Hello to all.

I’ve finished my model, Toyota Hilux N100 of the YAMAS, the Israeli MAGAV undercover unit.

(Hilux is the name under which these cars were imported into Russia; as I know, it is generally called Toyota Pickup, SR5, or 4Runner in North America.)

Here is some information on the prototypes.

The Israeli Special Forces Database:
http://www.isayeret.com/content/units/le/yamas/article.shtml

YAMAS training video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pknBS1BfGk

MAGAV insignia:
http://www.migrajoe.com/israel.htm

Prototype pics:
http://www.oocities.org/ilpolicecars/html/stsiuor.htm
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Police_car_of_Israel_06.JPG
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Police_car_of_Israel_07.JPG

Israeli license plates:
http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Israel

Here are the prototypes.




MENG offers two Hilux kits: VS-001 (body molded in white plastic) and VS-002 (body molded in red plastic).


I chose VS-001 for this project (the second box is my earlier long build, not finished yet).

The kit is very nice, a pity the engine not included and the tires are not authentic. I will change the wheels to resin stamped rim type Def Model DW35043 that are the closest to original Israeli police vehicles I could find.

Hello to all.

I painted the model with Tamiya and GSI Creos, and weathered with Tamiya and MIG. The lettering/marking is hand painted. The hood pasted over with polyester clear inkjet film with printed logo. Light deflectors made from chocolate wrapper aluminum foil. Kenwood radio is scratchbuilt, the microphone wire is a stretched guitar string braid. The windows made from polyester film. The roof railings are from brass shape, photo etch straps and plastic rod. License plates and 1990’s cigarette pack printed on photo paper.

Here are the pics during assembly.

Here is the finished model, but with wrong wheels. I will get Def Models wheels later and maybe take a couple more pics after that.

Looks pretty good. I would leave the wheels as they are. They look closer to the newer version that you based the paint scheme on with just the lettering on the doors. I am planning on scratching/converting an engine for mine using a Jeep Hurricane engine from an AFV Club M38A1 kit as a base.

Thanks!
The new version is 2011 Isuzu D-Max. A very similar paint scheme was used in the late 1990's, so using it is basically correct. But it seems to me they never used alloy wheels then. It was a rather expensive option that days, and old alloys were somewhat brittle, makig wheels less durable. Another reason that I want to change the wheels for is MENG tires tread pattern. It is toylike as to my taste.

Lovely job!

Doesn't look very "under-cover" though 😀

Thanks!
As I see it, these vehicles are used only in the final stage of undercover operation, in making arrests, and also in training. For undercover job itself, civilian-like vehicles are used.