Rubicon Models
Rubicon Models => Work In Progress => Topic started by: Rubicon Models on December 09, 2015, 03:46:41 pm
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Willy MB - The Jeep
The Willys MB (commonly known as a Jeep, formally as the US Army Truck, 1/4 ton, 4x4) and the Ford GPW are four-wheel drive utility vehicles that were manufactured during WW2. Produced from 1941 to 1945, it evolved post-war into the civilian Jeep CJ-2A, and inspired both an entire category of recreational 4WDs and several generations of military light utility vehicles.
Background Histroy - Wikipedia
Advances in early 20th century technology resulted in widespread mechanisation of the military during World War I. The United States Army deployed four-wheel drive trucks in that war, supplied by Four Wheel Drive Auto (FWD) and the Thomas B. Jeffery Company. By the eve of World War II the United States Department of War had determined it needed a light, cross-country reconnaissance vehicle.
Anxious to have one in time for America's entry into World War II, the U.S. Army solicited proposals from domestic automobile manufacturers for a replacement for its existing, aging light motor vehicles, mainly motorcycles and sidecars, and some Ford Model T's. Marmon-Herrington presented five 4×4 Fords in 1937, and American Bantam delivered three Austin roadsters in 1938. Recognizing the need to create standard specifications, the Army formalized its requirements on July 11, 1940, and submitted them to 135 US automotive manufacturers.
By now the war was under way in Europe, so the Army's need was urgent and demanding: Bids were to be received by July 22, a span of just eleven days. Manufacturers were given 49 days to submit their first prototype and 75 days for completion of 70 test vehicles. The Army's Ordnance Technical Committee specifications were equally demanding: the vehicle would be four-wheel drive, have a crew of three on a wheelbase of no more than 75 in (1,905 mm) – that was later upped to 80 in (2,032 mm) – and tracks no more than 47 in (1,194 mm), feature a fold-down windshield, 660 lb (299 kg) payload and be powered by an engine capable of 85 lb·ft (115 N·m) of torque. The most daunting demand, however, was an empty weight of no more than 1,300 lb (590 kg).
Initially, only two companies entered: American Bantam Car Company and Willys-Overland Motors; Ford Motor Company joined the competition later. Though Willys-Overland was the low bidder, Bantam received the bid, being the only company committing to deliver a pilot model in 49 days and production examples in 75. Under the leadership of designer Karl Probst, Bantam built their first prototype, dubbed the "Blitz Buggy" (and in retrospect "Old Number One"), and delivered it to the Army vehicle test center at Camp Holabird, Maryland on September 23, 1940. This presented Army officials with the first of what eventually evolved into the World War II US Army Jeeps: the Willys MB and Ford GPW.
Since Bantam did not have the production capacity or fiscal stability to deliver on the scale needed by the War Department, the other two bidders, Ford and Willys, were encouraged to complete their own pilot models for testing. The contract for the new reconnaissance car was to be determined by trials. As testing of the Bantam prototype took place from September 27 to October 16, Ford and Willys technical representatives present at Holabird were given ample opportunity to study the vehicle's performance. Moreover, in order to expedite production, the War Department forwarded the Bantam blueprints to Ford and Willys, claiming the government owned the design. Bantam did not dispute this move due to its precarious financial situation. By November 1940, Ford and Willys each submitted prototypes to compete with the Bantam in the Army's trials. The pilot models, the Willys Quad and the Ford Pygmy, turned out very similar to each other and were joined in testing by Bantam's entry, now evolved into a Mark II called the BRC 60. By then the U.S. and its armed forces were already under such pressure that all three cars were declared acceptable and orders for 1,500 units per company were given for field testing. At this time it was acknowledged the original weight limit (which Bantam had ignored) was unrealistic, and it was raised to 2,160 lb (980 kg).
For these respective pre-production runs, each vehicle received revisions and a new name. Bantam's became the BRC 40. Production began on March 31, 1941, with a total of 2,605 built up to December 6. As the company could not meet the Army's demand for 75 Jeeps a day, production contracts were also awarded to Willys and to Ford.
After reducing the vehicle's weight by 240 pounds, Willys changed the designation to "MA" for "Military" model "A". The Fords went into production as "GP", with "G" for a "Government" type contract and "P" commonly used by Ford to designate any passenger car with a wheelbase of 80 in (2,032 mm).
By July 1941, the War Department desired to standardize and decided to select a single manufacturer to supply them with the next order for 16,000 vehicles. Willys won the contract mostly due to its more powerful engine (the "Go Devil"), which soldiers raved about, and its lower cost and silhouette. The design features in the Bantam and Ford entries which represented an improvement over Willys's design were then incorporated into the Willys car, moving it from an "A" designation to "B", thus the "MB" nomenclature. Most notable was a flat wide hood, adapted from Ford GP.
By October 1941, it became apparent Willys-Overland could not keep up with the production demand and Ford was contracted to produce them as well. The Ford car was then designated GPW, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. During World War II, Willys produced 363,000 Jeeps and Ford some 280,000. Approximately 51,000 were exported to the U.S.S.R. under the Lend-Lease program.
A further roughly 13,000 amphibian jeeps were built by Ford under the name GPA (nicknamed "Seep" for Sea Jeep). Inspired by the larger DUKW, the vehicle was produced too quickly and proved to be too heavy, too unwieldy, and of insufficient free-board. In spite of participating successfully in the Sicily landings in July 1943, most GPAs were routed to the USSR under the Lend-Lease program. The Soviets were sufficiently pleased with its ability to cross rivers to develop their own version of it after the war, the GAZ-46.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys-jeep%20151209-2_zpseoealzdl.jpg)
Proposed Features
- multi-slide mould single piece jeep body for model integrity and ease of assembly
- 1 or 2 sprue plastic kit (excluding the jeep body)
- highly detailed accessories, including spade & axe, jerry can, and spare tire
- two windshield options - standard or folded position
- removable canvas top
- HMG and MMG options
- special equipment - tow bar / capstan / deep fording kit / cable cutter / expansion tank / radio
- crew including driver, passenger, and gunner
- special designed waterslide decal sheet
We will revise the specification as we move along the project, based on available sprue space, of course!
Comments welcome!
;)
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Yay!
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The wargamers are going to love this one. Will you sell them 2 to a box?
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The wargamers are going to love this one. Will you sell them 2 to a box?
It's too early to tell. Will depend on how many parts and how many sprues... we are still 1/3 done with 3D drawing!
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My first vehicle when I was 16, and my pride and joy for years. Please include the iconic trailer as most are around some were, if not in every photo. You made me smile.
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My first vehicle when I was 16, and my pride and joy for years. Please include the iconic trailer as most are around some were, if not in every photo. You made me smile.
The trailer had to be on a separate kit... sorry!
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You have just made me a very happy man! I will stop commenting jeep on everything now :p
If you can do one jeep on one frame, I would highly recommend selling them two to a box for the same price (or slightly less as its only one mould and not two) as your other 2 frame kits. Save's on packaging and no one is going to complain about having two!
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Well I won`t complain at all if you do a trailer separate that's fine with me. Jeep ,M8/20, Halftrack, and the Stuart that's a fine start for a cavalry section. Brilliant.
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One thing the radio bracket mount, I put mine there first, and had it knocked off over Cannock chase by a tree. Best and safest place on the rear protecting the trailer socket. I`ll dig out some photos.
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Nice.
We will want a range of crew for all the user armies (please).
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Nice.
We will want a range of crew for all the user armies (please).
That would sure fill the sprue! At least British and US crew would be great.
