RNZAF 1/35 Land Rover Crash Fire Appliance

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In the 1970-80s the RNZAF had a number of 3/4 ton Land Rovers configured as crash fire appliances fitted with foam equipment. Starting with an Italeri Rover I'm going to build one. There are now numerous photos of them in the RNZAF Museum photo collection. With their individual radio callsigns it appears that there were at least nine vehicles spread across the four air bases. When you look at the photos in detail you realise there are numerous minor differences almost between each appliance although I believe some were changed configuration as time went on. This photo from the museum collection shows one with fold down body sides while roller side doors seem to be more common.

0571F4F9-7EB4-4E5E-860F-DA02EB7CD02E by tankienz, on Flickr

F0E1479F-F90B-4478-A458-C7062F248B89 by tankienz, on Flickr

The kit represents a Series 3 Rover which must be backdated to a Series 2A. It also needs a hardtop cab. Luckily I have a resin single cab roof when when straightened out, should fit nicely.

2280E6C0-25CA-40D0-9009-28D7941F2326_1_201_a by tankienz, on Flickr

Key in the Series 3 to 2A change is changing the radiator grill. Original grill filed off, three sections cut out to cool the radiator and new etch grill added.

8B4AC463-5546-4955-8640-C0093B86300A_1_201_a by tankienz, on Flickr

[30sqnatc]

Basic kit structure assembled and resin after market cab has been warned up and largely bent back into shape. Layers and layers of putty put onto the kits rear canvas roof. Now sanded smooth its ready to act as the metal rear body roof.



As I had no plastic tube even close to the diameter of the foam system cylinders I turned a hardwood broom handle down to the right diameter in a lathe.

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Replacement resin wheels arrived from BNA in Melbourne. The correct tread pattern looks great. I just need to drill out axle holes.