Hobby Master Archive

Wanting to replace their outdated light vehicles the U.S. Military received three tenders. Bantam Car Company was the initial winner but couldn’t meet demand so the job went to Willys-Overland Motors. Willys was to take the best design features of the three submitted tenders and build a standardized vehicle. Eventually in order to meet an even greater demand the Ford Motors Company was asked to build a similar vehicle. During World War II there was a total of 647,870 Jeeps produced by the three companies; Willys- Overland produced 362,841 of them.

The USAAF and RAF created tactical air forces to support ground troop on D-Day and beyond. The RAF named theirs Second Tactical Air Force (2 TAF) commanded by Air Marshall Sir Arthur Coningham and consisted of 4 groups. One Group was No. 83 commanded by AVM Harry Broadhurst. 2TAF was responsible for 24 hour defense of ground forces using 1 Mustang wing, 4 Spitfire wings and 4 Typhoon wings. The 2 TAF was mobile with personnel requiring movement between all the groups. One means of transportation was the Jeep.

Specifications for WWII Jeep Manufacturer - Willys-Overland Crew - 1 with up to 3 others Weight (gross) - 3,125 lb (1,417 kg)

Performance Engine - Carburetor, liquid cooled, “Go Devil” 4 cylinder (Willys L-head), 60 hp @ 4.000 rpm, 134 cu. In. (2.200 cm3) displacement Transmission - Warner T-84J / 3-speed synchro-mesh Transfer case - Dana Spicer 18 / 2-speed Gear shifter - floor mounted Suspension Front axle - beam-leaf Rear axle - beam-leaf Brakes - Hydraulic Front - drum Rear - drum Fuel Type - gasoline Capacity - 15 US gallons (56.78 liters) Range - 375 miles (600 km)

Electrical system - 6 volt, negative ground Tires - (4) + (1) spare / 6 X 16 (non-directional)

Ground clearance - 8.75 in (22.22 cm) Fording depth Standard - 18 in (45.72 cm / .4572 m) Maximum - 21 in (53.34 cm / .5334 m)

Dimensions Length - 132.75 in (3.371 m). Wheelbase - 80 in (2.032 m). Width - 62 in (1.5748 m). Height Top up - 69.75 in (1.77165 m). To top of steering wheel w/top down - 51.25 in (1.30175 m).

Hobby Master 1/48 Ground Power Series HG1603 Willys MB Jeep RAF 12230, WWII

True 1/48 scale.

Professionally painted.

Great attention to detail.

All markings are Tampoed (pad applied).

Rubber wheels roll.

Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.

Highly collectable.