Well I've been threatening to do this for a long time now so why not now! I've been hacking at two Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog kits for a couple of days now. I also have the 90mm gun from a deceased M48 tank. Plus many other spare parts that might fall off the shelf and get glued onto this puppy.
The idea is sometime in the 80s the Soviet horde comes thru the Fulda Gap and starts over running Western Europe. Every armored vehicle imaginable gets thrown onto the battlefield. A 76mm M41 is pretty useless and there is not much ammo left for them anyway so the vehicles get upgunned to 90mm. There is no time for designing a new turret and it would be too heavy for the M41 hull and drivetrain anyway. So flashback to WW2 and how the Germans used the StuG for infantry support and eventually for anti tank purposes. Factories in Belgium and Denmark began converting M41s to assault guns using 90mm guns from 30 year old stocks. One problem was the 90mm gun proved to be a problem to mount properly without hacking up the entire upper hull so the expedient solution was to cut two hulls in two different places and put them back together so that it now had six road wheels on each side instead of five. This left two hull pieces which when welded together had four road wheels on each side. (More on this later!) This solved the gun mounting issue without having to redesign the drivers position. Other usable parts were included as they became available.
In reality, (bad word, I know) the Tamiya M41, Academy M48 and an Academy Bradley are all donating parts for this. It's surprising how the Bradley tracks are almost perfect replacements for the iffy M41 tracks. At least the Bradley tracks have detail on both sides compared to the M41 tracks. I also have different types of track skirts to try out as the new hull gets built. I'll have to snap a few pics and post them up soon.
Interesting, will look on with curiosity.
Yeah, I noticed the similarity of the Bradley and LVTP-7 tracks to the M-41 as well; either would be close enough for Gub'mint Work.
Even the sprockets are close enough. But I don't think I'll change those. I'm not to that point yet anyway.
Ken mate..your going in a direction I'm lovin ..and that track info is mega helpful 👌 ;D
Yep I've got a M41 in the stash and still absolutely no idea what to do with it 😕
Thanks to you that track problem I knew I was going to have is now not a problem ;D :thumbsup:
I wanna see see pics buddy boy 😁
Excellent idea. Sounds like somat that could have happened.
I doubt cutting up tank hulls and trying to weld them back together is a good idea but this is whiffworld! Probably about as much fun as cutting up the top of the hull and welding a bunch of plates on top.
Someone suggested a four road wheel racing tank. I need some chrome headers and air scoop!
Extending armoured vehicle hulls is nothing new Ken ...they did it with the German Weasel...the M113 ..a Warrior IFV .
When you weld two plates of steel together properly the weld is stronger than the steel itself.
Welding super hardened steel like homogenous armour plate ..you have to preheat it and can only use stainless steel rods or wire to weld it ...normal mild steel rods will just fall off basically when it cools down..well it'll crack first then fall off .
They do it with ships too ;D
Quote from: Wardukw on December 13, 2024, 11:10:36 PMWelding super hardened steel like homogenous armour plate ..you have to preheat it and can only use stainless steel rods or wire to weld it ...
They do it with ships too ;D
That is interesting, I wondered why they used stainless steel rod on the Shermans (and others).
Yeah, I saw a programme where they were building a modern warship in the US and they were basically producing 8-10 foot slices, keel to superstructure and all the bits in between, and welding them together. Fascinating how they can marry up all the bits and pieces.
I do wonder though, as they were having to tweak the bits into line (they didn't all quite match up neatly) whether if/when they get a good, hard knock (torpedo, reef, etc), the welds will fail spectacularly... though from your comment, Phill, it would appear not.
Quote from: Rick Lowe on December 14, 2024, 03:48:19 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 13, 2024, 11:10:36 PMWelding super hardened steel like homogenous armour plate ..you have to preheat it and can only use stainless steel rods or wire to weld it ...
They do it with ships too ;D
That is interesting, I wondered why they used stainless steel rod on the Shermans (and others).
Yeah, I saw a programme where they were building a modern warship in the US and they were basically producing 8-10 foot slices, keel to superstructure and all the bits in between, and welding them together. Fascinating how they can marry up all the bits and pieces.
I do wonder though, as they were having to tweak the bits into line (they didn't all quite match up neatly) whether if/when they get a good, hard knock (torpedo, reef, etc), the welds will fail spectacularly... though from your comment, Phill, it would appear not.
