Italeri 1/35 Dodge WC-56/WC-57 Command Car

Kit No. 228

Italeri 1/35 Dodge WC-56/WC-57 Command Car

The Dodge WC-56 and WC-57 command reconnaissance vehicles were among the most recognizable U.S. Army utility vehicles of World War II. Larger and more capable than the standard Jeep, the WC command cars served as mobile command posts, reconnaissance vehicles, and staff transports across Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific. The WC-57 variant added a front-mounted winch for improved recovery capability.

The Dodge WC series became famous for durability, reliability, and versatility under combat conditions. These rugged ¾-ton vehicles were used by Allied officers, communications teams, and reconnaissance units throughout the war.

Italeri’s 1/35 scale kit is a modern reissue of the classic tooling with updated decals and D-Day 80th Anniversary packaging. The model offers a compact but highly detailed Allied soft-skin subject with strong weathering and stowage possibilities.

Builder & Reviewer Feedback

Builders consistently praise the kit for:

• Excellent WWII subject matter

• Compact and manageable build size

• Good overall proportions

• Strong Normandy diorama potential

• Attractive finished appearance

• Good value for an Allied soft-skin vehicle

• Strong weathering opportunities

Andy King’s detailed build review series noted:

The same build review highlighted:

• Good body fit overall

• Strong basis for extra detailing

• Enjoyable traditional build experience

• Good final appearance with weathering

Sprue Brothers describes the WC series as:

Builders also commonly mention several limitations:

• Older-tooling characteristics

• Flash and seam cleanup required

• Some ejector pin marks

• Steering column detail is simplified

• Canvas top detail benefits from enhancement

• Some drivetrain components require adjustment

Andy King specifically mentioned:

• “mould-pin marks, flash, heavy seam lines”

• a rear prop shaft that needed correction

• simplified interior details

Despite this, many modelers still strongly recommend the kit because:

• It builds into an attractive model

• The subject is historically important

• It pairs perfectly with Allied armor and infantry

• Few modern alternatives exist at reasonable cost

Recommended Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Features

• 1/35 scale Dodge WC-56/WC-57

• WWII U.S. Army command vehicle

• D-Day 80th Anniversary edition

• WC-56 and WC-57 configuration options

• Detailed chassis and body

• Soft-top command car design

• Multiple decal options

• Excellent Allied diorama potential

  
  

Paint Suggestions

• Olive Drab No. 9

• Dust and mud weathering

• Canvas top fading

• Dry-brushed chassis wear

• Fuel staining around filler caps

• Matte operational finish recommended

Builders frequently recommend:

• Normandy dust effects

• Mud splatter around wheel wells

• Worn seat and canvas weathering

• Light chipping around doors and steps

• Additional field stowage

Store Recommendation

An excellent Allied utility vehicle kit with broad WWII diorama appeal and strong historical significance. Perfect for Normandy collections, staff vehicle displays, convoy scenes, and builders wanting a classic U.S. Army soft-skin vehicle alongside Jeeps and GMC trucks.