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Post Info TOPIC: WWI Billy Bus
TreadHead

Date:
WWI Billy Bus
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Howdy All,

My apologies for a potentially silly question, but...since I feel the available WWI kits in 1/35th scale are few and far between {when compared to 1/72nd}, I was eyeing the old Airfix 1/32nd scale duo-kit of the Dennis fire engine, and Omnibus at my LHS and was wondering how possible it would be to convert the Omnibus into a Billy Bus?

thx for any input

Tread.

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Peter Kempf

Date:
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Do you know that Airfix once had a 1/732 scale kit of the WW1 Troop Bus? And you could quite possibly find it out there, perhaps on Ebay. Probably expensive, though...


/Peter K



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Peter Kempf

Date:
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PS. Ehum, I of course mean 1/32 scale...


/PK



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Paul

Date:
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Military Modelcraft International did an article some time ago about using the bus for converting to either troop carrier or lorry and the bus conversion is straight forward. Also many many moons ago there was an article in Airfix magazine about scratchbuilding an Austin a/car using wheels and chassis fron the Dennis fire engine kit.


 HTH  Paul



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Jack Mueller

Date:
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The new duo release from Airfix is actually old kits reboxed.  I have the original Airfix kit of the Old Bill bus, and can tell you it is a very good kit... even after all these years,  The kit comes with alternate accessories/paint schemes for a simple conversion of the civilian vehicle.  There is no alteration work required; the kit is designed to fit right into Flanders 1914 as issued.


I noted Squadron is carrying the duo for around $30 US...., but it,.. you won't be disappointed.



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Tim Rigsby

Date:
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Hello Guys


   These Models are great for scratch-building other WW1 vehicles, I highly recommend them. If any body would like a copy of the Military Modelcraft International article, I would be glad to send them a copy.


All the Best


Tim R.


 


 



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TreadHead

Date:
Permalink Closed

Howdy fellas,

Dang!.....I wrote out a rather lengthy multi-part reply to this thread right after the first couple of replies....but apparently it got erased

Anyway, best to just rereply right?

to Peter: Yes, I do know of the kit you speak of, but the going price for said kit is the main reason why I was asking about the Airfix duo-kit

to Paul: Many thx for pointing out that article pard', it sounds like just what I'm looking for
I would be very grateful if you could elaborate on the usage of the Dennis parts for the armoured car conversion....or, maybe point me to the article?....thx.

to Jack: Also, many thx for your input sir...I felt that the 'duo-kit' had some serious potential, it's just good to hear I was correct.
And, based upon the response here, I stopped by my LHS and picked up the duo-kit this afternoon. In fact I just cracked open the box and was at least a little shocked at the lavender coloured plastic within.. kinda wierd, but...what the hey!...it'll all look properly coloured when I'm done.

to Tim: I had the same thoughts regarding the duo-kit as a nice 'base' for several kits, including a decent handful of armoured cars.
Now....to your generous offer of providing the Military Modelcraft magazine article regarding the Airfix Omnibus conversion to the Billy Bus....I would be in your debt sir if you would be so kind as to scan it and send it to me via Email {since I am anxious to see it}, or, any other way that is convenient for you..........just let me know.
Again, thx

Tread.

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Tim Rigsby

Date:
Permalink Closed

Hello Tred


   I would be glad to send it to you, just email me your address. {It will be Sunday, before I can get to it, I am out of town for thanksgiving} gobble,gobble


ww1nut1918@yahoo.com


All the Best


Tim R.



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Tread

Date:
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Howdy Tim,

Many thx for the quick response!

I am new around here {officially}, but have lurked around this site for a bit longer and am very glad to find a site that caters to the Great War as you fellas do....I've also kinda looked around and noticed that you seem to be very supportive of most of the Poster's here, and I count myself lucky to have garnered your ear on my 'Billy' Bus thread. I would like to do my best to add to the site as opposed to being a potential burden on helpful individuals like yourself. I have several WWI-related projects that I am working on, so maybe I can take a shot at submitting a build-up article, or kit review that might help someone else.......in fact, if you send me that Military Modelcraft article, maybe I can do a Photo-Build up Article of the Airfix Omnibus / Billy Bus conversion for the site?.......just a thought

Both Email and Snail mail addy on it's way to you.

Thx again pard'

Tread.

Post Script: After a second look, the Airfix plastic is actually more a reddish-orange than the "lavender" I originally stated....

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David Maynard

Date:
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I built my Ol' Bill bus from the 90s re-issue in fire engine red plastic. Didn't make many changes, mainly leaving off the fenders either side which stopped London pedestrians ending up under the buses (I believe that's what they're for) and planking up the windows with plastic strip. It's probably a good idea to replace the glazing with something thinner and remember not to cover the small opening windows above the main glazing. I also added a crate to the roof over the entrance to lower passenger compartment with a pick and shovel above, based on pictures.

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