1/48 RNZAF Chev C15A

[30sqnatc]

When I saw this photo on the RNZAF Museum on-line photo site I was rather confused as it was not a vehicle I had seen in NZ service in Pacific. Members of a website that specialises in Canadian military vehicles identified it as a 1941 Chev 15cwt, No 12 cab with a 2B1 steel body.

PR1438.t5e97619e.m600.xN9z-R01C by tankienz, on Flickr

I realised that I had a resin kit with a No 11 cab that can easily be turned into a No 12 cab and I was able to identify key details and dimensions of the vehicle so this built began. The chassis is an Airfix Bedford MWD, the same one I used for my earlier RNZAF Chev C8 truck (in the background) which had a No 13 cab.

fullsizeoutput_1896 by tankienz, on Flickr

[30sqnatc]

fullsizeoutput_1899 by tankienz, on Flickr

Chassis has now been extended to get wheelbase correct.

The canvas cover from Airfix Bedford MW was assembled then split into four pieces the slices were inserted form a second kit to increase width and length. I just looked at the prototype photo and realised to front canvas was not fitted so it will be removed from the model once everything has dried and is a bit stronger.

Cargo body scratchbuilt.

[tbf25o4]

Those trucks were colloquially known as "maple leaf chevs" and many saw service with the NZ Army especially in North Africa and Itlay I can remember my father referring to them on several occasions
as he was a driver/mechanic with 1st Ammunition Coy

[30sqnatc]

Thanks for that. Your correct that cab variant were far more prevalent in Middle East/Italian service but other than the gun tractor version, the No 11/12 cab didn't seem to be very common in NZ. In fact I've only ever seen a photo one other in RNZAF service and that is this F60 at war time Rongatai (I think). Actually I must check the number plate symbol to identify the year. EDIT I checked the plate. With the assumption it is a black plate and the symbol between the numbers is a diamond placed in bottom position the plate is for the period 1941-1945. The only later dark colour plate with symbol at the bottom is 1951-56 which seems too late. I also just realised the truck is fitted with sand tyres so must have been smuggled back from the desert.

MT 041 by tankienz, on Flickr

[30sqnatc]

Fuel tanks and stowage box behind cab added.

fullsizeoutput_189a by tankienz, on Flickr

[30sqnatc]

Well something went wrong as the cab developed a very noticeable list to port so had to be levered off the chassis and a packing added to the left side chassis rail. Now everything is nicely lined up.

fullsizeoutput_189b by tankienz, on Flickr

[30sqnatc]

Final pieces being added this weekend.

fullsizeoutput_18a0 by tankienz, on Flickr

[30sqnatc]

Just the windscreen and some markings to add before weathering

fullsizeoutput_18aa by tankienz, on Flickr

[30sqnatc]

Well I though I would be reporting the build was finished after adding roundels and weathering last night unfortunately when I was spraying matt finish I got the windscreen so it will need replacing.

fullsizeoutput_18c6 by tankienz, on Flickr