1:72 U.S. Ambulance + Towing Tractor

American ambulance and airfield tow tractor (1:72, Academy)

An injection-molded plastic kit in 1:72 scale from Academy, from its ground equipment line, which brings an American military ambulance and an airfield tow tractor with a trailed cart together in one box. The box contains the parts for both vehicles, a decal sheet and assembly instructions.

The real subject

The American ambulance on the Dodge chassis (the WC series) was one of the typical vehicles of the US Army medical service in the Second World War; it carried the wounded from the front to rear-area facilities and, thanks to all-wheel drive, coped with rough ground too. The airfield tow tractor served to handle aircraft, ammunition and materiel on airfields and to move trailers and carts. Both vehicles fill in the less conspicuous but indispensable rear-area and logistic side of the war.

Building and painting tips

Clean up the small parts of both vehicles carefully. Paint the interiors and the chassis before you close the bodies. Finish the ambulance complete with its body and any stretchers. The base is US Olive Drab; a dark wash will deepen the panel grooves and a dry brush will pull out the edges. On the ambulance the Red Cross markings from the decals will stand out - leave the surrounding area cleaner. Dust and mud pigments on the chassis and the tires will give a convincing patina; the airfield tow tractor may carry traces of oil and wear from use.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of American rear-area and logistic equipment of the Second World War in 1:72 scale.
• For builders of dioramas with a field dressing station or an airfield.
• For modelers who will appreciate two different vehicles in one box.

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