WC-54 Ambulance

[Firemodeler1]

I began this one a few weeks ago starting with collecting parts from previous WC projects.  I had molds for fenders, tires and wheels and a frame from a WC-52 that I was planning on building but never did.  The frame was stretched by adding a section in the middle for the longer WC-54 wheel base.

Springs and axles are brass with the differentials from two part resin.  Body sides are 0.030" Evergreen plastic sheet.

The cab is diecast and was cut from a '41 Dodge pickup.  The doors, dashboard and windshield have been saved for use.  Unlike the other WC projects the hood has some slant and curve to it due to the commercially built cowl.  So new hood sections will be cut from brass sheet.

The top has been the most challenging because of the complex shape and the idea of keeping it open for detailing the interior of the body.  A master was made of Renshape from which a silicone rubber slush mold was made.

With the mold done two part casting resin was mixed and poured into it allowing it to cover the full inside surface of the mold but without filling it.  After 4-5 smaller pours around the outside, I had a well formed roof that was about 1/16" thick.  Something I could use to detail the body interior.

That's where we are so far.  Working on those quirky little returns above the cab doors now.

[Mark Deliduka]

Magnificent! Looks like you nailed that roof perfectly! Way to go on such a complex feature!

[VonL]

A very cool project here! Am currently knocking together the Academy 1/72 kit of this same creature, for a Korean War MASH look. Would like to pose the rear doors open, so assuming that you have much better references than I, A couple of questions on the most basic interior details:

1 - Was the floor wooden, or metal?

2 - What sort of fixtures would be mounted to receive stretcher-patients inside? Am assuming that the bench seats are stowed or removed?

3 - What color was the aft interior compartment painted - OD, or white, or maybe that light blue-green/teal color?  

Thanx for any suggestions.

[Ron Bell]

These from a quick internet search. 

[VonL]

Nice! Thanx for these. What were your search terms?

[Firemodeler1]

On 8/26/2025 at 8:14 PM, VonL said:

Nice! Thanx for these. What were your search terms?

Bob, the interior floor was metal, covered by dark linoleum.  The interior side panels were made of a masonite type material that was screwed in place at certain points.  Below is the way I laid out my interior using much the same information that you see posted above.

The stretcher would not be placed on the floor like this.  Those oddly curved hooks hold the stretcher handles next to the body side and the other side of the stretcher is supported by cords connected to the loops in the top.  The seats do fold on both sides so that two stretchers could be placed side by side.  There are also medical equipment compartments on the interior behind the rear wheels and in front of the rear wheel on the passenger side.

Here's what it looks like with the top on.

You've got your work cut out for you in 1/72 scale!  Hope to see it when you get it done.

[VonL]

Wow - great stuff here! This info is just what I needed. Otherwise, am planning to have a nurse standing inside the aft doorway, to hide the fact that I didn't do everything.

 

Cheers!

[Ron Bell]

On 8/26/2025 at 8:14 PM, VonL said:

Nice! Thanx for these. What were your search terms?

Just put in WC-54 Ambulance. Then after the results came up clicked on "Images". 

Edited August 30, 2025 by Ron Bell

[Firemodeler1]

Got quite a bit more done in the last few days.  Radiator and shroud are set as well as the fenders and running boards.  Next is to get the hood sections done.  The center needs to be tweaked so that the hinge will work.  The gap needs to be closed some with a brass sliver on each side.  Side pieces will also need hinges but are set to go.

  

[Firemodeler1]

Got a bit more done after realigning the frame and radiator.  Hood pieces are done with the exception of the louvers and some pins to hold it down.  Headlights are on temporary and the fuel filler has been added to the left rear.  This is a late '43 version of the ambulance when the filler was enlarged to make it easier and faster to fill the gas tank.

[Firemodeler1]

Got the front and rear work done for the bumper and doors to the body.  Little things are beginning to add up.  A couple of things need to be done to the chassis and engine and then I can begin painting the frame and get the engine installed.  The grill guard that I had done I found to be too small so a new one was made up which protects the headlights much better.  After that the front bumper was easy to get done.

 

Next up is to get the trim done for the rear doors.

 

[Firemodeler1]

After much tinkering and late adjustments, this build is done.  Looking back on it, I could have done things a bit differently and perhaps with a bit more thought before plunging ahead.  Nevertheless here it is.

[Mark Deliduka]

I think that is outstanding! Stupendous job; that looks like it came right off the M*A*S*H set!

[Firemodeler1]

On 9/26/2025 at 2:26 PM, Mark Deliduka said:

I think that is outstanding! Stupendous job; that looks like it came right off the M*A*S*H set!

Thanks, Mark.  Lots of little quirky things that made the build somewhat of a challenge.  More aforethought next time!😁

[Mark Deliduka]

Yes, hindsight is always 20-20, but I still see a contender here that is outstanding work.