Jeep (Willys, Ford) Truck, ¼ ton, 4×4, Command Reconnaissance
VAC-U-CAST 1:76 Scale Vehicle Review
Conversion of a Jeep with the windshield removed and armour plate added to the front and side, protecting the crew. Jeeps of this type were used as armoured command, reconnaissance and military police vehicles. The last two were usually armed with a .50 or .30 cal. machine gun mounted on the armoured windshield or behind the front seats. As a field modification, armour plate could be added in front of the radiator as well.
Contents
- Military Police Armored Jeep with .30 cal. Machine Gun
- Type: Truck, ¼ ton, 4×4 Command Reconnaissance
- Wheelbase: 2.03 m
- Length: 3.36 m
- Width: 1.58 m
- Height: 1.32 m
- Weight: 1.4 t
- Note: Armoured to protect the crew from small arms fire and shrapnel.
Evaluation
Scale model with much detail.
Few parts, easy to assemble.
The polyurethane resin can be carved, drilled and sanded very easily.
Good value for money. The vehicle is not normally available in kit form, and a conversion from scratch can take some time to complete.
High quality kit, machine guns are cast in metal.
Exotic choice of subject. Jeep enthusiasts will welcome this interesting variant of their favorite vehicle, because it is not a standard item.
Compatible with Airfix, Fujimi, Matchbox, and Nitto.
Assembly instructions were difficult to follow. Without reference to a photo or drawing of the finished vehicle it was practically impossible to position the armour plates correctly.
Flash around tires and inside wheel wells was easy to remove. Unlike other VAC-U-CAST Jeeps we have reviewed, this vehicle has no plastic axles. Wheels are glued directly to a short polyurethane stub axle. We found this much easier to assemble, no cutting and drilling was required, but the connection will be more fragile.
Driver and passenger figures should be included to make this vehicle look more realistic.
Historical Employment
- Military Police Jeep, 1942–1960’s
- Scout Car, 1942–1945
Jeeps were popular light vehicles used for patrol and reconnaissance work in many allied units. Used in this role, the vehicle invariably attracted light machine gun and small arms fire from hidden enemy positions. In order to minimize the risk to its crew, armour plating was applied to the front and sides of the Jeep. The VAC-U-CAST model is one of many wartime conversions of the Willys Jeep. Wargamers may want to pick up a few to upgrade their recon units.