Ferret Scout Car update exclusive

Welcome to this latest edition of our Workbench blog and all the news, updates and modelling exclusives from the fascinating world of Airfix.

After safely negotiating a hectic couple of weeks where we've been playing blog catch-up on current and impending 2023 kit releases, we're back to just a single blog for this weekend, even though it's a project update of some magnitude. Keeping a development eye on one of the major new tooling additions to the current Airfix range, we felt it was about time that checked in on the new 1/35th scale Ferret Scout Car Mk.2 project once more, as this highly anticipated kit rumbles inexorably towards its initial release. Keeping Ferret fans updated on all the very latest developments, we will be once again taking a look at the three appealing scheme options which will support the first production release of the kit, but this time with the benefit of an exclusive series of built model images, featuring Ferret kits completed in all three of the scheme options available. 

As the Ferret's designer looks forward with some excitement to the release of this new kit and the reception it's about to be given by modellers everywhere, we will also be bringing you Ethan's thoughts on how everything has progressed to this point and catching up with any Ferreting activities he may have been involved with over the summer. As the final project update prior to the impending release of this beautiful new kit, please enjoy this extended look at built sample images of all three scheme options, because your example should be with you in just a couple of weeks’ time.

It's almost time to go Airfix Ferreting

One of the most popular new tooling additions to many a recent Airfix range, the new 1/35th scale Ferret Scout Car Mk.2 kit is stealthily preparing for its imminent arrival.

For the designer responsible for a new Airfix model kit tooling project, the last few days prior to its initial release must be a time of real excitement, mixed with just a little trepidation, as an undertaking which they have committed so much time to is about to be unleashed on its intended audience. Will everything work out as planned and importantly, will modellers be pleased with this latest addition to the Airfix range?

These must be some of the thoughts running through the mind of product designer Ethan Barker at this moment in time, as he prepares to see how his 1/35th scale Ferret Scout Car Mk.2 is received by the modelling world. With that in mind, we thought Workbench readers might like to hear from him prior to the impending launch, in what will be a first for our Airfix blog, as we ask Ethan to share his thoughts at this important time and to ask him what had been happening on the Ferret front since we last provided a project update.

The first question we wanted to put to Ethan was to ask if even at this late hour, if he still had any Ferret related tasks to complete and significantly, what his thoughts on its release were at this time?

Ethan was happy to tell us that at this stage, it's actually quite a strange feeling, because even though this is clearly a huge moment in his working life and ongoing Airfix career, there is absolutely nothing he can do about the situation now, no last minute tweaks or additional design inputs to make, it's all out of his hands now. It's a bit like being on a runaway train, in that there's nothing you can do, except sit back and enjoy the unusual ride - all he can do now is watch and see what happens.

Looking back a little further, Ethan did tell us that he has been engaged in some supporting marketing activities recently, features which will be aired and published following the release of the new Ferret kit and how he has really enjoyed the opportunity to speak with a great many people who are passionate about the vehicle, something he found to be incredibly rewarding. This did also make him think about how these people will view his efforts once the model is released and how he hopes Ferret enthusiasts and those who have a close association with the vehicle will be pleased with his scale tribute to it.

From an earlier time, this fascinating, yet confusing image may mean little to most of us, but represents an important design phase of the Ferret project for Ethan. There's a Ferret Scout Car in there somewhere.

From an overall project perspective, with the tooling for the kit now with the manufacturing facility, his final tasks relating to the kit have been to assess the final pre-production component frames, checking these against his tooling layout files and the collection of test frames already in hand. Ethan did say that by this stage, he and his fellow designers are more than confident that they're just in checking mode here, as the manufacturers are incredibly competent in their work and will have ironed out any potential issues prior to sending these final test shots. With just a couple of very small issues to discuss following the completion of these checks, everything was signed off and the new Ferret released for production.

