Bronco Models 1/35 British Airborne Troops Riding in 1/4 Ton Truck and Trailer Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Here's a really nice release from Bronco Models. This is a Willys Jeep MB with cargo trailer kit which also includes a set of eight figures as depicted on the box art. Being a Jeep lover (I have two of my own), I really appreciate good kits of the Jeep and this one from Bronco is the nicest I've seen in this scale. There are some great features and options in this box. First the basics.

This kit is molded in olive drab styrene and presented on 11 parts trees plus one body tub, two parts trees molded in gray styrene, one small tree of clear parts, and two frets of photo-etched details. Among the features and options in this kit:

• Fully detailed flathead four engine
• Fully detailed engine compartment
• Detailed chassis
• Choice of weighted or unweighted suspension
• Tires molded in styrene
• Front wheels can positioned turning left, right, or centered
• Detailed interior complete with dashboard placards
• Engine hood can be built open, closed, or removable
• Windshield can be posed up, down, or covered (down)
• Pioneering tools can be mounted to front bumper or on left side
• Choice of weapons storage clamps on hood and/or fenders
• Spare tire can be mounted to front or rear
• Detailed cargo trailer
• Eight nicely detailed British Army soldiers in airborne gear all in seated positions
• Nice array of rifles, machine guns, backpacks and cargo

If you do build this kit with the crew figures, pay attention to the sagging rear end on the loaded Jeep. A 1/4 ton truck (500 pounds) is going to be stressing the suspension and with two men in the front seats, three on the rear of the vehicle, cargo in the rear seats, and three more chaps in the trailer (plus their cargo), the Jeep will definitely be tail-heavy as accurately depicted in the box art. Adjust the kit suspension accordingly.

I'm actually thinking this will be two projects. I really don't want to load up such a detailed Jeep with a squad of men, so I may just substitute a Tamiya Jeep for this project and put the Bronco Jeep in a setting with that hood up and showing off that nice detail. I have just the setting too.

If you're a Jeep modeler as well, this kit from Bronco is the nicest Willys MB I've seen from any kit company to date. While this kit has the Jeep set up for British Army kit, it still has the parts to do other configurations as well.

My sincere thanks to DML for this review sample!