and be on the air in less than 10 minutes. That beats the heck out of grabbing all the gear you need, finding a place to set it up in whatever borrowed facility you find yourself in, commiserate in heat or cold because the antenna cables had to be run through a window or door. Yeah, I'll take a trailer or truck any day.
Something similar to this would be great: http://fireops.com/aviationtrailer.html (http://fireops.com/aviationtrailer.html) It doesn't need to be one of those $300k monstrosities, just a place with all your stuff ready to go.
WOW....NBB needs one of those very very badly. Anyone want to make a donation?
Is NBB taking over the tower? >:D
Nope, but under the MOU CAP has with the EAA, our flightline supervisor must be out on 9/27 over watching the cadets and aircraft flow all day long.
As of right now, he takes up one whole van by himself. With something liked what was linked above, we could have the flight line sup listening to the ES radio freq, the ATC freq (this will also help with when they change landing direction on the runway), and listening to the TAC officer freq for emergencies with CAP people.
It would also give our cadets a closer severe weather location to head to when performing flight line duty.
Many more things we could use it for... many....