Outback ambo

History

Two census codes covered them — 6028D, and 6028E with a winch — and REMLR's register lists 66 examples, almost all 1968–69 builds.

The Fitted With Stretcher Frame trucks were neither. The rails could be stowed against one side so the tailgate still opened and the tray still worked as a tray. Two census codes covered the fitment: 6028D for the standard truck and 6028E for the winch version. REMLR's register lists 66 vehicles between them — 62 coded 6028D and four 6028E — of which 65 are Gen 2A and one a 1961 Gen 2. Disposals run from 1972 through to 1991. Markings were inconsistent to the point of being a poor identifier. REMLR, which in 2026 published the first page dedicated to the type and notes that its photographs are 'quite rare', records four distinct treatments among the handful of known in-service images: a red cross in a white circle on both doors; the same plus one on the rear passenger side of the bonnet; crosses on the canopy sides just aft of the front doors; and no visible markings at all. Paint followed the fleet. A small number of Gen 2 and 2A specialist vehicles — ambulances, workshops, gunbuggies — survived long enough to be repainted into the three-colour olive drab, tan and black camouflage of the late 1980s, but there is no evidence any FWSF truck did. Survivors are thin. REMLR's register notes ARN 172-484 ('Aggie') as restored in 1991–92, ARN 172-511 as a paddock find in a member's hands, one chassis sold on eBay in 2007, and several vehicles passing through the Bandiana and Mt Claremont disposal auctions of 1989–91.