Modeling Guides

HobbyMaster Bedford QL Refueller

For those who like to display their built models in scenic settings and dioramas it is essential that they have access to decent 'extras'. Be that buildings, or equipment, or more importantly decent support vehicles. This model is one that most definitely fits in that category.

Produced by HobbyMaster in Hong Kong and supplied via Tiger Hobbies in the U.K. this model is basically an unbuilt diecast. There is a white metal chassis and cab, with injection moulded plastic bowser parts, cab interior and wheels, along with a clear insert and rubber/vinyl tyres. The kit contains around twenty five parts, of which some are surplus.

Once given a basic coat of paint with some detail tweaks for the cab, the model is literally an evening's build. All of it fits very well, with a mix of needing to cement plastic parts together, super glue plastic and metal, and finally screw (yes screw!) the cab and bowser to the chassis. The wheels are attached via metal axles that are generally hidden once the model is built.

You get a choice of three decal schemes that cover the rough operating eras of the real subject, from the overall RAF Blue, along with a Yellow topped vehicle to a late Black topped AVTUR refueller. The decals are nicely printed and in good register. They also performed very well. I went for the earlier overall Blue option, and using the recent Humbrol washes brought out the radiator grill and added some subtle usage grime.

All in all a great little addition to any model scene, especially as it is produced to 1/72 scale rather than being undersized to fit on a UK model railway layout! Highly recommended to one and all, even as a first subject vehicle item.
Go get one or two!