Introduction

The Bedford OYD was a robust 3-ton, 4x2 (two-wheel drive), General Service (GS) truck used by the British Army and other forces during World War II. Developed from the civilian O-series and introduced in 1939, it was Britain's most numerous 3-tonner of the war, known for its reliability in transporting troops and supplies across diverse theatres of war. The "OYD" designation indicates it was part of the OY series, featuring an early production wooden cargo body, with later versions having metal bodies.  

Key Characteristics 

• Type: General Service (GS) truck.

• Capacity: 3-ton payload.

• Drive: 4x2 (two-wheel drive) configuration.

• Engine: A reliable 6-cylinder petrol engine powered the vehicle.

• Body: The "OYD" specified an early production version with a wooden cargo body, a common feature before material shortages led to metal-bodied designs.

Historical Significance

• Widespread Use: The Bedford OYD was a crucial logistical workhorse, serving on all fronts and by all branches of the British armed forces during World War II. 

• Versatility: Its durable design made it suitable for transporting a variety of loads, including troops, equipment, and supplies. 

• Lend-Lease: Many OYD trucks were supplied to the Soviet Union during the war. 

In summary, the Bedford OYD 3-ton 4x2 GS was a dependable military truck that played a vital role in Allied logistical efforts during World War II, characterized by its 3-ton capacity, two-wheel drive, and early wooden cargo body construction. 

Review

This release from Gecko Models arrives in a flip top cardboard tray with an additional card cover. Inside the various moulded and other elements are protected in a huge number of plastic bags. The instruction booklet is also worthy of praise as regards its quality. Gecko Models has provided good access for parts removal generally with reasonably sized gates but it needs to be remembered that there are a number of very small elements that modeller demand which will make some parts hard to remove.

This offering provides an exceptional offering when it comes to hidden and oily parts which is worthy of a model in its own right. The chassis is a multi-part offering with the saving grace that it is not angled and so easy to get right. As you add the full engine and gearbox plus suspension elements you start to get some idea of the beauty and detail in this release. the tyres have moulded tread with separate tyre walls. The front wheels can be set in any position which is an aspect I strongly approve of. The modeller who wants to go the extra mile only need add details such as brake and fuel lines and of of course the wire detail that should be present on the engine.

The cab of the truck is well covered but presents a sterile environment and that allows the model to add their special details such as a war trophy or paper element to make it draw a viewers eye to details you want to highlight.  The engine bay panels have a good level of detail that should please most and allows the engine bay to be displayed without the need for huge amounts of detailing work. Inside the cab Gecko has remembered to add rifles and a storage rack. The rifles are supplied with photo etched slings and the sprue has many other weapons that the modeller will be glad of. The cab body has been moulded in the flat pack approach which adds crisp detail and avoids ejector pins in this kit.

The truck bed has been attacked in the same way as the real vehicle assembly way I believe. The cross member supports are well detailed and the effort put into the simple elements make the result so much more to view. The bed itself is a simple wooden affair as expected but Gecko look to have taken a good look at what is needed and supplied the smallest of details even utilising photo etch for the purpose. The canvas cover is not the end of the story as you have the option of the metal frame on its own or a very realistic canvas. I really am impressed with what is included but it must be remembered that this level detail does impede ease of build. Should you choose to use the canvas Gecko has covered how to add the rope for securing the lower edges of the canvas.

Gecko Models is well known for going the extra mile in many of their releases and this is one of these examples. You are provided with a driver figure that well replicates a commonwealth soldier during World War 2. The hands and facial detail meet my expectations of injected moulded plastic, which is quite high with modern offerings. The uniform has good detail with webbing and ammunition pouches for the Sten gun that means after 1940. The set offers a wide choice of weapons of the period. A good mix of webbing items and helmets is another great freebie in the release and finally the addition of some fuel cans finishes the goodies.

The price this model can be bought for and the level of detail present makes buying this model a no brainer and that is before you even consider the extras in the offering.

The finishing options are:

Unknown RASC Company, 1st Armoured Division, Pacy-Sur-Eure, France, Late May 1940

431st Company, RASC, Eastern Command, British Army, Participating in £Exercise Bumper, October 1941

58th Company, RASC, 7th Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, during Operation Crusader, North Africa, November 1941

No32 General Transport Company, RASC, Malta Brigade, July 1942