Firing Line 1/35 Land Rover Lightweight(spelt without the L on the box) soft top.
I do like Land Rovers and have a few models, Defenders, Pink Panthers and so on but not one of these, so I took the plunge and got one on E-bay, not cheap, don’t ask.
The kit contains resin, white metal and photo etched parts together with a two set instruction sheet.
I think some research will be required before the build begins. I have two or three books and the internet has some useful sights, including one about this particular kit
http://www.militarymodelling.com/forums/postings.asp?th=41856&p=5I will keep dipping into this for advice and help no doubt, and this one on the real thing
http://www.land-rover-lightweight.co.uk/Index.htmlEven though it details a hard top some of the details are similar.
The vehicle was developed by the Rover Company to provide an air-portable truck. The Lightweight can be lifted by a Puma or a Wessex and to save weight, doors, spare wheel, hood, body sides, windscreen and bumpers can be removed.
Production began in 1968.
It has 4 forward and one reverse gear with a two speed transfer box.
The engine could be either petrol or diesel 2286cc, electrical system could be 12 or 24 volt.
Wheelbase was 88 inches.
It had a single dry plate clutch.
Live axles front and rear with semi elliptic and hydraulic dampers all round.
Drum brakes were fitted all round and parking brake on transmission output shaft.
Total production;
Series IIA - 2,989
Series III – 12.334 (up to 1980)
Looking at the lights on the model it would seem to be a Series III.
Maybe I could scratch build a Series IIA – food for thought there.
I have enlarged some plans from Terry Gander’s book – Encyclopaedia of the British Army.