Willys Project
Page 1: RTR Original
The name "Willys" doesn't actually appear anywhere on the packaging, but
the term "MB" as well as the obvious styling should be plenty of
proof. This is actually a really good looking box.
The back and bottom of the box do a good job of elucidating many of the
features of the model. One of these pictures shows an optional
soft top, but I've been completely unable to find one of these optional
parts available anywhere.
The model is shipped in the excellent and sturdy foam carrying
case. The case has magnetic latches and a carrying handle so it is
perfect for transporting the model. Of course I've never actually
used it and it is just taking up space in my shop, but I'm still glad
to have it.
Just feast your eyes on the scale beauty of this model. The body
is molded in olive drab green which looks good, but I would have
preferred to paint it for a less plastic look. Apart from the
excellent hard body, the first thing that jumped out at me was the
wheels and tires. Nearly all RC trail trucks have massively
oversized tires and a huge suspension lift. The real Willys had
small, narrow truck tires and these are reproduced perfectly on this
model. They are even soft and of good quality rubber. Many
people immediately change these out for "performance", but to me that
completely misses the point of this model.
The interior features real cloth seats which feel like canvas. The
dash is plain but so is the real thing, and the steering wheel really
turns with a micro servo (which immediately burned out). You can
also see the shift levers and the faux wooden box in the back seat.
The driver's side sports an axe and shovel which are restrained with
removable straps. The back has a full size spare tire and jerry
can. There's also a folding support for the optional roof canvas.
The windshield folds forward just like the real thing and there is a
reasonable scale engine under the opening hood. The lights work
too.
Let's take a look underneath. The whole body folds forward on a
front pivot to access the battery tray which sits in the middle of the
chassis. The model comes with cheap but adequate electronics
including a 35T brushed motor and a Hobbywing 1060 ESC.
The ladder frame chassis rails are metal as are the suspension
links. This is actually quite a good looking 4-link chassis.
The solid axles are locked and the steering servo is chassis mounted.
©2021 Eric Albrecht
