Jeep (Willy’s MB), Truck, 1/4 t, 4x4

Hasegawa 1:72 Scale Vehicle Review

Jeep and cargo trailer used by a Free French combat team. The unit insignia, not visible in the photo, has been painted immediately below the windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle. A rolled tarp made from tissue paper is stowed on the front bumber. Packs taken from infantry figures or sculpted in DAS modelling clay may be tied to the sides of the Jeep. The trailer still needs to be loaded with personal equipment, ammunition, and other supplies. To create the impression of a loaded trailer, place several box-shaped pieces of balsa inside the cargo bay and cover them with a tissue paper tarp.

Willy’s Jeep with 1/4 t Cargo Trailer
37 mm L.53. M.2 Anti-Tank Gun
8 Figures

Technical Specifications

Type: Truck, 1/4 t, 4x4 Command Reconnaissance
Wheelbase: 2.03 m
Length: 3.36 m
Width: 1.58 m
Height: 1.32 m, 1.83 m with top
Weight: 1.1 t

Bibliography

Fowler, William: Jeep Goes to War – A Pictorial Chronicle.
Funcken, L. & F.: L’Uniforme et les Armes des Soldats de la Guerre 1939–1945, p. 133
Scott, Graham: Essential: Military Jeep.
Vanderveen, Bart Hartmannus: The Observer’s Fighting Vehicles Directory, Seconda Guerra Mondiale.

Evaluation

Excellent choice of subject, the Jeep was the most common command, reconnaissance, and light cargo vehicle in Allied service.
Easy to build, the parts fit together very well.
Scale model with nice detail.
Compatible with ESCI, Hasegawa, Revell, and Reviresco.

The wheel rims are modelled incorrectly.
No canvas top included in the kit. This Jeep has the top folded down.

Historical Employment

Allied Forces 1941-1945
Israel Defence Force
NATO Forces

Possible Conversions

British SAS, L.R.D.G. or Commando Jeep with .50 cal. MG, twin Bren, captured Italian Breda MG or German MG 42. Jerrycans on the hood and stowage inside.

At total of 639,245 Jeeps were produced during World War 2, they served in many different roles on the battlefield and in all major theaters of operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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US Army Miniatures of World War Two