Roden M43 3/4 Ton 4x4 Ambulance - 1:35 Roden

[Julien]

M43 3/4 Ton 4x4 Ambulance

1:35 Roden

 

The Dodge M43 Ambulance is the chassis from the Dodge M37 3/4 tuck which was a follow on from the WWII WC 3/4 ton trucks. The M43 had a rear patient compartments with a connecting door to the front cabin. The spare wheel carries was retained on the drivers door.  There is space in the rear for 4 stretcher cases or upcto 6 seated wounded. The vehicles were phased out of US Service in the 1970s and 80s. 


The Kit

This is a new kit from Roden in 2018 and follows on from their 2016 M37 Cargo truck. The kit arrives on 9 sprues, a clear sprue and 5 rubber tyres. Some of the parts on the sprues are for the M37 and not used. All parts are well molded with little or no flash and some nice detailing. Construction starts with the wheels. Two front, two back and the spare are built up and put to one side.  The axles and gear box are then made up. The axles are then added to the main chassis along with the leaf spring suspension units, and shock absorbers. The engine is then built up and added to the chassis along with the radiator and exhaust. The front and rear bumpers are then added along with the fuel tank, running boards, gear box and transfer shafts. This complete the chassis.

 

 

We then move to the cab and body. The seats, dash and driving controls are added in, and the doors are made up.  The windscreen is then made up. The front mudguards are also assembled, To the rear body parts for the underside are added then the inside floor lockers are added. The cab unit is then attached to the chassis with the steering column being added. Switching back to the Ambulance body internal fixtures are added to the roof and the connecting door added to the partitioning wall.  The body is then made up and the stretchers added in. 

 

 

 

The windscreen and front doors are added, followed by the main body. The bonnet (or hood) is then added as are the rear doors, All doors can be displayed open or closed. If the rear doors are open then there is a fold down step which can be used. To finish off the wheels are added along with a jerrycan & carrier 

 

 

Decals
Markings are provided for 2 vehicles in use in Vietnam in the 1960s. One US Army in Olive Drab, and one USAF in Blue Grey. They are produced in house and have a strange texture, however this should not affect how they go on.  The smaller red crosses are slightly misshapen and a couple of the circles are off centre. 

 

Conclusion
This new kit from Roden should build up into a good looking model. Recommended. 

 

 

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