Land Rover 60th anniversary - cross Australia journey
19 Aug, 2008
58 Comments 
Land Rover crosses Australia for its 60th Anniversary.
- Story by Paul Maric, photographs by Paul Maric and Land Rover.
The 1948 creation of the Land Rover Series 1 came to fruition courtesy of Maurice Wilks, who was the head designer at Rover during the late ‘40’s. Throughout the company’s 60 year history, there have been a raft of ownership changes, ranging from Rover, BMW, more recently Ford and now Tata.
Despite the sale of Land Rover to Indian industrial giant Tata, Land Rover says it is still committed to continuing the trend of capable, versatile and stylish vehicles. The sale of Land Rover to Tata is not expected to hinder the continued growth of the British marque.
Land Rover’s break into the Australian market occurred during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Around 800 Land Rovers were commissioned as the vehicles of choice by the committee responsible for the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric scheme.
Fast-forward 60 years and it’s party time. Land Rover has decided to celebrate by travelling from Birdsville in south -west Queensland, through to Broome in north Western Australia. Unlike the other manufacturer who has undertaken this journey, Land Rover will cross the country using every model in its range.
Freelander 2, Defender, Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Vogue will all play a part in this epic journey.
Leg 1 – Birdsville to Alice Springs
Day 1
The group of five journalists and several Land Rover crew, including Managing Director Roger Jory, weren’t sure what to expect of the flight from Brisbane to Birdsville.
Operated by Macair, our mode of transport was a Metro23, 19-seat twin-propeller plane. Located about 1600km west of Brisbane, Birdsville is a small town with a population of approximately 120. Birdsville’s population increases by more than 1000% during the famous Birdsville Races – held each year in September.
Our flight from Brisbane was on the mail run, so that meant making four stops along the way to Birdsville. This stretched the 1600km flight out to six and a half hours. Soon after leaving Brisbane airport, we arrived at a small town called Charleville. It wasn’t long before the mail was offloaded and we were back in the air.
Around an hour later, the second stop had us arriving at Quilpie. With a population of just 747, spread over a shire area of 67,842 square kilometres, there wasn’t all that much going on. After finally offloading mail, we jumped back into the plane, only to find the additional passenger and extra mail would mean a ‘wet takeoff’.
We were reassured that this was standard company procedure when extra weight was taken onboard. The only issue with this standard company procedure was that the plane refused to do the ‘wet takeoff’! We stumbled down a third of the runway before the takeoff was aborted. After trying two more times, we had to go back to the hanger for some bush mechanic style repairs.
After a quick fix, we were in business and on to our next stop – Windorah. We were greeted by some workers who were proud to show off the new building they had just installed at the airport, which included three toilets. It didn’t mean much to us city slickers, but it was a mighty achievement for them! It was back in the air for our final flight leg.
You can imagine our joint relief when we finally arrived to Birdsville.
Luckily the Birdsville Hotel was stocked full of beer and food, so after a bit of a refresh and cleanup, we met with the Land Rover support crew for dinner and drinks.
Location: Home / South Australia, 4WD, 4x4, Northern Territory, Land Rover, Diesel, Behind the Wheel, Queensland, Australian Car Industry News / ...
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August 19th, 2008 at 1:02 am
What an epic journey! I’ll bet your camera crew had a ball judging by those nighttime shots! How do I get invited to one of these trekks :)??
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August 19th, 2008 at 8:10 am
very well written and great pics
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August 19th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I agree. The photo’s were amazing. Would have been a blast.
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August 19th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
GREAT STORY. GREAT PICS.
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August 19th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
That is fascinating - Land Rover marketshare less than 1%
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August 19th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Hope Leg 2,3 and so on will come soon ! Can’t wait to get my own Land Rover.
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August 19th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Hope they didn’t leak too much oil in the desert.
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August 19th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Frugal One, Land Rovers are NOT unreliable anymore. Ive had my Range Rover for 5 years and a Discovery 3 for a while now and you know how many times theyve let me down? NONE! Take your stereotypes somewhere else.
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August 19th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I agree Alex……one cant make a generalised comment like that! PERIOD
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August 19th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Where has Frugal One’s comment gone? off into the great unknown parts of the net?
I guess we can’t have anti Landrover comments on a Landrover promo piece can we? Where’s the independence gone C-A? I guess its ok to fire up the debate between Holden, Ford and Toyota, but not Landrover when they take you on a cross country junket!
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August 19th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
With 0.5% market share ytd. in Australia who cares?