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It really depends on how the 3D drawing and prototype turned out. Ideally, to keep mould cost down, we wanted a single piece jeep body plus one sprue.
Based on the current design, you will need:
- wheels x 5
- windshield x 2
- seats x 2
- steering wheel x 1
- chassis frame x 1
- jerry can x 1
- tarpaulin & frame x 2
- radiator grille x 2
- machine gun x 3
- other objects x 4
- US driver x 4
- US passenger x 4
- US gunner x 4
Total 31 pieces (might be less, depending on how it goes).
An alternative is to create a second sprue for British version.
Right now is still too early to decide what to do!
;)
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I don'T know if there were any differences between the jeeps the american and the brits used and if there were any changes in its design through time, but if not maybe you could separate the crew sprue from the vehicle one so the jeep could serve for any versions and you just have to change the crew sprue when packing. Also I have no idea how would that impact in the costs.
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It would make a lot of sense to have the nation-specific parts on a separate sprue (like Bruno, however, I have no idea how this impacts on the cost). The Brits used the basic Jeep pretty much unmodified, but they also had some special purpose versions - including the famous SAS variant (which would require a lot of additional parts). I have a feeling that a Jeep with a US Army crew would be the safest bet. Especially if the crew could be used for other purposes (such as tank crew). It probably wouldn't be that hard to convert them into Brits or Soviets using Warlord bits.
Incidentally, one common addition to US Jeeps in NW Europe was a vertical post fitted to the front bumper to snag wires strung across the road.
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We also used to carry a 5 gallon water jerry can on our right passenger step, sure made life interesting with girl passengers.
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More work had been done on the Willys MB. We also updated our project spec as follow:
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys-jeep%20151222-1_zpszplbcbaj.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys-jeep%20151222-2_zpsp49adg5l.jpg)
Revised features include:
- Slide mould one piece jeep body for model integrity & ease of assembly
- Hopefully single sprue plastic base kit (excluding the jeep body)
- Accessories will include spade & axe, jerry can, and spare tire
- Flippable windshield
- Removable canvas top (?)
- HMG and MMG option
- Crew including driver, passenger, and gunner
- All new waterslide decal sheet
We are also looking into special equipment, which include - tow bar / capstan / deep fording kit / cable cutter / expansion tank / radio set.
PLUS a special Commonwealth version including SAS / Airborne / LRDG features.
This is an ongoing project, we will revise specification as we move forward.
Comments & suggestions welcome!
;)
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Sounds pretty good :)
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It certainly looks the part.
The aerial mount on the side seems to have been fitted in various places and at various angels, so presumably it's a separate part.
It would be great if you'd overhaul your .50 cal, so it was chunkier and had separate grips, but I suppose it should look the same as the other kits. The current design is very fragile though.
A few other suggestions for add-ons: a windshield with a canvas cover (seems to have been quite common); an optional .30 cal (either to replace the .50 cal or to mount above the front passenger's position); a rear stowage rack. The radio seems like a useful inclusion.
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Yay to the Commonwealth version!
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Don`t forget back lights standard US W-2 pattern next to reflecters. and the tow hook, 2 rear bumpers. Rear seat was a standard item even with 50 cal. Will you do two hoop sets, one down, and one up "V" with hood. Looking great, really great.
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Don`t forget back lights standard US W-2 pattern next to reflecters. and the tow hook, 2 rear bumpers. Rear seat was a standard item even with 50 cal. Will you do two hoop sets, one down, and one up "V" with hood. Looking great, really great.
Those details will be check towards the end of the 3d drawing stage. We are focusing now just on the major components of the vehicles.
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A much needed update on the jeep! Here is some preliminary progress on the Commonwealth version of the Willys MB... with extra fuel containers and Vickers K at the back!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20with%20Vicker%20K%20MG%20160123-2_zpshvcondfv.jpg)
More to be done!
Comments?
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It's not so much a "Commonwealth" version as the beginnings of a special forces version.
Vickers "K"(also apparently known as "GO" - Gas Operated) guns were mounted on special forces jeeps (LRDG, SAS and Airborne). These were intended as aircraft armament, but were released to the special forces when they were replaced in RAF service. On the early, non-standardised Jeep conversion (most commonly used by the SAS in North Africa), there was normally a pair of K guns fitted facing forwards in front of the passenger's seat and a twin or single K gun on a pedestal behind the passenger. A few vehicles carried the .50 cal, but it was an earlier version than the one shown in your drawing, with a perforated sleeve (like the .30 cal). If carried, it was mounted facing forwards in front of the passenger seat. These improvised vehicles carried racks of jerrycans and had the radiator grille cut away and a condenser mounted on the front.
Later in the war the British standardised the conversion for use by the SAS (although there seem to have been variations in the details). This had the twin K guns on the front (sometimes just a single gun), a Bren gun on the side just forward of the driver, and a single K gun mounted on the rear (not always fitted). Of course, there were variations, but this was the normal load out. The .50 cal doesn't seem to have been carried (in fact it was pretty rare on all non-US Jeeps).
These modified Jeeps also had an armoured shield for the driver, and distinctive curved windshields for the driver and gunner (sometimes rectangular, and not always fitted). It was at this stage that the special fuel tanks shown in your drawing appeared - they were normally higher and more rounded than those in your drawing, but there seem to have been variations in the design. The armoured panel on the rear extended further down than in your drawing, and the edges were rounded. The spare tyre was moved to the bonnet. The radiator grille also seems to have been modified - cut away entirely on some vehicles. The 1st and 2nd photos below show examples of SAS vehicles in service in NW Europe.
The Airborne Recce version (as used at Arnhem in 1944) was a stripped-down Jeep which normally had a single K gun mounted in front of the passenger seat. The folding windscreen was removed, and the spare wheel was moved to the front (apparently to reduce shrapnel damage to the engine). There were other modifications to save weight and make it easier to fit it into a glider - many fittings were removed, and the pioneer tools were mounted on the bumper. There were several variations depending on its intended role. The 3rd photo below shows a typical Airborne Recce vehicle.
So if you were looking at providing a kit which an accurately depicts a late war SAS Jeep, it would need quite a lot of additional parts. The early SAS Jeep is easier - your forthcoming Allied stowage set will obviously supply most of the soft stowage and jerrycans needed, so it would just be a case of providing the K guns, condenser and maybe some stowage (and the crew!). An Airborne Recce Jeep would be quite a simple variant to depict.
I hope that helps.
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A twin K gun as option would be nice. Apart from that: very nice model with excellent details :)
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What about the US recon versions that had .30 cal MG's on the passenger side ?
(http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/47439808+w600+cr1/august-2013-sideways-vintage-edition-captain-bob-king)
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What about the US recon versions that had .30 cal MG's on the passenger side ?
Just use a spare .30 cal from the M3A1 half-track kit. It comes with several.
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What about the US recon versions that had .30 cal MG's on the passenger side ?
Just use a spare .30 cal from the M3A1 half-track kit. It comes with several.
And a German 'can as a foot rest...
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Very pleased with this little item what a great machine to join the U.S.A. machines.
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Some more CNY sweet poison... the Brits got some love!
...not finished yet, still WIP!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20SAS%20160218-01_zps1vfblzvs.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20SAS%20160218-03_zpsxf7biiwv.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20SAS%20160218-02_zpsyjeav4ao.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20SAS%20160218-04_zpsijzut4mm.jpg)
Enjoy!
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It's coming on nicely. There are still a couple of issues though (and I realise that there were different versions of the SAS Jeep). The forward-facing Vickers K armour was normally separate, and moved with the guns - that searchlight arrangement seems to have been uncommon. The windscreens were more rounded, and larger. The rear armour was (as I mentioned) a larger plate that was attached to the rear of the vehicle. And the rear Vickers K was normally a single mount, while there was a Bren gun forward of the driver.
