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Roden has just released two new models of WWI vehicles. The British Armoured Car Pattern 1920 Mk.II, modified with sand tyres, and a FWD Model B 3-ton US Army Ammunition Truck.

The famous British Rolls-Royce Armoured Car was built during WWI but it's service life spanned well into the WWI. The endless British Empire needed the support of the king's power in the colonies by every possible means. In the African deserts and also in the territory of India, the Rolls-Royce Armoured Car became very useful as a 'police car' for subduing revolts.

This kit is modified with sand tyres, and comes with decals for three different options:

• Armoured Car Pattern 1920 Mk.II, unknown, No 1 ACC, No 4 Sect., RAF, Western Desert, Egypt, 1942.
• Armoured Car Pattern 1920 Mk.II, "Vulture", No. 1 ACC, No 1, 2 or 3 Sect., RAF, 1936, Iraq.
• Armoured Car Pattern 1920 Mk.II, "Tigris", No. 1 ACC, No 4 Sect., RAF, 1941, Iraq.

The second new model, FWD Model B truck, is also from WWI and saw service in the inter-wars period as well.
In 1912, the US military ordered a new truck for the needs of the army. According to their requirements, it had to have a loading capacity of three tons and also be able to haul artillery guns.
The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company were already developing the Model B truck which could be quickly adapted to accord with military requirements.

The Model B moved the engine and the driver's seat directly over the frame, a distinct difference from other models of truck which had the classic 'bonnet' design. Later such a configuration of truck would be classic in turn, however at the time of its creation the Model B was truly innovative. With an identical length of frame, the Model B had a larger body size than bonnet trucks and could also take more freight. The body had arches for raising a tarpaulin awning, wheels with spokes and rubber rims.

The US Army Weapon (Ordnance Department) became interested in the vehicle to fulfill its requirement of the transportation of field artillery ammunition. The FDW company modified the design - the machine now had a strengthened steel body and on its boards was placed an entrenching tool. Many trucks of this kind came to the front in Europe, while large numbers were also in service in the USA.

Two possible versions:

• FWD Model B 3-ton Ammunition Truck, US Army, 1919.
• FWD Model B 3-ton Ammunition Truck, Western Front, France, late 1918.