Britains Lilliput Vehicle Series
LV/612 Army 1.5-Ton Truck
Issued 1956-1960 Length 70mm 'OO/HO' scale (1:76)
Britains made several Ford models and the 1.5-Ton Truck was another in the series based on a Fordson Thames lorry. Two Army versions were issued, one without a canopy or tilt and one with (LV/613). Both models were identical in other respects. The model was also issued in a 'Farm' livery without canopy (LV/616).
Constructed in a fairly conventional way, the 1.5-Ton Truck had a cab & chassis casting, a body which included a rear towhook, and an unmarked base. The chassis and body were fitted together before being painted a glossy Army green with silver trim on the headlights and bumper. Under the chassis the usual 'Britains Ltd' and 'England' were included in the casting.
Having a separate base enabled Britains to include a seated driver on the upper side, a feature which was missing from the larger Bedford models. Painted green with the base, the figure had pale tan or pink trim added to his face and a black cap on his head.
Like all the military models, the wheels were green plastic with black tyres which usually carried the Britains name on the sides. There was a spare wheel which push-fitted behind the cab.
LV/613 was sold in the standard design open fronted boxes with a pictorial packing insert to which the model was secured. The model name and number were printed on one of the end-flaps.
The Army 1.5-Ton Truck is not hard to find but is more scarce that the larger Army trucks. The box is quite rare.
LV/612 Army 1.5-Ton Truck
Army-Green cab, chassis & base
Green driver with tan or pink face trim
Silver trim on headlights & front bumper
Green plastic hubs with black tyres
Rear Towhook
Spare wheel behind cab