Stalwart Mk2(DC) & Mk3

[PR19_Kit]

Lovely.  I want one.
My ideal world is populated with Stalwarts and Rotodynes.

Guy across the road from me who used to have an interest in military vehicles had one for a while. I think he got rid of it pretty quickly when he found out the running costs/hassles.

The one I got to sit in a month or so back had just had it's engine (standard Rolls Royce straight eight petrol) 'retuned' and the owner was really chuffed that he was getting 10 mpg out of it! 

[JayBee]

When I was at Edinburgh, one of the other controllers, Ken Wood, was the Scottish rally champion, and at that time he was driving a Rover SDI.
In general conversation about the fuel consumption I asked what he got from it.
"Twice as much on the road as when rallying".
So of course I had to ask what he got on the road.
"8 mpg".

[JayBee]

Right I have put together my thoughts on this kit, and scanned the instruction sheet.
So if anyone is interested, PM me with your e-mail address and I will send them to you.

Jim

[dadlamassu]

Very nice model indeed.  Though I am interested in why the RAF retained an Army Registration number?  They usually changed them when they fitted the leather heated seats, refrigerator, stereo, bunks and air conditioning. 

1949 - 1982 [2 numbers] [2 letters] [2 number]
AA to AZ = RAF
RN = Royal Navy
All other 2 letter codes (except KA to KZ) Army

1982 -1994 Unified series for vehicles of all 3 services
[2 numbers] [2 letters KA to KZ] [2 numbers]

[zenrat]

Note to self.  If posting vehicular whiffs ensure No. plates are illegible in pics...

[rickshaw]

I have never understood why Wikipedia claims the Stalwart was used by the ADF (Australian Defence Forces).   I've never seen any pictures and if was, it must have been as rare as Hen's teeth.

What I always found interesting about the Stalwart was that it had a central driving position and the only way into the cab was via the roof hatches.   Even so, despite that, model manufacturers always moulded it as having cab doors...   

Your model looks good, rather well made!   

[JayBee]

As far as registration numbers is concerned the official back story is that when the Stalwarts were returned for major servicing they would be converted to diesel, then reissued to which ever service was next on the list to receive them. To maintain vehicle service history traceability it was decreed at Government level that each vehicle should retain it's original registration number, irrespective of it's final destination. (Typical Civil Service "thinking") hence in this case an ex Army vehicle in RAF service.

The truth is however much less exciting.
A/ I had  no idea as  to how the vehicle registration system worked in the UK MOD.
I have now learned something.
B/ The kit comes with two very nice little sheets of transfers with several different number plates, so why not.

When I did this model, I knew, I just absolutely knew in my deepest being, that the evil JMN spirits would invade the sleep of someone on this forum and plant the idea deep in their subconscious, so that this question would be raised.

I feel a bit of extra weathering coming on.

[PR19_Kit]

What I always found interesting about the Stalwart was that it had a central driving position and the only way into the cab was via the roof hatches.   Even so, despite that, model manufacturers always moulded it as having cab doors...   

Some of the early prototypes did have cab doors, but more than one sank and they never did solve the leak problem.

When they're waterborne the waterline is just above the cargo deck, and WELL above where the lower edge of the doors were. The pic below shows one just still in the water, and when they're moving there's all sorts of wash to contend with as well.

[NARSES2]

Nice thinking on the hoof Jim 

[Weaver]

Nice thinking on the hoof Jim 

Indeed, nice example of Whifjitsu: the art of making the back story fit the model you ended up with....

[chrisonord]

Absolutely marvelous Jim :thumbsup:I have a soft spot for the stolly too, maybe one or two could find itself in South america Ideal for crossing rivers and jungle during rainy season.

[Rheged]

Absolutely marvelous Jim :thumbsup:I have a soft spot for the stolly too, maybe one or two could find itself in South america Ideal for crossing rivers and jungle during rainy season.

Sold off to local contractors in Belize by the army???

[zenrat]

Absolutely marvelous Jim :thumbsup:I have a soft spot for the stolly too, maybe one or two could find itself in South america Ideal for crossing rivers and jungle during rainy season.

Sold off to local contractors in Belize by the army???

And renamed Capybara?

[Mossie]

Another way, several civvy organisations bought up ex-army Stollies to go trekking.  The organisation could be 'gently persuaded' to part with them

Nice model Jim, I think I may need one to resurrect a plan I had with the old BW Models white metal Stollie.  I'd finished it but didn't like the paint job, so I stripped it with Fairy Power Spray only to watch it attack expoxy glue I'd used and fall apart!

[NARSES2]

Absolutely marvelous Jim :thumbsup:I have a soft spot for the stolly too, maybe one or two could find itself in South america Ideal for crossing rivers and jungle during rainy season.

Sold off to local contractors in Belize by the army???

Officially or as an aid to mess funds ?