Vodnik's M38A1 Jeeps

These are two Skybow M38A1 kits: Marine M38A1C with M40A1 recoilless rifle and US Army M38A1 with M100 1/4 ton trailer.

In both models I used some (but not all) parts from Eduard PE sets designed for these kits. I also added some scratchbuilt details to both Jeeps. In USMC truck I modified the rear bumper to correct Marine type. I also changed a few small details to make this model look like late production type M38A1 truck, while Army model is build as early production variant (as depicted by Skybow).

The M100 trailer was modified from the M416 trailer included in Academy M151A2 kit. I used wheels from Skybow M38A1 kit (thanks a lot to Accurate Armour for providing these two extra wheels!!!), added some details (like cable storage box) and reduced the width of the trailer as M100 was narrower than M416 to match the width of the M38A1 Jeeps (M416 was designed for M151). For some pictures of modified trailer before it was painted see here: http://strony.aster.pl/vodnik/pages/Jeeps/trailer.htm.

Army M38A1 has hinged windshield and hood and detailed engine.


Hood closed, windshield raised.	Hood open, windshield raised.

Hood closed, windshield lowered.	Engine - most parts are included in the kit. I added cables and some pipes from solder wire.


The tarp is made from a piece of lead foil. I cut it to the required size, folded the edges and made holes with punch&die set. I impressed two lines across the center with the tip of the needle. I filled the trailer with some scrap kit parts (including wheels from old Italeri Humvee) and then put the foil tarp over them applying pressure with my finger to get the shape you see on picture.	I first airbrushed the tarp with Revell Earth Brown 87 enamel. Then I mixed some lighter tan color to it and highlighted the raised areas, also with airbrush. Next I repeated it with slightly darker color and recessed places. Then I sprayed the Future over the whole tarp and when it dried I applied a very thin wash of oil Raw Umber paint to the tarp. I finished it with the Testors Dull Cote.


Note that engine grille panel of USMC Jeep is not hinged. It is one of the features of late production M38A1.	Another feature of late production Jeep is the strengthening plate added to the front fender.

Note different rear bumpers on USMC and US Army Jeeps. The canvas roof frame on Army Jeep model was made of solder wire as plastic kit parts were too thick.