These 1941-1942 models Chevy trucks were specially ordered Modified Conventional Pattern (MCP) vehicles, which were upgraded civilian vehicles manufactured for military use at the factory and then further modified by the LRDG after receipt. This automobile model is 100% iron frame with metal, rolling wheels. The decal insignia and painted details give more of an authentic look. The models have seats as well as a steering wheel and minor details on the dash. The exterior details such as chain, machine gun, and storage compartments are securely welded on. When shipped, the item is packaged with foam inserts banded to pieces of cardboard to keep them held sturdily in place.
- 100% iron frame
- Metal wheels
- Wheels roll
- Painted and decal insignia
- Includes details such as seats, steering wheel, and storage compartments.
- Exterior details are securely welded on
- Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 13 x 6 x 5.5 Inch.
History:
The LRDG vehicles were mainly two wheel drive, chosen because they were lighter and used less fuel than four wheel drive. They were stripped of all non-essentials, including doors, windscreens, and roofs. They were fitted with a bigger radiator, a condenser system, built up leaf springs for the harsh terrain, wide, low-pressure desert tires, sand mats, and channels, plus map containers and a sun compass devised by Bagnold. Wireless trucks had special compartments built into the bodywork to house wireless equipment. Initially the LRDG patrols were equipped with one Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) Ford 15 cwt F15 truck for the commander, while the rest of the patrol used up to 10 Chevrolet 30 cwt WB trucks. From March 1941 the 30 cwt Chevrolets were replaced by the CMP Ford 30 cwt F30, although in some ways this was a retrograde step; because they were four wheel drives and heavier than the Chevrolets, they used twice as much fuel, which in turn reduced the range of a patrol. From March 1942 the Fords were progressively replaced by 200 Canadian Chevrolet 1533 X2 30 cwts which had been specially ordered for the LRDG. From July 1942 Willys Jeeps began to be issued for the patrol commander and patrol sergeant.