Here we take a look at the Bedford MWC 15-cwt 4x2 250 Gallon Water Bowser Truck (Open Cab Aeroscreen) from Gecko Models in 1/35th scale and what a model it is.
Review
This offering from Gecko Models is packed in a flip top cardboard tray and an additional card lid. The model parts are packed in a large number of plastic bags. An examination of the contents reveals no obvious moulding issues beyond the usual ejector pin marks that while present I do believe are hidden for the most part. The gates are of a good size but despite this some will be a struggle due to the size of parts it is attached too and care will also be needed to prevent breaking some of the very finely moulded aspects. On the plus side access to the parts for removal looks good.
This offering has a multi part chassis and so it’s very accurate, but it does mean a greater level of care is required during construction in order to insure the orientation of parts is accurate. The chassis rails do have some ejector pin marks on the inner faces and so rarely if ever seen, but it is always best practice to tackle marks that can be seen on a finished model. The leaf spring suspension looks accurate to me but I would prefer better detail as regards the individual sprung strips and so may benefit from a bit of scribing to define that detail.
The mechanicals of the model have been very nicely tackled with a good engine and gearbox, drive shafts and axles. If you wish to display the engine the model has been designed to enable that but you will need to add some homework in the way of cables and pipes. The tyres are made up of tyre tread with separate side wall detail that enables very pleasing detail. Something that pleases me is that the front wheels can be shown facing the modeller’s direction of choice so thank you Gecko Models for that effort. In addition this we get well replicated fuel tanks and the various brackets around the vehicle chassis.
The cab of the truck has very nice detail in all aspects of the build. Instrument cluster display and location looks accurate as do all of the vehicle controls. The seats have great detail and accurately replicate the low down placement of them meaning you are nearly on the floor. The personal weapons of the crew are remembered and located along with some of the stowed tools. The box that sits between the two front seats has the batteries in it if I remember correctly. Moving forward to the engine bay and what matters looks correct with Gecko Models even having provided the fuse box for the vehicle. Even greater detail is provided in the form of the springs that hold the hood closed is also accurately replicated.
The water bowser is of course the main aspect of this model and I will say now that I am very impressed with what I have found. The large water tank looks correctly shaped and sized but I am not an expert. What impresses me though is that Gecko Models has supplied the tools in their stowed locations and it is details like this that turn a model from good to great. The rear of the tank can be displayed open or closed with piping and sterilisation equipment stored within. Everything that should be present on this area of the model looks to be here. I do think the amount of detail here and in some cases very fine detail will make this model look stunning when completed but will test the modellers skills and abilities.
Gecko Models has finished this model off with the option of a metal frame with or without a canvas cover. It would appear that the canvas was most commonly used in the North African theatre which would help prevent water being delivered boiled. I do like the North Africa version but it hides a lot of the wonderful detail on the bowser. What is a surprise is that the canvas provided is designed to be applied to the metal frame rather than on its own. Moving forward the canvas flaps that function as doors can be stowed or deployed. Finally a framed canvas roof for the cab is supplied with all of these parts being optional.
Gecko Models has provided four finishing options for this release which are:
1st Infantry Division, Czechoslovak Mixed Infantry Group, England 1941
No 5 Company, Royal Army Service Corps, 7th Armoured Division, November 1941
514 Company, Royal Army Service Corps, 168th (London) Infantry Division
Mobile Bath Unit, 2nd Support Group, Libya, February 1941 (captured vehicle seen in use with a DAK Fallschirmjäger unit, towing a Pak 36
Conclusion
I have been very impressed with the detail that some companies are managing to put into their releases. This offering from Gecko Models is a particularly stunning release that has fantastic details in all areas to please the modeller. I have looked very closely at this release and I cannot find anything wrong with what is offered in the box. If there is a down side it is that it will really test the skill set of the modeller, but that is a potential weakness in ourselves rather than the kit offered here. Finally it should be remembered that these vehicles continued to serve into the 1960’s.
