Hi Folk. While waiting for some more supplies so I can finish my Chev fuel tanker and Station Wagon I decided to build this CMP Australian style 3 ton ambulance. I have photos of the interior so this will be a fully detailed truck.



this is the beast I am copying

Base kit is the Italeri Chevrolet 15cwt kit in 1/35 scale (kit #233). Now for a real old kit the detail is marvelous. The first step was to lengthen the chassis by 24mm. This was done useing appropriate box section evergreen. I then added a 30 thou sheet to the top of the chassis for extra strength. This will form the floor of the body.



chassis lengthed 24mm and the floor of the rear body used for added strength.

Now this cab had what was called a "SUNSHINE ROOF". this was a canvas roof that could be rolled to the front to let, you guessed it the sunshine in. This was created by cutting out the kit's roof centre and using CA glue along with an appropriate piece of closely woven fabric (a piece of old sheet) a "canvas" top was added. Then to form the roll around the edge of this canvas a fine piece of copper wire was added. Brass tie down hooks were then made and nylon string used to act as the tie down rope at the rear.





The rest of the cab and chassis was made using the original kit parts except the steering tie rod which was replaced with brass wire with the original end knuckles and the removal of the plastic grill so it can be replaced with PE mesh..



original front chassis. Note the modified cross members behind the cab including the extra rear one just in front of the rear springs.



original cab. Apart from some texture to the seats nothing extra will be done in here. I wish there was a PE set for this truck so I could add a better dash instrument panel etc.



this shows the extra chassis length.



this shows the cab. The plastic grill was cut out and will be replaced with brass PE mesh and surround.
NOTE: the roof is only sitting there for this photo and is still to be fixed in position. This will be done when the interior is painted.

any and all comments welcomed

Wow MrRoo, another unique model. Looks great so far, can't wait to see it done.

Looking Great Cliff, I like the subject too.
The Nylon roof is especially impressive.

Andrew

DAMN!!!!
Cliff this is gonna look very cool what thickness is the fabric for the roof?, I have one suggestion though, You may not like it but............... Could we please see something OOB from you?hehe #:-)

the material is a piece of old summer weight cotton sheet.

OOB....ARE YOU CRAZY OR SOMETHING?>>>ME OOB>>>HEHEHEHE #:-)

Another collective "Gasp" of astonishment from the Armorama audience as Brother Pouch, again, tackles the impossible---a scratch build of another unique softskin.

The fabric roof, with the copper wire rolled ends is pretty impressive work Cliff---very very cleanly done.

Nice job also on the chassis extension.

Neat pic of the real deal also---knowing Da Roo, he was probably in these from time to time putting the moves on the Aussie nurses

Keep us posted with more pics as this one progresses please Cliff. Another scratchbuilt stunner in the making.

Signed
Pouch Jr (tm)

Ola Cliff

I think what you are doing is simply outstanding. I did the Airborne Jeep but this is Converting with a new dimension. Lengthening a chassis and such work is brilliant.
What colours will it be painted in???

Great job and can`t wait what you will make out of the Rear Body of the truck
Keep us updated

Smart conversion. I've been after some of the 15cwt kits, as a CMP lover I've had to build all mine from FATs, even more of a chassis hike. The body build will be interesting, all mine so far are open topped or with tilts. Hope we see some more 'in progress' pics, them maybe I'll try a van body next time.

wow roo, i truly admire you SB skills.... this is going to be a GREAT model when you get it done.

keep us updated

Cliff that is a very fine looking ambulance so far I can hardly wait to see it finished

I really like what you have done so far !! You are always making me say "WOW!"

What are you planning to use for the grill screen?

Take care-
Jeff

JR I am hoping to use some aber fine mesh. I have both the fine square and fine diamond mesh on order. They tell me it's on back order so when I actually get it is another story. Then I will hand make the brass mesh surround from brass sheet.




Dave that is a nice model you have pictured there. The 'FAT' gun truck kit has the same chassis except for it has a winch.

I will post more pics later in the week as I have got the basic rear body built and am starting the interior now.

thanks for all your comments folks please keep them coming

Another fine SB - Conversion work from Mr Roo!! Its good teaching the rest some of this!! Keep on we want more !!!

[quote]...CMP Australian style 3 ton ambulance. I have photos of the interior so this will be a fully detailed truck.

Could you share the photos of the interiors..?! Dedox

Looking Great as Always MR Roo!... Who's pants donated to the Roof though!

actually it is a piece of blue sheet cotton and not denim. Denim is too thick to use but cotton summer weight sheets are not.

Another great example. Now if I could wave a magic wand over all these fantastic build we would have the largest motor pool in the Western Hemisphere. I love the innovative materials you come up with to give your models that just right look. The "Roo" touch !!