Willys Jeep Circa 1944

  • January 09, 2016
  • 1,225 Downloads
  • 21 Likes
  • Blender 2.7x
  • Render: Cycles
  • Creator: BMF
  • License: CC-0
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Description:

I've been extremely busy with work, and so I haven't uploaded a new model to Blend Swap in over a year. Work is slowing down now (and at 70, I'™m slowing down a bit myself), so I should be able to spend more time with Blender in 2016.

This model also represents a Challenge to the Blend Swap community. I've done the modeling, unwrapped of all the major parts, and I've done some basic texturing. I'd™m not very good at texturing and so I challenge you to improve on this model individually or collaborate with your friends (no additional modeling needed).

Or I challenge you to create a realistic WW II scene for the model. Or I challenge you to create a new version such as a medical jeep, a radio jeep, wire-laying jeep , add a .30 cal or .50 cal machine gun, create a version with the canvas top in the up position, or do some research and create the Soviet version. Or for a real challenge, create a winter scene with realistic snow, tire chains, icicles, etc. (additional modeling required) Or convert it to a Navy, Army Air Corps, or Marine Corps jeep. You get the idea. Your challenge is to see how much you can improve this model.

The only rule is that you must do research and all modifications must be as WW II accurate as possible. Bonus points for including some background history about your version.

During World War II, Willys produced 363,000 Jeeps and Ford some 280,000. Another 51,000 were provided to the USSR under the lend lease program.

The term "œJeep" has two possible origins. A common assumption is that Jeep is the phonetic version of "GP" which in the US military stands for General Purpose. However, the more authoritative explanation is that it was named after Eugene the Jeep, a character in the Popeye comic strip and cartoons created by E. C. Segar as early as March of 1936. Eugene the Jeep was Popeye's "jungle pet" and was "small, able to move between dimensions and could solve seemingly impossible problems." Since the Jeep seemed it could solve impossible problems, it adopted the name of the cartoon character.

General George C. Marshall described the Jeep as "America's greatest contribution to modern warfare."

In creating the model, I reviewed hundreds of reference photographs and blueprints. Everything is historically accurate including the gauges and knobs on the dashboard, gear shift, the pedals, various floor plates and the location of the screws, nuts, and bolts. There is even the chain that attaches the gas can lid to the gas can.

I originally had a number of modeling and historical notes to include, but the Blend Swap limit is 5,000 characters and so this is all you get. Bummer.

Overall, I'm pleased with the model. The texturing could be better. I didn't want studio lighting so the lighting is either early sunrise or sunset to cast some shadows. There were a number of very small details that I would have liked to have included, but there comes a time when you have to call it finished or it will never end.

As are all my models, it is CC-0 so you can use it any way you like.

May everyone have a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2016!!

Comments:

  • Mikel007 profile picture
    Mikel007

    Nice model. Thanks for sharing it with us :-))

    Written January 10, 2016
  • BMF profile picture
    BMF

    Thanks for the comment, enjoy.

    Written January 10, 2016
  • bryanajones profile picture
    bryanajones

    Good job, It looks awesome!

    Written January 10, 2016
  • BMF profile picture
    BMF

    Thanks. 2015 was a very busy year for me running my business, so it took forever to finish this model. The textures could be a lot better if I had the time. Enjoy.

    Written January 10, 2016
  • Lomar profile picture
    Lomar

    Amazing! Love the detail, greatly appreciate the historical accuracy. Not an easy job. Thank you!

    Written January 10, 2016
  • BMF profile picture
    BMF

    Thanks for the comment. I enjoy modeling historic objects as I naturally want to research it before beginning the model. That always leads to discovering many interesting facts that were previously unknown to me. What struck me in the beginning was how many parts whose functions were a mystery such as the metal rods that hang down from the windshield, the blackout lights, the box on the frame on the driver's side, the purpose of the knobs on the dash board, and so on. It was an interesting path of discovery.

    Anyway, take care.

    Written January 11, 2016
  • tom332244 profile picture
    tom332244

    terrific

    Written January 16, 2016
  • BMF profile picture
    BMF

    Glad you like it. Thanks

    Written January 16, 2016
  • humbe profile picture
    humbe

    I've been following your work since 2012 and just wanted to say that your skill is truly superb and better than that it gets even better with every model. I wish the best in 2016 for you as well :).

    Happy Blending!!!!

    Written January 31, 2016
  • BMF profile picture
    BMF

    Thanks for the comment. I don't have much time to model, especially in 2015. Hopefully I'll have more time this year. And I do try to improve with each model, but it's difficult for me. First, I don't model enough to make dramatic improvements in my skills. Second, I have been trying to model different kinds of things always new challeges in that. I started with nature for a while, but then did a couple of foods, aircraft, the jeep, and now I'm working on a PT boat--PT 109 to be specific because it too is a part of the history of John F. Kennedy, who commanded PT 109 during WW II. It's an interesting story and so I decided to model it and because I've never tried a ship before.

    Take care.

    Written February 02, 2016
  • akira26 profile picture
    akira26

    wow!! awesomwe!! you just give me hope to learn more!! thanks!!!

    Written July 03, 2016
  • BMF profile picture
    BMF

    Glad you liked it. It was a challenge to create it in such detail, but I find that I learn more when I pick a subject that is beyond my current skill level. I'm now working on a model that has far more detail than the Jeep and I'm discovering new techniques in the process. I also prefer historic subjects because I not only become a better artist but I learn the history of the model as well.

    Written July 04, 2016
  • b82160 profile picture
    b82160

    What can I say? A fantasic model, and you shared it!
    And, I accept your challange, in part, as an animation. First a few shorts, driving through water, snow and mud. I hope you are ok with this as I will post on YouTube (with full model credit to you). I will send you a link as soon as I belive it is ready.
    And I also love modeling subjects that have a story, you learn so much!! Thanks for your time and effort with a historic icon!!

    Written October 02, 2017
  • Karthik16 profile picture
    Karthik16

    Thank you for this wonderful model. The attention to detail is incredible. As someone who is relatively new to modelling, resources like these really make the learning process so much better.

    Written February 04, 2018