Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/48 Ground Power Series HG1606 US Willys Jeep USMC “42908”, Okinawa

Wanting to replace their outdated light vehicles the U.S. Military received three tenders.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.

At the end of WWII Willys had produced 363,000 jeeps, Ford produced 280,000 for a total of 643,000. Ford also produced approximately 13,000 amphibian jeeps to make the total 656,000. After the capture of Okinawa the U.S. Military began huge stock piles of supplies and equipment on the island anticipating an assault on mainland Japan. This invasion never took place so thousands of vehicles including jeeps were left making Okinawa the junk yard of the Pacific. Eventually they were scrapped, buried or became the start of a new reef.

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).

Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled True to Scale (1:48) Weathering and insignias Rubber wheels that roll Comes with a stretcher Windshield can pivot up and down Accessories like gas cans, shovels etc.