It’s already 20 years since the Amphi-Ranger was first released by RMA in Rheinau. This was an amphibious vehicle that set new standards, its off road and sea going abilities and its comfort is still unequalled in amphibian technology. The Amphi-Ranger provides both pleasure and fun but it should not be forgotten that this is a hand made vehicle, each one is unique. The maintenance is complicated, finding spare parts is difficult and there are several other technical problems. It has been 10 years since RMA stopped producing the Amphi-Ranger so the problem of getting spare parts is getting more difficult. It won’t be long before RMA stop supplying spares altogether. It is now time for the Amphi-Ranger owners all over the world to unite and solve these problems. The exchange of information and experience amongst owners will be helpful when working on the vehicles and when trying to find special parts. This will also mean that this uncommon hobby will be more fun. This page will hopefully start the foundation for an Amphi-Ranger interest group (German: „Interessengemeinschaft Amphi-Ranger“ (IGAR)). The idea is not to establish an exclusive club, but a forum for Amphi-Ranger owners to meet each other, exchange information, share problems and have some fun. I would call it an Amphi-Ranger friends group without any obligation. But of course such a group can only be successful if each member becomes involved.
The three step plan for IGAR:
1. Becoming aquainted with each other.
All IGAR members will get an IGAR members address list. The members
have to agree that their name and address can be forwarded to the other
members. Such a list enables the members to contact each other. The address
list will also include an E-mail address list, this will be explained later
on. This list must not be forwarded to non-IGAR members. You can only become
an IGAR member if you own, operate, maintain, restore, or repair an Amphi-Ranger,
or if you are somehow closely involved with this vehicle. In this last
case the majority of IGAR members have to agree to the membership.
2. Information exchange and making an alternative spare parts list.
It should be a natural consequence of point 1 that a spare parts
list and the exchange of A.R. information will be the starting point. After
that an alternative spare parts list could be started and a summary of
the members knowledge. Every member will be requested to share his knowledge
about which part of what car is fitted where on the A.R. and where is the
best place to get this part. All this information will be listed in a spare
parts list and will be available for all members at any time. It may also
be possible in the future for IGAR members to purchase cheaper spare parts
by placing collective orders.
3. United fun.
Again this is a natural consequence of points 1 and 2. Of course there
will be less day to day problems with the A.R. due to the exchange of information
and experience, but also communication within the group will advance friendships.
Meetings and A.R. events may become a reality in future.
The internet seems to be ideal as a media and communication platform
because everybody has internet access and A.R. owners are spread all around
the world. The internet is simple, cheap, fast, reliable and gives you
the possibility of sending your questions and information to all
IGAR members at the same time in a group E-mail. Each member will get an
E-mail list and this will be updated whenever necessary. E-mails will be
written in English and probably partly in German because a lot of the A.R’s
remain in the country where they were produced.
Since I am the initiator of IGAR, I am happy to do the address list,
the spare parts list and to fulfill any tasks relating to starting IGAR.
If there is anyone who would like to take over the organization of IGAR,
I would be happy to pass it on and offer any support required. It is not
my intention to take on a leadership role, I am just interested in getting
IGAR started. IGAR can only exist if its members make the effort and get
involved. Any additional ideas and propositions are welcome.
We are already up to 10 members with 11cars. So if you like to join us, please send an email to amphicar@gmx.de and receive the membership form. By the way, membership is free. It is not your money we want, it is your experience.
United we float,
René Pohl.
