Aec "dorchester" armoured command vehicle

[Allan Currey]

Hi Cliff,

First of all, I'm no expert on Dorchesters, but want to make a model myself, so was doing some research. There seems to be some uncertainty around identifying the different versions.
Having said that, it does appear that one way to tell high power versions is the vents on the left side above the wheel arch, and on the back. These are because HP versions carried an internal 1260 watt charging set, whereas LP versions carried a 550 watt set under the floor (I suspect that may be part C7 in the AFV Club model).
As for radios, apparently LPs carried low and high power No.19 sets; and HPs had a No.19 set and an RCA receiver (I don't know what sort exactly).
The other mystery, for me anyway, is the curved metal sheets over the top edges. It was a disguise supposed to make the ACV look more like a GS truck, but I'm not sure if it was used on LPs, HPs, or both.
One last bit, the RAAC museum lists their ACV as a HP. Maybe all Aussie ones could have been. If HP gave greater radio range, that would make sense for use in Australia.

Hope that helps,
Allan