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August 19th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
DLr1:
His comment was useless and baseless.
There’s a massive difference between debate and idiocy.
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August 19th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
DA:
The people who buy these cars for off-roading care.
It’s a perfect example of just how capable these machines are. In my opinion it’s perfectly relevant considering their entire brand focuses on off-road capable vehicles.
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August 19th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Paul,I can’t remember the last time I saw a Range Rover in the real outback of OZ and I have done many k’s out there.DA.
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
DA:
Your point is?
They are primarily city vehicles. This expedition if anything proves that they are more than capable in the outback - that includes their entry level Freelander.
It\’s certainly a title Toyota would find impossible to match considering how dismal the Rav4 is both on and off-road.
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Touch a nerve did we Paul? The Defender, primarily a city vehicle,yeah right.Freelander sales YTD 590. RAV sales YTD 8798.How many of the drivers had beards?
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
DA, TP, FRUGAL ONE, THOMAS, MIKKA, DINGO………………all same views and all wreck this website with their way over top zealous Toyota tunnel vision.
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
DA:
Not really mate. Just stating the facts.
Then again, I wouldn’t expect any less of a Toyota dealer…
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
DA Says:
August 19th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Touch a nerve did we Paul?
NM RESPONSE…..oh so your singular narrow viewpoint is a “WE”. Would say by your attitude with big T and comments that it seems like you are a “we” as few sides to you!
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
ITS ACTUALLY….to quote you - “Touch a nerve did I Paul?”
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Iam on Paul’s side and his comments are great and so is the review!
DA….Cut the chase. DONT DRAG OTHERS INTO BACKING UP YOUR SIMPLISTIC COMMENTS AS YOUR ON YOUR OWN WITH THAT!
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
NM.OK I’ll change it to “I” Is that better?Paul. No comments on the sales “facts”Cheers boy’s.
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
And to put the reality back onto Range Rovers being sighted out bush…..ummm seen them. Obviously your Mr T glasses are jading your world and view too greatly and maybe you should live in the real world!
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
See you all later DA! OOOOCH
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August 19th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Just read whole story…..CONGRATS to Caradvice for a top read…..mixed in with top info and plenty of laughs and local triva in a refreshing vibrant way that captures the snapshot on the event great! Makes a change compared to other stories seen around net and newspapers that focus way too much on the car and too bland the story becomes! WELL DONE PAUL! WELL DONE CARADVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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August 19th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
So thats where you writers were. Good trip! Now please get back to normal service, I need my daily Caradvice fix or I curl up sweating & shivering in the corner of my office.
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August 19th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Thanks CarAdvice for a great article. It really was a cut above the usual crap you get(not on here mind you). Great pics too.
Having driven a Freelander 2 offroad I can safely say they are the mast capable compact SUV out there full stop.
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August 20th, 2008 at 1:26 am
So why don’t LR bring in the Freelander diesel with the manual gearbox - have Australians forgotten how to change gears (and don’t give me that homologation b*s)..
I just bought the Nissan X-trail TL (diesel, manual) and it is just as competent as any Freelander and has more room and dare I say it - better finished.
It will also serve as my recreational 4WD outing vehicle though not perhaps the Simpson!
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August 20th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Is there any change to purchase the Orange G4 Challange Edition Discovery 3 in Australia? It would be a dream come true.
P.S. Could Car Advice post snap more Discovery 3’s Pics in the next legs of the trip? (Just a personal favourite)
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August 20th, 2008 at 10:53 am
hardly.
my friend just bought one, ie the TTD Sahara, 500kms and already back to the dealer for a new fuel pump, constantly stalling.. See the LCOOL owners forum for how many owners have issues. While the Shara was at the dealer they also managed to damage the intercooler and boost sensor, which was not pciked up before returning to the owner who had a 4.5 litre diesel V8.. THis is a known problem since the press vehicle launch.
I’d take the Range Rover Vogue or Sport, have you seen inside the Sahara for a 110k vehicle on the road it is very bare bones.
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August 20th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
John of perth:
Does the X-trail have a plastic splash guard or metal sump guard?
Have you compared the ground clearance, approach angle and departure angle?
Does the x-trail have a 500mm wading depth?(i can’t find this info on the nissan website, you might say it’s missin?)
Will the single mode traction control fully brake a wheel when it lifts off the ground?
And most importantly, will the all mode 4×4 system pack it in and revert to 2wd when it gets hot in the sand just like the old one did?(i couldn’t find any info to say that it has been changed from the last model.
