Tamiya 35123 - 1:35 US M151A2 Ford Mutt

Plastic model kit of the American M151A2 MUTT utility vehicle in 1:35 scale

The M151 MUTT was to its generation what the jeep had been to the previous one: a light, go-anywhere vehicle used to carry everything from officers to ammunition. Tamiya 35123 reproduces the M151A2 version in 1:35 scale from tooling dating to 1982.

The model captures the vehicle's simple, angular shape, the open body with its detailed interior and the characteristic folding windscreen. Clear parts and a driver figure are included, making it easy to work the finished model into a scene. A generous decal sheet allows five different vehicles in MERDC camouflage to be reproduced.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with body, chassis and interior parts
• Clear parts (windscreen)
• Driver figure
• Waterslide decal sheet for five options in MERDC camouflage: 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Armored Division, 82nd Airborne Division, Arizona National Guard, USMC
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35123
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 98 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This is a kit for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is a small, quick build that works well as a first military vehicle or as an addition to a larger diorama. It is worth painting the interior before the body goes together — once closed up, access to the seats and dashboard becomes awkward. Masking the windscreen with tape before painting keeps the glazing clear.

MERDC is a multi-colour scheme made up of green, brown, black and sand patches — the instructions give the pattern for each of the five options. For a single-colour finish, Olive Drab (e.g. Tamiya XF-62) works well. Applying the decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a good final coat. A wash and pigments will bring out the grime around the wheel arches and chassis.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Masking tape (for the windscreen)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out detail
• Optional: weathering pigments for dust and mud

About the vehicle – M151 MUTT:

The M151 MUTT (Military Utility Tactical Truck) was developed as the jeep's replacement and entered production in 1959. Unlike its predecessor it had a unitary body and fully independent suspension, which gave better handling but initially made it prone to rolling over in sharp manoeuvres.

The M151A2, built from 1970, received a revised rear suspension that improved stability. The vehicle was powered by a four-cylinder engine of around 2.3 litres producing 71 hp. The MUTT served in Vietnam and throughout the Cold War in numerous variants — from a plain liaison vehicle to a carrier for anti-tank guided missile launchers.

Original vehicle specifications (M151A2):

• Type: light utility vehicle
• Powerplant: four-cylinder engine, approx. 2.3 l, 71 hp
• Four-wheel drive, independent suspension
• A2 version: from 1970, with revised rear suspension
• M151 family production: from 1959
• Service: Vietnam and throughout the Cold War
• Role: liaison, reconnaissance and transport

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company started out in the timber trade and made wooden models, releasing its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the world standard scale for military modelling. The brand is known for precise tooling and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases covering vehicles, artillery and figures. Tamiya instructions are clear and well illustrated, with painting guides referenced to the company's own paint range. Besides kits, Tamiya offers a full range of accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.