Willys MB Jeep "Follow Me" Airfield Jeep, USAAF, Iowa (1:72)

Wanting to replace their outdated light vehicles the U.S. Military received three tenders. Bantam Car Company was the initial winner but couldn't meet demand so the job went to Willys-Overland Motors. Willys was to take the best design features of the three submitted tenders and build a standardized vehicle. Eventually in order to meet an even greater demand the Ford Motors Company was asked to build a similar vehicle. During World War II there was a total of 647,870 Jeeps produced by the three companies; Willys-Overland produced 362,841 of them.

"Follow Me" jeeps were used to help with control of ground traffic at airfields. If an aircraft landed at an unfamiliar airfield it would require guidance to the various runways, taxiways and parking areas. Sometimes local aircraft needed their services to reach the correct assigned location. Once the aircraft had slowed to a safe speed these brightly colored jeeps would drive in front with a large "Follow Me" sign attached to the rear and would proceed to the assigned spot for that aircraft.

Specifications for WWII Jeep

Manufacturer - Willys-Overland

Crew - 1 with up to 3 others

Weight (gross) - 3,125 lb (1,417 kg)

Performance
Engine - Carburetor, liquid cooled, "Go Devil" 4 cylinder (Willys L-head), 60 hp @ 4.000
rpm, 134 cu. In. (2.200 cm3) displacement
Transmission - Warner T-84J / 3-speed synchro-mesh
Transfer case - Dana Spicer 18 / 2-speed
Gear shifter - floor mounted

Suspension
Front axle - beam-leaf
Rear axle - beam-leaf
Brakes - Hydraulic
Front - drum
Rear - drum

Fuel
Type - gasoline
Capacity - 15 US gallons (56.78 liters)
Range - 375 miles (600 km)

Electrical system - 6 volt, negative ground

Tires - (4) + (1) spare / 6 X 16 (non-directional)

Ground clearance - 8.75 in (22.22 cm)
Fording depth
Standard - 18 in (45.72 cm / .4572 m)
Maximum - 21 in (53.34 cm / .5334 m)

Dimensions
Length - 132.75 in (3.371 m).
Wheelbase - 80 in (2.032 m).
Width - 62 in (1.5748 m).
Height
Top up - 69.75 in (1.77165 m).
To top of steering wheel w/top down - 51.25 in (1.30175 m).