Bedford MWD

Airfix, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Airfix's 1/48 scale Bedford MWD is available online from Squadron.com

In 1939, the British Army only operated around 15,000 vehicles, which was more than adequate for the relatively small armed force that it was at the time.

By 1945 the number in service had grown to 230,000, much of which was due to the adoption of the Truck, 15 cwt, 4x2, Bedford MWD built by Bedford Vehicles.

The Bedford MWD was designed in response to a specification for a 750 kg truck issued in 1935, and the initial order for 2,000 vehicles was placed in 1939. Manufacture commenced in the same year.

The Bedford MWD was robust and reliable with large wheels, a wide bonnet, rear wheel drive, an open driver’s position later replaced with a closed cab, and a number of configuration options for the roof of the cab and the cargo tray.

In the following six years, production reached 250,000. The vehicle was used on all fronts in cargo and personnel carrying roles. The Bedford MWD remained in service until the late 1950s.

Considering the massive usage in British and Commonwealth service, it is surprising that we have not seen a mainstream Bedford MWD in the almost universal scale of 1:35. It is perhaps even more surprising that Airfix has beaten the 1:35 scale brigade to the punch with a 1:48 scale MWD.

The new Airfix 1:48 scale Bedford MWD comprises 88 parts in pale grey plastic, seven parts in clear plastic and decals for two marking options.

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Moulding quality is generally good with only a bit of flash and minimal imperfections.

Surface textures are really good, especially the stretching and draping of the cargo and cab tilts, as well as the rope tie-downs moulded to the cargo sides.

The tyre tread pattern is probably a bit too chunky, but the real thing was pretty coarse.

The model may be built into a minimum of four configurations:

• Early version with canvas doors, open cab and tray

• Early version with canvas doors, covered cab and open tray

• Early version with canvas doors, covered cab and covered tray

• Late version with enclosed, canvas cab roof and covered tray

You’ll have a few spare parts left over!

Clear parts are supplied forthe windscreen and side windows.

The model is broken down conventionally with a separate chassis, upon which is built engine and radiator, cab details including pedals and gear shift, separate tray, tray sides etc.

Decals are provided for two vehicles.

Airfix’s 1:48 scale Bedford MWD is great news for all 1:48 scale modellers, be they of the aircraft or military persuasion. This is a really nice model in its own right, but will be ideal for use in an airfield or battlefield diorama.

Highly Recommended.

Sample purchased by reviewer from Hannants.

Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Brett Green
Page Created 6 October, 2016
Last updated 6 October, 2016

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