IBG Chevrolet C30A General Service (Steel Body) - 1:72 IBG Models

[Paul A H]

Chevrolet C30A General Service (Steel Body)

1:72 IBG

 

 

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 was produced by both Chevrolet and Ford. The C30 shared the same platform and wheelbase as the C60s variant previously kitted by IBG. A range of standard cab designs were employed, with the first, second and third designs rather confusingly labelled Nos.11 (depicted in this kit), 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 C30A 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 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, but 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 are identical to the C60S we reviewed some time ago – no surprise given that the two kits share a common sprue. Construction moves swiftly on to the cab. The Pattern 11 cab is well-detailed, and includes two-part seats and a steering wheel with separate column. A sheet of film is used for the windscreen.

 

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 are next and while they are moulded with tyres in place, they are nicely detailed for the scale. The load area can be finised with or without tarpaulin. If you choose not to use the part for the tarpaulin cover, then a complex framework can be added in its place. The tarpaulin cover is moulded as a single part - much easier for the modeller in a hurry!

 

 

The decal sheet provides the following options:

• Chevrolet C30A GS, 48th Highlanders, 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, England, 1942; and
• Chevrolet C30A GS, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, HQ Company, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, England, 1942.

 

Conclusion

 

I really enjoy reviewing IBG's kits and it's great to see them turn out another variant of the CMP truck in the form of the C30. 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 

[Sgt.Squarehead]

Sounds like they're back to using the monster boxes that their Bedfords came in, mine are currently repacked four to the box.