AN EMERGENCY IN WARTIME
write hoping that you can advise me. I am looking for a 1/76 scale model, preferably a kit, with opening rear doors, of an Austin K2/Y World War II ambulance. I need three, to complete a cameo on my railway layout, together with my ambulance train. I know there was suitable Airfix one (Series 2, code no 02304-5, cat no A230V), but I have been unable to locate any. Do you know of any others?
PeterNelson,Barcelona
IED Ah yes, the marvellous RAF Emergency set by Airfix. There was a re-run a couple of years ago, numbered A03304, but Airfix itself is sold out and its website recommends that you check retail stockists. There are always a few up on ebay too. In terms of diecast, the closest I can find in that scale is the Austin ATV (pictured) by Oxford Diecast. With a little plasticard tweaking and some judicious use of modelling tools to cut and set the doors open, this might make a suitable alternative. There are several castings, some with roof-mounted bells and ladders too – just search for Austin ATV on Oxford’s website at www.oxforddiecast. co.uk.
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As the title suggests, this is the companion volume to the earlier book that covered all the American cars that have been made by Brooklin Models over the years, and this new one covers the Lansdowne Collection of British cars, the Robeddie range of Scandinavians, and the new “Italian Design” series that encompasses recent commercial commissions of models of cars from the Alfa Romeo Museum, miniature steering wheels of famous historic Maseratis, and models of Riva speedboats.
Like Volume 1, it is beautifully presented, printed on high-quality paper, and is very well-illustrated with top-quality colour photographs throughout. The first main section, of 98 pages, covers the Lansdowne range, and comprises the individual listing of every model in the range and all of its variants. The details for each include production dates, quantities of limited editions, a description of the original vehicle and, frequently, notes regarding the model itself, plus every variant is photographed.
Following this is a subsection covering the series of special models made for collectors‘ clubs, box designs used over the years, and also the British cars in Brooklin’s own I.P.V. (International Police Vehicles) and Rod 43 street rods ranges. Next come summary lists of the Lansdowne range in both model order and in order of vehicle manufacturer.
The Robeddie range of Volvos and Saabs is next, with similar comprehensive treatment for each model, and with a summary listing once again. This section covers a further 46 pages. Finally comes the Italian Collection series, again with each item well-described and illustrated.
If you’re a serious Lansdowne or Robeddie enthusiast, this book is an essential addition to your bookshelf. But once you’ve opened it, be warned, it will be hard to put down!