1:35 German Bedford MW 4x2 Beutewagen

Bedford MW 4x2 Beutewagen 1:35 - a kit from Gecko Models

An injection molded plastic kit of a light truck in 1:35 scale from the maker Gecko Models. The package captures the British Bedford MW in the form in which it served in German hands after being captured - the German term Beutewagen means a captured vehicle. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted, and cement for plastic, paints and basic modeling tools are needed to finish it.

The real subject

The Bedford MW was a British light truck of the 15 cwt class with drive on one axle, built from the end of the 1930s. It was among the most widespread British utility vehicles of the Second World War and existed in a range of forms - from the ordinary cargo version through tankers to trucks with special bodies. A great deal of British equipment fell into enemy hands after the fighting in France and in North Africa and went on being used in its original form, usually only with new markings and the original camouflage covered over. It is exactly such trucks that are interesting for a modeler through the combination of British design and a different finish.

Building and painting tips

Assemble and paint the chassis, the axles and the frame before the body covers them. Finish the cab, including the interior, before closing it up. On captured vehicles it pays to work in layers - let the original shade show through under the new coat in places, or use a chipping technique. At the end add a wash in the hollows and dust or mud pigments, most of all on the wheels, the fenders and the lower areas.

Who the model is for

• Builders of dioramas with occupied and captured vehicles
• Collectors of British utility vehicles in 1:35 scale
• Modelers who want to practice multilayer finishes and chipping
• Moderately advanced modelers with experience of military vehicles

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.