Better finished? That is a matter of opinion, I was very interested in the X-trail but couldn’t get past how cheap and nasty it felt inside to me. As for the outside, well you could be right but we’d need a calculator!
P.S. what’s a manual gearbox? :)
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August 20th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
GT2000: What is the go with the reported oil consumption issues then? Must be the fuel too? But i thought Toyota fully tested everthing for thousands of miles in aus before they release product?
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August 20th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Agree with others that this is a great article and the pics are totally brilliant. Would like to read more about how the ergonimics of the defender panned out over the distance, and also more technical critique of the freelander’s performance. Totally mercenary intentions as I’m considering buying a defender, might be too rough and rugged for the family, or a freelander, a comfortable alternative.
Looking forward to reading the following articles.
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August 20th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Shame that some wreck it for others…..why be down and that when can hold ones head high. FRUGAL ONE….your related to Dingo? You 2 seem same persona!
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August 20th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
NM, actually I think it is dingo, moonlighting under yet another name. The posts do not have F-O’s style.
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August 20th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Yeah, it has the same anger.
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August 20th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Gt2000:
Except the TDV8 in the Sport and Vogue with more power! 200kW and 650Nm of torque.
Seeeeeee yaaaaaaaaaaa!
owned.
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August 20th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
gt2000 Says:
nothing comes close to 195 kw and 650nm torque nothing
The RANGE ROVER TDV8 has 200kW of power and 640Nm of torque.
The problem with the sahara is that its features are a bit basic for the price and exterior looks are no different to a GXL cruiser. With the RANGE ROVER you get exclusivity aswell as superior offroad ability, driving dynamics and luxuary.
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August 20th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
darkwater:
The DEFENDER is the shit when it comes to crossing through and around Aus and for going bush and hardcore offroading. Heres a recent video review
(media.drive.com.au/?rid=39830)
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:48 am
Edaw
I actually did consider & drove the Freelander 2 before making my decision.
The new T-31 is a class act - go and have a look. Not really worried about 500mm wading depth - however have a look on Youtube for a clip called E-trail - petrol X-trail \’wading\’ 1000kms north of Perth.
Yes - have changed plastic sump protection to metal (aftermarket) & departure angle almost the same as Freelander.
With the manual I now average 7l/100km with the new Renault turbodiesel (6.8 @110 on c long run). Having said that I will say the Freelander\’s ZF auto is one of the nicest I have driven but unfortunately my left leg needs to work out daily!
I would have given the manual Freelander very very serious consideration.
By the way you did not mention resale value - hmmm!
John
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August 21st, 2008 at 9:54 am
Hey GT2000 in case u didn’t realise this is a Landrover thread and no one gives a shit about the block of flats on wheels(Landcruiser)LOL.
LANDCRIUSER MOTOR MUST BE A GOOD MOTOR IF IT BURNS OIL FROM NEW.LOL
300,00KLMS JUST PLUCKED OUT OF THE AIR?LOL.
TOYO TOSSERS ARE FULL OF IT.
Landcruiser engine MAY last that long but the Turbo certainly won’t.LOL.
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August 21st, 2008 at 10:17 am
Give me a Toyota anyday, they OWN the outback.
U would be MAD to buy any other brand if your heading out yonder.
Parts back up etc, Toyota by MILES
Cheers
F-0
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Just find Toyota tales amusing that’s all.
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Big Jim: Ditto where you are coming from. I’d tilt towards a defender but with a 2.2d four pot honestly I’d need a bit of convincing considering I can get a v6 4 door rubicon for the same price-ish. So at the moment I’m swaggering between a freelander2 hse petrol and the aforementioned rubicon.
Like to read what you’d comment, and anyone else out there but please I don’t get that feeling so toyo’s need not apply.
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August 21st, 2008 at 9:50 pm
John of perth:
Resale: don’t buy a new Land Rover, that is only for rich people ;)
Having said that, the D3 and RR sport are holding up very well. Time will tell on the Freelander 2.
Also, the freo box is Aisin, not ZF.
I think the main reason they didn’t bring out the manual is they would have to make it cheaper, hence less profit… Always remember theyAll manufactures, not just LR) are in the business of making money first, making cars second.
Enjoy your X-Trail, one of only 2 soft roaders not made for girls.
GT2000:
More toyota lovers blindness.
Engineering?
KDSS, like usual, Toyota are only 10 years late to the party. Active cornering enhancement on D2 in 98, was more advanced than KDSS. These days it is called Dynamic response on the RR sport. Even with KDSS it still handles like a pig(compared to a RRsport anyway).