They've been doing that with ships fo a long time.
Back at least as far as WW2 with the Liberty Ships, AFAIK.
Though an Uncle who was on the convoys said the welded ones split open like rotten tomatoes when hit, so... :o
I've heard before about Liberty ships and bad welding. Could be also a result of rushed wartime production and poorly trained newbie welders. Something about being payed by the foot of weld.
Any and all of those sound about right...
Next challenge is figuring out how to arrange the panels for the upper hull and gun port. I still have the M48 cupola too. It's ugly as sin.
Quote from: kerick on December 14, 2024, 12:00:29 PMNext challenge is figuring out how to arrange the panels for the upper hull and gun port. I still have the M48 cupola too. It's ugly as sin.
Sounds like it's a Must Be Used item, then! ;)
Quote from: Rick Lowe on December 14, 2024, 12:01:31 PMQuote from: kerick on December 14, 2024, 12:00:29 PMNext challenge is figuring out how to arrange the panels for the upper hull and gun port. I still have the M48 cupola too. It's ugly as sin.
Sounds like it's a Must Be Used item, then! ;)
Oh yeah! At least I can build a spot for it.
:thumbsup:
Ken's right about the liberty ships and so is your Uncle matey .
With the massive need for these ships and the mental speeds in which they were built ...bad workmanship or just under trained personnel there was definitely going to be problems.
There's many stories of these ships breaking in half in rough water ..hell sometimes even in very mild seas that happened but that's war time for ya .
When you do see the welding done correctly on a sunken ship that has been torpedoed...pretty much everytime the steel around the welds is torn or cracked but the weld remains ;D
Interesting. :thumbsup:
Just found this morning some sort of base from something from Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. It's square with sides at 45 degrees. Something to mess around with for ideas.
45 degree is a good angle for armour on the front of a vehicle..on the sides it would make the roof height quite low on a tank as small as the M41...it's also a narrow machine too .
The sides would be better at 60 degrees..more room in the fighting area for the crew.
Quote from: Wardukw on December 15, 2024, 12:11:42 AM45 degree is a good angle for armour on the front of a vehicle..on the sides it would make the roof height quite low on a tank as small as the M41...it's also a narrow machine too .
The sides would be better at 60 degrees..more room in the fighting area for the crew.
It extends over the tracks now so I might widen it to cover the tracks completely. I found some cool photos about how to mount the M48 cupola.
Pics, we need Pics! :thumbsup:
Time for a photo dump.
Here's the chopped up hull.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54207439254_ba385d3cd2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA8i8C)
Hull parts glued back together to make one six wheeler and one four wheeler.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54207193381_f2d256cd07_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA733r)
The four wheeler may get armed with a TOW or some other system.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54207432893_155e52465d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA8geX)
Here is the front and rear upper hull parts. I've since cut the top grills off and will use those for exhaust grills M60 style.
I widened the Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea base to fit over the fenders. I may square off the back once I figure out how long it needs to be.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54207438549_e91378fa24_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA8hVt)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54207610290_b658864926_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA9aYw)
Here's the M48 cupola set on top. WOW, that's fugly!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54207608445_67ae60e941_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA9aqH)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54207191276_d34ecd5645_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA72q9)
That thing is just huge! Using that might be a crime against humanity............
Or it might be fun........
Big problems yet are building out the fenders, putting together the new engine deck, mounting the gun barrel and deciding whether to use ERA panels or not.
Quote from: kerick on December 15, 2024, 08:52:04 PMWOW, that's fugly!
But with an
Attitude - so all good!
Looking good so far! :thumbsup:
I stumbled upon a prototype light tank called the T92 that used two of what appeared to be M48 cupolas. A regular one on the right side and a mirror image one on the left side. Twice as fugly! No wonder it got canceled.
https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/US/76mm-gun-tank-t92/
(https://i.imgur.com/elUZZ2m.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hy8J4Wo.png)
Actually it couldn't be an M48 cupola as the M48 hadn't been built yet but the family resemblance was clearly there.
Fugly is the word ...love it 😀
Ken when it comes to the ERA you'll only need that if this is a relatively modern vehicle...pre 1987 vehicles wouldn't have it .
