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FWD Model B 3-ton Lorry – 1917 Type Production - 1:72 Roden


Paul A H

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FWD Model B 3-ton Lorry 1917 Type Production

1:72 Roden


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Developed by the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company of Wisconsin, the Model B 3-ton lorry was quickly adapted to meet a US Army requirement for a truck able to haul artillery guns and carry a load of up to three tons. The resulting vehicle was fairly basic by modern standards, but robust enough for the role it had to fulfil. The engine and cab were placed directly over the chassis, a departure from most of its contemporaries which stuck to the traditional 'bonnet' design. Thanks to this innovation, the Model B had a larger load capacity than other trucks of comparable size and weight. Despite a modest initial order for 38 examples, demand for the type quickly grew. The UK ordered 500 vehicles before the USA had entered the Great War, and by the middle of 1917, thousands had rolled off the production line. By the end of the production run, 17,555 Model Bs had been manufactured, of which 14,473 were delivered to the US army, 3,000 to the British army, and 82 to Imperial Russia. In British Army service, the Model B was used primarily as a tractor for towing heavy artillery. Despite its agricultural appearance, some machines were still in service up until the beginning of World War II.


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This is the first new addition to Roden's range of 1:72 vehicles for a year or so, and very welcome it is to. It joins a steady stream of new kits emerging from manufacturers keen to make the most of renewed interest in the First World War, and helps to fill a gap in the market as a result. As is their custom, the kit is packed into a compact end-opening box adorned with the kind of exceptionally high quality artwork that we've come to expect from the Ukrainian manufacturer. Inside the box are two sprues of green plastic and a small decal sheet. The mouldings look very nice, with plenty of detail and just a touch of flash here and there. Construction starts with the running gear. Roden have done a good job of moulding the wheels with each individual spoke picked out in crisp detail. The axles are moulded with the differentials in place and are connected to the centre differential via a pair of drive shafts. The steering rod, leaf spring suspension units, exhaust and event the starting handle are all moulded separately. The whole thing shouldn't take long to assemble, but should look excellent once finished. Moving up, the engine and gearbox can be fitted in place, while the radiator and fuel tank are each made up of four parts. The crew compartment is next. Everything you need to build a sufficiently detailed cab is provided, including steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake. The load compartment is very simple and just begs to be filled up with kit and caboodle.

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A single example is provided for on the decal sheet, from the US Expeditionary Corps, Europe, Mid-1918, finished in olive brown. The painting notes use Vallejo colours for reference.

Conclusion

This looks to be a really neat little kit that will no doubt be even more impressive when built. The overall level of detail, including the running gear and full interior, is excellent and it will make a fine companion piece for some of the new WWII tank kits that have hit the market in the last year or so. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of
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fwd_04.jpg

A single example is provided for on the decal sheet, from the US Expeditionary Corps, Europe, Mid-1918, finished in olive brown. The painting notes use Vallejo colours for reference.

Roden say the decals are for two subjects:

  1. FWD Model B 3-ton Lorry, (1917 type production), British Army, Western Front, late 1917.
  2. FWD Model B 3-ton Lorry, (1917 type production), U.S. Expeditionary Corps, Europe, mid-1918.

Which explains the British pattern!

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