My latest build is the AFV Club M38A1 representing a jeep from the 101 ABN DIV in the early 1960s. After my recent 1/35 HH-60G build odyssey, I wanted something a little smaller and less involved. A jeep seemed perfect.
I built it straight out of the box and added some extra details using the Verlinden M38A1 update set and some other PE bits.
Here it is, sorry, I didn’t take any in-progress pics.
Here is all the added gear to give it a lived-in look. I added stowage from the spares bin w/an M14 rifle, M1 helmet, SCR-536 Handie-Talkie, a couple .50 cal ammo cans and a satchel/map case.
I also plumbed the engine and compartment with plug wires and some electrical wiring.
Here it is with all its stable-mates. These are all Willys/Kaiser jeeps starting with (L-R) an original Willys MB with welded front grill, Willys MB with later stamped (Ford design) grill, post-WWII M38/CJ3A, M606/CJ3B, and the M38A1.
Good looking build. The shovel under the hood reminds me of the CJs that folks drove back in the day. As a kid, seeing a shovel there was odd, but I thought it was a neat idea.
Thanks guys. I like building jeeps as a break between larger projects.
There are a few other true “jeep” vehicles, those in the Willys/Kaiser jeep liniage, to build. I have them, just need to get to them. Still waiting are a Bantam BRC-40 (first jeep vehicle accepted and contracted by the US Gov - Miniart), Ford GPW (Ford built Willys MB - Bronco), and a Ford GPA Seep (SEa jeEP - amphibian - Tamiya). I already have a couple M151s, but I don’t directly relate them to the jeep liniage since they were designed and built by Ford, not Willys/Kaiser.
The hood is a nice touch, too; most of my memorys of these are where the hood is prung a bit to where the clamps just barely hold it down (“Dunno, Sarge, it was that way when I got it from the Motor Pool…”)
A great build all the way around.
Of course, you now need a Kaiser 3/4 and 1.5 ton [:)] for the “old army” look.
CapnMac - The hood is actually not all the way down due to the Verlinden set. It gives you the parts for the forward cross-member on the underside of the hood. It is too big though. I actually had to cut down the shroud on the radiator to try and make it fit. Even then, the hood wouldn’t close fully. I chocked it up to a bit of soldierly finess when closing it as well.
richs26 - Yup, the Ford GP and Willys MA are possible future conversions. We shall see.