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Pinky, there are several variations of the SAS Jeep. We have 3 hard cover books on the Jeep, and each volume had different configurations. We are using the one which is most common.
There are also limitations on how the mould can be done, considering the thickness and size of these parts... the jeep itself is already very small. Therefore we sometimes had to compromise on some design feature. Also, 3D drawings with and without perspective will make the view look strange as well.
We also wanted to get the whole jeep (excluding the jeep body) to be on a single sprue, some parts had to be grouped together to form a single piece; otherwise will either be too fragile or too small for an average gamer to put the vehicle together. We will wait until we get the 3D prototype printed, then we can decide what to change before mould making starts.
;)
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Here is another example of the possible choices you can do with the jeep... it is just a matter of available parts (particularly MGs) that are included on the Jeep sprue.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20SAS%20160218-05_zpsa0rzmtpu.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20SAS%20160218-06_zpshxkw219x.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20SAS%20160218-07_zps3tu280ay.jpg)
Comments welcome!
;)
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If the kit comes with a couple of twin Vickers as well as a 50 cal and a single Vickers ( or 2 ) I think most variations can be modeled . I think some of the problem with using war time photos in books as reference is that more than a few are miscaptioned . Stating a vehicle is SAS when in fact , a closer look using a magnifying glass , the shoulder flashes on the troops are for Airbourne . True these vehicles tended to be swapped around depending what unit needed them for the next mission , and they didn't always get repainted .
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ripley: By looking at photos on books and the internet, we come to the same conclusion; plus many are custom modifications with field available resources just before an operation started. Our plan is to include as many parts as possible so that gamers and modelers can choose what to attach to the jeep depending on needs (gamer or modelling wise).
At this point, fitting everything onto a single sprue with two or three crews is already a HUGE challenge!
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Pinky, there are several variations of the SAS Jeep. We have 3 hard cover books on the Jeep, and each volume had different configurations. We are using the one which is most common.
Yes, there were variations (as you'd expect from rugged individualists like the SAS - and of course the improvised nature of the conversions). There are actually relatively few photos of late war SAS Jeeps - most are the more familiar desert version immortalised by the Tamiya kit. And those that exist aren't always very clear. The version in your first set of drawings, however, doesn't seem to be the most common. There is one very clear photo of an SAS Jeep with front armour similar to your design, but the rear armour is still different (and if you think about it, it would be much easer to attach armour plate to the rear of the Jeep than somehow attach it to the edge). Most photos also show a different layout for the front gunner's position. Maybe this was modified by the crews so the gun could rotate?
Your second set of drawings depicts a bit of a mixture of features. The HB version of Browning .50 cal appeared on LRDG vehicles later in the war, but they don't seem to have used the spare fuel tanks. SAS Jeeps in the desert used the earlier version of the Browning, with a lighter barrel (I explained this in my earlier post). I'd suggest that would be more appropriate.
I can't post any photos to illustrate what I mean, as for some reason I get an error message whenever I try to attach an image.
We also wanted to get the whole jeep (excluding the jeep body) to be on a single sprue, some parts had to be grouped together to form a single piece; otherwise will either be too fragile or too small for an average gamer to put the vehicle together. We will wait until we get the 3D prototype printed, then we can decide what to change before mould making starts.
Totally understood - things like the armour plate will have to be simplified in this scale to be practical. Although you've gotten pretty good at producing quite complex shapes as a single piece!
If the kit comes with a couple of twin Vickers as well as a 50 cal and a single Vickers ( or 2 ) I think most variations can be modeled . I think some of the problem with using war time photos in books as reference is that more than a few are miscaptioned . Stating a vehicle is SAS when in fact , a closer look using a magnifying glass , the shoulder flashes on the troops are for Airbourne . True these vehicles tended to be swapped around depending what unit needed them for the next mission , and they didn't always get repainted .
It appears that it was the SAS Jeeps which had the additional armour. Airborne vehicles were stripped down (as I mentioned in my previous post), but the recce version often had additional guns fitted.
For what it's worth, I agree that if Rubicon include a single and paired Vickers K mount and a Browning .50 cal (preferably the early version), it would cover most options for the early and late versions. A Bren gun mount would be good as well. That just leaves the armour plate, spare fuel tanks and revised grille. However, I'd guess that including crew for both desert and NW Europe versions would take up a lot of space on the sprue.
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This is the 3D prototype of the planned one piece mould Willys MB Jeep body.
Not the final version as some of the features will be taken out before mould making!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20Prototype%20160306-1_zpsumzzpc78.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Excellent.
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Looks good.
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This is the 3D prototype of the US Version of the Willy MB Jeep, will post the Commonwealth version later...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20US-160308-01_zpsnnalo3ah.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20US-160308-02_zpsfgkglgom.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20US-160308-03_zpsu9hfq9fh.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20US-160308-04_zpsdwhvmyf6.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20US-160308-05_zpsqt4cod4j.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20US-160308-06_zpssu8mpaau.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20US-160308-07_zpsu3nvfalp.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Very nice She`s going to be a real gem, love the body and the petrol tank reserve well. At what time do you add the brake lights. It`s just so correct.
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;D
looking great !
these are eagerly awaited !
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Very nice. Looks like another winner. Have you included your usual 'stengthened' axles? I like that feature on the Opel and M8.
Incidentally, the 'pole' that the machine guns are mounted on is known as a 'pedestal'.
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Looking great.
Especially looking forward to the Commonwealth variants.
How are the figure sculpts going?
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How are the figure sculpts going?
Have the templates done, but not the actual sculpts. Need to finish all outstanding figures for the 250/251 first. Probably towards the end of March... ;)
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I want 4 x British Airborne version!!... at least!
And 4 x British SAS version too...
:D :D :D
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Any closed-top version?
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Any closed-top version?
No hardtop but we will provide a canvas top option (might be removable)...
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Any closed-top version?
No hardtop but we will provide a canvas top option (might be removable)...
Fantastic!
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Things are moving slowly at the studio at the moment. OEM projects incoming!!
Here is the first glimpse of the SAS/LRDG version of the Willys MB jeep...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-1_zpsqoa4506y.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-2_zpse4wwtuaq.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-3_zpsi7js6ujb.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-4_zps5nfsmbhi.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-5_zpsv8ssszxj.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-6_zpsiwd1jgwa.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-7_zpsozduahqf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-8_zps6pk0pylo.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-9_zpsbc6ren3o.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Willys%20MB%20SAS-160315-10_zpszn7vorjr.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Looking great....will be wanting a few boxes of these !
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This kit is coming along well.
I won't repeat the points about the later war SAS version; I think it could be improved, but I realise you've got limited sprue space and your researchers appear to have reached some different conclusions. The model looks very cool and most people are going to be perfectly happy with it - especially once they've add some additional stowage. It would be nice if there was a proper pedestal mount for the rear-facing K-guns, and a Bren gun for the driver's position, if they could be included.
I don't know what the 'Airborne' version represents. The British Airborne Jeep (i.e. the version intended to be delivered by glider) didn't have the extra fuel tanks or rear armour - or the .50 cal. The single K-gun mount is good for this version. British Airborne Jeeps also had other modifications (listed in a post above), most of which can be replicated with some simple converting.
The US Airborne version of the Jeep doesn't seem to have been modified. US recon units would sometimes mount a .30 cal and .50 cal in front of the passenger, but US Jeeps didn't use the extra fuel tanks.
