The base vehicle is a 2000 Nissan Xterra. Attached to the front and rear bumper mounts, side foot rail, frame, and the factory 2"tubular roof rack; is a steel exoskeleton that completely surrounds the vehicle. The entire vehicle is covered with salvaged and recycled fiberboard panels painted in a military appearance. The rear part of the vehicle has panels attaced to the exoskeleton that appear as a 'brick and mortar'drivethru espresso stand. These panels are re-used from last year's "Kantina Apokiliptika' sign at 2:30 & A. The Tactical Espresso Service armored vehicle appears to have been driven thru a ubiquitious parking lot espresso stand, ripped it from the foundation and is hauling it across the playa. The exoskeleton also supports a roof mounted turret/platform with a swiveling flame effect and room for 2 passengers; generator/s, and lighting. Integral with the exoskeleton is a safety railing. Access to and from the roof is by a steel 'gobi'style ladder mounted to the rear hatch, or climbing down the exoskeleton in an emergency. The turret mounted flame effect looks like a 20mm Oerlikon Antiaircraft gun. It is fed from a 5 gallon propane tank with 1/4 turn valve,rated hose, two steel 5# CO2 extinguisher tanks as accumulators, sch 80 or Parker hydraulic plumbing. In front of the turret are mounted spotlight, periscope, replica missles, snorkles, a low frequency warning siren(sounds like '50s air raid siren). Opening the rear hatch provides access to a complete 2 group commercial espresso service on a roll out bar. This is the same equipment that was used at Espresso Camp in the 3:00 plaza 2005 - 2007. Our concept is based on a "Tactical Espresso Service" go anywhere transport with espresso machine and grinder,etc.in the back. We intend to provide the early wake-up buzz to those that are still in deep playa after sunrise, and those artists building their projects in deep playa. We will set up in a location, run Honda EU series generators to power the espresso equipment; and display an OPEN sign when ready to start serving espresso. By operating in deep playa we hope not to be overwhelmed (like we were in 3:00 plaza when ice became available there). After 3 years of operating Espresso Camp we know how to work with the food serving permit issues. We will visit art installations with work in progress to energize the artists.
Tactical Espresso Service is the tow vehicle for FOGBANK flame effect appliance, bringing sunset salutes, boom and light to the playa for 5 years. After 5 years of relying on the courtesy of other campmates to provide towing for the FOGBANK flame effect appliance, We felt it necessary to be more self reliant and create our own tow vehicle. We intend to provide the early wake-up buzz to those that are still in deep playa after sunrise, and those artists building their projects in deep playa. Seating for 4 passengers inside and 2 passengers in/on the rooftop turret allows us to transport participants between art installations and art tours.
Here are some concept ideas used to create TACTICAL ESPRESSO SERVICE. After 5 years of relying on the courtesy of other campmates to provide towing for the FOGBANK flame effect appliance, We felt it necessary to be more self reliant and create our own tow vehicle. The basis of the concept is the WW2 Field Artillery Tractor -FAT- made by Morris, Ford, and possibly others. Other vehicles of that vintage led to the vehicle design.
First set of concept sketches
turret plan is in the works
work in progress
ESPRESSO TRUCKS - MOBILE ESPRESSO SERVICE
Imagine a Field Artillery Tractor containing an espresso bar actually driving through a small espresso stand / crashing thru / driving on with the stand dragging along over the back of the Field Artillery Tractor
