I picked up this badly damaged Dinky jeep in May, for £2.50. Later, I purchased a Corgi Thwaites Dumper, in a similar condition, for £2. The latter furnished the jeep with a steering wheel, potential driver, and the rear spare wheel, all vital to restoring the jeep. Plasticard furnished a replacement dashboard and a folded down windscreen. Some wire replaced the aerial, and I luckily had a petrol can to replace the missing one.
Decided to issue this jeep to my Soviet army, serving as a staff car. The United States lend-lease system (to be paid for later, if not returned) provided 50,000 to the Soviets during WW2.
Here it is repainted, and with a coat of varnish for added protection.
The crew are painted and fixed. I don't like too many loose figures so typically glue them, a small dice placed next to the vehicle can record any hits.
MGB
A very nice restoration MGB - I wasn't aware that the Soviets used Jeeps. They probably still use some of them.
ReplyDeleteThanks MJT. I thought the Americans might have sent Willy jeeps but did not think it numbered 50,000! The Soviets later developed their own version, in probably greater numbers. Yes, wouldn't be surprised if old jeeps became farm vehicles. By the way, we paid off our final WW2 lend-lease bill/instalment/interest, £43 Million, to the United States in 2006. A lesser sum was also settled with Canada. The debts of Germany and others were largely written off by the UK government, very strange.
DeleteMichael
That looks great!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tim, I needed something to better represent my Soviet Command.
DeleteMichael
Aha, hello Michael, I can comment again on your blog (changed back to old iPad).
ReplyDeleteThe last few blog posts have been as ever a wonderful mix of spirited and colourful conversions.
I especially enjoyed the Mileham gun backstory.
Cheers Mark. I thought the Mileham backstory would appeal to you when I was putting the post together. I don't mind admitting, that artillery piece is something I really value in my collection. I guess it's another facet to the wargaming hobby if we recognise old toys may have had some interesting previous owners, and we are able to record such..
DeleteMichael
Amazing difference between the end result and starting point. You really have given that jeep a new "lease" on life! (I'll show myself out :D )
ReplyDeleteThanks John. And that is rather witty!
DeleteMichael
Another amazing restoration Michael! Your painting and attention to details really brings the whole thing to life and your figures are perfect! Excellent work once again!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brad. I think the NKVD uniform adds a lot to the figures. Still got a fair number of projects to complete this season, but I am looking forward to gaming with these new toys.
DeleteMichael
Lovely the lend-lease jeep Mike - my Grandfather handed over the first American build Willy's jeep to the soviets. He drove it up through Syria and Persia. Apparently, upon receiving it, the Soviet soldiers drove it round and round in circles - utterly mesmerised by the technology no doubt.
ReplyDeleteThanks George, and a very interesting reply. I did wonder how they were delivered. The Arctic sea route did not seem feasible for 50,000 jeeps.
DeleteMichael
I'll have a look through the pictures I have from his time in the Middle East - anything interesting I'll share with you.
DeleteYes, do that George. I'm presently working on my WW2 Americans, they too have been issued a couple of jeeps.
DeleteMichael