The M151 MUTT was the successor to the Korean War M38 and M38A1 jeep Light Utility Vehicles. It was produced from 1959 through 1982 and served in the Vietnam War. The M151 utilized a monocoque design making it roomier than previous jeep designs, and incorporated an independent suspension with coil springs. It has since been replaced by the larger AM General HMMWV in most utility roles in frontline use. With some M151A2-units still in US Military service in 1999, the M151-series achieved a longer run of service than that of the WW2 MB/GPW, M38 and M38A1 series.
In 1951 Ford Motor Company was awarded the contract to design a 1/4 ton 4×4 Multi-Utility Tactical Truck (hence MUTT) to replace the M38 and M38A1 model jeeps. The M151 ‘MUTT’ was developed with guidance from the US Army’s Ordnance Truck Automotive Command. Design started in 1951 and testing and prototyping lasted through most of the fifties. Although the M151 was developed and initially produced by Ford, production contracts for the M151A2 were later also awarded to Kaiser Jeep and AM General Corp.
The Kit:
This is one of those old Tamiya model kits still going strong after years and newer tooling. It took me about 6 hours from start to finish to complete this M151A2. It has some pin marks on evident areas but most of them will be under the chassis. Axles and gearboxes fitted without major problems. The kit comes with markings and parts needed to assemble a USMC or Army versions.
-Driver figure included.
-Jeep seats one driver; opposite side of vehicle contains large missile launcher which extends the length of the front seat.
-Tri-pod included with launcher for dismounted tow display.
-Spare tire included on launcher side of vehicle.
-Ax attached on driver side, Jerry can attached on missile side of jeep.
-Waterslide decals for Army and Marine Corps version.
-Detailed pictorial instructions.
The kit was painted with my Aztek A470 Airbrush. I used the Splatter Nozzle for more control on the splatter effect. The same effect was done under the chassis with a toothbrush spattering Tamiya Buff and Flat Earth colors. For the price of this model kit, you can build a small fleet of Army of USMC Jeeps.