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I won't repeat the points about the later war SAS version; I think it could be improved, but I realise you've got limited sprue space and your researchers appear to have reached some different conclusions. The model looks very cool and most people are going to be perfectly happy with it - especially once they've add some additional stowage. It would be nice if there was a proper pedestal mount for the rear-facing K-guns, and a Bren gun for the driver's position, if they could be included.
Will look into these when we move the project to the next phase.
I don't know what the 'Airborne' version represents. The British Airborne Jeep (i.e. the version intended to be delivered by glider) didn't have the extra fuel tanks or rear armour - or the .50 cal. The single K-gun mount is good for this version. British Airborne Jeeps also had other modifications (listed in a post above), most of which can be replicated with some simple converting.
The US Airborne version of the Jeep doesn't seem to have been modified. US recon units would sometimes mount a .30 cal and .50 cal in front of the passenger, but US Jeeps didn't use the extra fuel tanks.
As mentioned in the photos, all the components are individual parts that can be mix and match.
The samples are just for convenient of putting them together... not an exact representation of what the gamer/modeler can do! ;)
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Looking good, and with Commonwealth crew.
I am looking forward to these (contradicting my "inner child" comment on the wish list thread). United Radionics might be interested in some patrol vehicles if a suitable head swap can be achieved...
Are you going to run into the same IP/trademark issue you had with the Blitz?
-
Are you going to run into the same IP/trademark issue you had with the Blitz?
Would like seems so... no Willys MB or Jeep on our product boxes!
:(
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Are you going to run into the same IP/trademark issue you had with the Blitz?
Would like seems so... no Willys MB or Jeep on our product boxes!
:(
I have this nagging feeling the Jeep "logo" is the number of slots in the grill, though I could be wrong.
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This is the US Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS): http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/
Is quite helpful if you know how to use it. The word JEEP is TM'ed by Chrysler but not "Willys MB"... ::)
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Would like seems so... no Willys MB or Jeep on our product boxes!
It's such BS that these vehicle manufacturers are so anal about the use of their trademarks on model kits. They're not losing any income - in fact it's arguably good for their brand.
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Would like seems so... no Willys MB or Jeep on our product boxes!
It's such BS that these vehicle manufacturers are so anal about the use of their trademarks on model kits. They're not losing any income - in fact it's arguably good for their brand.
But being able to sell the licence is good for their bottom line. Wikipedia says there are more licenced shops in China selling Jeep brand shirts than Jeep dealers.
I am not a trade mark expert but I suspect that if you do not act to protect your IP it makes it difficult to licence. I suspect, but do not know that Tamiya etc probably have to licence the company names etc for their kits.
Cottage industry sized concerns probably fall beneath their legal departments' radar but "mass produced" products such as Our Gracious Host's would draw attention.
One good thing from the brand section on Wikipedia:
"A division of FCA US LLC, the most recent successor company to the Jeep brand, now holds trademark status on the name "Jeep" and the distinctive 7-slot front grille design. The original 9-slot grille associated with all World War II jeeps was designed by Ford for their GPW, and because it weighed less than the original "Slat Grille" of Willys (an arrangement of flat bars), was incorporated into the "standardized jeep" design".
I have not done a slat check.
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This is the US Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS): http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/
Is quite helpful if you know how to use it. The word JEEP is TM'ed by Chrysler but not "Willys MB"... ::)
Not very helpful.
How do you search for grills?
Design code 18.11.25?
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Tamiya couldn't use Jeep or Opel Blitz on their kits due to licensing issues . They have even changed the company names on the rubber tires of the kits ( Tigers / Panthers ) due to licensing and the fact that some companies today , do not want to be tied in with the fact they supplied the Germans in WW2 , 70 odd years ago . Although you can get AM photo etch from various companies with the Opel and Jeep names / logos , weather this is in partnership with the trade mark owner , I don't know . I know from my model railroad days any truck or box car with Coke on it cost about three times as much as any other company logos .I think at this scale I would rather have vehicles with generic logos to keep down cost .
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Yes....dont worry about the logo....the 4x4 LIGHT UTILITY (Jeep) vehicle was produced by several manufactures....
Looking forward to several of the SAS /LRDG ones....already have a photography base made.
(http://s21.postimg.org/xygffxnwz/20160314_175152.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/xygffxnwz/)
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@Steve - nice base, especially the paved area, what did you use?
@Ripley - for more insanity a certain company with a colour scheme similar to the aforementioned purveyor of sticky caffeinated drinks charges for their logos etc to be applied to the trains they get paid to run. More licencing...
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I did a bit of looking. It would appear that, as a result of marketing of the 'Jeep' brand in connection with products beyond just actual vehicles (including toys), it was considered necessary to stop companies like Tamiya from using it in the context of plastic kits. I couldn't find confirmation that Tamiya had a licence to use the name 'Jeep' previously.
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IRC both Tamiya and Bandi used the Jeep name on their 70s kits . I think its just in the last 20 or so years the bean counters and lawyers got involved and tightened things up . B@sterds ! :)
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Guys...thats why Tamiyas 1:48 scale 4x4 light utility vehicle is labelled as that and slipped in a box of US infantry.
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I see from Warlord's Facebook site that they have some plastic US Airborne troops in the works. They are likely to be popular. I'd suggest it would be worth looking into adding a bit of Airborne flavour to this kit. The US Airborne used armoured Jeeps, but that's too much to include. Maybe just a couple of basic additions, like an optional Paratrooper head for the driver, a wire-catcher on the front and a tarpaulin-covered windscreen - as well as US Airborne decals.
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Not much work had been done to new projects because of an OEM job in progress.
Also trying to wrap up follow up work on the upcoming new releases!
Here is some digital work being done on the Jeep...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Jeep%20Canvas%20160409-1_zpsozvdvkyf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20Jeep%20Canvas%20160409-2_zpsrdsj25ci.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Perfect. :D
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Agreed - the canvas effect looks very convincing.
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Very,very good!
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Looks great
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The canvas hood and side screen is top work, but the ace in the hole is that windscreen cover with the rifle holder brilliant . So looking forward to these.
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Another excellent kit! :) :)
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Not much of an update to the jeep, still waiting for the digital sculpt to finish.
Here are some WIP sculpts... same pose, but different uniform (the jeep is for position only).
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20160427-1_zpsyvbfnrlm.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20160427-2_zps9kh2gxci.jpg)
Any comments?
;)
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Very nice indeed. One suggestion would be for the driver to have his left hand on the wheel and his right on the gear lever, as this is the normal position when driving a left hand drive manual. Otherwise really nice figures.
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Are you intending to sell the Willys Jeep as a single model or in pairs?
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Are you intending to sell the Willys Jeep as a single model or in pairs?
It is still too early to tell. There is already THREE variants plus several combinations if we are mixing
the three together. Not to mention the number of figures involved...
Once we have decided on the layout format, we can then let you know.
;)
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The final piece of hardware was delivered today... making the British Jeep drawings completed!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20SAS%20160428-1_zps3apr9wv5.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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It's a very nice Bren gun, and it looks as though you've made it a bit chunky so it's less fragile. The piece beside it seems to be a K-gun with a moulded-on mounting. Presumably the idea is that the K-gun is removed and replaced with the Bren?
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Are you intending to sell the Willys Jeep as a single model or in pairs?
It is still too early to tell. There is already THREE variants plus several combinations if we are mixing
the three together. Not to mention the number of figures involved...
Once we have decided on the layout format, we can then let you know.
;)
Looking forward to this kit very much, so can't wait! :P
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I know it's a long way off, but do you think decal wise you'll have stuff like the "caution left hand drive" that was out on the back and canvas?
