Oxford Diecast 76K2003

National Coal Board Austin K2 Ambulance

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)

Manufacturer description

The K2 Ambulance was a World War II vehicle built between 1939 and 1945 by Austin at their Longbridge plant where around 13,000 were produced primarily for military use by the British, Allied and US forces. Our 1:76 scale Oxford version is based on the early version of the K2 with round roof ventilators.

After the War, the Austin K2 Ambulance known affectionately as KATY, passed into civilian use in many cases.  You’ve already seen our 1:76 scale vehicle in the dark green garb as used by the 51st Highland Division and again in desert camouflage deployed in the Western Desert.  For its third appearance, it is painted in dark blue and black livery of  the National Coal Board, probably deployed in the wake of mining disasters and accidents. 

The dark blue body features black masking to the wings and mudguards with silver wiped black radiator grille.  The interior is also completely black.  A carry-over from the military comprises the roll back ‘canvas’ doors in midnight blue, matching the main bodywork.  Registered SMD 947, the cream lettering on the sides of the K2 indicates it was deployed in Area 5 of the NCB’s Northern Division.  A finishing detail sees the white Ambulance lettering above the windscreen.                 

Catalogue listing

Oxford Diecast National Coal Board Austin K2 Ambulance
Manufacturer Part Number: 76K2003
Scale: 1:76
Period represented: British Railways Early Crest

The Austin K2 Ambulance was produced between 1939 and 1945 at the Longbridge plant, with around 13,000 units built for military use by British, Allied and United States forces. Following the Second World War the vehicle entered civilian service, often being employed by organisations such as the National Coal Board after mining accidents.

This model depicts the early version of the K2 with round roof ventilators and is finished in the dark blue and black livery used by the National Coal Board. The body is painted dark blue with black masking on the wings and mudguards, a silver‑wiped‑black radiator grille, and an all‑black interior. The roll‑back “canvas” doors are midnight blue, matching the main bodywork. The registration SMD 947 and cream lettering on the sides indicate deployment in Area 5 of the NCB’s Northern Division, while white “Ambulance” lettering appears above the windscreen.