Evening Fellow Modellers,

This will be a relatively quick build log of a Bedford HA van in 1/43 scale.

Why a Bedford HA van?

Back Story

Suzanne works with my missus and is a friend to both of us. She is getting married at the end of May, being taken to the church in a restored MK1 Escort RS driven by her dads cousin. I don't know his name but I do know that he runs a garage in Pembrokeshire and drives around in an immaculate 'N' reg [1973] Bedford HA van. He has often bemoaned the fact that he would love to have a model of a Bedford but has been unlucky in finding one.

Suzanne did a bit of research 'on the quiet' and found a suitable model. She has asked me to build it so it can be presented to him on her wedding day as a token of thanks and also a massive surprise!

The Kit

The kit is produced by Promod Ltd who specialise in white metal model kits. There are a few plastic components but mostly white metal. The overall quality of the parts are very good making for a very life like model when finished.

I have also bought a small, solid oak plinth to mount the car onto when complete so it can take pride of place in his office or on his mantel piece.

The model will be painted as per the original in white. I will make my own water slide decals for the company logo to be fitted on each side of the van. I will also make my own printed paper cut outs for the tax disc, number plates front and rear and the Bedford insignia on the front grill.

I will replicate a lot of the chrome parts as seen on the original by polishing the white metal with steel/brass wool before varnishing to 'lock in the shine'.

The model doesn't come with instructions, just a b/w photocopy of parts supplied. To be honest there isn't a lot to this kit so figuring out what goes where isn't too difficult.

The attached photo shows the parts photocopy with the components laid out on top.

This photo shows the chassis. Again, I spent some time cleaning up this component before spraying matt black and varnishing. I masked off the exhaust pipe as it looked rather good in white metal.

Another picture of the oak plinth showing the M3 cheese head bolt

Phil

That is a real nice thought to put your modelling skills too.

Never come across this brand of kit before so very interesting.

Hope it all goes together well for you.

Here are a couple of images of the plastic bodywork. This will be painted gloss white then varnished before adding my own DIY water slide decals, painting the windscreen seal and indicators.

Hi Tony,

Thank you. Suzanne and all of her family near and distant are car mad. She has already seen a couple of these pictures and to say she is super excited is an understatement! I can't wait to show her the finished van.

It also makes for a nice 'palette cleanser' while i'm still building my U-Boat.

Kind Regards,
Phil W.

Well what a change from the U-boat great surprise for your friend i`ll quote Wallace should be cracking grommit when complete will watch with interest regards Phil

Looks like a fun little build Al and I'm sure you'll do a great job with it..... .. Will be watching all the way...

Regards

Alan

That's an interesting and fun looking build