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realy, realy good!
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Properly scaled 3D prototype of the Bren gun!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Bren%20Gun%20160507-1_zpsylgwq4ms.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Nice.
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A minor update on the Willys MB project... British crew 3D prototype!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/SAS%20Jeep%20Crew%20160523-1_zpscn5shad4.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/SAS%20Jeep%20Crew%20160523-2_zpsm4jwulao.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Looks fine. Good work!
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The driver looks great (no idea about the uniform, that is for others with better knowledge). He would definitely get drafted into my Crooked Dice UNIT.
The passenger to my eyes looks a bit odd. The beret looks slightly bulgy at the top, maybe his driver is scary and his hair is standing on end? ^___^
Is the left arm integral to the figure?
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The passenger to my eyes looks a bit odd. The beret looks slightly bulgy at the top, maybe his driver is scary and his hair is standing on end? ^___^
Is the left arm integral to the figure?
The sculpts are still something of a WIP at the moment. We are changing the driver's pose
as he should be driving a left-hand steering vehicle. We are also making minor adjustments
to the passenger left hand/wrist to make it more natural.
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These guys look pretty good . I hope you can release these figures with a separate vehicle crew set , as they would with a little kit bashing , make a crew for the Achilles or M3 Halftrack
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I think I`d better start a dam saving account just for jeeps, god those British crew are great, and I only wanted yanks.
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Painted samples of our 3D sculpts for the British version Willys MB jeep.
Minor changes had been made to the hand, beret, facial expression...
hence final product might be different.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/British%20Jeep%20Crew%20160526-1_zpsrdq4qlvf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/British%20Jeep%20Crew%20160526-2_zpsn8mt6fwr.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/British%20Jeep%20Crew%20160526-3_zpsxebrcmzs.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Nice, though the LRDG passenger's mouth looks a bit odd, possibly a bit wide and having too many teeth.
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Nice, though the LRDG passenger's mouth looks a bit odd, possibly a bit wide and having too many teeth.
We will replace that with another facial expression as stated... no worry!
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Is it me or does the smiley LRDG chap reesemble Joseph Fiennes?
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The details are well defined and the proportions look good. As I mentioned before, the driver should have his left hand on the wheel and his right on the gear stick. The headdress seems to be a bit tall. It would be good if at least one of them had some goggles too.
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The details are well defined and the proportions look good. As I mentioned before, the driver should have his left hand on the wheel and his right on the gear stick. The headdress seems to be a bit tall. It would be good if at least one of them had some goggles too.
These are NOT the final figures. In fact, the issues you'd mentioned had been amended.
These two painted figures are for show display as we do not have the time to print the
updated version.
;)
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The crew looks good.
-
After preview of our British Jeep crews 3D prototypes, here is the US counterpart (digital sculpts)
- a total of 4 crew with several possible poses!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willy%20MB%20Jeep%20US%20Crew%20160609-1_zpsrwxup2ko.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willy%20MB%20Jeep%20US%20Crew%20160609-2_zpswwh3crb3.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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They look good . Anybody else thinking " Rat Patrol " ?
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Excellent.
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The crew look awesome. Really good poses. I hope they look this good in plastic!
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Any chance of a better view of the rear sitting passenger?
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I realize these are early cad figures , but I really hope that Rubicon will release these in a plastic crew set when in production . Most of us have some other companies plastic :-[ and older resin vehicles ::) in need of crews , and these GIs and their German counter parts, fit the bill . I've found a great looking crew and decent stowage covers a multitude of resin sins . That or a large cammo net :)
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These are the canvas options for the Jeep - windshield cover & canvas top!
Should fit on both the standard US and Commonwealth version!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20MB%20Canvas%20Tops%20160611-01_zpsauugm0vv.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20MB%20Canvas%20Tops%20160611-02_zpsbygxsvl7.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20MB%20Canvas%20Tops%20160611-03_zpscogvlfhq.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20MB%20Canvas%20Tops%20160611-04_zpsk89rviri.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20MB%20Canvas%20Tops%20160611-05_zpscxtvrip5.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20MB%20Canvas%20Tops%20160611-06_zpsasmydmbz.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20MB%20Canvas%20Tops%20160611-07_zpsph5dod61.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Excellent.
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Those look fantastic, really looking forward to them - also, as Ripley said, the crew sets, hope to see them on sale soon.
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As requested, here is a better view of our US Jeep crews...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willy%20MB%20Jeep%20US%20Crew%20160609-3_zpsl7qcxckp.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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The poses are looking really good . But I'm not liking the actual figures with the arm molded to the body . As a modeler who wants a varied collection of figures to crew his vehicles , these body styles aren't that great for kit bashing . I hope you can reconfigure the masters to give these figures 2 arms . That way we can use each body style in many different vehicles , as a driver , radio man , gunner , loader , just by changing the arms and what they are holding . You might consider releasing the posted figures with the vehicle and release other more multi part figures as a stand alone crew set . That way the gamer gets a crew when he buys the vehicle and the modelers among us can get the more detailed figures to kit bash to our hearts content . I do need more figures as I have , between yours and BA's :-[ : 4 halftracks , 11 T-34s , 3 Tigers , 5 Panzer IIIs , 8 Panzer IVs , and a half dozen of single vehicles types . Please help me crew my vehicles ;D
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Looking good.
I do agree with Ripley about separate arms being very useful. The front passenger could have a number of uses depending on the arms (navigator, gunner firing etc.).
The driver's arms are less good, but we have seen the right hand drive figures for the British (which you have said you will do in left hand drive) , and a similar left hand drive version would be good for the US driver.
I would watch out for piping on the legs etc, am currently having to remove Cyberman type piping from the ex Wargames Factory Project Z figures (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00ny399/p00ny2gq (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00ny399/p00ny2gq)).
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When Tamiya released there 1/35th jeep I was delighted , now I`m blown away, this quality in a war game scale, and that crew, also, I truly have never seen such a realistic looking hood and side screens .They are a work of art that this old man is so looking to buy.
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Proposed sprue layout for our Willys MB jeep. Instead of doing two versions, we have
decided to put all variants into a SINGLE sprue - US / Airborne / SAS / LRDG!!
The driver and crew will be available on blisters of your choices...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20Layout%20160715-1_zpsfewzxvth.jpg)
Comment?
;)
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That's probably the way to go, as much as I'd like drivers/passengers included it's probably the best use of sprue space - as long as you release the figures at the same time I don't see a problem.
Would the different crew figs be in different blisters - if you only wanted Brits & Commonwealth/GIs/Russians?
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Would the different crew figs be in different blisters - if you only wanted Brits & Commonwealth/GIs/Russians?
Each blister pack will contain driver & crew for one nation / war theatre only.
Probably 3 to 4 figures per blister.
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A separate crew blister is a great idea . If all versions of the crews come with separate arms and body styles like the Americans shown , I can see myself picking up a few of each for use as tank riders and crew for other vehicle types with a little kit bashing :) . Will the blister packs include personal weapons , packs and kit for the crews ? And how about a couple of extra arms like your Yanks in the Deuce ? With all the stuff you've got planned to release I'm going to need to find a part time job just to cover hobby expenses ::)
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Would the different crew figs be in different blisters - if you only wanted Brits & Commonwealth/GIs/Russians?
Each blister pack will contain driver & crew for one nation / war theatre only.
Probably 3 to 4 figures per blister.
Excellent.
Now which will be best for security guards?
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Security guards ? Like modern day types ? WGF has male civilian figures in their 28mm zombie range , also released by Warlord for more $ and less figures in the box , Also have a modern set of plastic troops . Is that what your looking for ?
