64B28 Bedford HA van 1964-82

Kit includes early and late grilles and wing mirrors (early shown).

Review in MODEL RAIL supplement no.11 (with RAIL issue 295 1997)

Bedford HA van and Hillman Hunter kits

It is one of the peculiarities of our hobby that steam era modellers are well served with veteran and vintage car and lorry models from the pre-war era. Even the 1950/60s modeller will find suitable HGV and bus models in the EFE range but will need to turn to kits for smaller vans and cars. The modeller of the present day scene in 4mm:1 ft scale is very poorly served for car and lorry models, however, although both EFE and Original Omnibus Company seem set to ensure a good supply of modern buses and coaches.

The latest offerings from Taylor Models represent 1970s vehicles which were common enough ten years ago and which are still to be seen occasionally on our streets, the little Bedford HA van and the Rootes 'Arrow' series saloon (Hillman Hunter/Singer Gazelle). More modern vehicles are being promised for future production.

Both kits comprise a one-piece body cast in white metal*, with a separate floor/chassis and seat castings. The saloon has separate rear light** and front grille pieces. Alternative grilles are provided for the early and late Hunter versions and for the Singer.

Both models include a very fine etched sheet providing steering wheel and wing mirrors, while the van has an etched grille which is probably the finest etching I have ever seen. However, I hadn't plucked up the courage to fit the wipers and mirrors before our photograph was taken.

One of the best features of these kits is the method of mounting the wheels, which allows the front wheels to be turned. The bodies capture well the character of the real thing, merely requiring some careful painting to produce a nice model. Suitable drivers would be a real bonus! CJL

* body now in resin ** rear panel now part of body

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