1:72 Willys Jeep Starter Set

The real subject

The Willys is a light off-road car that became one of the most widespread vehicles of the Allied armies of the Second World War. It has four-wheel drive, a simple open body, a folding windshield and a canvas roof. It was used for liaison, for reconnaissance and for carrying the wounded, and in modified form it served long after the war.

What the set contains

A starter package built around a plastic kit of the car in 1:72 scale. The starter sets from the company Airfix are put together so that a beginning modeler can start building right away and does not have to track the accessories down separately. The exact composition of the package is given on the box. The parts of the kit are injection molded in polystyrene, and instructions for the build and for painting are included.

Building and painting tips

In 1:72 scale the car is tiny, so separate the parts with side cutters and sand the remains of the sprue stubs with fine paper. The body is easier to spray in one piece and only then to paint in the seats, the instrument panel and the small details with a brush. Dry brushing will pick out the edges of the fenders, and a wash in the recesses will give the car a used look. Leave the tires matte; a sheen on them comes across as unnatural.

Who it is for

For a beginning modeler as well as for a collector of vehicles for smaller dioramas, where a vehicle comes in useful to round a scene out. It will also serve as ground equipment with aircraft in the same scale. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Tools, such as side cutters, a blade and sanding paper, are not included, unless stated otherwise.