Ice Cold in Alex “Katy”

The kit arrives from Airfix with a set of Humbrol droppers. This will be my first experience of these paints. 

There are four decal options on the sheet, and they are not all be boring green. From the box you can build one of the following:
1. 30 Corps, Motor Ambulance Convoy, Royal Army Service Corps, North West Europe, 1944
2. British Army, North Africa, 1940
3. British Army, Alexandria, Egypt, 1942 (Not the one from Ice Cold in Alex)
4. Auxiliary Territorial Service, England, 1944 Driven by Princess Elizabeth 

I was so happy to find in the decals and totally undocumented, the correct white lettering for Katy!, So there are actually 5 options! 

Having already built 1 & 4, I'm going to be finishing this, my third Airfix Ambulance, with inspiration from the film of the book, Ice Cold in Alex.  

First bit of weathering in the interior wooden floor. 

Interior built and linen paint applied over khaki green. I've also painted up some figures; not sure how I'll use them yet though. 

Phew! the roof Red Cross decal is probably one of the most tricky of all decals I've ever had to apply. 

Katy is starting to look her grubby state after a generous application of flory grime wash 

My third Airfix Austin K2 Ambulance build, I just love this kit. 

I discovered Airfix actually include a couple more undocumented decals which amazingly enable the build of a fifth version. Yes, you’ve guessed it, Airfix include a set of decals for ‘Katy’, the star of the “Ice Cold” film! Although entirely fictional they are perfect for someone like myself, looking to add this iconic model to my collection.  

In addition to the 20th Century Fox inspired decals, I made a few more modifications: I split and painted the windscreen to reflect the configuration used in the film and added a rope to front of the vehicle; the one used to pull Captain van der Poel from the bog. 

I added a spade to the front of the cab; the one van der Poel took with him on his regular excursions  

and I’ve added a few figures to represent the main players: Captain Anson, with his drink issues, Sister Diana Murdoch, falling for the Captain, and MSM Tom Pugh, never without his hat and, with head in hands, the world on his shoulders!  

The players in the back 

I’ve left the roof(s) unglued to provide access to the interior detailing which has meant a little gapping is unavoidable, but it’s the only way one is going to get to see the players in the back. 

And, oh yes, have you spotted the bullet holes? These broke 2 drill bits to add, but it wouldn’t have been Ice Cold In Alex without them!  

I’ve had so much fun with this kit, the next one is really going to be a challenge selecting, this being such a hard act to follow.