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Forum 43
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Topic starter
04/05/2026 4:25 pm
Hi everyone,
First post (so please be gentle!). I am looking to identify the "abandoned" vehicle seen in Episode 2 of Band of Brothers (Day of Days); I assume it is intended to represent a typical French light van ("camionette"?) of the 1930s/early 1940s. Does anyone recognise it? More importantly, can anyone suggest a currently available model that might approximate to it in anything from 1/50, 1/48 or 1/43 (I'm based in the UK).
www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvi ... ORM=VAMGZC
The best views of the wreck are at 0:05 and 0:15.
Thanks,
BvW
05/05/2026 6:33 am
Welcome aboard. Here is the image from that video, The grille is reminiscent of 1938 or there abouts:
05/05/2026 8:24 am
It's a 1938-39 Ford grille.
05/05/2026 8:32 am
eBay.co.uk has this one available, with a ten-second search, but so far I only found delivery vehicles with that grille.
05/05/2026 9:47 am
I agree it's a full size 1938-39 American Ford truck. Here is a $12 buy it now cheapie currently on ebay.com that might work as a donor in a war diorama....
This post was modified 5 months ago 3 times by Jack Dodds
05/05/2026 11:59 am
Yes, I would agree that it looks like a Ford truck grille from a 1940 model. It would take a truly major effort to restore that particular vehicle !
05/05/2026 2:37 pm
The grill in the film clip is a1939 Ford truck grill or what's left of it. The '38 is very similar. A 1/43 Durham 1939 Ford Panel Truck would be what I would use to modify to what ever body style one would want. There are several of them on ebay. It would be accurate unless accuracy isn't a high priority, then use the $12.90 cheapie.
This post was modified 5 months ago 2 times by Curtis Parisi
Topic starter
07/05/2026 2:19 pm
Thanks for all the splendid replies - most helpful! The model is needed for a game I am planning to put on at a wargames show in the UK, replicating the Brecourt Manor assault and challenging attendees to see if they can match Lt Dick Winters' performance. I am actually based in the UK, so the eBay purchase may be a little problematic, although I intend to "distress" the model so the cheapie version should be ok.
Incidentally, I apologise for not responding sooner, but I recently had a partial amputation of my right foot and I am needing a lot of follow-up appointments and similar aftercare due to a Staph A infection (and they say you can't get the staff these days!). I am now doing a very passable impression of "Stumpy" from Rio Bravo, both in terms of mobility and grumpiness!
Once again, thanks to all who responded, most helpful!
BvW
07/05/2026 5:02 pm
That prop in episode 2 was an anachronism. Like finding a wrist watch in Ben Hur.
09/05/2026 10:01 am
@baron-von-wreckedoften The example I posted was from eBay.co.uk, if it would work.
Karl Schnelle reacted
09/05/2026 11:50 am
Hope the truck and the foot all work out! I know a Baron von Zach, are you related? 😆
GDH reacted
22/06/2026 10:55 am
@baron-von-wreckedoften Best of luck in your recovery.
michaeldetorrice and GDH reacted