Takom | 2131 | U.S. Army 1/4 Ton Armored Truck | 1:35

Takom | 2131 | U.S. Army 1/4 Ton Armored Truck | 1:35

Takom 2131 is a 1:35 scale plastic model kit of the U.S. Army 1/4 Ton Armored Truck, widely known as the armored Willys Jeep from World War II. The kit was released by the well-known manufacturer Takom in 2020. It is based on a 2019 tooling, updated with specific new parts to build the armored variant.

About the Model Kit

This model kit is highly regarded for its excellent detail and includes the following features:

• Scale: 1:35 (static scale model).
• Contents: Alongside the plastic sprues, the kit includes Photo-Etched (PE) parts (metal sheets for fine details like grilles and straps), clear parts for the glass sections, and decals for four different markings.
• Subject: It replicates the iconic Willys MB Jeep, fitted with heavy armor plates around the engine compartment and crew area to protect against small arms fire and shrapnel.

Vehicle History: The 1/4-Ton Armored Truck

The foundation of this vehicle is the legendary Willys MB (and Ford GPW), the light four-wheel-drive utility vehicle produced between 1941 and 1945 with nearly 650,000 units built. Weighing roughly 1.1 tons and powered by a 60 hp 'Go-Devil' engine, the standard Jeep was extremely mobile and highly praised, but it offered the occupants absolutely no protection against enemy fire.

Why an armored version?

During World War II (particularly following the Normandy invasion in 1944), Jeeps were heavily utilized for reconnaissance tasks, laying communication lines, and serving as mobile command posts near the front lines. Because scouts were often the first to encounter enemy ambushes, an urgent need for protection arose in the field.

• Field Modifications: Initially, frontline mechanics welded armor plates—often salvaged from destroyed German or American vehicles—directly onto the Jeeps.
• Official Armor Kits: Later, standardized armor packages were manufactured and issued to the troops, which is the exact variant replicated by this Takom kit. These kits consisted of thick steel plates mounted in front of the grille, over the hood, and around the driver's compartment. The windshield was replaced by a steel plate featuring small, hinged viewing slits.
• Armament: To fight back effectively, these armored Jeeps were almost always equipped with heavy firepower, such as a .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun or a .30 caliber variant mounted on a central pedestal.

While the armor proved effective against bullets and shrapnel, the extra weight made the vehicle significantly heavier. This reduced its top speed and caused additional wear on the suspension and tires. Nevertheless, they were vital assets for the daring reconnaissance units of the U.S. Cavalry in Europe.