What to do with Jeep Trailers?

[Extra Crispy]

I mount all my vehicles for transport and storage and I'm torn on what to do with my Jeep trailers. Should I use them all or leave some based separately?

What were those trailers used for anyway - just general hauling or did they have a specific purpose?

[Mk 1]

Jeeps with trailers were the primary logistical vehicle for the US Army at the company-to-platoon level. They carried all manner of supplies: ammunition, food, mail, personal duffels, etc. foward to the troops in the line.

What I have done with my trailers ... I have glued several to jeeps (on short bases) to reflect the reality of small unit supply. Usually I also put the tops on those jeeps, to make their role clear from recon jeeps (with MGs). HQ or FO jeeps also get the tops, but with antennae and no trailers, to further identify them for their roles.

I have filled some of my left-over trailers with boxes (made from card stock) and placed solo on bases to reflect small quantities of front-line supplies -- maybe as part of a game-specific scenario, or just to decorate an HQ, barracks, or field hospital. Finally a couple have been turned into wagons. Just snip the trailor hitch right at the apex, bend the arms out straight, mount on a small base with a horse between the now straight forks, and put a seated figure (perhaps out of the armored infantry pack) on the front lip, and you have an instant wagon. With a little more effort it can even become a gun caisson (cut off the front lip, fill in the back half with a dab of putty, and put two seated figures on that newly-formed "bench").

Anyways, that's what I've done with mine.

[voltigeur]

MK1 has it right. Each company generally has at least 1 jeep in its TO&E for supply drive the old man around etc. The trailer would definitly indicate supply.

One thing that is is incorrect in the GHQ pictures is showing TOW jeeps with trailers. When i was a TOW gunner in the Corps this was never done. If you build a jeep mounted TOW unit the USMC organisation was 2 gun jeeps per squad and one regular jeep with a trailer. (Carrying extra rounds) 3 squads per platoon one platoon supports an infantry battalion.

MK1: The jeeps come with the canvas covers? I was wondering about that. I need to buy some and was going to use the excess for admin units.

[chrisswim]

I have taken some plastic and glued into the trailer angled up at the rear extending over the back of the trailer. I then get a 'harpoon' plane and cut/snip as I see fit and glue that to the plastic launch rail. Paint and then I have my local RPV launcher. I have set up a command in back of Hummv using A/C unit of 577 TOC to control the RPV.

This idea was stolen from Paul (AV8).

I have used some of the larger uncovered trailers for other radar and detection systems. I have taken the Hawk missles from the IHAWK launcher (sold by another company that does not produce an figs any longer)and cut a few off and placed on a larger trailer for the towed version of the IHAWK launcher.

Chris

[Thomaso827]

There's always a chariot race game you can do with them. When I was in the Air Cav, we used them during unit parties, so using the GHQ US summer arty crews, make up a few figures pulling and one riding. Would make a good fun game if you make up a simple set of rules. Throw that into a Vietnam or 70s-80s game to break up the down time between battles.

Tom

[Extra Crispy]

Should I mention I'm getting ready to play test my 18th century sedan chair racing game called "Let Them Eat Dust"? I could change the name and do this for Vietnam.

But what would I call it?

[Thomaso827]

Hmmm. Chariots of the Gods? Many of the pilots I used to work with at least thought of themselves as God's gift to women.

Blazing Chariots?

Have to be something from Apocolypse Now, probably.

Another thought for a mini would be Santa Clause - the trailers were borrowed for many types of entertainment for the troops, so to see a Santa coming in, with several troops wearing somthing for antlers pulling it as a Christmas morale builder would be fun, if you can work that small. We also used a jeep trailer to ice down beverages at unit parties.

[Sven]

Fill it full of 1/300 scale beer cans.
Skal,
Sven