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Model T Ambulance (Early) WWI AAFS Car ICM 1:35 (35665) One of the most numerous and famous cars in the world’s history was the Model T, produced by the Ford Motor Company. These cars were widely used on all fronts during WWI. This kit is a re-release of the ambulance version, but this time the early version, so comes with an additional sprue of parts. The Model The model arrives in the usual sturdy box with a separate top sleeve with a nice artist’s representation of the vehicle on the front. Inside, within a large poly bag, are three sprues of light grey styrene, two clear sprue plus a small decal sheet. All the parts are really well moulded, with no sign of flash or other imperfections. There are a number of moulding pips, some of which are on quite fragile looking parts, so care should be taken when removing. The sprue gates attaching items like the exhaust are also quite heavy and I can see these parts breaking if you’re not careful. The build starts with the nicely detailed engine with the block and gearbox halves glued together followed by the addition of the rocker covers, fan belt, dynamo, exhaust manifold, cooling fan, cooling pipes, and other sundry items. The radiator is moulded together with the front axle and just needs the radiator grille glued to it to complete the assembly. The radiator/axle is then glued to the front of the floor pan/chassis, which is much longer than the other versions. The two part fuel tank is then assembled and fitted to the chassis, along with the engine assembly. The rear axle, drive shaft and differential are built up from only three parts and fitted to the underside of the chassis along with the two piece exhaust/silencer unit. The front and rear axle support frames are then added, as is the steering rack, and two chassis end plates. The front mudguards and running boards are attached, followed by the four wheels, each moulded as single parts are glued to the axles and the instructions move to the body work. The truck bed is basically a box, made up from the two sides, each with a three part bench structure, and the front bulkhead. The rear bulkhead is made up from upper and lower segments. The upper section has two clear windows fitted, while the lower section has three bumper sections before being glued into position. There is a seven piece stretcher that is then placed in the interior. The compartment is then glued to the chassis. The drivers compartment is then assembled from the floor, three pedals, handbrake and seat cushion. The front bulkhead, with the windscreen frame moulded integrally is fitted with the windscreen and two part battery. This assembly is then glued to the drivers assembly, which in turn glued to the chassis and fitted with the steering column and steering wheel. Each of the two part bonnet sections are fitted with grab handles, then glued together, before being fitted to the engine bay. If you’re very careful, the modeller could cut the lower section of one side of the bonnet and fold it up along the hinge line to show off the engine. Two side panels are glued to the sides, just aft of the doors, followed by two storage boxes and ledges. The drivers cab roof frame is fitted along with the roof which covers the ambulance section and the drivers section. The rolled up rear panel is fitted above the rear entrance, while there is a two part container fitted to the left hand ledge, and a storage box on the right hand ledge with the spare wheel. The two lamps are assembled and glued in place along with the two, two piece, headlights and two shovels on the left hand rear of the ledge. Decals The small decal sheet contains identification numbers and Red Cross markings for two vehicles. The three AFS vehicles are intermediate blue overall with a khaki roof. Model T Ambulance 141850, France 1917 Model T Ambulance 43784, France, 1917 Model T Ambulance 44940, France, 1917 Conclusion This is a good looking kit and an interesting vehicle, especially with what looks like a ridiculous overhang of the stretcher compartment from the rear wheels. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of