Civil War Rucker Ambulance — 1:16 Scale Wood & Metal Model Kit

In the Civil War, getting wounded was bad enough. Getting to the hospital could be worse.

Imagine lying on a wooden stretcher, bleeding, while a horse-drawn wagon bounces over rutted roads and uneven fields. Every pothole is a fresh reminder that the suspension system consists largely of wishful thinking.

Brigadier General Daniel H. Rucker decided the Army could do better.

His ambulance, introduced during the latter half of the Civil War, was a remarkable piece of practical engineering. Instead of simply throwing wounded soldiers into the back of a wagon and hoping for the best, Rucker designed a vehicle specifically to transport them with greater comfort and stability.

It could carry four wounded soldiers lying on stretchers, arranged on two levels. The ingenious lower stretchers could fold into bench seats, allowing the ambulance to accommodate patients who could sit upright.

Ventilation louvers provided airflow. A special spring suspension reduced jolting and swaying. Even the sudden jerk when the horses started moving was addressed with an additional spring beneath the front carriage assembly.

At 1,120 pounds, it wasn't particularly light. But when you're transporting wounded soldiers, a smoother ride is worth a few extra pounds.

Even General Ulysses S. Grant reportedly used a Rucker Ambulance to transport his personal belongings during his campaigns.

Apparently, his luggage deserved first-class transportation, too.

An Extraordinary Piece of Civil War History, Recreated in Wood and Metal

Our Guns of History 1:16 scale Rucker Ambulance captures the distinctive construction of this unusual military vehicle in an impressive display model.

Designed by Ken Goldman, the kit combines laser-cut wood components, finely cast metal fittings, traditional spoked wheels, and a realistic canvas roof.

Unlike the cannons and artillery pieces that dominate most Civil War collections, the Rucker Ambulance tells another side of the story: the ingenuity required to save lives on the battlefield.

Kit Features

1:16 scale — An impressive model measuring 8½" long, 4" wide, and 6" high.

Laser-cut plywood and basswood — For the platform, chassis, and structural components.

Britannia metal fittings — Cleanly cast details for a realistic appearance.

Spoked wooden wheels — Complete with metal rims and axles.

Canvas roof — Recreates the ambulance's characteristic covered body.

Authentic markings — U.S. insignia and red cross decals.

Detailed illustrated instructions — Designed to guide intermediate modelers through assembly.

Kit No.: MS4017
Scale: 1:16
Skill Level: Intermediate
Designer: Ken Goldman

Retiring from Service

After years in our Guns of History collection, the Rucker Ambulance is being discontinued.

Once our remaining inventory is gone, we won't be manufacturing additional kits.

An unusual subject, an ingenious piece of American military history, and a rewarding project for modelers who appreciate something beyond the usual guns and cannons.

One last opportunity to add it to your collection.