Jeff's Dodge WC54 Ambulance***Finished***

[jssel]

Here is my build subject. It will coorespond with a "Services to Armed Forces" display in my office.

The Kit: The Testors/Italeri/Peerless kit.





The innards:



The decals:



Reviews I have read indicate a good build but the decals split apart. So.....Micro Super Film will be brushed on the sheet for protection.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Not sure about the kit, but the vehicle is iconic .... Good choice !

[splash]

That looks a good subject.

Regards Splash

[lancfan]

Although it first appeared in WW2 it will always be remembered in Korean guise from the M*A*S*H film and TV series.


David.

[Chris]

That kit has been redone a lot of times, it was originally a Peerless max kit.

[jssel]

The chassis work is done. After a little test fitting, all the pieces went in the right places without a hitch. There is a "gazillion" knock-out tab spots scattered all over the parts. Via the test fit operation some you will see and some not. So a spot of filler was added as you can see.




Pressing on between work stuff.

[jssel]

Progressing nicely I do believe.

Overview:



The seats had massive sink holes to fill. Or maybe it is just bad springs. Whatever. I have decided to put tissue paper over the seat cushions to cover things up plus add cloth texture.

Gear shifter, brake handle and 4x4 (?) selector added to cab interior. Time to break out the OD paint.

[Molly-new]

I have decided to put tissue paper over the seat cushions to cover things up plus add cloth texture.

Looking forward to seeing how this comes out, as it is a new technique to me.

[Dirkpitt289]

Very cool. Reminds me of the TV show M*A*S*H*

[jssel]

Progress is still being made. On call this weekend so hopfully this will put me on the bench since I can not roam to far today.

Overview:



Interior work is painted. The Dodge WC54 was first and foremost a weapons carrier so the basic chassis and interior of the cab is OD. I know most will pick up on the WC meanng weapons carrier. Now the inside portion of the ambulance version has been documented as either OD or white. Instructions state white and restored versions show both. Jury is still out on which color I will go with.

Drivers and Passengers seats:



Chip asked about the technique using tissue. The original seats were molded with deep pleats and that caused even deeper sink marks from the molding process. After filling and sanding I covered the seats with tissue pieces.

First the tissue is cut to match. Along with that a solution of white glue and water is mixed roughly 50-50. The tissue is placed on the seat. Using a hairy stick, soak the tissue with the solution and allow to dry overnight. It will harden and cover tightly the offending area. Carefully trim the edges and touch up with a sanding stick. You now have a seat that looks covered in fabric or duck. A coat of Khaki paint should finis it up.

Restored versions show either a duck covered seat or leather/vinyl colored in brown. Flip a coin I guess. Don't want to get to hung up on this.

[splash]

Nice work on the seats.

Regards Splash

[AndrewR]

Yes great work.

I use the same technique with the tissue to make bedrolls and stowage in 1/76. I've also wrapped tissue round small squares of plastic card to make backpacks and satchels.

Cheers

Andrew

[ntrocket88]

Looking good so far. The seats look terrific!

[ShaunW]

Great work Jeff, the Dodge really is an iconic vehicle. I'm also an enthusiast for the tissue technique for seats, tilts, bedrolls etc.

[jssel]

Pretty good weekend on the bench. Beautiful weather. Summer finally arrived. Yard work done and a fair amount of bench time.

Overviews:





Pretty happy with the undercarriage. Washes and dry brushing will finish this off. Put on a couple of "scabs" due to some fit issues but happy that all fours touch the ground evenly.



Now it is time to put the ambulance bits on.