As for his personal feelings at this point, Ethan did describe how everything seemed just a little strange at the moment. He said, 'You spend four or five months of your life completely immersed in a subject, only to have to drop it completely and do the same again on a different project. You regularly come back to that original subject for much shorter, but equally intense periods, culminating in a really hectic month prior to release, where you get yourself all excited again - it really is all rather weird. Then, it's on to release and the obvious hope that everyone's going to be pleased with the new kit, not only how the finished model looks, but also how enjoyable the build process itself will be.'

Ethan went on to describe how despite the fact that all these things are going around in his mind, perhaps the thing he is most looking forward to seeing is what modellers do with the kit he designed and how he hopes it will feature as the focal point of many a diorama build project in the months to come. He is particularly looking forward to Scale ModelWorld this year and how when he sees built Ferret models on display across the various halls, how this will be an incredibly proud moment for him.

We just couldn't wait any longer - Ladies and Gentlemen, Ferrets on a Ferret ... you're welcome!

Knowing that Ethan will have been fully committed to several other design projects since submitting his tooling design for the Ferret, we wanted to ask if he had enjoyed any other Ferret related activities and experiences since we last spoke to him and we are pleased to report that he had. He described with some enthusiasm a day he and researcher Luke spent with members of the Daimler Ferret Owners Group recently, where during a hectic day of filming and content gathering in support of release day, he was given the opportunity to operate a real Ferret. More than this, thanks to the guidance and support of group members and in particular, Ferret expert Brian Laker, Ethan was invited to both drive and serve as commander in a Ferret, something he described as great fun and a day he will never forget.

Putting his assigned Ferret through its paces, he gained a real appreciation of the capabilities of this rugged little reconnaissance vehicle, how effective it is and consequently why so many people are passionate about them. Driving at speeds approaching 50 mph, he was given the full Ferret experience and had the bruises to prove it - he absolutely loved every second!

Most of the filming content gathered during this visit is now in post-production and will all be made available on the Airfix website following the launch of the new kit, however Ethan did confirm that he definitely fancies himself as a Ferret Scout Car commander now, and how there might just be some footage to prove it!

Our next question centred around the impressive built sample models which are featured in this update, if Ethan had seen them yet and if so, what he thought of them.

A trio of beautifully presented Ferrets. With interesting stories behind each option, which Ferret scheme is going to be getting your vote?

He told us that he had seen them and how he was really impressed with them. The sight of these models really did highlight the ability of modellers to take the blank canvas of a model kit and do something special with it. We all know how modelling can be a personal hobby and the way in which one modeller chooses to finish his kit might not appeal to everyone else, however, having the skill, foresight and creativity to give any kit real character is something that can be appreciated by all, even if you might have done things slightly differently yourself. If it serves as inspiration for any future build project, then that's a valuable continuation of the hobby we all love.

Ethan told us that the most interesting aspect of seeing all three of the built Ferret models on his desk was how they really brought the kit to life and looked so different from the representations he was used to working with. As he had been required to check, test build and check again various release iterations of test frame components, his desk was full of complete and partially built Ferret kits, but all just in unpainted plastic form, so the arrival of this colourful display really did help him to visualise what the design he had worked so hard to perfect was actually capable of - the builds are absolutely stunning.

On reflection, Ethan said how he thought the sight of these fully completed models underlined the fact that rather than just being a construction kit, this was actually a scale representation of the real vehicles he and Luke had scanned, measured and photographed all those months ago and it takes something like this for you to fully appreciate that. He said that from a designer's perspective, it's what modellers do with the kits any designer has worked on that's the really impressive part of this entire process, how they really manage to bring them to life.

Looking much more like a Ferret now, Ethan knows that what modellers do with his design will be the true test of the appeal of his latest creation, and all he can do is produce the most accurate scale representation of the subject he possibly can.

In a rather mischievous addendum to our previous question, we really couldn’t let this opportunity pass without asking Ethan which of the three scheme/build options included with this first Ferret release was his favourite. After a little reflective pause, Ethan told us that he thought Luke had done a great job in researching three very different, yet equally appealing scheme options for the initial release of the Ferret, with each one having an interesting story behind it. If we were insisting that he choose, he would probably go with the white United Nations scheme, partly because it looks so striking, but also because he likes the peacekeeping story behind it.

