1980s Ambulance

[Waverley47708]

Just like it says on the box, 1980's Ambulance.

 

Tiny 18 from Honk Kong via eBay.

 

Really good to have a decent 1989s Ambulance at last.  Easy to open up and fit driver and even patients.

 

Looks like it would be possible to fit flashing LEDs

 

 

Edited February 20, 2021 by Waverley47708

[PhilJ W]

I have one but in HK fire brigade markings. A really good model, at least as good as Oxford Diecast.

[Pillar]

Agreed, these are very nice models. I also have a couple waiting for repainting.

Edited February 21, 2021 by Pillar

[PhilJ W]

They also do a van and minibus. 

[wombatofludham]

I discovered these via Tatbay and bought one.  The Mk2 Transit chassis were still being purchased by some ambulance services long after production ceased using up stockpiled and dealer stock, I've seen one C prefix example that was one of the last delivered to Cleveland.  I purchased one of the Honkers Fire Service models which had clear beacons and Chinese script but they were soon changed courtesy of Posca paint pens.

Like you say a cracking model and a gap in the Oxford range which goes straight from the 1960s-early 70s Bedford Lomas to the modern day Paramedic Sprinters, perhaps Oxford could be persuaded to take this model into their range to fill that missing link.

[PhilJ W]

The blue lights on the honkers fire brigade version are correct. They were clear with a blue coloured bulb and a revolving spoon shaped reflector.

[wombatofludham]

I know, I just wanted a UK style blue glass beacon, soon sorted with a touch of paint.  

 

[PatB]

Just need someone to do a late Bedford CF  version, and that's 99% of UK ambulance fleets more or less covered for the period. 

[BernardTPM]

Sherpas seemed to take on that role after the CF went out of production.

[PatB]

40 minutes ago, BernardTPM said:

Sherpas seemed to take on that role after the CF went out of production.

Now that you mention it, I do remember a few "wide" Sherpas in ambulance form in the early 90s or so. 

[PhilJ W]

The Sherpa was popular because it could be had with the Rover V8 engine for emergency work. Also it was slightly larger than the Transit or CF. Its one drawback was it was not as chuckable as the other two chassis and rollovers were not uncommon.

[russ p]

Thats a really good model do they do other models?

[PhilJ W]

2 hours ago, russ p said:

Thats a really good model do they do other models?

They do hundreds of different models but most of them are of Hong Kong prototypes and they come in various scales, not 'fit the box' like some manufacturers but scales depending on the prototype, cars and smaller vans are 1/64, Larger vans, minibuses and light trucks are 1/76 and their buses are 1/110 as well as other scales. They don't always stick to these scales and they also make some medium size trucks in 1/76. AFAIK there are no UK importers of these models and they have to be purchased from Hong Kong traders. Its best to purchase them via E-bay but watch out as prices vary greatly. They do minibus and van versions of the Mk. II Transits with the standard bodies as well as a Mercedes Sprinter and an Iveco minibus and various Japanese light trucks. Production runs are small so you will have to get in quickly if you see a model you like.

[russ p]

17 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

They do hundreds of different models but most of them are of Hong Kong prototypes and they come in various scales, not 'fit the box' like some manufacturers but scales depending on the prototype, cars and smaller vans are 1/64, Larger vans, minibuses and light trucks are 1/76 and their buses are 1/110 as well as other scales. They don't always stick to these scales and they also make some medium size trucks in 1/76. AFAIK there are no UK importers of these models and they have to be purchased from Hong Kong traders. Its best to purchase them via E-bay but watch out as prices vary greatly. They do minibus and van versions of the Mk. II Transits with the standard bodies as well as a Mercedes Sprinter and an Iveco minibus and various Japanese light trucks. Production runs are small so you will have to get in quickly if you see a model you like.

 

I looked on eBay and couldn't find anything 

[PhilJ W]

Enter 'Tiny HK' in the search box.

[PhilJ W]

I've just received a model this morning in the post. Its a special promotion for Shell Oil.

1/76 scale and only needs number plates. Its a promotional and now almost sold out even at £60 + postage.

[Waverley47708]

Fitted flashing SMD LEDs to the Ambulance.  The lights are hollow so the LEDs were inserted into them then held in place with insulation tape stuck to the inside of the roof.  Also fitted LEDs to a Rover SD1.

 

Next job is Bedford Fire Engines.  Any ideas what to do with the them?  Have ordered some new lights as one of them has solid rather than transparent blue lights on the roof.  Trying to work out how to attach the LEDs so they shine through the light.

 

 

Edited May 12, 2021 by Waverley47708