Tim’s Airfix 1/35 Austin K2/Y Ambulance .

[Tim Marlow]

I was speaking to a professional restorer of classic vehicles the other day at a classic car show, who finished a 1:1 K2 last year. He told me that the windscreens were openable, and for desert use they were supplied with canvas screens to keep the sand and sun out when the screen was open. The driver's side canvas screen had a black mesh panel inserted so the driver could see out but the amount of sand that could blow in was limited.
Pete

Drivers side was openable Pete, the other side doesn’t have a hinge. It’s quite common in commercial vehicles of that period. In Alex, Katy is driven with the window open almost all the time (probably to show the actors) and the painted panel opens with the screen……. I haven’t been able to find a period photo with the side netting screens in place…..and only one with the painted screens. Being as she isn’t fitted with doors, the dust would have got in past the canvas sides fairly easily I’d think

[Tim Marlow]

Looking good Tim.

I have to admit that the decals provided with the modern Airfix kits I've built in last year went down much easier than the decals on the ICM models I've built. I've only built about 6 models in total so not too many to compare but I definitely noticed a big difference in those two companies.

Cheers Mike.

[stillp]

Drivers side was openable Pete, the other side doesn’t have a hinge. It’s quite common in commercial vehicles of that period. In Alex, Katy is driven with the window open almost all the time (probably to show the actors) and the painted panel opens with the screen……. I haven’t been able to find a period photo with the side netting screens in place…..and only one with the painted screens. Being as she isn’t fitted with doors, the dust would have got in past the canvas sides fairly easily I’d think

Probably there were various differnt versions Tim.
Pete

[scottie3158]

That looks really good the decals have brought it to life.

[Tim Marlow]

That looks really good the decals have brought it to life.

Cheers Scottie. It’s very like an aircraft build to be honest. The decals bring those to life as well……

[Steve-the-Duck]

Ah, so THAT'S what the divisional sign on the muguard looks like, not covered by dirt and the rolls for unditching in 'lce Cold'

[Tim Marlow]

Ah, so THAT'S what the divisional sign on the muguard looks like, not covered by dirt and the rolls for unditching in 'lce Cold'

Yep, fairly decent shot of it here…no idea what the unit is though. Answers on a postcard…..

I’ve got to make the unditching rolls and tow rope once I’ve finished the kit.

[Guest]

Progressing well Tim.

[adt70hk]

Tim,

That's coming on beautifully. As you say those decals do bring it to life.

Like you I find new Airfix decals to be superb. Tamiya could take a lesson or three on that front!

[adt70hk]

Yep, fairly decent shot of it here…no idea what the unit is though. Answers on a postcard…..
[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1194669[/ATTACH]
I’ve got to make the unditching rolls and tow rope once I’ve finished the kit.

Had a quick look Tim..... Couldn't find anything online either and even the usually reliable Scalemates doea not have any info....

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/airfix-a1375-austin-k2-y-ambulance--1325020

[Steve-the-Duck]

I found one post on a forum showing the insignia and, with the usual internet rectitude, that it's the badge of the 9th Australian division, at Tobruk

Except it's NOT because , believe it or not, the 9th symbol is a platypus over a boomerang
Yes, really

I'm beginning to think it's a badge made up for the film.
BTW APPARENTLY also 'real' Katys had a 4 ton bridge disc, but Katy herself is 5 ton because of the 4X4 chassis
Not sure I believe that though. I mean, why have a weight 'correct' badge for a film? It's like you can't believe stuff you see online...

[Tim Marlow]

Progressing well Tim.

Cheers John.

[Tim Marlow]

Tim,

That's coming on beautifully. As you say those decals do bring it to life.

Like you I find new Airfix decals to be superb. Tamiya could take a lesson or three on that front!

Many thanks Andrew. Glad you like it.

[Tim Marlow]

Had a quick look Tim..... Couldn't find anything online either and even the usually reliable Scalemates doea not have any info....

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/airfix-a1375-austin-k2-y-ambulance--1325020

Cheers Andrew. I don’t think they’ll be too hard to scratch up. Just wire and tape for the mats I think.

[Tim Marlow]

I found one post on a forum showing the insignia and, with the usual internet rectitude, that it's the badge of the 9th Australian division, at Tobruk

Except it's NOT because , believe it or not, the 9th symbol is a platypus over a boomerang
Yes, really

I'm beginning to think it's a badge made up for the film.
BTW APPARENTLY also 'real' Katys had a 4 ton bridge disc, but Katy herself is 5 ton because of the 4X4 chassis
Not sure I believe that though. I mean, why have a weight 'correct' badge for a film? It's like you can't believe stuff you see online...

The Airfix decal schemes are set up as 5 ton for the desert, but 4 ton for Europe? They don’t have the film vehicle as an option. Restored vehicles show this as well, but they may be copying the film.