Subject:  
Ford M151A2 Mutt
With TOW Launcher
Kit Used: Tamiya 1/35

Review & model by:
Steve Freeman
Pictures: R. Forys

January 2003
Model of the Month






[The Tamiya 1/35 scale M151A2 kit detailed with the Eduard detail set.]



History:  In 1951 the Ford Motor Company was given a contract to develop a Military Utility Tactical Truck (MUTT) to replace the WWII era MB Jeep and it's descendant the M38. This new ¼ ton four wheel drive vehicle would introduce new technologies such as a uni-body chassis and all wheel independent suspension to the jeep family. A production contract was awarded in 1960 for the 1st of over 10,000 units that would be used by all US and many foreign military forces. Production of the M151 continued for just a short time when the M151A1 was introduced with modifications to carry heavier loads. In 1969 the M151A2 was introduced to try an correct a serious problem with the suspension that made the M151 unstable and susceptible to roll-over in tight cornering situations.



[The biggest challenge was removing the molded-on detail that was being replaced by photo-etch.]


In 1974 the Canadian Army purchased 935 M151A2 variants manufactured by AM General. In Canadian service they were referred to as the "74 pattern jeep" not as a "Mutt". These units replaced the Willys MB Jeeps and served concurrently with the M38A1CDN. Their service was relatively short. Starting in 1984 they were replaced by the Bombardier Ilitis with the last M151 disappearing in 1987.


[The TOW system consisted of the launcher and M220 Optical Tracking System mounted on a fixed pedestal with a control box secured to the floor next to it]



TOW Missile System  In order to provide the infantry with heavier fire-power the US and many other countries mounted recoilless rifles and missile systems on small trucks and APCs. In the 1960's the Hughes Aircraft company developed the BGM-77A or TOW (Tube launched, Optically tracked, Wire Guided) missile system to replace the earlier generation weapons. This system was designed as a Heavy Anti-Tank Weapon to engage targets at ranges from 65 to 3700 m. This was better than double the M40A2 106 mm recoilless rifle it was replacing. The M232E1 ¼ ton mounting system consisted of the launcher and M220 Optical Tracking System mounted on a fixed pedestal with a control box secured to the floor next to it. The M151 also carried two spare missiles and an tripod mount that allowed the launcher and tracking system to be deployed at some distance from the vehicle.


[Wiring for the launching system, controller, lights, and windshield wipers was added.]


The Kit:  The model pictured here represents a Canadian M151 with Tow Missile Launcher used by the Royal Canadian Regiment in the late 1970's in training exercises at CFB Petawawa, a training base north of Ottawa. It was built using the Tamiya 1/35 scale M151A2 kit (#125), and detailed with the Eduard's detail set (35-413) designed specifically for this kit.



[I added MV Products lenses for the headlights.]


This kit is perfect for the novice builder. Assembly is straight forward and the fit is excellent. The only place I used filler was along the joint where the dash board meets the lower frame. The biggest challenge was removing the molded-on detail that was being replaced by photo-etch. I added MV Products lenses for the headlights, wiring for the launching system, controller, lights, and windshield wipers; and a scratch built interior heater under the passenger side dash. Although not visible, I also added engine detail visible from the underside of the vehicle and covered over the bottom of the fuel tank and battery wells that are open on the kit.


[The vehicle was painted using Model Master enamel.]


The vehicle was painted field green and black, the missile system olive drab using Model Master enamel. To finish it off I applied a light wash with black oil diluted in mineral spirits and then a light dry brushing with light green and gray. The tactical markings and license plates came from Archer Fine Transfers, the Canadian flags from an IPMS Canada sheet. This was a fun build and a change from my usual 1/72 scale aircraft and military vehicles.


[The Canadian flags from an IPMS Canada sheet.]


References:
1. RT vol. 16 no. 6; Storey, E., Williams, B.; IPMS Canada; 1986;
2. Warmachines No 14 Military Photo File: ¼ ton M151 "Mutt"; Peeters, W., Verlinden, F.; Verlinden Publications; 1993;
3. Ford Mutt in Detail , M151 A1/A2, the New Ford's Utility Truck; Koran, F., Mostek, J.; RAK - Frantisek Koran (Wings and Wheels Publications); 2000


[This was a fun build and a change from my usual 1/72 scale aircraft and military vehicles. ]