Horse Drawn Ambulance Upgrade (1 Viewer)

[johnnybach]

You may recall last year, that I began to make up a pre-WW1 Horse-drawn Ambulance - which looked very similar to an early Britains model that was nearly 100 years or so old. I left it looking like the first pic. below, with just two horses and a postilion rider.

I have since purchased another two horses and a rider - and set about making them up to connect to the others. As no connecting pieces are supplied ( unless you ask for an "H Frame" - which is meant for other models), it is neccessary to fabricate some form of connection. I have painted up my extra pair of horses to match my existing pair - and begun to work out a form of connection between my new lead pair - and my existing model. I've got this far - so thought I would show you how I'm getting on.

The rider/driver of the new pair is still being painted - so I haven't attached him yet. But so far - so good - as all appears to be working out. I have attached a connecting bar to the draw bar between the first pair - with wire connections to the front pair of horses - which is shown below in an as yet unpainted state. I found that cross-wiring was necessary ( as in the old Britains models) to stop the wire connectors popping out of the holes in the rear part of the body of each horse. The wooden plinth is just for ease of transportation from work-bench to cabinet, by the way - the model isn't fixed, the wheels still rotate - so it is still fully functional - or "Can still be played with", as La Commandante so succinctly puts it! I'll show you how I get on finishing it all later. jb

 

[Buster]

I'll show you how I get on finishing it all later. jb

Very nice work as always jb, looking forward to seeing it finished up. :smile2:

B.

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Buster - me too! Though it's not just a simple kit build with this old beauty. Below is a pic of my second rider/driver with a coat of Navy Blue - drying off a bit - he's the one on the right amongst my ususual debris and other bits and pieces under construction.

As is usual with "kits" from Dorsest Soldiers, they are a mix of cast spare pieces of old Britains ( the wagon made its first appearance back in 1906), real parts that I unearthed a few years ago in a Toy Fayre in Bristol ( the bed of the Wagon) - and original parts made by Dorset Soldiers ( such as the horses) and a modified rider - who once had a cross-belt and cartridge pouch, removed by surgery and filing!

I didn't know what the bed of the wagon actually was, when I found it - but it looked interesting - and formed the basis of what followed. I first sourced the spares and wheels from Giles - and used his own casting of horses - which he specifically makes to fit the wagon. Not quite the same as any of the versions Britains made though; ( the original horses had horse-collars cast in, though there have been several versions). I made the axles from brass rod - as were the hoops to support the canvas. (I believe thatGiles has a sewing lady contact who makes the canopies for him for the wagon) - and the figures are adapted from other suitable spares from Giles' range. You can even make the Wagon up with tin-helmet clad staff in khaki - if you so wished! I chose to try and make one up to look very similar to the old Britains set 145 - though mainly because of the horse detail - not quite EXACTLY the same.

It's coming along nicely - and should be finished soon. Just fitted the rear flap - which was missing - and it even opens and closes nicely.^&grin I intend to source a couple of stretchers to go inside eventually, and put a couple of casualties on them to go inside - maybe next visit to Dorset?

 

[johnnybach]

Just got the rider/driver on the lead pair in the saddle - and given him his first coat of gloss varnish. I had to repaint the rear pair's hooves - to match up with the front pair - as they looked a bit pale. So will need to go around and do a few re-touches when the light is better tomorrow. Then I can put my new Ambulance ( circa 1906), fully into service - and maybe do some better(?) pics.

I have liked this piece ever since I first saw it - about twelve years ago. Can't think why I waited so long to get one. jb

 

[johnnybach]

Whilst I was at Dorset Soldiers, on my last visit, I found a few more pieces to add to my Horse Drawn Ambulance that I made up and painted a while ago.

The results are shown below. A couple of Stretcher bearers - with stretcher - are transporting a head-wounded soldier towards the rear of the ambulance, whilst another far more relaxed soldier awaits his turn - with hands clasped behind his head - his helmet tipped almost casually over his eyes.



Moving towards the back of the ambulance - shown here already open - both await being put inside.




And here - one already aboard - it looks as if he's made himself comfortable already. Nice and easy to paint these - they made a nice break from my other project which involved a few larger creatures. I think I will continue to add to this little scene - with maybe a female nurse or two, next time. jb

 

[Buster]

Most excellent jb, with your Horse Drawn Ambulance, Elephant Artillery, Cowboys and Injuns you are pushin' all the right buttons! ^&grin Looking forward to seeing the additions you have planned for this scene.

B. :salute::

 

[johnnybach]

Most excellent jb, with your Horse Drawn Ambulance, Elephant Artillery, Cowboys and Injuns you are pushin' all the right buttons! ^&grin Looking forward to seeing the additions you have planned for this scene.

B. :salute::

They all hit the spot with me chum. Glad you like them too. Just started making enquiries for some nurses to go with these - but the idea of building up one of my basic model pieces just comes along when they have been completed. jb