WC-54 Stretchers

[Alpha72]

Hi,
I would like to have an opinion about these 2 stretchers that I'd like to buy, are they correct to equip a Dodge WC-54?
The first one seems to be a genuine '44 litter, the second I can't find any comparison but it's sold as a WW2 original.
In fact I would prefer the '43 litters with red logo in white circle but I think they are difficult to find in good conditions, any suggestion about?
Thanks in advance for your replies.

[Ben]

Hi Alpha,

The first Litter that you have posted is OK and is certainly acceptable for a WW2 impression. Unfortunately, the second one is actually post-war (indicated by the US flanking the caduceus).

Regarding the earlier Litters, these do turn up from time to time, but it's a case of being patient and finding one that is sufficiently local to allow for delivery and or collection.

Regards,
Ben.

[Alpha72]

Hi Ben, nice to meet you.
Thank you very much for your reply and your precious help, I'll try to get only the first litter then.
This is the first step of a WC-54 equipment rebuilt...
Regards,

andré

[TenthA86]

I have seen & done post war Civil Defense litters re-marked with the white circle and red lettering to simulate/replicate the original markings. While I think I have disposed of the litters, I probably still have the silk screen for the lettering... It's cheating but might help until you find originals.

[Andrewb]

I have seen & done post war Civil Defense litters re-marked with the white circle and red lettering to simulate/replicate the original markings. While I think I have disposed of the litters, I probably still have the silk screen for the lettering... It's cheating but might help until you find originals.

Hi David

I noted your reply about litter markings and that you have a silk screen for lettering.

I have just had a litter refurbished with a new cotton canvas cover which I would like to mark.

Do you have any electronic files you could share with the markings so I can try and create a screen or any advice as to how to do this.

Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely
Andrew

[TenthA86]

The early originals were typically silk-screened with a thick ink in WHITE for the circle, then followed with a screen in RED with the caduceus and lettering. I made a silk screen for the lettering and insignia, but cannot find it in my silk-screen carton in the shop. I made the circle with cardstock cut to diameter and used automotive "bumper paint" in white to spray the circle. (Bumper paint stays more flexible) I made the screen template using WORD and a DIY kit like http://ezscreenprint.com/ Then used a thinned red latex craft paint (rather than ink) to apply the silk screen image to the litter. They held up for about 4 years, then I replaced them with originals. Another guy is still using them after 5 or 6 more years, so I guess they look OK.

Late war originals (late 1944 & 1945 I believe) were black ink silk screened without the white background circle or red lettering (like the one shown above) but I preferred the early look.

No luck on my original graphics file. If I find my silk screen, I'll re-post here, but I just had spine surgery and won't be digging out in the shop for a while.

[Andrewb]

Hi David

Thanks for the information. It is greatly appreciated. It gives me a good starting point.

I hope you have a speedy recovery from your surgery.

Sincerely
Andrew

The early originals were typically silk-screened with a thick ink in WHITE for the circle, then followed with a screen in RED with the caduceus and lettering. I made a silk screen for the lettering and insignia, but cannot find it in my silk-screen carton in the shop. I made the circle with cardstock cut to diameter and used automotive "bumper paint" in white to spray the circle. (Bumper paint stays more flexible) I made the screen template using WORD and a DIY kit like http://ezscreenprint.com/ Then used a thinned red latex craft paint (rather than ink) to apply the silk screen image to the litter. They held up for about 4 years, then I replaced them with originals. Another guy is still using them after 5 or 6 more years, so I guess they look OK.

Late war originals (late 1944 & 1945 I believe) were black ink silk screened without the white background circle or red lettering (like the one shown above) but I preferred the early look.

No luck on my original graphics file. If I find my silk screen, I'll re-post here, but I just had spine surgery and won't be digging out in the shop for a while.