6 speed auto that only uses 5 of the 6 gears, very well engineered. Doesn’t even have a proper manual selection.
You also forgot height adjustable fully independent, cross linked air suspension, terrain response, cornering headlamps, active locking centre and rear diff,where is all this on the you beut well engineered sahara? Oh, that’s right, they have crawl control so the caravaners don’t go over the speed limit in the caravan parks :0
Now all this probably wouldn’t bother me except for one thing. Toyota continue to charge top dollar for an inferior product, 85k for a GXL and no seat height adjustment, give me a break!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:42 am
edaw well the australian public disagree with you! you still have to wait for any model sahara and turbo vx and gxl are still up to 3 months wait and landcruiser wagon still has 75% market share! to dear and inferior i dont think so!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
But DingGt.002 thats only because yoy have to get in line behind the fleet buyers.
Oh what a fleet market….Toyota
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Realcars,
Toyota just love propaganda parrot talking sheep like you.
Some people prefer to be an individual rather than buy what the sheep next door bought.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I swear it wasn’t me!!!LOL.
…and i agree with u Bret!
They always talk resale. Apparently Toyota buyers are already thinking about selling their Toyota before they buy it.LOL.
If u get more for a Toyota at trade in time it is only because u pay more for it to start with. And don’t they sting with the options and that’s apart from the fact that new Toyota prices can vary by thousands from dealer to dealer for an identical spec vehicle.
I guess some Toyota buyers just get riped off more than others.LOL.
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August 27th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Refer to photo 22 of the photo gallery, that is us folks crossing the Simpson Desert in our 10 year old unmodified Land Rover Discovery’s. They didn’t miss a beat, we covered over 6000 kms from start of trip to finish and had a ball. These vehicles are made for this sort of work. Your photo’s are great, I should have taken a polarised filter!
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August 27th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
darkwater:
Freelander with its quality advanced 6spd command shift transmission that does 0-100kph in 8.9 seconds (0-60mph 8.4) aswell as being economical on the fuel would have to be the pick. WHereas the rubicon with its 4spd (if your going auto) is a bit sluggish and hard on fuel.
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August 28th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Big Jim:
Smack-on there with transmissions, also rubicons thirst has always been a major consideration. Standing at a pedestrian crossing yesterday a 4-door wrangler drove past (so it’s going to be a 2007 model), not sure if the driver has been servicing it regularly or it’s just been flogged to buggery, but all the wrong noises were coming from the engine bay. Sounded half a dozen rasps heading down a long metal slide. I’m earing on the side of lack of service or as some seem to think that a 4bie is just as cabable on the road as a beamer.
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August 28th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
darkwater:
yeah the 3.2L i6 in the freelander is highly rated with good high torque.
“The DEFENDER is the shit when it comes to crossing through and around Aus and for going bush and hardcore offroading.”
^^^by that I mean its good. The 300 tdi equiped DEFENDER Im used to, has a top speed of about 135, that would be my only slight gripe. However its the type of indestructible engine that just keeps on going (a hard 310 000km without a problem). It cruises effortlessly at the speed limit. The new 4 would have to be better.
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August 28th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Big Jim:
If it was just me, myself, and I, a defender would be the only consideration - out asap smack down money for factory fitted modifications. However, I’ve got to tow a family of girls so comfort (road noise, egonomics etc) needs to be considered.
Believe me, I would really love a defender. Pity they don’t provide the swb. Could get that for fun.
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August 28th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Darkwater:
Post how the test driving and eventual purchase goes, Im interested to know. You should be able to talk them down a fair bit.
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August 28th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Big Jim:
Thank you for your interest and advice. I’m looking at a minimum of 6 to 12 month purchase time for either a defender or disco3, so please don’t hang on my post. When it comes around I’ll post on whatever forum associated with this or following articles or even on this site’s car review for the defender or disco3. Either way I’m getting a rattler. Sod a petrol - top end performance but bugger all down low where you need it when you need it for how long you need it.
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August 28th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Darkwater:
With the current new car market conditions- dealers doing alot of heavy discounting, its quite possible to get a big discount on a Discovery 4.0 V6 SE or the TDV6 Auto S.
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September 16th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Edaw: “Enjoy your X-Trail, one of only 2 soft roaders not made for girls.” Do you honestly think girls can’t drive offroad? Or are you saying LR and Nissan made vehicles purely for men?
GT2000: Just because something is popular, doesn’t make it good. Take Top 40 music, AFL, Neighbours for eg… Very popular, doesn’t make them good though.
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