Hi, I have just become the proud owner of the below model of a Bedford or Austin AFS Vehicle. I was told it’s a model made by the MOD or War Dept. to help train crews on how to operate these vehicles during the war. What are peoples opinions, can anyone confirm this? Has anyone seen other models like this? It feels right to me based on its construction and operating features. It’s to a large scale of about 1:10 and is made mainly from wood but with metal used for the grill, bonnet, wings and parts of the generator. I imagine it had all the scaled down accessories when made but now only the ladders remain. I’d love to find out any further information so hope someone can help. A couple of photos attached including one alongside a Dinky Foden to help give an idea of the large scale of the model. Thanks James
I cannot comment on the history of the model, but it certainly looks like you have a nice historical model. I hope that you get a lot of positive feedback. Regards Tom
James, welcome to WW2Talk. I am sure I have seen similar vehicle models before on a TV programme but I can't for the life of me remember what it was. It could have been something like Antiques Roadshow or one of the daytime antiques shows. Great looking model and I am pretty sure you are right that it was produced by (or for) MOD/army use. Good luck with finding out a bit more about it, please keep us informed.
I think that a lot of the models used by the War Dept were made by the famous Basset-Lowke, they were certainly responsible for the Bailey Bridge models! You might want to have a wen search on Basset-Lowke military models and see what you turn up! Pete
Thanks for your comments guys. Not having much luck finding anything out about it so far. Pete, thanks for the info, Ive done some digging re the Basset-Lowke models and have only really come up with your impressive Bailey Bridge models. Im sure someone out there must know something about it, I'll keep searching . . .
