I probably built this one for the first time around 1975 when I was 12 years old. Even by the standards of that day, these Airfix HO/OO kits were fairly primitive. They didn't hold up especially well when compared to the latest releases by Matchbox and Hasegawa (among others), but all these kits were a million times more satisfying than the latest 10,000 piece monstrosities that have appeared over the last 20 years or so. I have to believe that there are still a few young modellers out there, and for their sake I'm glad Airfix and the others have kept these old lines going. The first generation of kids who built all of these classic kits are beginning to move on to that great hobby shop in the sky, and it would be nice to think that a few youngsters will keep the hobby alive.
Hear,hear. I starterd in ca 1957 (7years old)not the best modelbuilder and painter,but enjoyed allot of the Airfix kits. Starting the hobby now again,found a Battle of Britain box in corner of my shed. Paint also still oké after ca 40 years.👌Update:Now I am building the Spitfire and it seems very small to me. In my imagniation it was much bigger. I have grown Some inches,thats the reason.🤗
I've made literally dozens of these - but only the AEC Matador. It was used, by everyone, for everything, in the war, and for a long time after. Flat beds, Generator trucks, GP lorries, breakdown/recovery vehicles, Radar trucks, etc., It looks great in civilian colours, too.
My uncle (who started his own transport business) had a civilian verion, AEC Mercury flat bed, circa 1949; it was still going strong at the end of the 1970's, awesome truck!
It's a great kit, even greater due to the age. I have found as a wargames its the cheapest way to get trucks for troop transport. Also the smaller but longer ranged 4.5" gun can be made from the howitzer in the kit. As for the bad fit of the sides build it forwards from the tail gate. Great stuff.
I think you perfectly described a Saturday well spent. I made a couple of these kits back in the distant past. You still see survivng examples at the odd country show, usually with a winch for forestry work. Would love to build the tanker version from the RAF refuelling set.
hi there. i have the same problems with this kit body wise, also the cab can be awkward. i love it but do not think its been thought through. but why no Bedford RL kits from anyone ?
