My latest build is the AFV Club M38A1 representing a jeep from the 101 ABN DIV in the early 1960s. After my recent 1/35 HH-60G build odyssey, I wanted something a little smaller and less involved. A jeep seemed perfect.

I built it straight out of the box and added some extra details using the Verlinden M38A1 update set and some other PE bits.

Here it is, sorry, I didn't take any in-progress pics.






Here is all the added gear to give it a lived-in look. I added stowage from the spares bin w/an M14 rifle, M1 helmet, SCR-536 Handie-Talkie, a couple .50 cal ammo cans and a satchel/map case.




I also plumbed the engine and compartment with plug wires and some electrical wiring.





Here it is with all its stable-mates. These are all Willys/Kaiser jeeps starting with (L-R) an original Willys MB with welded front grill, Willys MB with later stamped (Ford design) grill, post-WWII M38/CJ3A, M606/CJ3B, and the M38A1.

Nice one, Gino. A bit tame of a build for you, but like you said you needed a break. What's next on your plate?

Gino, I built the M38A1 from AFC Club about ten years ago. Incredibly fiddly small parts (back then) but I was able to work through that. The hard part was arriving at final assembly and finding the alignment for the hood/grille/fenders was off and would not be an easy fix.

I might finish it sometime.....

Gino,

'Nice to see a portfolio of Soft Skins; really love it - sort of understated - but still immaculate modelling.

Brian

Thanks guys. It was a good break from complicated conversion builds.

great work Gino,very nice.

Thanks Roy. I enjoyed building it.

WARNING! RIVET COUNTING COMMENT BELOW!!!!!!!!!
Don't read if you are allergic to accuracy comments!

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Did you add those bars across the engine compartment yourself?
They are not in the kit and that was correct, because they shouldn't be there in this early version of M38A1 with hinged front grille. They were added when hinges were eliminated from the bottom of the grille in later production Jeeps
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Interesting about the rivet comment, my Dad must of missed that finer point. He was with the 502nd early 60’s and said the Jeep looked about right to him. I will make those mods on his Jeep.

The support bars came with the Verlinden update set. I didn't notice that they were a late feature, and of coarse Verlinden's instructions didn't mention it either. Oh well, I guess it will be a little confused since the hinges are still on the grill bottom as well. It is done now.