Takom US Army 1/4 Ton Utility Truck + trailer & MP Figure - 1:35 Takom via Pocketbond

[Julien]

US Army 1/4 Ton Utility Truck + trailer & MP Figure

1:35 Takom via Pocketbond

 

 

First of all we all know this is a Willys  Jeep, also we know Takom knows it is. However due to licencing laws no one can actually call it that on paper so we are stuck with 1/4 Ton utility vehicle! Suffice to say the Jeep was developed with input from Bantam, Willys and Ford.  All three companies competed for the contract from the US Army for a utility vehicle with Willys winning. The 60hp engine in their entry helping it to win. However design features from Bantam & Ford were incorporated into the final design. Willy could not keep up with production demand for the vehicles so Ford was contracted in to mass produce them as well.  Production numbers were quite staggering even by todays standards with nearly 1.5 million being built in total and supplied to all branches of the US military as well as their allies.

 

 

The Kit

This was a surprise from Takom.  The kit arrives on Three main sprues for the Jeep, and one for the trailer. There is also the main chassis as a single part and the main jeep body. There is also a clear sprue, small sheet of PE, and a sprue for the figure. 

 

 

Construction starts with attaching the axles and suspension components to the chassis followed by the wheels. The multipart engine is then built up and added to the chassis, along with the transmission. Controls are added to the body and this is mounted to the chassis. At the front of the jeep the front wings are added, along with the radiator and its distinctive grill. The firewall is built up and added in, and at the rear the rear body part is added. The underseat fuel tank is placed in and the bonnet (or hood) is added. The dash and its cover are added in along with the front seats. The windscreen is added t the frame and this is installed, followed by the steering wheel. At the rear the spare wheel and spare fuel can are added. If wanted then the pintle mounted machine gun is made up and added in. The driver figure can then be added if needed. 

 

 

 

For the trailer the suspension, axle and wheels are added to the underside.  The tow bar mounting is then added. The sides and mud guards are added along with the trailer front & back to complete the main body. The wheels can then be added. to finish things off. 

 

 

Markings

There are markings provided for 4 jeeps, any colour you want as long as its Olive Drab!

 

 

• US Army Military Police, Czechoslovakia 1945
• US Army Military Police, Berline1945
• US Army Anti Aircraft unit, Germany 1945
• US Marine Corps, Korea 1950

 

The decal sheet is printed anonymously, but is of high quality and should pse no issues.

 

Conclusion

An immediately recognisable vehicle,  Highly recommended if you want a new tool Jeep

 

Review sample courtesy of

UK Distributors for

 

[s.e.charles]

looks like a good addition to the fleet!