Small Scale Military Headquarters

I’m not sure if this has already been posted, however, I came across the Welly diecast 1/18 scale 1/4 ton truck (Jeep) on Amazon the other day. The model is diecast with some plastic parts, has decent detailing, working steering & shocks, movable windshield wipers, and an opening hood with engine. While I have a couple 1/18 Jeeps already, what attracted me to this model was the canvass top... It works great for airfield setups

Interesting... so it's a 1941 Jeep? It's got some nice details, but it's quite the mishmash of Jeeps throughout the years. Not to be one of those guys who nitpick everything, it looks more like a Late 1944-1945 Jeep based on certain things on the dash and in the engine. that being said, I've had several Jeep toys now (and of course, am restoring a 1:1 scale 1944 ford Jeep), and this one seems to be the most detailed of them all. The engine is SUPER detailed, with the fuel filter, horn, oil filter, voltage regulator, etc. Might have to pick one up!

Edit - Example of it being late 1944 or (more likely 1945) is the rotary switch on the dash. In June of 1944 they switched from the Push/Pull switch for the lights to the rotary switch.

I'm by no means an expert on Jeeps, but I always thought the 1941 was the "slatgrill" like the GI Joe 1/6 scale Jeep.

Axis Nightmare wrote:I'm by no means an expert on Jeeps, but I always thought the 1941 was the "slatgrill" like the GI Joe 1/6 scale Jeep.

That's one of the many tells. I think they should have just put 1945 Willys Jeep for it.

Good to know on the Jeeps... Since the diecast one is intended for consumers that might not know any better, I guess they had no issue with the inaccurate features

I just got it for the covered top and to use as a background piece

The Welly has long been considered the top of the line in 1/18 die cast. The Gate version is very nice but has no top. I have a Solido that has a top and is well done. The 21st Century version is OK too. Someone also makes a high end 1/16 scale example.

I have one of these and like it a lot. I know that it is not 100% accurate, but, it works for me.

Re: Gate, Solido, etc.
The cool but maybe overpriced AutoArt is probably the best 1:18 jeep out there...

https://www.diecast.org/diecast98/html/ ... id=AA74006

also available with a trailer and accessories...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... Ee_Y3MYYso

I'll see what my tax refund looks like before I commit...

c44 wrote:Re: Gate, Solido, etc.
The cool but maybe overpriced AutoArt is probably the best 1:18 jeep out there...

https://www.diecast.org/diecast98/html/ ... id=AA74006

also available with a trailer and accessories...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... Ee_Y3MYYso

I'll see what my tax refund looks like before I commit...

WOW! That looks amazing. SO MUCH DETAIL. Ha ha.

First I ever saw that one. Definitely takes the crown by a long shot! The Bentley of Jeeps. But then you could have a fleet of the others for that price.

c44 wrote:Re: Gate, Solido, etc.
The cool but maybe overpriced AutoArt is probably the best 1:18 jeep out there...

https://www.diecast.org/diecast98/html/ ... id=AA74006

also available with a trailer and accessories...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... Ee_Y3MYYso

I'll see what my tax refund looks like before I commit...

Looks almost like one could drive that model! Very nice, but out of my budget as well

I have the Welly with no top, and a cheap Chinese knockoff that was less than half the price. Welly is solid and looks fantastic, the steering wheel is a little fragile but great detail and quality otherwise. The knockoff has much of the same detail, probably the same molds from copies. It is less sturdy however and lacks a few small details that the Welly has. Also the suspension on the knockoff sags a bit. Welly is quality but if you want quantity over quality the knockoff is a decent option.

I got the red one a while back. I'm very impressed with the details under the hood and on the dash. The pioneering tools on mine have a glossy black finish with flat brown handles. I plan to weather the rods and suspension underneath just a little so they don't look so much like plastic.