If we were to ask him which scheme he would finish his own kit build in, that would be a different story and he would probably go with the lead scheme in that case, again because of the fascinating story behind it, but also because the scheme most closely resembles the appearance of the real Ferrets he was fortunate to be able get close to during the development of this kit. His intention would also be to apply a little weathering and signs of use to his model, just so it more closely resembled an operational service vehicle and not one which had just been wheeled out of the paint shop.

Finally, as we are now fast approaching the initial release of this highly anticipated new model, we wanted to ask Ethan if he had a message for the thousands of people who had pre-ordered the Ferret kit and were looking forward to getting their hands on it?

Scale homage to a post war British armoured icon, the new Ferret Scout Car Mk.2 kit fills a significant gap in 1/35th scale modelling and has already attracted plenty of modelling support.

He said that he just hopes that people enjoy the entire Ferret experience, from inspecting the artwork, opening the box and working through the assembly process and beyond. Most of all, he's excited to see what everyone does with it and what spectacular things the modelling world has in store for his Ferret Scout Car Mk.2. As this is a hobby item and something which is ultimately intended to be a source of pleasure, he hopes people enjoy building the kit and that it will be viewed as a valuable addition to the Airfix range. 

For Ethan, it would be nice to think that for those people coming across the new kit because they are Ferret devotees rather than being committed modellers, the kit might introduce them to Airfix for the first time and may even encourage them to have a go at modelling for the first time. For those who do have prior modelling experience but may have lapsed over time, if the Ferret brings them back to the hobby even for just a short while, that's an equally rewarding thought for him.

To summarise these final few days of the Ferret being in development prior to initial release, Ethan told us that he's really pleased with how the kit has turned out and how he is looking forward to chatting with modellers about the project in the weeks and months to come, particularly at this year's Scale ModelWorld Show. The new Ferret Scout Car Mk.2 is clearly a significant development in Ethan's design career and we can fully understand his wish to have it viewed as a valuable addition to the hobby by those who spend time with it in the months to come. The Workbench team don't have any doubts about that, however, none of us have long to wait now for confirmation, as the Ferret is due for release early next month.

A trio of tempting Ferrets

As we prepare for the impending release of the new 1/35th scale Ferret Scout Car Mk.2 and with Ethan's comments still fresh in our minds, let's take this final opportunity to look at the three scheme options included with the kit and how each one has a really engaging story behind it, with all making for appealing future build projects in their own right. With the help of the latest built sample model imagery, which of the three is going to get your vote?

Scheme A - FV 701(C) Ferret Armoured Car, West Germany, August 1961.

Despite sporting armour, the Ferret was never intended to be placed in a position where it would have to face enemy heavy armour and instead relied on its low profile, speed and stealth in order to make contact with enemy units, some of which may be engaged in a similar reconnaissance role. Creeping into contested territory, the Ferret was built for sniffing out the enemy, but not to actually cause trouble directly in an offensive sense. Their role was to send real-time radio reports back to HQ, and should their scouting take them out of radio range, a second HQ Ferret would be sent to a position between them and command headquarters, so it could receive and relay messages. The Ferret was tasked with providing senior planners with a picture of enemy activities and therefore, helping to direct any impending offensive actions.

If detected, the crew could extricate themselves from any combat situation at high speed and as long as they were only targeted by small arms and light machine gun fire, they would have adequate protection until the driver could get them out of harm’s way and speeding back towards friendly lines.

In operation, the Ferret was quite the capable performer, sporting a five-speed pre-selector gearbox which was accessed using a simple two position drive lever, enabling the Ferret to travel as fast in reverse as it could going forward. The independent suspension units employed were robust and capable, allowing for a very pleasant ride, even at high speed and over all but the roughest of terrains. Even though the steering system did not feature power assist, it was light and responsive, all leading to a vehicle with impressive operational performance.

More built model delights, with our scale representation of the Ferret which accompanied German youngster Erwin Schabe to school in the days following the erection of the Berlin Wall.

