Airfix 1/35 Austin K2/Y Ambulance

[Ratch]

Stage 12 fits to inner and outer roof skins.

The doors are fitted at this stage, but as I want the doors open I shall return to this stage after applying the decals. I could see gaps around the roof parts, so employed rubber bands to hold everything as closely together as possible while the glue set.

I still had to fill gaps with Plastic Putty and re-touch the paintwork.

[Ratch]

At stage 13 we assemble and fit storage boxes to the underside of the bodywork.



[Ratch]

We then secure the body to the chassis at stage 14.



[Topcat_Ern]

Coming along nicely there Ratch. Noting your trials and tribulations with the stretcher brackets. I tend to paint as much on the sprue as I can so may deviate after your warning. Have sourced No.61 and No.64 from the Vallejo range now, so almost ready to start mine.

Andy

[Ken Innes]

i REALLY want this in 1/72 scale.

Randall

Would 1/76 be closse enough? You should be able to find one somewhere (Airfix might even re-release it as part of their "Vintage Classic" range.

[Ratch]

Stage 15 adds the rear mudguards.



[Ratch]

Stage 16 offers a choice of folded or deployed rear step. I chose to fit the deployed (straight) option.



[Ratch]

Stage 17 is a little odd in that while the radiator is included, the upper part of the engine is not.

Maybe it was omitted as the bonnet cannot be posed open without significant surgery.

I brushed Vallejo Game Color 73201 Black Wash over the radiator grille.

[Ratch]

I added the photo-etched roof ventilator frames.



[Ratch]

The cab steps, wing mirrors and folded canvas doors are added at stage 18, though I shall fit the canvas doors at the end.



[Ratch]

Stage 19 offers the choice of plain or louvred headlights. Katy was fitted with the louvred type. Sidelights and bumper bar are also added.



[Ratch]

I added the bridge plate and two Red Cross roundel plates. Apart from the doors the build is complete.

[Ratch]

I open sprayed Vallejo Model Air 71028 Sand Yellow to give a little variation in tone over the body and then the whole was airbrushed with Klear to provide a gloss surface for the decals. A gloss surface will eliminate silvering, and the decals will appear to be painted on.

[Ratch]

I applied the decals using Microset and Microsol liquids. These certainly aren’t Cartograf decals; they are very thin and quickly loosen from the backing sheet. Being thin, the larger ones tend to wrinkle and fold. I had difficulty with the biggest red cross that requires positioning over the roof vents. I feared it would tear but with liberal application of softener managed to place it – not for the faint hearted. They also stick quickly and resist sliding into position. 

When dried I painted the roof vents red.

[Ratch]

I brushed Mig Productions 00245 Filter 1506 - Brown Filter for Dark Green all over, thinning with white spirit. I then airbrushed matt varnish with a drop of Klear added. I could then fit the doors.

Like all new Airfix tools the tolerances are very fine. The naked styrene goes together perfectly, but the addition of paint can lead things astray. Overall, I have been impressed by this kit. I would certainly build another given the lessons I have learnt.

[Ratch]

Thanks Rod, not seen pictures of Katy with bullet holes. I did add four figures from spares. They may not be accurate portrayals of John Mills, Anthony Quayle, Harry Andrews, and Sylvia Syms, but I hope they add to the ambience.

[DoubleD]

Excellent workclap - although vehicles aren't usually my thing I'll certainly consider making one of these

[Ratch]

Excellent workclap - although vehicles aren't usually my thing I'll certainly consider making one of these

Thanks, I'm sure you'd enjoy it.

[Mr Waynee]

Mmmm, if only in 1:48 scale. Still, a nice kit and a good build sequence.

[Ratch]

Cheers

[Richard Ansell1707820248]

I ordered ambulance and beer glass kit arrived o time use glass regularly kit OK not the best one airfix have produced plus for price I think paints good be included

[you]

Yes please, Aifix, 1:48 scael K2

[barry lawson]

Well, well done Airfix!

A kit that's a little different.

We all love the planes or ships or armour, but us oldies are probably grateful for a change.

I've just started building it, having just made the version from Gecko.

It's a pleasantly easy build, yet with plenty of detail and options.

I wonder if a second version might appear, such as Gecko have done, with some slightly different parts.

Everyone has ideas of what Airfix should make next, so following on from the K2Y, maybe in the same scale, airfield fire engine? Fuel tanker?

Personally, I'd love some emergency vehicles from the 1950s to 1980s. Could be a great collection, 1/35 Bedford Ambulance, Dennis Fire Engine, Rover Police Car, lots of options.

Make a change from khaki.

[Ratch]

A small vignette with Airfix's 1/35 Austin K2 Ambulance

[SD45elect2000]

I have to admit that this scale does photograph well….

Randall