I’m sure there are newer, more detailed Jeep kits out there but the Tamiya kit is a nice, straightforward kit. It’s finished in 545th Military Police colours, based in Mount Fuji, Japan, just after WW2. I added some 3D-printed parts– radio, siren, additional lights – and laser-printed the decals. Photos of the real thing showed they were kept very clean, so weathering is minimal.
Looks awesome. Vert nicely done. I like to build jeeps too and this one looks sharp. I really like the yellow color too.
Thank you HeavyArty!
Cool build, very vibrant paint job.
What a fantastic way to turn “just another jeep” into a unique and interesting project! Great choice of subject and sensational job bringing it to being!
It’s got me wanting to know more about the rationale for the dramatic colour shift, and whether they were factory supplied that way repainted military surplus…
My dad used to own a Jeep Willis when I was one. He used it for hunting and land surveying when he worked for the state. I would love to have it back but I’m sure it’s junkyard food by now.
These were MP jeeps used by the 1st Cavalry Division MPs in Japan for Constablutory Duties after the surrender. They were painted by the unit, so they stood out as MP constable vehicles.
H-Model does a decal sheet that includes them.
That’s certainly an eye-catcher!
Beautiful work. What really caught my attention is how immaculate the Jeep looks. I think I automatically picture a military Jeep as dirty, dusty and well-used, so I probably would have been tempted to weather it quite a bit. Knowing from your reference photos that these MP Jeeps were actually kept this clean makes the finish even more interesting. It’s a great reminder that sometimes the most realistic weathering is almost no weathering at all.
I thought the same thing. It actually started getting me curious about MP Jeeps, which is something I’ve honestly never given a thought to before. Now I’m wondering how they were used, how they were marked, and whether keeping them this immaculate was typical for MP vehicles or something specific to these Jeeps in Japan. Funny how one model can send you down a completely new rabbit hole.
Fascinating! Much appreciated, thanks!
Thanks again for the interest. I have my eye on a blue RCAFJeep next:
