Oxford Diecast Bedford QLR 1st Infantry Division

At the outbreak of WW II, Bedford was contracted by the British War Office to produce a 3-ton 4 x 4 general service truck. A pilot model was ready in February 1940 and quantity production started in March 1941. The Bedford QL was in production from 1941 to 1945 and was Bedford’s first vehicle series built for the British Armed Forces and evolved for use in numerous different military activities during the conflict, several of which have been produced as Oxford scale models. Our new addition to the 1:76 Oxford Military series is based on the Bedford QLR, which was a signals vehicle. Originally mounted on the QLC chassis/cab, special QLR chassis were soon put into production, having special electrical equipment, radio suppression, fitment of a 660 W auxiliary generator driven by the transfer case powertake-off and, like the QLT, two 16 gallon petrol tanks instead of one behind the cab. The interior furniture, partitioning and radio equipment varied according to the different functions. On vehicles installed for the wireless role, a tent could be erected at the rear. Between the cab and main body were lockers for aerial masts and other equipment. Beneath the body were further lockers and racks for cable drums, batteries, tyre chains, 20 gallon drinking water tank, rectifier box, tools, fuel tank for the auxiliary engine, jerry cans and other items. The basic body shells were produced by Duple, Lagonda, Mulliner, Tickford and others. A revised body was introduced in 1944 for the Command High and Low Power and Wireless High Power roles. Our solid looking military Bedford QLR comes decorated in the dark earth/grey brown drab military markings, relieved only by the white and yellow printing on the front and sides of the cab and across the back of the vehicle. The model is topped off with a spare wheel towards the rear of the roof.