Anybody happen to know what the cut off time beween Mks was? Have Mk.I (round roof vents) being built for early 44. Kit instructions say “olive green”. I’m thinking G-3 green or SCC-2, depending on MFG date. (SCC-15 did not come in till March 44 and was prioritized for “combat” vehicles. ) If G-3 , would it have rated a repaint by 44? Tangentaly , when did USAAF get them via “reverse Lend Lease”? I’m thinking March/ April 44.
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Can’t answer you question on the production changes.
As far as I’m aware the USAAF were issued with Katys from soon after their flying units arrived in the UK (it was a package deal - an airfield with supporting infrastructure). The priority was to ship combat items from the USA initially, so the support and service elements were supplied by the UK until the American logistics train could get up to speed. I would suggest that the vast majority were of the ‘round vent’ flavour
There is also a suggestion that USAAF Katys remained in use late into the war on UK airfields because the Dodge ambulances were 4x4 and therefore better suited to front line ground units. That said, there are photos showing mixed line-ups of Dodge and Austin ambulances on UK airfields.
Katys issued to the USAAF mostly seem to have fallen into the registration number range starting at 719201 (and at a guess going as high as maybe 719399, depending how many were actually issued).
The doped canvas-covered rear bodies faded badly in the British climate, creating a distinct two-tone body. Later USAAF Katys have much darker rear bodies so i suspect they were sometimes repainted.
For most USAAF vehicles the primary body colour would have been the original British G3 - the ones with (darker) repainted rear bodies were probably given a coat of US OD.
The one below was my take on a USAAF wagon (1/48 Tamiya kit).
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Thanks. G-3 base it is. Markings will be based on several photos of USAAF ones I’ve seen. US OD , No.9 OD (Ord. Dept) or Dark Olive Drab 41 (USAAF). (if repainted on base at the group paint shop I’d think 41 … be handy. ) Were rear doors/ box roof metal or canvas?
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Roof was canvas. Doors were metal.
This is just for interest - ambulance bodies being painted, but the canvas hasn’t been stretched/doped yet. Note the sides and the panel on the cab roof.
Also note that the ‘bulge’ for the spare wheel is fitted inside out - seems to have been common when shipping new vehicles to units.
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You’re making me look at my Airfix kit! Great info and pics.
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" Also note that the ‘bulge’ for the spare wheel is fitted inside out - seems to have been common when shipping new vehicles to units."… Logical. One of the mods for the Mk.II was smaller bulge. Guess the drivers had issues with hitting things with them. Shipping this way would keep them from being beat to hell on arrival. This edge looks metal. (orange ) Protect canvas where it goes around the edge? Opted for 41 Dark Olive Drab for the “repaint”. Little better contrast with the G-3. No.31/ ANA 319 was too dark. Couple of WIP shots for you. Still need to paint roof.Markings are based on a couple "styles in photos. Added the black out shield on the passenger side head light and US driver.. Somethings bollocksed up and photos wont post.
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" Also note that the ‘bulge’ for the spare wheel is fitted inside out - seems to have been common when shipping new vehicles to units."… Logical. One of the mods for the Mk.II was smaller bulge. Guess the drivers had issues with hitting things with them. Shipping this way would keep them from being beat to hell on arrival. This edge looks metal. (orange ) Protect canvas where it goes around the edge? Opted for 41 Dark Olive Drab for the “repaint”. Little better contrast with the G-3. No.31/ ANA 319 was too dark. Couple of WIP shots for you. Still need to paint roof.Markings are based on a couple "styles in photos. Added the black out shield on the passenger side head light and US driver.. Somethings bollocksed up and photos wont post.
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This is Tamiyas 1/48 K2y. Also have Airfix Bedford 15cwt, Albion fueler and Tamiya CCKW 353 tanker WIPs. Have the Tamiya CCKW 353 building as a bomber crew transport. Built Tamiya Kurogame, Hasegawa Isuzu TX-40 (IJA) nd Komatsu G-50 (IJN)
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Looks wierd with cab doors. Post war “upgrade”?
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Yes - the doors are post-war.
These ambulances were used for many years post-war.
Back to WWII, this is a rare civvy vehicle from 1945.
You also have this option belonging to the American Ambulance Great Britain (AAGB) organisation. They were a civilian ambulance service funded by donations from American citizens during WWII. The colour scheme was grey overall, with a red cheat line along the bottom of the rear body (almost invisible on this image):
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Great info and more options.
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