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Assortment #305-01 |
CB's Die Cast Review: January 20, 2001 |
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Lightning Brigade™
Playing Mantis keeps
churning out one quality series after another in its Johnny Lightning die-cast vehicle
line. One of the series to appear recently is the Lightning Brigade,
which consists of seven 20th Century U.S. military vehicles. One of the models
in the series is based on what is probably the most recognizable American military vehicle
ever -- the Willys-Overland MB jeep.
The detail on this vehicle is exceptional and extensive, which explains the dollar increase above
the normal price for Johnny Lightning series cars. The price hike is well worth it, especially for fans
of this ubiquitous Army vehicle.
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By 1939, with the war in Europe expanding, the U.S. Army wanted a new lightweight
general-purpose vehicle to replace its aging roster left over from the First World War,
which was not up to the current military standards. Bids were solicited from America's
auto manufacturers to build a vehicle to certain specifications. Willys-Overland,
Ford and American Bantam Car Company submitted designs and prototypes. After months
of testing, Willys-Overland was awarded the bulk of the contract, with Ford agreeing to
build Jeeps of the Willys design. The general-purpose vehicle, or "GP" as it was
designated, was called "jeep." From 1941 through 1945, Willys produced some 350,000
of the 500,000 jeeps that saw service in the Second World War. The design proved so
reliable and popular that civilian versions were produced after the war.
The Johnny Lightning vehicle is an extremely accurate well-detailed model of the Willys MB
jeep. The body, chassis and hood are die-cast metal and painted flat olive drab.
The balance of the detail parts is plastic, yet also painted flat olive drab, with the exception
of the semi-gloss black machine gun. Strong relief emphasizing the four-wheel drive
transmission and suspension is prominent on the underside of the chassis. The hood opens
to reveal an engine compartment more detailed than usual, with various parts highlighted in black
and silver. The interior features seats with cushion detail, floor levers and dashboard
relief. The windshield frame contains flush-mounted clear plastic glass, and either locks
into an upright position or folds down over the hood. The gas can, shovel and axe are
separate plastic parts attached to the body. The wheels are olive plastic hubs with
off-black rubber tires, as is the spare wheel attached to the back of the body.
The tow hitch and intricate bumpers are part of the die-cast chassis. The indentations
of the front grill are painted flat black to simulate openings. The headlights, front
running lights and backup lights are painted white, while the back running lights and taillights
are painted red. Authentic U.S. Army markings are tamped on the hood and rear fenders in
white. The model, manufactured in China, is based on a full-sized prototype in the Ropkey
Armor Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana.
