Introduction:

Gecko Models released a 1/35 scale plastic kit of Daimler Armoured Car Mk.I in 2021. The model features full interior detail and includes both a Littlejohn Adapter and PLM mounting with twin Vickers K options. Catering to those interested in adding extra detail to their builds, WWP recently published a comprehensive photo manual for modelers, showing the vehicle inside and out.

Review:

Daimler Armoured Car Mk.I in Detail (R091) from WWP is a softcover book spanning over 60 pages, showing two fully restored vehicles from private collections, photographed at War & Peace show in Beltring.

• Title: Daimler AC Mk.I in Detail – WWII Privately-Owned British Daimler Armoured Car Mk.I

• Publisher: Wings & Wheels Publications (WWP)

• Code: R091

• Author: James Baxter & František Kořán

• Format: softcover (22x24 cm)

• Pages: 60

• Color: full color

• Language: English

• ISBN: 978-80-87509-81-4

• Retail Price: $28 (€20)

Flipping the book reveals over 160 large color photos and diagrams, showing both the vehicle exterior and interior in great detail. The layout of the book follows the WWP standard, with huge amount of high-quality photos and useful information delivered in captions. The chapters are color coded on page edges to allow easy navigation:

• History (002 – 003)

• Walkaround (004 – 013)

• Turret Exterior (014 – 019)

• Hull Exterior (020 – 027)

• Hull Interior (028 – 035)

• Turret Interior (036 – 047)

• Engine Compartment (048 – 053)

• Suspension (054 – 057)

• Daimler AC Mark II (058 – 060)

The first chapter, History, briefly outlines the development of the vehicle and its service in the British Army. The Walkaround chapter shows full page general views of two vehicles, F20334 and F20108, completely restored to WWII standard. Next up is Turret Exterior chapter, displaying the external turret details, such as Besa 7.92mm MG mantlet, pistol ports, searchlight, periscope, turret hatch, antenna mast base, etc. Hull Exterior covers all the hull details: center toolbox, front hatch and visor, sidelights and headlight, mudguards, engine hatch construction, side door, stowage boxes and exhaust mount. This chapter provides a wealth of reference material which would come in handy when building the Gecko kit. Chapter on Hull Interior follows, displaying the driver’s compartment, turret rotary platform with commander’s and gunner’s seats, Besa ammo boxes, 2 pdr guns ammo racks. Together with Turret Interior, showing the 2pdr gun and various other details, these chapter are bound to make modelers interested in super-detailing the kit interior very happy. The following chapter deals with the Engine Compartment, displaying the power system and engine details on 6 pages, while the Suspension chapter covers the running gear, front and rear axles, and wheels. Finally, the last chapter deals with Daimler AC Mk.II, showcasing differences between the two vehicle versions.

Conclusion:

I’m very passionate about gathering reference images of the subject I’m modeling. One of the best aspects of the modeling process for me is adding extra details and scratchbuilding bits and pieces in order to take my model to a next level, getting as close to the real thing as possible.

That being said, I feel Daimler Armoured Car Mk.I from WWP is an essential reference manual for modelers interested in this vehicle. The book is printed on high-quality paper, and contains a ton of images which offer a general view of the vehicle but also deliver all the vehicle exterior and interior details from various angles. Although primarily a photo book, the information given in the captions provides a very engaging read, making the title an impressive symbiosis of high-quality photos and concise but extremely interesting info on the Daimler Armoured Car.

Well done WWP!