The cupolas on the T92 are not quite the same as on the M48, but they're clearly related. Your M41 variants are looking cool :)
Quote from: Wardukw on December 15, 2024, 10:06:30 PMFugly is the word ...love it 😀
Ken when it comes to the ERA you'll only need that if this is a relatively modern vehicle...pre 1987 vehicles wouldn't have it .
I'm going to use some welded on armor plate in a few spots and that's all. And side skirts. I'll need those to hide were the tracks are joined as they will be a little short now.
Quote from: kerick on December 16, 2024, 08:38:02 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 15, 2024, 10:06:30 PMFugly is the word ...love it 😀
Ken when it comes to the ERA you'll only need that if this is a relatively modern vehicle...pre 1987 vehicles wouldn't have it .
I'm going to use some welded on armor plate in a few spots and that's all. And side skirts. I'll need those to hide were the tracks are joined as they will be a little short now.
Good ...a simple but effective way to go and it's the two birds with one shovel trick 😉 😀
ERA is also alot of work when you have to custom mount it ...ya just never seem to have ERA which fits scratch built models properly ;D
Quote from: Wardukw on December 16, 2024, 09:33:17 AMQuote from: kerick on December 16, 2024, 08:38:02 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 15, 2024, 10:06:30 PMFugly is the word ...love it 😀
Ken when it comes to the ERA you'll only need that if this is a relatively modern vehicle...pre 1987 vehicles wouldn't have it .
I'm going to use some welded on armor plate in a few spots and that's all. And side skirts. I'll need those to hide were the tracks are joined as they will be a little short now.
Good ...a simple but effective way to go and it's the two birds with one shovel trick 😉 😀
ERA is also alot of work when you have to custom mount it ...ya just never seem to have ERA which fits scratch built models properly ;D
I would use the UV resin casting to make what I need like I did with the junkyard dog. I'm sticking with the weld on armor for this project. Unless these vehicles get sold to the Israelis sometime in the 90s.
Quote from: kerick on December 16, 2024, 09:43:47 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 16, 2024, 09:33:17 AMQuote from: kerick on December 16, 2024, 08:38:02 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 15, 2024, 10:06:30 PMFugly is the word ...love it 😀
Ken when it comes to the ERA you'll only need that if this is a relatively modern vehicle...pre 1987 vehicles wouldn't have it .
I'm going to use some welded on armor plate in a few spots and that's all. And side skirts. I'll need those to hide were the tracks are joined as they will be a little short now.
Good ...a simple but effective way to go and it's the two birds with one shovel trick 😉 😀
ERA is also alot of work when you have to custom mount it ...ya just never seem to have ERA which fits scratch built models properly ;D
I would use the UV resin casting to make what I need like I did with the junkyard dog. I'm sticking with the weld on armor for this project. Unless these vehicles get sold to the Israelis sometime in the 90s.
True that but if the Israelis did get em then they would have used their own Blazer ERA which is made from individual blocks and those are bolted to raised mounts on the hull ..that's alot of work right there .
How your going about it now makes sense...it could be before the Israelies got em and part of the sales deal is they'd fit their own ERA..so you don't have to ;D
Quote from: Wardukw on December 16, 2024, 10:28:33 AMQuote from: kerick on December 16, 2024, 09:43:47 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 16, 2024, 09:33:17 AMQuote from: kerick on December 16, 2024, 08:38:02 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 15, 2024, 10:06:30 PMFugly is the word ...love it 😀
Ken when it comes to the ERA you'll only need that if this is a relatively modern vehicle...pre 1987 vehicles wouldn't have it .
I'm going to use some welded on armor plate in a few spots and that's all. And side skirts. I'll need those to hide were the tracks are joined as they will be a little short now.
Good ...a simple but effective way to go and it's the two birds with one shovel trick 😉 😀
ERA is also alot of work when you have to custom mount it ...ya just never seem to have ERA which fits scratch built models properly ;D
I would use the UV resin casting to make what I need like I did with the junkyard dog. I'm sticking with the weld on armor for this project. Unless these vehicles get sold to the Israelis sometime in the 90s.
True that but if the Israelis did get em then they would have used their own Blazer ERA which is made from individual blocks and those are bolted to raised mounts on the hull ..that's alot of work right there .
How your going about it now makes sense...it could be before the Israelies got em and part of the sales deal is they'd fit their own ERA..so you don't have to ;D
The blocks I cast from UV resin are copies of the Blazer ERA from the Israeli M60 kit. I should build that one too and use up the jars of Israeli sand color paints I have. Project for another day.