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Security guards ? Like modern day types ? WGF has male civilian figures in their 28mm zombie range , also released by Warlord for more $ and less figures in the box , Also have a modern set of plastic troops . Is that what your looking for ?
This is for a vehicle security crew, Crooked Dice have the guards on foot.
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This vehicle is really looking amazing. You've not yet shown us a rear shot of the jeep that shows the new lights (as on the rear of the M8M20). Forgive me if it just not me seeing it but I haven't noticed a folded hoop set with or without a hood. Sometimes the hood was rolled and fastened to the back of the jeep behind the wheel and jerry can, other times it was taken off altogether and stowed in the bag kept under the rear seat containing side screens, doors and mickey mouse ears. Either way most U.S.A. had their hoops carried even if it was in the 'up' position and no hood fitted. They were very handy for hanging off bits of kit in the down position. Finally, I also haven't spotted any rear bumpers or tow hook.
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Not the best of photography, our photo booth is still somewhere
buried inside some carton boxes... our T1 plastic sprue for the
Jeep!
Don't ask us about how the Jeep will be packaged until QC is done!
What you've seen here will enable you to build - standard US / SAS /
LRDG / Airborne jeep... plus all the conversions & kitbashing you
wanted!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20MB%20Jeep%20T1%20Sprue%20160903-01_zps8376y0cs.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20MB%20Jeep%20T1%20Sprue%20160903-02_zpsedk90lek.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20MB%20Jeep%20T1%20Sprue%20160903-03_zpsgdaxxyee.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20MB%20Jeep%20T1%20Sprue%20160903-04_zps0g2jomdk.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20MB%20Jeep%20T1%20Sprue%20160903-05_zpscexpxc18.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20MB%20Jeep%20T1%20Sprue%20160903-06_zpsalc5jlml.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20MB%20Jeep%20T1%20Sprue%20160903-07_zpsoqhxdpfo.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20MB%20Jeep%20T1%20Sprue%20160903-08_zpsf7ocgnqn.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/FB%20MB%20Jeep%20T1%20Sprue%20160903-09_zpsblw9yjkx.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Looking great! really looking forward to these.
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Looks really good. Any photos of the figures?
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Looks really good. Any photos of the figures?
Unfortunately no. Still refining the 3D sculpts...
The problem working on multiple sets of figures with plastic is we wanted to
wait until TS1 of the vehicle is done first. Then fitting the figures prototypes
to the vehicle to make sure they fitted as intended, thus the delay on releases!
We actually had to finish two projects before we can release them as a single
product! More efforts, more money spent, same result! Hahaha...
;)
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I salute you what a little "bute" the work you have put in , so many possibilities for each variant, From the rain socked entrance of Kellys Heroes, through the sun backed road with Kelly on his way to stores. From film to real life and the deserts dunes the sun never set on the "Jeep". may it always shine on your work.
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Excellent.
A definite winner.
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A new batch of assembled TS2 plastic Willys MB Jeep...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-01_zps97ngqbsh.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-02_zpsu2ldabf7.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-03_zpsfbbnwtjk.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-04_zpsbkceoxtp.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-05_zpsmleadrxw.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-06_zpsvx0fnh76.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-07_zpsly0evojv.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-09_zpsqopdvxlh.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-08_zpserz3couh.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-10_zpsotkcahkk.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-11_zps7ovyipnv.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-12_zpsswypedy1.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/MB%20Jeep%20TS1%20161107-13_zps0ivhfa6s.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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A very nice line up of different versions.
It looks as though you've greatly improved the detail on the .50 cal, and made it a bit overscale. Is that right?
I mentioned it before, but the canopy isn't quite right. It overhangs the windscreen far too much, and the windscreen shouldn't be vertical. It wasn't level on top either - the forward section slowed down to towards the windscreen.
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The vehicles look good, though I do agree with Pinky that the canopy looks slightly odd.
I wonder how easy it will be to use the K-guns with the plastic Warlord Commandoes (mine currently use liberated MG42s).
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It looks as though you've greatly improved the detail on the .50 cal, and made it a bit overscale. Is that right?
For weapons that are manned by infantry will be slightly overscaled and reinforced so that they will not be too flimsy.
For vehicle mounted weapon without a crew, we will include two versions of the same weapon whenever is possible.
This first appeared on our M4 T23 turret sprue...
I mentioned it before, but the canopy isn't quite right. It overhangs the windscreen far too much, and the windscreen
shouldn't be vertical. It wasn't level on top either - the forward section slowed down to towards the windscreen.
We are currently working on TS1/TS2 sprues, many design issues still needed to be addressed. Sometimes it is
the mould release angle that has affected our original design; hence every part had to be examined and refined.
In some cases, one single design change will affect several other parts that are linked to that single amendment,
which will further delay commercial release. We usually will try to get a balance between perfection and reality.
;)
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Delighted with this item, still not seen the hoop set that folds down when hood stowed? These are so well turned out.
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Delighted with this item, still not seen the hoop set that folds down when hood stowed? These are so well turned out.
We have not included the part for hood being stowed. Ran out of space because
of all those extra MGs. We might do an expansion set later specially for the jeep!
-
Cheers, I can under stand that is a good piece of mould, and yet easy to bend from wire. Will you give a paper templet on the instructions for beginners. I`m searching out our garage for the photos of my old girl. When I`ve found them I`ll forward them to you. I`d love a radio like the german one. Keep up the great work.
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Cheers, I can under stand that is a good piece of mould, and yet easy to bend from wire. Will you give a paper templet on the instructions for beginners. I`m searching out our garage for the photos of my old girl. When I`ve found them I`ll forward them to you. I`d love a radio like the german one. Keep up the great work.
I wonder if a pattern to bend the hoops could be included in the supporting sprue itself.
There would of course be strength issues.
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That's a clever idea a correct bend every time , I like that. Gets my vote if possible.
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Finally TS1 Plastic US & British Jeep Crew are ready...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20TS1%20Plastic%20170131-01_zpslidrokv5.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20TS1%20Plastic%20170131-02_zpssuwdde9c.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20TS1%20Plastic%20170131-03_zpscy8fbayh.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Lovely!
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They look good, though they do look like they are sitting high, are they on booster cushions?
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20TS1%20Plastic%20170131-2_zpsxahqcetu.jpg)
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They look good, though they do look like they are sitting high, are they on booster cushions?
They will be a bit overscale, I guess, hence they overlook the windscreen slightly. The issues with mixing 28mm figures and 1/56 scale vehicles come into focus when you have smaller soft-skins like this. I'm fine with it; I think it's important that the vehicle crews look like the rest of the figures (which will generally be Warlord or similar).
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I think the figures look good. Maybe it will be possible to file a mil off their backsides to appear as though they are sinking into the seat more. In any event I agree with Pinky it is important the figures are compatible with mainstream figures like Warlord etc.
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It is not the figure proportions, I agree with you that making them visually compatible with other popular brands is important.
It is the apparent gap between the figure and the seat, visible in my edited post above.
Tyroflyer is possibly right that by judicious filing they might sit more "heavily" on the seat cushion, but it will affect the angle of the legs and other parts of the figure. Having to cut the feet off a figure designed for a vehicle to make it fit may send the wrong signals to prospective customers. YMMV.
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It is the apparent gap between the figure and the seat, visible in my edited post above.
This is just TS1 plastic (test shot #1), still a lot of things needed to be adjusted. This is because mould release angles will create situations that is different from our technical drawings, creating gaps and mis-fits.
