I wanted to know if either version of this jeep was still used by US forces in Europe in 1962-I do know that this Jeep version was going out of the picture and being replaced by the M151 series. But there are no early M151 Jeeps available, and I figured the others must still be around in that era.

I imagine both could have still been in Europe in '62. There still could have been a few hanging around as the transition to the M151 was ongoing.

True that there is no M151 kit abvailable, but it is pretty easy to backdate an M151A1. You could use the Academy M151A1 (with a lot of A2 features still on it). Or you could wait until next month when Tamiya puts out their M151A1 with the correct A1 rear suspension and two-piece rear window on the canvas top. To backdate an A1, leave the front turn-signals off of the fenders and the NATO adapter plug off the right side engine cowl. Also, there are a couple lift rings under the rear bumperettes. The rest is basically the same.

Thanks for the heads up!

Wildflecken, Germany, 1963 :



Berlin, 1963 :



(both from http://www.m38a1.com/resources/archives3.htm )

H.P.

I suppose I should also ask how the AFV Club kits are of the respective vehicles. If they're good, they might be more suitable, seeing that the Tamiya kit is the target of a bit of controversy on another thread.

AFV Club's M38A1s are excellent. Probably the best jeep kits on the market.

Where are the Tamiya M151s a controversy? They aren't even out yet, but the sprue shots look good. You can see them here, scroll to the bottom of the page.

From 1961:













Cheers,
/E

All those pictures are nice!

Though I haven't thought to ask one last question-what color are these jeeps supposed to be? Dark olive drab? Do they perhaps vary from unit to unit? My model can be from any unit in Europe.

Slightly off topic, but the M38A1C might have been been retained after M151 had replaced the other M38s in the anti-tank platoons. The 173rd Abn Bde had a mixture of M38A1Cs and M151 with M60 machine guns in SVN in 1965.

From 173rd Airborn.com.
This page has photos of the M38A1C and M151, plus the M37, used by E troop 17th Cav.
http://www.173rdairborne.net/e17_9.htm

This page has a line up of both types of vehicles.
http://www.173rdAirborne.net/e17_13.htm

Best wishes,
Grant

It's Tamiya. Someone always has a problem with them, don't they?

Grant,

Much appreciated! Can't remember ever seeing photos of the M38A1C in Vietnam before.

Nice to see a few of the M56 as well.

Cheers,
/E