Tamiya 1/35th kit no. 35218
U.S. 2 1/2 ton, 6 x 6 cargo truck

MSRP $33.00
Greatmodels price: $24.74

By Juho Ala-Jaaski

History

The development of the 2 1/2 truck was ordered by the army for a reliable transport vehicle. Production was taken over by GMC, Studebaker, and Chevrolet. The "Deuce & half" or "Jimmy" was used throughout the European campaign, in the Pacific, and in Italy. Development led to many different variants including a gasoline truck, a water truck, a closed cabin and an open cabin cargo variant, one with a tilting cargo bed, and an amphibious truck used for landing in an enemy fortified beach, called the DUKW. The Jimmy was very popular with troops and was used by the 'Red Ball Express' to supply the advancing allied troops in Europe. It was partly due to the success of the Jimmy that the allies won the war in Europe! The Soviets also used it as part of the Lend Lease agreement , and even equipped it with the katyusha rocket launcher!

The Kit

Although there have been kits of the Jimmy before, Tamiya's is absolutely the tops! It has way more detail than the previous kits. I have built the Italeri kit....and...well. the Tamiya is just better! The kit comes molded in olive green plastic, and the detail is top notch! The canvas parts are equally good, with very nice detail. The drive train is molded in one piece, with the frame being one piece as well, all you have to add are the gear box halves!!!

The detail parts are delicate and to scale. The head lights are almost as nice as in the Dragon Wagon. You have to paint the reflectors, and then add the glass. One smiling figure is provided and is very nice. Clear parts are provided for the windows and the headlight lenses.

The Drive Train

Construction starts with the front winch, but I suggest you add the drum and the cable after painting, that is, if you're using the winch. A different bumper is provided if you don't. Also, check the painting instructions whether the version you want to build has the winch or not. I added a short length of chain to the tow cable, as my references show it attached. Also, I used the separate Tamiya detail set on this model with the MG ring and some other details, including the tow hook for the winch. I also used the separate Tamiya cargo accessory set.

The drive train fits nice and square and all six wheels touch the ground. The leaf springs have nice detail, and also fit well. I decided to add the spare tyre after painting. All the six tyres have two halves and separate brake drums. Two separate brake drums are provided for a wheels off diorama. The front wheels are different from the rear wheels so pay attention to the instructions.

Don't forget to attach the rear tow hook, as it will be very hard to attach after the cargo bed is in place. I learned this the hard way...oh, well.

The Cab

Tamiya and Italerai kits side-by-side

The cab is very nice. Construction started from the inside and you move to the front. If you used the winch, remember to attach the operating lever to the floor of the cabin.

I used Tamiya Khaki for the seats and olive green for the rest of the cab. The front grille is nice, and delicate. I used the vehicle weight indicators from the accessory set, and the machine gun ring and holders from the detail set, along with the folded top. The figure was painted with acrylics with a black wash for the clothes, and a brown wash for the skin. I also used a figure from a Tamiya M8 for the observer. The detail set also comes with the hood hooks, which really add detail to the model.

The Cargo Bay

The cargo bay was assembled according to the instructions, and fit together well. There's not much to say about it really, the tools were painted flat earth and gun metal. The reflectors were painted red.

Decals and Weathering

Decals were applied to a gloss surface, and snuggled down well. I chose the scheme shown on the box art, with the name "Lucky" on the hood. Weathering was accomplished with brown paint, light OD and pastel chalks. The accessories for the bed were painted in different shades of khaki, green and brown with a drybrushing and a black wash.

Overall the kit is very nice and much nicer than the Italeri kits.

THANKS TO GREATMODELS WEBSTORE FOR THE REVIEW SAMPLE!!! AND TO BOBBY J. KASZA FOR OBTAINING THE DETAIL SETS FOR ME!