British F.V. 18061, Truck General Service, Landrover L.W.B.

The long wheelbase Landrover fitted with external antenna mounting brackets. This is the F.V. 18602 radio truck variant of the standard military Landrover L.W.B. The driver is a Matchbox British Paratrooper. The soft plastic figure was cut off at the waist and glued behind the wheel. To ensure a good bond, the editor superglued a brass wire peg into the figure and the driver’s seat. The vehicle is painted NATO olive with black disruptive stripes. The driver was painted in place – not an easy job, actually – Then the windows were glued into the windshield frame from the outside. On manœuvres or in action a camouflage net may be draped over the canvas tilt.

Contents

• F.V. 18061 Truck General Service 0.75 t
  • F.V. 18602 Radio Truck conversion
• F.V. 2361 Trailer Cargo 0.75 t

Evaluation

Scale model with acceptable detail.

Easy to assemble, only 30 parts. Optional antenna mounting brackets allow the modeller to build a radio vehicle, except that there are no radios in the kit.

Minimal flash and mould lines.

Windows are included, and may be fitted after the vehicle has been painted.

Four sets of decals are included in the kit.

Compatible with Airfix, Fujimi, Nitto, Trux, Crusader Models, Milicast and Cromwell Models.

The typical fuel filler cap on the right-hand side is not shown in the model.

The doors do not open, neither does the tailgate.

The typical rear-view mirrors are not included in the kit. Scratchbuilt mirrors should be mounted on the front fenders.

The trailer hitch is noticeably out of scale.

The bench seats in the rear are not detailed at all, and there are large gaps between the seats and the wheel covers.

Rifle racks and other small detail is missing.

There are no radio sets in the kit which would allow the modeller to recreate the F.V. 18602 radio truck correctly.

Crew figures need to be purchased separately.

Possible Conversion

• F.V. 18602 Radio Truck
• Landrover S.W.B. – cut the chassis, body, and tilt behind the cab and shorten the vehicle to the 88″ short wheelbase model.

The Landrover L.W.B. kit is unique in this scale, a must-have for wargamers and modellers interested in modern British vehicles. Good value for money, the kit includes the Landrover and a General Service Trailer which may be used with other 1:76 scale vehicles.

Landrover L.W.B.