WARREN KERFOOT tells us how to modify an Oxford Diecast ambulance.
Here is another project to modify an excellent Oxford Diecast vehicle into something of an action pose. This one is to make an ambulance, look as if it has just arrived at an emergency call. This is how you can create a model with a bit of difference.
OD76AMB003 Austin 18 Ambulance Carlisle.
As usual, I want these models to look like a moment in time, to posing elements to give that all important 'in service' look.
Dismantling is straightforward with a screwdriver. This relatively simple looking model presented more challenges than any I've done, in fact. There's a large internal cast brace which needs dissecting rather than removing. Also a lot of care needed with the doors on this one too!
With the body sections detached it's a really clear and easy one to do, as the doors are going to be open and my aim is to have some poor soul who has been annihilated by a Salford bus as it's mounted the kerb by accident.
For the cab, I wanted to be a bit different here and have it just slightly posed open - as if the driver has bailed out quickly as soon as he's arrived and the door was just left.
Now it's time for paint, once the decal was removed and a quick whizz over with the Fibre Pencil to create a good key in the existing enamel. Humbrol aerosols were used here. Gloss is usual on this type of vehicle I suppose, but I prefer the look of matt - or maybe satin when miniaturised. It takes not time to cure off either, which is useful.
Reassemble the whole vehicle back together with the original screw at the front end. The rear one was just behind the rear doors so can't be used of course, Deluxe Materials Roket Max Cyano does the job here. The glazing is made flush with Glue N Glaze as usual.
Slightly longer job than normal here, for a small vehicle at any rate, with the cuts and colouring. Nothing too difficult though - as I wouldn't be able to do if it was!
Another nice simple project done quickly and easily to add a different dimension to the vehicles. The same principles can be applied lots of the superb Oxford vans and cars. There are of course some very serious and skilled modellers of road transport vehicles.