Israeli Scout Jeep, 1948
VAC-U-CAST 1:76 Scale Vehicle Review
Scout Jeeps with multiple machine guns and extensive combat stowage were often used for long-range reconnaissance work in the desert. They were reliable, fast and easier to camouflage than a larger vehicle. As an example, the 1973 order of battle of the 4th (Heavy Weapons) Company of the Israeli paratroop battalions lists a reconnaissance platoon with three Jeeps and 12–14 men.
Contents
- Israeli Scout Jeep 1948, with 2 MG 34
- 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: 1.1 t
- Note: Ex-French Army vehicle with German MG 34 made in Czechoslovakia.
Evaluation
Scale model with much detail and combat stowage.
Easy to assemble, only 11 parts:
- Chassis and body
- Four wheels, two spares
- Steering wheel
- Two MG 34 machine guns (metal)
Assembly instructions are easy to follow. To ensure proper alignment, we recommend attaching the wheels first, then glueing the chassis to the body.
Painting instructions are included. Unfortunately, no reference (RAL) number for the olive drab body colour is given.
Polyurethane resin can be carved, drilled and sanded very easily.
Good value for money, combat stowage and machine guns are not normally available in vehicle kits of this type.
High quality kit, machine guns are cast in metal.
Excellent choice of subject, the Jeep may be displayed in dioramas involving Israeli Paratroopers, Commandos and other vehicles. Desert War scenarios usually require a number of Jeeps mounting machine guns and recoilless rifles. Equipped with a single .50 cal.,twin Bren or Lewis machine guns, this vehicle can also be used as a British SAS Jeep.
Compatible with Airfix, Fujimi, Matchbox, and Nitto.
The body needs to be sanded down by .75 mm to eliminate flash and ensure a proper fit on the chassis.
Some flash around tires and inside wheel wells needs to be removed. Axles need to be shortened to fit and wheel hubs bored open to accept the axle.
Tiny air inclusions can be filled with primer.
Driver and passenger figures are really required to make this vehicle look realistic.
Historical Employment
- Israeli War of Independence, 1948.
Eli King was a jeep machinegunner in the Jeep Commando of the elite Negev Brigade in 1948. The unit was modeled on the British Long Range Desert Group of World War 2. His personal account of the war and several photos from his album are available on Ed Allen’s website. - Six-Day War, 1967
- October War, 1973
Possible Conversions
- British SAS Jeep, North Africa 1941–1943
- British SAS and Commando Jeep, France 1944
Jeeps are important military vehicles and they have been modified to serve in a variety of combat roles. Israeli Scout Jeeps received much press coverage during the Six-Day War (1967) and the October War (1973), and this model is very reminiscent of the old pictures. Resin cast vehicles are a quick and easy alternative to plastic kits, they can be assembled with superglue in less than 20 minutes, requiring practically no drying time before they are painted.