The early 1960s were a time of great tension for British Army units stationed in Germany. During the early hours of 13th August 1961, senior military commanders started to receive reports of unusual activity along the border between East and West Berlin, which appeared to be being blocked off by Soviet troops. All surrounding roads were clogged with hundreds of military vehicles and a heightened military presence was joined by what appeared to be construction vehicles and lorries carrying building materials and barbed wire.

What they were witnessing was the early stages of the construction of the Berlin Wall, a symbolic divide between East and West, but for those living through those volatile times, a frightening development for a capital city which was still recovering from the horrors of the Second World War. The wall would become a physical symbol of international mistrust and military posturing, at a time when the Cold War had already been descending to dangerously towards conflict. For ordinary Berliners, this was further confirmation that they were under occupation, with everyday journeys thousands of people made now becoming impossible - how long would this barrier last?

All hatches open, this view clearly shows sone of the display options this delightful new kit supports.

Highlighting the very real impact this situation had on ordinary people, schoolboy Erwin Schabe immediately found his daily journey to school much more difficult following this development. Living in a little village which skirted the contested territory, he would usually cycle four miles down a narrow country track each day to school, however, the new wall and increased security patrols saw him being bothered by East German police both on the way there and when coming back home. 

On describing the situation to his parents, official protestations were made, which resulted in immediate action and a somewhat unlikely outcome. The British Army sent a Ferret Scout Car to escort Erwin to school, with his new armoured friends ensuring that the harassment at the hands of the East German border police immediately ceased, with Erwin left to go about his daily business in peace. There are a number of truly fascinating official images which prove the authenticity of this story, with Erwin and his bicycle pictured on the country track, with Ferret 02DA63 (the one depicted in this scheme) behind him, making up this unlikely school convoy. 

Scheme B - FV 701(C) Ferret Armoured Car, British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), Canadian Forces Base Suffield, Alberta, Canada, 1980s.

Although there wasn't too much free space inside a Ferret, when it came to the driver’s field of view, this was excellent in most operating environments. This view was the result of several armoured hatches which would normally be left in an open position and offered an excellent view from all angles, even sporting rear armoured panels which could be opened when reversing. Should the Ferret come under fire, the hatches would be closed and the driver would revert to a periscope/episcope unit for his driving view, with the vehicle featuring three such units, with a fourth usually carried internally as a spare, in case of damage.

The Ferret could also boast excellent water fording capabilities, even though it was not exactly waterproof, with all automotive and electrical equipment protected against the ingress of water. In fact, it was thought that the vehicle would keep on going even when the crew had been forced to abandon the vehicle due to the sheer height of the water pouring into its interior.

Each Ferret carried a host of internal equipment and therefore, the interior was rather a cramped working environment. In normal operation, the commander would sit half out of the vehicle, just to make travel a little more comfortable, but as they approached contested areas, it would be back inside, with all hatches battened down. The Mk.1 Ferret typically had a crew of three, whilst later marks sacrificed the radio operator and would usually be operated by just the driver and his commander.      
 
Over 4400 Ferrets were built during the ten years from 1952 and they would see extensive service with British forces across the world, in addition to those of many overseas nations. You could always be sure of spotting a Ferret or two in many of the world's hotspots during the post war years and hundreds are still in service across Africa, the Far East and the Pacific region to this day.

We just couldn't bear to split them up for too long - All three scheme options gathered together for an impromptu built model photocall.

On the wide expanses of a prairie in Alberta, Canada, the British Army has been conducting large scale training and military manoeuvres since 1972, an area which is twice the size of the Isle of Wight and so sparsely populated that it's ideal for live firing and complex combat situation simulations. The British Army Training Unit Suffield is an important location for the modern British Army and is home to around 400 permanent staff, 1400 soldiers in training and a great many local people who all help to keep the base running smoothly. Of even greater importance, BATUS is home to Challenger 2 tanks and Warrior infantry fighting vehicles, in numbers which constitute an entire battle group and therefore allowing training activities of this magnitude to be undertaken.

