KING AND COUNTRY DD010
Overview
Introduction to the set
Historical context of WC‑54 ambulances in WWII
Collector‑oriented notes
This review examines the King & Country DD010 Dodge WC54 Ambulance & Two GIs set, a finely crafted 1:30-scale mixed-media miniature capturing a U.S. Army medical vehicle and personnel from WWII. Introduced by King & Country with set code DD010, it includes a detailed Dodge WC‑54 ambulance and two American GIs, all meticulously hand-painted and packaged in branded box form. The set reflects King & Country’s hallmark quality in die‑cast and polystone production and maintains appeal among WWII diorama enthusiasts and collectors.
Historical Background
During World War II (1942–1945), the U.S. Army Medical Corps relied on the Dodge WC‑54 ¾‑ton, 4×4 ambulance—nicknamed “the meat wagon”—as the principal battlefield evacuation vehicle. Built by Dodge under supply catalog designation G‑502, the WC‑54 replaced earlier half‑ton WC‑9, WC‑18, and WC‑27 models and entered standardized production in October 1942, with deliveries beginning in May of that year (en.wikipedia.org). Between 1942 and 1945, total production of the WC‑series T214 trucks reached approximately 255,000 vehicles, including about 22,857 ambulances (en.wikipedia.org). The WC‑54 featured a longer wheelbase of approximately 121 in, and measured some 194.5 in in length, 77.75 in in width, and 90.375 in in height (en.wikipedia.org).
It was equipped with stretchers for four patients plus space for seated casualties and a medic. The body, produced by Wayne Body Works, included a large cab heater for patient comfort and a foldaway rear step to aid loading (en.wikipedia.org). Externally, WC‑54 ambulances bore US matte olive drab paint, with “AMBULANCE” inscriptions over the windshield. Red cross markings were applied to sides, roof, and rear doors. These evolved over time—from early small 42×40‑in panels to larger 36×33‑in side crosses and expansive 64×60‑in roof crosses by late 1943 (fagenfighterswwiimuseum.org). Many served not only in WWII but also continued with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and later with allied forces into the 1960s (en.wikipedia.org).
In operation, the WC‑54’s four-wheel‑drive capability, soft suspension, and spacious interior made it highly valued by medics. A volunteer recounted it was “not very much more difficult to drive than a pleasure car,” while others praised its reliability and off‑road performance (en.wikipedia.org). The WC‑54’s role in evacuating wounded quickly to rear‑area medical units contributed significantly to U.S. battlefield medical efficiency and survival rates during WWII.
Collector Notes
Collectors identify the DD010 set by its code and 1:30 scale, typical of King & Country’s WW II range (ebay.com). It features mixed‑media construction—die‑cast and polystone—with highly detailed hand paint. Packaging is original box with foam inserts, often noted in listings as “MIB” (mint in box) (ebay.com). Variant references include a 1999 dated piece and reference as a rare retired diorama set (ebay.com). Typical secondary‑market prices range around US $180–$320 depending on condition and completeness (ebay.com). Primary inspection should verify intact zoom‑molded figures, unchipped paint—especially on edges—and untouched foam packaging. Common defects include small chips on roof crests or red‑cross panels, and misaligned figures; repaints may affect value.
Overall, complete mint examples command premium prices, whereas boxed-only or ex‑display examples trend toward the lower end of the range.
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