Quote from: kerick on December 16, 2024, 11:51:48 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 16, 2024, 10:28:33 AMQuote from: kerick on December 16, 2024, 09:43:47 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 16, 2024, 09:33:17 AMQuote from: kerick on December 16, 2024, 08:38:02 AMQuote from: Wardukw on December 15, 2024, 10:06:30 PMFugly is the word ...love it 😀
Ken when it comes to the ERA you'll only need that if this is a relatively modern vehicle...pre 1987 vehicles wouldn't have it .
I'm going to use some welded on armor plate in a few spots and that's all. And side skirts. I'll need those to hide were the tracks are joined as they will be a little short now.
Good ...a simple but effective way to go and it's the two birds with one shovel trick 😉 😀
ERA is also alot of work when you have to custom mount it ...ya just never seem to have ERA which fits scratch built models properly ;D
I would use the UV resin casting to make what I need like I did with the junkyard dog. I'm sticking with the weld on armor for this project. Unless these vehicles get sold to the Israelis sometime in the 90s.
True that but if the Israelis did get em then they would have used their own Blazer ERA which is made from individual blocks and those are bolted to raised mounts on the hull ..that's alot of work right there .
How your going about it now makes sense...it could be before the Israelies got em and part of the sales deal is they'd fit their own ERA..so you don't have to ;D
The blocks I cast from UV resin are copies of the Blazer ERA from the Israeli M60 kit. I should build that one too and use up the jars of Israeli sand color paints I have. Project for another day.
Ohhhhh smart 👌 👏
Great way to cheat and I like it ..ive got an assembled Israelie M60 with the mine roller that I was given..let's just say...it's wasnt built well so I suspect a youngster built it ..still tho..a good score 👍
Quote from: kerick on December 15, 2024, 09:34:27 PMI stumbled upon a prototype light tank called the T92 that used two of what appeared to be M48 cupolas. A regular one on the right side and a mirror image one on the left side. Twice as fugly! No wonder it got canceled.
https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/US/76mm-gun-tank-t92/
(https://i.imgur.com/elUZZ2m.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hy8J4Wo.png)
Actually it couldn't be an M48 cupola as the M48 hadn't been built yet but the family resemblance was clearly there.
There was a motorised kit of that around, way back... 50 or so years... may even have been close to 1/35.
But the 'fun' of finding one? :banghead: :banghead:
Quote from: Rick Lowe on December 16, 2024, 08:21:12 PMQuote from: kerick on December 15, 2024, 09:34:27 PMI stumbled upon a prototype light tank called the T92 that used two of what appeared to be M48 cupolas. A regular one on the right side and a mirror image one on the left side. Twice as fugly! No wonder it got canceled.
https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/US/76mm-gun-tank-t92/
(https://i.imgur.com/elUZZ2m.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hy8J4Wo.png)
Actually it couldn't be an M48 cupola as the M48 hadn't been built yet but the family resemblance was clearly there.
There was a motorised kit of that around, way back... 50 or so years... may even have been close to 1/35.
But the 'fun' of finding one? :banghead: :banghead:
There's a new 3D printed kit in 1:72nd on evil bay.
On scalemates they list Ideal Toy Co. in 1/24th with remote control, Otaki in 1/30th, Hawk or Tamiya in 1/50 or a couple more in even smaller scales. All from the 60s. Pretty good for something canceled several years before.
I remember the T92 and why ..well partly why it failed ..couldn't seal the thing from NBC contamination...cool little machine, and I always liked that turret..it's does need a bigger gun thou 😀
Other than airborne ops I just don't get the whole "light tank" idea. It's another vehicle that clogs up the logistics trail and has to run away every time it encounters a real tank. Yeah it provides fire power to the guys with boots on the ground but so does a regular tank. But this idea keeps coming back over and over. Maybe because it looks like a tank but it's cheaper. Makes the bean counters happy.
But at least our little versions are fun to build!
Light tanks were a product of the armoured warfare doctrines of the time, where, initially, an army had heavy tanks (Commonwealth = infantry tanks) & light tanks (Commonwealth = cruiser tanks).
Heavy/infantry tanks were to be used as "break-through" tanks, piercing the enemy lines, while light/cruiser tanks were to be used as "exploitation" tanks, racing through the break in the enemy lines & disrupting the enemy's lines of communications & logistics - & were not expected to encounter large formations of heavy tanks.
