Chevrolet C60S with Holmes Breakdown - 1:72 IBG Models

[Paul A H]

Chevrolet C60S with Holmes Breakdown Cabs 11 and 13

1:72 IBG Models

 

 

The Canadian Military Pattern truck was a class of vehicles produced by Ford, Chevrolet/GM and Dodge to a British Army specification. The trucks were used by Britain and her Commonwealth allies in almost every theatre of war from the time of the truck's introduction in 1940. By the end of the War, over half a million examples had been built, accounting for around two-thirds of all military vehicle production in Canada during the period. The most commonly produced sub-variant was the 4x4 3 Tonne version, which appeared in C60s and C60l (Chevrolet) and F60s and F60l (Ford) types. The 'S' indicated a short wheelbase (134 inch) variant, as opposed to the 'L' long wheelbase of 158 inches. A range of standard cab designs were employed, with the first, second and third designs rather confusingly labelled Nos.11, 12 and 13. After the War the type continued in military service around the world, as well as finding non-military roles such as forestry, grain transport and snow ploughing. 

 

IBG Models have been on a roll lately, churning out a range of excellent kits at a rate that would rival some of the major players in the market. This seems quite fitting seeing as they now make some of the best small scale AFV kits around. This new kit of the C60S is a very welcome addition to the range. It arrives packed into a surprisingly large top-opening box inside which are a five frames of crisply moulded grey plastic, a length of scale tow cable and a small decal sheet. The plastic parts are crisply moulded and well detailed. The attachment points seem finer than in a lot of their previous releases. Care will still need to be taken when removing some of the smaller parts.

 

 

 

Construction starts with the engine. This comprises four parts, including a separately moulded exhaust manifold and fan. The axles, drive shaft and brake assemblies can also be constructed at this stage. The parts all look very similar to the Otter armoured car we reviewed a few months ago – no surprise given that the two vehicles shared common underpinnings. Construction moves swiftly on to the cab. Although the description on the box indicates that parts for both Pattern 11 and 13 cabs are included (as indeed they are), both of the vehicles depicted on the decal sheet use the Pattern 13 cab. The cab itself is well-detailed, and included two-part seats and a steering wheel with separate column. 

 

 

Once cab is finished, construction returns to the ladder-type chassis. The leaf spring suspension units can now be added, along with the drive shafts, transfer box, fuel tank and exhaust. The wheels can now be added, and while they are moulded with tyres in place, they are nicely detailed for the scale. Before the load area can be assembled, IBG suggest constructing the recovery crane/winch. This comprises over 20 parts, which should give you an indication of how detailed it is. The crane can then be fixed to the rear body, which can in turn be added to the chassis, along with the cab. 

 

 

All that remains to do to finish the model is to add the provided tow cables. The decal sheet provides the following options:
•    16th Light Detachment (A) of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, England, 1942; and
•    4th Canadian Armoured Brigade Workshop RCEME, 4th Canadian Armoured Divisions, Normandy, France, 1944

 

Conclusion

 

I really enjoy reviewing IBG's kits, and it's great to see them turn out another superb model in the form of the C60s. Detail is excellent and the quality of manufacture looks to be up there with the very best. It's a shame that crew figures, such as those included with their recent Type 89 tank, haven't been included, but I guess they were spoiling us with that particular kit. Nevertheless, this is a great little kit that can still be highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of IBG Models