Landmaster

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For other uses, see Landmaster (disambiguation).
Promotional picture of the Landmaster from Damnation Alley
Promotional picture of the Landmaster from Damnation Alley

The Landmaster is a unique 12-wheeled amphibious articulated vehicle constructed by Dean Jefferies for the 1977 science fiction film Damnation Alley. While the film is fiction, the Landmaster vehicle itself is real, and functions as shown in the film. All 12 wheels are driven, but due to the tri-star design, only 8 are normally in contact with the road surface at any one time. The Landmaster cost $300,000 to build in 1976.

In the film, it is said that the Landmaster was designed to use as many standard truck parts as possible, and that any junkyard would have whatever was needed for repairs. Actual parts used included the rear-ends of two big trucks, an Allison automatic truck transmission, and a 391-Ford industrial engine. The steering used hydraulics to bend the center-joint of the vehicle since the wheels do not turn in the normal 'steering' sense.

Three independent drive sources running from a gasoline power plant. Uses semi truck parts in the drive train. Can operate with the front or rear wheel trinary out of commission. Side and top hatches on the main unit and rear and top on the after section. Full running lights and brake lights for urban street use. External video camera is mounted on the forward pylon located just behind the front top hatch. Could also house the antenna. All pylons are hardened and armored. Can operate in water and will remain sealed when fully submerged. Can float while half full of water.[1]

A staple of Southern California car culture for many years (since the Landmaster was parked in full view next to Dean Jefferies' automotive shop on Cahuenga Boulevard in North Hollywood, California from 1977 to 2005). The Landmaster is currently undergoing restoration, and is on the showcar circuit.

[edit] Also used in

  • Get A Life (1990) – the “Paperboy 2000” episode.
  • A.P.E.X. (1994) – a time travel movie.
  • Hybrid (1997) – a post-apocalyptic movie.
  • Dino Island pre-ride video – Sony MovieGlide Theatre
  • A television commercial for Amoco titled The Road Worrier.[citation needed]
  • The Music video "The wild and the Young" by Quiet Riot (1986)

It is often misreported that the vehicle featured in Ark II was the Landmaster.

[edit] Sources

  1. ^ Scagnetti, Jack. "Landmaster". Popular Science (March, 1977). 
2. McComb, Gordon; J. Steven York. "Automotive Fantasies—And The Men Who Make Them". 
3. "CB Supercar: The Incredible Landmaster". CB Guide: 12–15. 

[edit] External links


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