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Book Review
WC-54 & WC-64(KD) Ambulance
U.S. WWII & Korea Dodge 3/4-ton 4x4 WC-54 & WC-64(KD) Ambulance
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by: Tom Cromwell [ BARKINGDIGGER ]

introduction
Number 6035 in Tankograd’s popular TM series covers US Dodge ambulances from WWII and Korea. This means mostly the WC-54 and WC-64 (KD) vehicles, but also includes info on other variants that preceded them.

As the world spiralled into war again, the US Army was developing a new field ambulance on a 4x4 chassis for improved cross-country performance. This entered service in 1941 as the WC-9, followed the same year by WC-18 and WC-27 models. The full flowering of this hard-bodied series came in 1942 as the well-known WC-54 – familiar to anyone who grew up watching the TV show MASH. This vehicle not only served on all fronts til the end of the war, it went on to be a mainstay of medical units in the Korean conflict. In my preferred scale of 1:35 we have been blessed with the Max kit, since re-popped by Italeri. A later development aimed at reducing size for shipping was the WC-64 (KD) or “Knock-Down” ambulance based on the Dodge truck with soft cab. This vehicle had a box body that unbolted to lay flat for shipping, effectively reducing the height of the shipping crate so two could occupy the same space as a single crated WC-54. While there is no firm evidence that they arrived in time to serve in WWII, they certainly served in Korea a few years later. I know of no kits, but with a little effort the Dodge WC-62 (for hood & cab) and WC-54 (for the 4x4 frame) could be kitbashed together and a new box body scratched.

contents
Following the usual A4 format with glossy pages, this 48-page book is written in English only. After a few pages of history & specifications, there is a section of monochrome photos of all the vehicles mentioned, mostly two to a page with detailed captions. The “meat” of the book, however, are the photo sections examining the cabs and bodies of both the WC-54 and WC-64 (KD) – these are a modeller’s dream!

conclusion
This useful book will be invaluable to anyone planning to detail the old Max/Italeri WC-54, or indeed anyone wanting to build a WC-64 (KD) from available parts. Let’s hope it inspires a manufacturer to give us a full WC-64 kit in plastic!
SUMMARY
Highs: Useful text, great photos.
Lows: Not really a "low", but drawn plans would be nice.
Verdict: Worth having if you plan to build an ambulance!
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: N/A
  Mfg. ID: 6035
  PUBLISHED: Oct 21, 2015
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 84.20%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.19%

Our Thanks to Tankograd Publishing!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Tom Cromwell (barkingdigger)
FROM: ENGLAND - EAST ANGLIA, UNITED KINGDOM

A Yank living overseas on a long-term basis, I've been building tanks since the early '70s. I relish the challenges of older kits (remember when Tamiya was "new"?...) because I love to scratch-build.

Copyright ©2021 text by Tom Cromwell [ BARKINGDIGGER ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

The more info the better!
OCT 21, 2015 - 02:43 AM
   
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