s2-g2

Watched Willy drilling and installing bushings on his new WW2 build on one of Martin/Magic2002's custom frames.

Thanks! There are two theories... One is that GIs in WW2 were so impressed with the go-anywhere capabilities of the original Willys MB and Ford GP models that they nicknamed them Jeeps after the Popeye character. (Eugene the Jeep could disappear and re-appear anywhere, because he traveled in the "4th dimension"). The other is that Jeep was a pronounciation of GP (General Purpose). There have been many arguments over the origin I like the Eugene theory...

Thanks! The drivers are doing some welding and repair on a junker right now...

Ha! Never heard of Flat Eric. Too funny. This was my inspration: BTW, Eugene has you to thank for the eye-protection, Jenny. Thanks again for the tip.

Those are looking awesome. Definitely want a set when you release them for sale!

Thanks! I just introduced him in another thread.

Just wanted to introduce myself and a new driver. I'm new to TC and have a Wild Willy addiction. I grew up driving an old Willys CJ-2A, so am kinda partial to the WW models. I'm blown-away by the model work I've seen on this site. Meet Wild Eugene - This WW2 was my first Tamiya (and first RC) build. I'm completely hooked. The build is pretty-much stock, but I wanted to make a special driver. Of course, the old Popeye character - Eugene the Jeep - came to mind. Eugene is Sculpey over wire frame, built to fit the WW seat... He's got the same smile I get when I drive my 1:1 Jeep. He's right at home behind the wheel... And he's prepared for some good mud-slinging too... After I finished this WW2, I snapped up several old WW1's off of E-Bay. I've got a LOT of plans! Anyway... Hello from Ohio, USA!

I remember seeing old Defenders(?) with the spare on the hood... there was a resessed indentation to lower it out of the sight line. I was looking for a pic, but there's the basic idea in SRB Bloke's post. I think your spot inside the back looks great. If it fits with all the parts connected that would be awesome.

Very nice! I was gonna say, like NWarty pointed out, Willy is even sporting the visor. Cool.

Thanks! Very interesting how they're MIA in the NIB kits. I'm going to try to re-use it once I re-detail this driver. Personally, I like the look better without it, but I think it is kinda unique to have one driver in the fishbowl. My club of Willy drivers is growing daily...

The Willys are running the shop, I just take the pictures...

Thank you for posting this. (Of course, I wasn't searching for the word "visor")

Hi! I recently bought a WW1 on Ebay and Willy showed up wearing a plastic face shield on his helmet. I'm relatively new to this... and had not seen this before, but thought I saw it referenced in a manual somewhere online? ... Was this part of the original kits? Or was it after-market or custom-made? The rig itself has some after-market roll-bar lighting, but otherwise seems all original and was described as a shelf-queen that only ran once or twice inside. (Plastic face-shield installed on helmet... Willy seems a little dazed) Willy's look is a bit bland and I'm going to update it a bit with those great TC instructions. He's climbed out of the rig for now for a trip to the spa. (Knock, knock... anybody in there?) I'll preserve the shield, but I'm just curious if it is some sort of rare option or piece of Willy history? Thanks for any info. I've searched for "helmet shield, glass, etc" not finding much...

Thanks! There's a set heading my way now. We'll see if it improves Willy's driving skills.

Just curious- where did you find the goggles that Jack Willy is wearing? I have a couple of drivers that are getting insanely dry eyes. These would greatly help them.

Great stuff Simen! Seeing your work months ago hooked me - I'm restoring a couple WWs right now. Built a WW2, then came across your WW showroom and now have some projects going! Just joined here...