1/35 Israeli CJ-5M (Accurate Armour conversion of Skybow M38A1C)

[Jim R]

Hi all
My next build will be an Israeli CJ-5M armed with the M40 106mm recoilless rifle. I hope to fit it into a small dio with figures. The Israelis bought M38A1C and CJ-5 jeeps and converted them to their own specification. They were commonly used as reconnaissance vehicles as well as being armed with an M40. After the Yom Kippur War in 1973 most were retired.


The base kit is the Skybow M38A1C with the Accurate Armour conversion kit.


I think Skybow sold out to AFV Club and they have now made an Israeli version - the Tolar (can't decide whether Tolar refers to the vehicle or the gun?)

The kit is nice although getting on for 25 years old. One of those kits where they have used ten parts when one would do but it does provide nice detail. The AA conversion looks OK but cost more than the kit!








I hope it may be of interest to some of you. You'll need plenty of patience as I'm painfully slow. The missus will bake cake and there will be tea and coffee. Please don't drop crumbs on the carpet as it is fairly new.
Jim

[papa 695]

Looks very interesting Jim, and as Tea and cake are provided I'll pull up a chair, and bring my bib.

[Guest]

I think Skybow sold out to AFV Club

AFV Club purchased Skybow at some point about 20 years ago, IIRC.

The kit is nice although getting on for 25 years old. One of those kits where they have used ten parts when one would do

The two companies very much thought alike, maybe that’s why AFV Club wanted to buy them

I hope it may be of interest to some of you.

Certainly. Soft-skins are not my primary interest, but stick a big gun on one, and it suddenly gets far more interesting …

BTW, why did you post this in the Armoured Vehicles section?

[adt70hk]

Jim

Joining the party.... And not just for the tea and cake!!

ATB.

Andrew

[Steve Jones]

Great to see something a little different from you again Jim. Looks a cracking subject to build. If you need any reference material let me know. Good luck my friend

[Andy the Sheep]

I'm definitely in, Jim. Will get the vacuum cleaner and a whip, the first for the crumbs, the second for possibly taming the new, thus hungry, carpet monster. :rolling:

[Jim R]

BTW, why did you post this in the Armoured Vehicles section? :smiling3:

No reason Jakko. Put it down to old age and carelessness. Sorted now :thumb2:

[Jim R]

Welcome guys.
Steve - decent reference pictures do seem hard to come by so any you find would be most welcome. Put them on the thread, pm them to me or you could email them - whatever is easiest.
One issue I'll have is vehicle markings. Most of those in the Skybow kit are wrong of course and the AA conversion doesn't include decals. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Made a start on the chassis/engine. Very little of the engine/gearbox etc will be seen but as I don't know how much is structural I built it up anyway and just gave it a coat of black Stynylrez. Still a far bit more to add.






Mounted up on a 'handle' as it's very fragile and will only get more so.




Jim

[Steve Jones]

Hi Jim

Here are some B&W

[Steve Jones]

Here are some others



Here is a walk around video that may be of help

Walk Around

This may help with the markings



I will email you over the handbook which has all the details on how to build the jeep which has lots of great photos in it.

Happy modelling my friend

[JR]

I'm in please Jim, no worry about any crumbs as have one of these.



Any chance of gluten free please.

[Jim R]

Steve, you are a star :smiling: :hugging-face:
How on earth people like you and Jakko find these references I just don't know. Although I'm not obsessed with accuracy it's nice to be able to have the information to at least try.
Many thanks.
John, with a practical bib like that you're more than welcome. I get some gluten free cakes in just for you.
Jim

[scottie3158]

Count me in I built the AFV offering a while ago.

[Jim R]

Welcome Scottie
I didn't know you had built this. I think the AFV kit is a re-release of the Strongbow kit. Any advice would be welcome. Any photos stick them on here - I'd love to see them.
Jim

[Guest]

How on earth people like you and Jakko find these references I just don't know.

Steve is far better at it than I am, I assure you

Although I'm not obsessed with accuracy

You will be when you start comparing the model to the pictures