British Light Truck WOT-2CPlus Model, 1/35 scaleReviewed by Brett Green Summary
Introduction Fordson was set up as the tractor division of Ford. A range of trucks was also produced under the Fordson brand, including the British-specified WOT (War Office Truck). The WOT-2 was a WWII 15cwt truck based on the stripped back chassis of the civilian Model 61. The Fordson WOT-2 saw widespread service with British and Commonwealth countries, on the home front, in the Western Desert and other locations overseas.
F i r s t L o o k Plus Model has released the WOT-2C variant of this wartime family. The kit comprises 98 parts in dark grey resin, two parts in clear resin, a canvas driver’s tilt, a generous photo-etched fret and two lengths of copper wire. Markings for two vehicles are also included.
Casting quality is first rate, with no air bubbles or pinholes that I can find on first inspection. Casting blocks are minimal, and the characteristic resin flash is quite fine so clean-up should not be too much of a chore. Detail is excellent. The chassis and running gear are very well done, and Plus Model provides a full engine although the bonnet is cast shut. The texture of the fabric seats and the wood grain of the cargo area is noteworthy – very nice indeed. I was interested to see that the tilt for the driver’s cabin is provided in clear vacform plastic. This is a very nice idea as the clear acetate window in the rear of the tilt may be masked off during painting. This should look quite realistic when finished.
A clear acetate sheet is also provided for the small fold-down panels that serve as windscreens on this vehicle. The photo-etched fret supplies many smaller details to supplement the resin parts.
Markings are offered for two vehicles.
One is a Czech unit based in the UK in 1941, while the second is attached to the Desert Rats 7th Armoured Division in North Africa, May 1941.
C o n c l u s i o n Plus Models’ 1:35 scale WOT-2C truck is a great model and a very versatile subject, either as a standalone project or as part of a diorama. Being a resin kit with small photo-etched detail parts, this model will be best suited to a modeller with a few armour projects already under their belt. However, anyone with previous resin kit experience shouldn’t have any problems with this very complete and well-detailed model. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Plus Model for the sample www.plusmodel.cz Plus Model are available in the UK from Creative Models Limited www.creativemodels.co.uk
Text and Images by Brett Green |