WWII American Jeep
I'm sure everyone knows what this rig is, so it doesn't need any explaining.
This is my version II. Here is my original prototype jeep, with no suspension and lacking in details.
The suspension is novel in that it incorporates accurate axle and differential detail, all in a 6 wide package. It uses the simple and often used pivot method, but it is off set 1/2 stud from center to allow room for the differential, which is off to the passenger side on jeeps (front and rear). This was difficult, but worked out well. You can see the method used on the last pics.
One bad point of the suspension is that it takes up some space above the axle. This was not a problem in the front, but in the rear the bottom of the box is too high. This was a sacrfice. There should be more room in the rear box, but the suspension would not allow it. Forgivable, I think.
Another bad point: there is no steering wheel. I did not want to compromise either the length of the vehicle, or the windshield placement. There is just no room for an unmodified standard steering wheel. There is a gear shift however.
I origianly had a studless 1x6 grey piece as the front bumper, held in by clips, but this seemed too large. I went with the rod instead, even though jeeps had flat bumpers.
The crew fits in nice, but do not actually click in. In the event of a rollover, they will fall out.
The windshield uses 3 slightly bent-straight pieces, and two 6-wide rods. It can fold up and down.
Regretably, I did not find a way to fit the spare tire on in reverse, studs in, like the driven wheels. This couldn't be acomplished due to the complicated rear end structure.
Too bad the sparetire doesn't have the ugly studs facing in.
Good flex, a very agile vehicle.
Somehow gunner Hicks stays on.
Looks better with the windshield folded down for some reason.
MG can rotate and elevate. It is held in by a 1x1 clip-on-top piece. Very accurate looking. Ammo box does not move with the gun, just like the real thing.
Drivetrain. Note axles, driveshafts, differentials.
Sweet looking ride.
Grrrr.
Suspension and axle detail.
And on the rear. Also note the novel way of attaching the trailer hitch.
