Ambulances
My very good friend Thomas Mischak sent me along with some other goodies the Imex ambulance set as a birthday present recently.
The set is basic but effective and depicts a Rucker ambulance.
This ambulance was very popular from the mid war replacing a host of inferior designs but, unfortunately was not around for Antietam.
I did some research and found this fascinating article.
https://civilwarhome.com/ambulancewagons.htmlFrom this it seemed a Rosecrans, named after the general, would be satisfactory, so out came the knife.
I found this wonderful replica, also called a Wheeling to base my design on.
Following chopping I redesigned the suspension with card for the springs, balsa for the brake and riding board.
Piano wire and balsa made a step for the rear.
The horses are Revell with green stuff and Hat Austrian artillery chains.
The main pole is balsa again with some chain from the bits box.
The reins are cotton with a little PVA to stop the fraying. A special mention to Mr Crynns for that tip!
It’s not 100% accurate, but I think it gives a good ‘feel’ of the original and I have plans for it in the future.
Many thanks to Thomas again.
Chris