During WW2 the medium tank was introduced, in the forms of (primarily) M3 Lee/Grant & M4 Sherman tanks - one could argue quite successfully that the Germans introduced the ideas with the Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfw) IV, although in practice during the "Blitzkrieg" invasions of Poland & France. However, the PzKpfw IV of the time had a short-barrelled, low-velocity gun & was used more like a heavy tank with the lighter & faster PzKpfw III's & PzKpfw 38(t)'s acting as light tanks to exploit the break-throughs.
Anyway, with the introduction of the medium tank, the doctrine shifted & the light tanks became "scout"/"reconnaissance" tanks (better armed & armoured than armoured cars but faster than medium/heavy tanks - thus able to extricate themselves from trouble a little more easily).
This doctrine continued into the post-war period but was already struggling by the time the M41 entered service due to the introduction of the Centurion into the equation at the end of WW2, & the gradual realisation of the Main Battle Tank concept.
And now the US Army is going back to it with the Booker tank. I suppose they say it's for low intensity conflicts until you hit an IED.
Light tanks have since WW1 have had a place on the battlefield Ken ...recon being there primary job .
They can be very useful against other light armoured vehicles and can go place big tanks can't.
They played a big part in the war against the Japanese who's tanks were easy kills for even the little 37mm gun on the Stuarts and quite handy fire support against not so heavily protected firing positions..a coconut trunked bunker was a problem for the even the 75mm gun on the Sherman .
But tanks like the M24 Chaffee helped out alot with the roles of killing things ..they even managed to kill a few Panthers ..so that was cool 😎
The M551 Sheridan light airborne tank really changed the battlefield doctrine with its ability to destroy tanks ..concrete bunkers ..ability to be air dropped with ease and ease of use .
Yep IEDs and AT land mines are a problem but in the modern world these sort of problems are dealt with with crew protection systems far better than before..unless your in a russian tank that is 😆
The M10 Booker is basically a replacement for the Stryker MGS packing the same 105mm gun but with a much better system mounting it.
Far better protection..better offroad preformance and survivability..will be interesting to see where that goes ...it's not the first time the US has designed something good and then canceled it.
So basically an enlarged Scorpion.
Redux of the 'Tanks support the Infantry and Tank Destroyers deal with the tanks' concept?
Quote from: Rick Lowe on December 17, 2024, 08:19:07 PMSo basically an enlarged Scorpion.
Redux of the 'Tanks support the Infantry and Tank Destroyers deal with the tanks' concept?
No not really...a Bradley IFV can deal with a MBT with its TOW missiles.
The Booker is a infantry support vehicle..it can deal with everything up to medium sized armoured vehicles but not a MBT .
These tanks are designed to give the troops firepower long enough to establish a footing in the beginning of a conflict to give the main force time to land with the big boys .
It's like " I'd rather have a small tank with a good gun than have no tank at all"
Quote from: Old Wombat on December 17, 2024, 08:16:07 AMlight tanks (Commonwealth = cruiser tanks).
Correction: Commonwealth (=British) divided tanks into light, cruiser and infantry types. Light tanks were mostly intended for scouting, and probably combat where enemy tanks were not expected. This is unlike the US concept of light tanks, which by the late 1930s were intended as viable combat tanks in their own right — but even though they were heavier, and more heavily armed, than anyone else's, they proved unable to do that.
IMHO, much of the reason why people don't see the point of light tanks, is because they have the American ones in mind. In a one-on-one fight between an American light tank and anyone else's from the Second World War, the American one will win — it'll be impervious to the other guy's gun yet can shoot right through the opponent's armour. But that encourages using them in fighting against other opponents too, which they could decidedly not handle. OTOH, if you're in anyone else's light tank, you'll
know that your gun and armour aren't going to cut it against much more than lightly armoured opponents and machine-gun fire, so you will try and avoid fighting those.
I've built out the crew compartment. The back is squared off now and the top and sides are covered in new plastic to complete the squared off area. It seems a wrecked M48 was brought back and judged too broken to repair so the cupola, loaders hatch and air vent are being repurposed. The M41 toolboxes have a new home on the fenders next to the engine deck. The rear fenders have been salvaged and put back in place. Also a whole new engine deck has been installed. Looks like I need to do a photo dump here tomorrow.