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I look forward to seeing the next version.
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The jeeps look great, so do the US crew - unlike the truck crew, the peaks on their helmets look spot on.
The British berets look completely wrong though. Maybe it's the mould line above the ear, or maybe it's the angle of the picture, but they look almost like beanie hats rather than berets. Still, they are work in progress, so I'm sure they can be fixed. Or a different angle will show that they do indeed have the characteristics of a beret :)
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Fixed the incorrect link for the previous TS1 plastic images.
Here are the painted version of the TS1 plastic crews...
NOTE: We had spotted an error with the US jeep driver, and had to resend the complete jeep figure mould back to mould making. This will definitely delay the release date!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20TS1%20Plastic%20170131-05_zpsddoskl3k.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20TS1%20Plastic%20170131-06_zpskovl2qer.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20TS1%20Plastic%20170131-07_zpsmtzrnjqp.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Crew%20TS1%20Plastic%20170131-08_zpshimqzvuu.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Very good.
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The berets certainly look more beret-like when viewed from the front :)
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excellent!
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We have revised the US Jeep driver due to a technical issue that we had found out
after the mould are done. This will definitely delay the release of the jeep, but should
not be too long!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willy%20MB%20US%20Jeep%20Driver%20170215-1_zpsy0jgvif0.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willy%20MB%20US%20Jeep%20Driver%20170215-2_zps6shjprx7.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Were his arms too long?
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Were his arms too long?
Nope... we had overlooked the canvas top. The driver was not able to fit when the top was installed.
Had to redo the whole figure with a modified pose. This happened because we had to wait for the
digital sculpting machines to be installed and get our staff trained; and by the time we started our
various figure projects, some of the notes were overlooked.
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A question came up on the Lead Adventurers forum about the size of various models of jeeps.
http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=90489.0 (http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=90489.0)
How does the Rubicon (I assume true scale) jeep compare?
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Our work didn't just stopped when a product is released.
Supporting items, such as additional figures (for different
war theatres) and accessories are already in the pipeline
to cover the missing links!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%203D%20Sculpt%20170711-1_zpsuvowpfxb.jpg)
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More jeep crew... this time US winter uniform for Battle of the Bulge!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%203D%20Sculpt%20170721-1_zpsphjqijht.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Very good poses. Especially the Marines. Will these also be plastic, or are you looking at metal?
Having bought the Jeep kit (which seems very good - but how did you get away with using the Willys name?), I think your figures have really improved. I just wish the heads were bigger, even though that would make them overscale.
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Turing digital sculpts into 3D prototype... USMC crew for the jeep!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/USMC%20Jeep%20Crew%20170801-1_zpsh8mpxqb2.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/USMC%20Jeep%20Crew%20170801-2_zpsssfrhtwp.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Looking good.
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Yes, they look very good indeed. 8)
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How about a plastic trailer for your Willys MB Jeep?
Come with tow hook for the jeep too!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Trailer%20171115-01_zpsiduetagi.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Trailer%20171115-02_zpsi18ccdal.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Trailer%20171115-04_zpspr6ml8zs.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Trailer%20171115-05_zpswhneiigs.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Excellent.
Useful for other things as well (that Twilight 2000 still for instance).
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And why not go for the Ben Hur trailer as well?
http://www.primal4x4.com/images/546_Ben_Hur_Trailer.JPG (http://www.primal4x4.com/images/546_Ben_Hur_Trailer.JPG)
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Why does it say "amphibian"? Is there an amphibious version planned?
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Why does it say "amphibian"? Is there an amphibious version planned?
It was the US War Department designation for the trailer, not of our making! ;)
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Solid four wall box , no tail gate , so it floats
(https://s7.postimg.org/ncyszsy2f/Ford_GPA.and_Trailer_Floating.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ncyszsy2f/)
Ford GPA & trailer
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Work continues even after the product is released!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Snow%20Tyre%20171123-1_zpsmowvrol4.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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God that's a lovely conversion sight for Christmas snow.
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Are there any plans to do a US Airborne crew/version or is the standard US one appropriate for Airborne use?
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Can i suggest an update set for the desert sas version with extra spare wheel ,loads of jerry cans ammo boxes and stowage etc. Maybe a US or British radio sets for the airborne/recce versions
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Can i suggest an update set for the desert sas version with extra spare wheel ,loads of jerry cans ammo boxes and stowage etc. Maybe a US or British radio sets for the airborne/recce versions
It might be worth looking at this Allied Stowage set.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Stowage%20Kits/Allied%20Stowage%20TS1%20160110-02_zps0woqb8d4.jpg)
Though spare wheels, crew and additional weapons to match the Boot Action LRDG load out would be useful.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjMVRPNV5QU/WfufujOj32I/AAAAAAAACpk/EeHyRuuWW_kf7xzblJqjjNol-oSPmFP_gCLcBGAs/s1600/rmjeep1-18.png)
Shortened jerry can set (one W^D can, half of the four can moulding and a German one).
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzrRhOOz0wA/WTL_BfKhSeI/AAAAAAAACVk/O_vKRJdRLTwZZD6zruPYJ8w00h54zbm1ACLcB/s1600/m4a4C1-6.png)
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got that set on order
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got that set on order
Both sets are good.
It might be worth having a look at the wish list for the next set:
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=657.0 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=657.0)
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While the topic is still hot on stowage, here are some bits that we are working on for Willys MB!
More to come...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Stowage%20171229-01_zpsjcmcbwhh.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Stowage%20171229-02_zpsg4neaoij.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Stowage%20171229-03_zpsonv54htw.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Those look pretty good . Could even find uses for them on other vehicles as well , not just the Jeep . You seem to have a mix of US ( entrenching tool & helmet ) and British ( small pack ) personal kit . Might be better to keep the large pieces of gear generic , like the ammo cans ( 50 cal used by US , Brits , even the Russians ), gas can , crate and tarps . Make the country specific stuff separate so it can be used to accent a variety of vehicle types . Or just make generic large pieces , the modeller can add his own bits to compliment his army of origin
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Could you do something to the group of ammo cans 4 together in a perfect straight line like that just doesnt look right to me, maybe staggered a bit not so neat.
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Interesting idea.
I do agree with somtec about the ammo boxes, there is nothing holding them together so why are they in a regimented line? Also, the blocks of stowage are sitting on top of each other, there is nothing keeping them in place. Straps and tarps might help.
I also agree with Ripley, generic stowage is more useful than nation specific. Nation specific items should just be separate.
Oh, and please, an additional call for individual ammo boxes (plastic or resin).
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The blanket rolls and other soft items still look very rigid and unnatural. And the arrangement of some of this isn't very convincing - like stacking jerrycans horizontally (no-one did this). Also - as others mentioned, ammo boxes won't be in perfect lines unless they're held in place or pushed up against something.
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Are there any plans to do a US Airborne crew/version or is the standard US one appropriate for Airborne use?
* cough cough *
Stowage looks nice (though agree with the points above).
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Our work didn't just stopped when a product is released.
Supporting items, such as additional figures (for different
war theatres)
So may we hope for a Soviet version of the Jeep?
The crew could be reused if you ever release a GAZ.
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So may we hope for a Soviet version of the Jeep?
We do have some initial Soviet crew sculpts lying around the studio... just haven't get posted!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Soviet%20Jeep%20Crew%20171003-1_zpshirgv4mj.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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I like the Commisar figure with the bottle . He would work in a Berlin 45 diorama meeting up with US troops , pass the vodka Comrade . Actually, all variations would work depending on the stituation ( game , static model , or diorama ) Nice one Rubicon
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After much delay, pewter samples are done and ready for production!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Stowage%20181005-1_zpsuvlktonq.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Stowage%20181005-2_zpsm5zepe0e.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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The layout is much improved as is the lashing.
