ROC Hobby Willys MB Project

This is one of those models I only ended up with by accident.  I can't remember exactly how I happened upon this unusual 1/6 scale model from unknown manufacturer ROC Hobby, but it was probably while perusing some Chinese Internet site.  I am wary of unknown companies and am generally not positively disposed to RTR's, but the price was so reasonable that I figured I could take the risk.  I'm glad I did.  Later I learned that ROC Hobby is a new branch of FMS Models which is known for RC aircraft.

The "Jeep" model MB manufactured by Willys-Overland (and later Ford) for the US military during World War II was the first mass produced 4x4 vehicle in the world and has become one of the most ubiquitous and iconic vehicles in off road history.  Oddly though, it is seldom the subject of RC models which tend to favor its much newer civilian Jeep grandchildren.

ROC Hobby did a good job with the chassis.  The real MB had leaf springs of course, but this model uses 4-link suspension with live axles front and rear for increased suspension travel.  The ladder frame is metal and the motor is located up front in a realistic position attached to the transmission and divorced transfer case.  The most impressive parts of the chassis to me are the scale wheels and tires which are altogether different from what is usually seen on RC trail trucks but are nevertheless very scale accurate.  The tall, narrow tires look just like they should and are even properly grippy.

The electronics are unimpressive as might be expected from an RTR at this price, but the 35T brushed motor is just fine and is powered through a Hobbywing 1060 ESC which is similar to what I would have used had I been given the choice.  The steering servo is claimed to be waterproof and so far is true to the claim.  The included 4 channel radio is adequate but I replaced the receiver with my standard Spektrum model anyway.

The real selling point of this model is the scale body.  Speaking of scale, let's talk about that first.  The real MB is a very small vehicle and if rendered at the standard 1/10 scale would have looked tiny (but accurate) next to other models.  Instead of going that route, ROC Hobby chose to stick with a near normal 1/10 scale wheelbase of 324mm and scale the body to 1/6 to fit.  This means that it is the same general size as 1/10 scale models but not to scale with them.  The large scale allowed for a lot of detail.  The olive drab body is molded in hard plastic and features a full interior with cloth seats and moving steering wheel.  There are scale tools and gas cans strapped to the right locations and a full size spare tire on the back.  The model comes wired with front LED lights as well.  The windshield folds forward just like the real thing and the hood opens to reveal a scale version of the original inline-4 134 in³ "Go Devil" engine which even looks reasonably accurate.

I didn't necessarily expect much in the way of performance given that this model is clearly geared toward the scale market, but the truck is actually very capable.  The solid axles with locked differentials offer plenty of traction and there is ample articulation from the suspension.  The shocks are quite sticky and tend to not move at all unless you first move the model up and down several times to free them.  This must be repeated every time you drive.  Still, this is a small complaint overall.  I can comfortably recommend this model as very good for the price.

Update:  This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire.  It has not been replaced.