Over the years, well over one hundred thousand British Army personnel have spent time training at this impressive facility, which is used to provide the most complex testing and training exercises a British soldier can experience, with live firing and battlegroup scale scenarios providing them with the knowledge and experiences to prepare them for war. In a changing world, the role of the Army has to be flexible enough to cope with the demands placed upon it, both traditional and contemporary, with this facility undoubtedly providing troops with as real a combat situation as they are likely to experience, other than actually being in a warzone.

This particular Ferret was one of many which had been based at the BATUS facility in Canada over the years and is unusually presented with distinctive markings to its sides and turret, presumably to provide this stealthy vehicle with an additional means of identification whilst on the live firing ranges. As we have already seen, the Ferret may be capable of withstanding small arms fire, however, it would not be the place to be if it was inadvertently targeted by a tank or anti-tank gun unit. 

Scheme C - FV 701(C) Ferret Armoured Car, 5th Parachute Brigade, British Army Overseas, Cyprus, 1974.

Without doubt, the most distinctive option of the three schemes included with the first release of the new Ferret is this vehicle, one which served in a UN peacekeeping capacity on the Island of Cyprus during 1974. Following the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960, Britain negotiated an agreement whereby they were allowed to retain a number of strategic sites on the island, including two airfields and approximately forty other sites, ranging from radar stations to service living quarters.

Over the next few years, an uneasy peace descended on the Island, however, it always harboured the potential for violence, with Greek and Turkish communities often disagreeing on the future of an independent Cyprus. An upsurge in violence during the 1970s led to a Turkish invasion on the north of the Island, with territorial gains being held by Turkish forces, forming a division across the country. A negotiated settlement to the conflict was secured, with a United Nations peacekeeping force establishing a demilitarised zone between the Turkish Cypriots in the north and the mainly Greek population in the south. An agreement amongst UN member nations to provide both funding and a commitment to provide manpower and equipment to effectively police the UN Buffer Zone was reached in 1974 and the Island once again returned to an uneasy, if now physically divided peace.

Ferret peacekeeper making sure it's inaugural release partners stay out of scale trouble.

Along with the forces of other member states of the United Nations, British troops were sent on UN detachment to Cyprus on six monthly tours, operating autonomously of other British forces on the Island whist performing their UN duties and fully adopting the role of UN peacekeepers. Wearing the famous blue beret of the UN peacekeepers, vehicles such as this Ferret Scout Car would be given a liberal coat of white paint when in this role, just as a clear visual indication of their peacekeeping intentions and how they were not affiliated to one side of the island or the other. A reassuring presence in this troubled Island, serving as a UN Peacekeeper is something most service personnel are proud to have on their record.

This rather distinctive Ferret benefitted from the application of a coat of white paint in advance of performing its UN peacekeeping duties, even though this seems to have only been to the upper surfaces - much of the undersides, wheel wells and wheel hubs have retained their British Army green colour. The turret also proudly displays the marking of the Parachute Regiment, with the UN logo also carried in several positions. Presumably, the white paint would have helped the driver in particular cope with the heat much more pleasantly, as the vehicle was operating in the heat of the eastern Mediterranean sun.

Full brand presentation of the new and soon to be released 1/35th scale Ferret Scout Car Mk.2 - keep an eye out for this impending addition to the on-line Airfix store.

Just one final Ferreting treat, this time with all three built models occupying the Commander's seat. Make way for the new Ferret!

With the release of the new Ferret now just a matter of days away, we would like to thank Ethan for his invaluable insight into this final project update prior to launch and we hope his design efforts are rewarded with some really positive reviews in the weeks to come. 

It's almost Ferret time folks!

We are afraid that's all we have for you in this latest edition, but we will be back next Friday with more project development updates and the very latest Airfix kit exclusives. In the meantime, we are always keen to hear your views on all things Airfix and in particular, any thoughts and opinions you may have regarding our Workbench blog. If you would like to drop us a quick line, could we please ask that you use our workbench@airfix.com email for all correspondence. 

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