Having been inspired by Richard Allebone’s fantastic scratch-built Albion Bacteriological Lab vehicle, I thought I would have a go at a similar vehicle but one featured in Les Freathy’s book. In the book, it is labelled as a BY chassis but as the differences between the BY3 and BY5 were mainly based upon the engine, I am calling it a BY3/5 as I am really not sure. Additionally, Les didn’t have much background on the photo or the intended use and Mike Simpson was also at a loss as to the actual use but though it may be part of a Counter-bombardment Group. This was a total scratch-build using wheels from the Airfix K6 suitably modified and as I wanted to do an interior, I had to employ artistic license. As in the photo, it was backed up to a tent with two back to back QLR’s (not included in the vignette) I assigned the use to be as an office/cipher vehicle and I included what I deemed to be the appropriate paraphernalia including a clerk at the typewriter and two Typex Mk III portable cipher machines on the other table. The usual assortment of papers, books, filing cabinets, storage cases for the cipher machines, the clerk’s beret and the obligatory mug of tea were included. The bike was upgraded a little and is from the Airfix QL set. The figures are all from the Milicast squaddie and drivers set with some modifications. Decals were from the spares box and included ones from Starmer’s Armour and Aleran. My thanks to Les and Mike for their kind assistance with this project and also Mike Starmer (who weighed in with colour scheme advice). Dave Rhodes was also helpful with advice and encouragement as the project progressed. Sorry for the amount of photos but with an interior, one needs more than usual. Cheers, Neil
Yep, they are reduced on my computer and printed on paper....glad you like the model and thanks for the comment. cheers, Neil
I am not only at a loss as to the purpose of the vehicle I am lost for words at the interior detail. Given that the image on my screen is several times life size the detail is unbelievable. I suspect that the model is really 1:6 scale. Love the typewriter. Mike
Thanks TD......the writing is just little lines drawn with a pencil on the tiny sheets of paper.....but really, if you look on the table with the cipher machines, just in front of the black and white map you will see a little holder with some "tiny" pencils and pens! Cheers, Neil
Many thanks Mike and especially for your great input. I found some good photos of the old Underwood typewriter and Typex Mk III portable cipher machines so building them was quite easy and fun in the bargain. Cheers, Neil
