Commando Car 1:35 Scale Italeri Model Kit # 550320 Review
Right On Replicas, LLC SnapShot Review 20151104*
Commando Car 1:35 Scale Italeri Model Kit # 550320 Review
Review and Photos by Steven Hardwick 
Over 600,000 Jeeps were built for WWII. Some of them are still in use today by civilians. The Commando Car version was used to oversee operations and was armed with up to five machine guns and had extra fuel capacity. The first SAS (Commando) jeeps in Europe were of the airborne style designed to fit into gliders. To make them fit easier, the running boards were removed as were the grab handles on the sides. The tools were also removed or relocated, usually to the rear.
Â
For the Modeler: This review covers the Commando Car 1:35 Scale Italeri Model Kit #320. Released in 2010 this is a reissue and one of three similar kits, with 113 parts. It can be done as a medic jeep, a 4×4 Utility truck or the Commando Car. This kit is still 
available at online retailers and auction sites, and can be found in certain hobby stores. Based on the Italeri “1/4 ton 4×4 Truck†which is what is known as a Willys jeep (just like using “Commando Car†instead of “SAS Jeepâ€) this is actually quite a nice kit and an improvement on earlier Italeri models. The kit comes with two large parts trees, molded in dark green, clear and one separate figure (extra tree). It also features a molded drivetrain with leaf springs, a separate steering wheel, dash panel and shifter. Accessories include a shovel, spare wheel, jerry can, and an axe. A simple three page fold out instruction sheet printed on both sides and a simplistic three color painting guide. The finished dimensions are: Length: 3¼â€, Width: 1½â€.
Construction: Even though some of the detail is a little simplified the sprues are well molded with very little flash, minimal mold seams and discrete injector marks. The directions are straight forward but I would NOT build it in the steps as the instructions tell you. Break it up into similar parts modules for fit and finish improvement.  You’ll also end up with a few spare parts used in the base jeep but not in this version including the Garand vehicle mounted holder, the rear seat, the rear mounted jerry can, windscreen and the radio aerial. There’s also a driver figure included who comes from the original Italeri Jeep and is presumably supposed to be American coming as he does with three US helmets. But the detail on him is so bad he is best binned, I have finished him to show how it would look complete. To make this kit accurate a little scratch building is needed listed are a few things I have researched. (The main thing being the long range tanks are too wide, they should be square in profile, and the fuel tank under the passenger seat is missing. This should look the same as the tank under the driver’s seat with two straps under it that come up and attached to the sides of the body.
Overall: I enjoyed building this kit right out of the box. The Commando car is a great little kit, but with a little work can be a show winning kit. Great lines and easy construction make this build very enjoyable and straight forward. There are no decals included with the kit so you’ll have to get those from the aftermarket or your spare parts bin.
Right On Replicas, LLC ©2015 All rights reserved. *All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations for any product mentioned here.