The Jerry can rack is good, as are the three strapped cans (though there might be issues getting them across the Bonnet of a jeep.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpA3sXZvCSk/WfufymnJWBI/AAAAAAAACps/lfiCwkwQeGgcmdTb-f-bZ8Z-Jec-odFqQCLcBGAs/s1600/rmjeep1-19.png)
It might be a photographic artefact but there does appear to be a lot of surface pitting, it might not be apparent when they are painted.
I also repeat my (personal) concerns about adding metal to platic kits (not helped by one of my current projects).
I look forward to seeing them painted.
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(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Stowage%20181005-1_zpsuvlktonq.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Jeep%20Stowage%20181005-2_zpsm5zepe0e.jpg)
Not only to add to your Jeep model, but I'm also thinking of other uses for things like this. Making small decorative supply pieces, or even CoC Jump Off Points to name just a couple of good uses for these bits.
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It’d be nice to see this sort of things for the tanks too. That way we can get more natura lookingl stowage.
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While the piles of gear , ammo and fuel cans look great . I would still like to see them look more generic . With the helmet and entenching tool molded on , it limits use to Yanks , or maybe the Free French IMO . I guess you could cover them with a green stuff tarp , but that would hide all the detail of the cast piece ::)
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I feel that these pewter accessories are a step backwards. Really, if they're going to be multi-media kits, then at least do the accessories in resin. Metal is harder to modify, harder to attach and more likely to overburden plastic kits.
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I would still like to see them look more generic. With the helmet and entenching tool molded on, it limits use...
I feel that these pewter accessories are a step backwards. Really, if they're going to be multi-media kits, then at least do the accessories in resin. Metal is harder to modify, harder to attach and more likely t o over burden plastic kits.
Two very good issues, and I agree with both ripley and Pinky.
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I feel that these pewter accessories are a step backwards. Really, if they're going to be multi-media kits, then at least do the accessories in resin. Metal is harder to modify, harder to attach and more likely t o over burden plastic kits.
Or we just don’t get anything at all?
It’s very expensive to produce and bring plastic kits to market. Metal/resin kits on the other hand are comparatively cheap, although with a smaller mark up.
If this allows Rubicon to branch into new markets and test demand before expensive production, then great. If you’re not a fan of metal bits, just don’t buy them.
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I won't buy them. But I can still express my view about metal accessories like this.
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Pewter isn't as crisp detail wise as resin . Plastic depends on the master mold , some are great , some not so much . The problem I have with this stowage is that it's too American . Now if the helmet and entrenching tool ( and packs ) were separate pieces , it would be much better . Without those pieces , you could use this piece on a US , Brit , Polish , Canadian , Russian and Free French vehicle . They all used US style Jerry cans and ammo boxes , both for tank rounds and machine guns ( Lend Lease ) . With the helmet molded on , I can see it being used for the US and Free French Armor . As I model German , Canadians and Russians ( T-34s ) , this set isn't on my list of things to pick up . Hopefully we'll get country specific ammo box sets some time in the future , although I have already resin cast a pile ( 50 + ) of my own Russian 85mm ammo boxes . Now I need a Gaz AAA truck or two to transport it
German detail bits can have all sorts of helmets and personal kit on them as the German Army was not a boy band like the Western Front Allies were . With German stuff you have to make it year specific , for example ,no Panzerfausts or MP44s on the pile of stowage if your using it on an Afrika Korp tank or half track ::)
And smurf , the set of 3 gas cans will fit across the Jeep hood if it's mounted with the handles just above the dash , but you have to remove the wind screen , check out the SAS Jeeps in North Africa .
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Thanks Ripley, the source photograph for mine had the soft stowage where the windscreen went. I will bear that in mind for the command vehicle. Another Allied and German stowage set on my list.
I won't buy them. But I can still express my view about metal accessories like this.
I agree with your points, and none of the metal stowage is currently grabbing my wallet.
Elias, I think that Pinky was suggesting that they would be better suited to plastic models if they were in resin. Certainly the resin vehicles (waffentrager and C11) I have are excellent mouldings and the density of the waffentrager is similar to the ABS plastic used in the kits.
I have a metal modification kit from "the other place" which is extremely ungainly (and has scan lines that look like wood grain and appalling fit). It will eventually turn up on my WIP thread as it has a rack of Rubicon Jerry cans (proudly bearing the W^D mark).
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More or less a year after the official launch, our commitments to our current product offerings – Willy MB Jeep plastic upgrade kits!
Besides the various pewter stowage packs that we had already released for the Jeep, several “plastic” blister packs are planned to upgrade or convert your Willys MB Jeep, which might include the following:
- Rear canvas top option
- Rear seat option
- Rear tow hook
- Twin bazooka launcher
- Field upgrade armoured plate
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20Upgrades%20190920-01_zpslslj2jc7.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20Upgrades%20190920-02_zpsi7xz8lxn.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20Upgrades%20190920-04_zpscab31d7d.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20Upgrades%20190920-05_zpsquex0dpj.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20Upgrades%20190920-03_zpshc3c71vu.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20Upgrades%20190920-06_zpsniuyizfc.jpg)
(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Willy%20MB/Willys%20Jeep%20Upgrades%20190920-07_zpsdnwgza6u.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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The rear seat option should have been in the jeep kit. The rear of the jeep still does not have the two oval bumper/foot stirrups on the chassis. Some single .3 and.5cal ammo boxes and few more single US fuel cans and British climates for the early stages of the war.
A British airborne upgrade of a radio and operator to sit in the back of the jeep, a bobbin cable reel and spare battery boxes to place on the mudguards. A rear rack too hold drop baskets or a field ambulance set may be of use but this could be made from the stretcher parts from the 3 in 1 251D kit......I have just talked myself into getting one. ;D
Items such as 6lb or US howitzer ammo boxes would be of use but only if these allied gun will eventually be made and be parts included in the kit.
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These are the two WIP plastic sprues for the Willys MB. We are still working on minor changes on them right now:
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/5a/67/D1UP6VMi_t.jpg)
From what is available, here are some painted samples of these "UPGRADES"...
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/1d/9b/aPYQgFGt_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/49/77/1nNn6dLF_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/a7/1c/PBr9nPzx_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/3b/97/3bPNvbwI_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/c7/d9/KylIZGUn_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/d8/ea/CCtK6wSb_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/64/e5/cu7wZpwg_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/98/d1/3975lpdO_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8b/c6/WMfKCKPl_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/fb/bf/mboylKGI_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/94/32/ZhsyHHZ8_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/b4/54/XwWQOuou_t.jpg)
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/48/d7/a3Pedhs2_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Excellent additions, and will make the day of a Real Jeep owner i know Who has a kit waiting to be built!
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Absolute beauties :)
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More feedback from you, the customers, we have added the rear bumper to the new add-on sprues. Even though this will delay the release but is definitely worth it because of your contributions.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/91/93/qlWDVATc_t.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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...we have added the rear bumper to the new add-on sprues.
I could have used these before scratch making the ones I used.
I was actually confused why it wasn't included in the base kit in the first place.
Even though the tires' sidewalls are not correct, and the kit didn't originally come with rear bumpers, the plastic jeep kit is well worth getting.
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I understand the upgrade sprue will not be available as an aftermarket add on to those who had bought the incomplete kits?
Thats not great news.
I have 3 or 4 of your jeep kits that require the updates before they can be completed.
Make the update available it would be short sighted not to.