Yup you do bud ;D ;D
Can't wait to see this 😁
Time for some photos. Here's where we are so far.
The crew compartment and front driver's areas are not glued down so far. I want to install colored plastic in the driver's periscopes but I'll have to figure out how to mask them when I paint.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215273276_1705f746f6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qAPrUY)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54214365247_a277bb997d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qAJMZi)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215273346_4b33b47c27_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qAPrWb)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215505939_329439fdea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qAQD5p)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215501778_a5b3eea4de_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qAQBQE)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215506894_924f89d89f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qAQDmS)
It's possible a TOW box launcher may get installed. My first thought might not work out as the exhaust of the missile will shoot straight into the air vent.
Tonight I'll have to figure out how to mount the gun.
Can't go too far wrong with a ball-mount.
Coming along well. :thumbsup:
I built the gun mount and the right fender. Cut a gunner's periscope from the M41 turret and glued it in front of the cupola.
I'm seriously liking this Ken ..low profile ..which is great for tank hunting 👍
That TOW launcher is a nice touch..here's an idea for ya ...a retractable gantry frame which mounts to the back of the fighting compartment.
Can be lowered or raised..lowered.. it can sit in line with the hull roof when not being used ..reised for fighting or engine maintenance 🤔
With it sitting above the hull roof you get a clear field of fire and no chance of hurting the vehicle and a bloody good chance of hurting something else ;D
I was having a little trouble visualising this, not anymore. Thankyou :thumbsup:
Looking good.
If I move the air vent to the other side I can install the box launcher Bradley style. Or steal a TOW launcher from one of the Jeep kits in the stash and glue it on top.
Quote from: kerick on December 20, 2024, 07:53:44 AMIf I move the air vent to the other side I can install the box launcher Bradley style. Or steal a TOW launcher from one of the Jeep kits in the stash and glue it on top.
On the roof ain't a good idea bud...it would be knackered the moment it went under a low hanging branch...the tube the TOW uses is just thin steel tubing and dropping one can bend it ...it stick with the Bradley one ..it also looks better .
If you still went with moving the engine deck and then just mounted the TOW on a ..say hydraulic ram so it just goes up and down it would still work perfectly and still be protected when its down .
Oh another thought ;D
If ya put a door directly in front of the launcher ..when it's down you could reload it from inside the tank :thumbsup: :wacko:
Am I making Ken's life easier? Nope 😄 😄
Food for thought. There is empty space on top in front of the loaders hatch. I could put an armor plate in front of the box instead of the moving plate the Bradley uses. Then maybe a scissors device to raise and lower it. The loader would have to make double sure his hatch was closed before a missile was fired! Plus the side of the box is a good place to put witty names for the vehicle. I met a Bradley crew in Iraq who had painted the name "Camel TOW" on the box. Their commander made them remove it. Spoil sport!
Quote from: kerick on December 21, 2024, 08:32:49 AMmet a Bradley crew in Iraq who had painted the name "Camel TOW" on the box. Their commander made them remove it. Spoil sport!
;D ;D
I've added armor plates to the front and fiddly bits to the sides and back end. Not much else going on except Christmas prep. Friday I'm going to the aircraft restoration company I went to last year. They have an F4U Corsair taken apart right now so that will be interesting. I'm sure some other stuff in pieces around the shop. I'll take lots of pics.
Here's a few pics of the latest progress. Welded on front armor, lights, searchlight, gun barrel, lifting hooks on the back, need some for the front. And drill out the vision ports on the cupola so I can fill them with UV resin. I have some violet paint that might look good painted inside of the ports. I was going to mount a .30 cal MG in front of the loaders hatch but now the searchlight looks to be in the way.
I think I will pass on the TOW box on this build. I still have the shortened hull to deal with. TOW might work well for that.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54231091986_c6853057f0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCdwgm)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54231334789_d96e6ed69b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCeLrB)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54231091911_54585c99e1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCdwf4)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54231091996_9baf53040d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCdwgw)
That looks bloody epic Ken ...love every part of this build ;D ;D :thumbsup:
That's a neat (in its literal sense) build :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Quote from: NARSES2 on December 28, 2024, 05:36:40 AMThat's a neat (in its literal sense) build :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Agree! And it is looking very good. :thumbsup:
For the shortened hull, what about something like a Striker, with a row of TOW boxes?
Yes, like the others.. really like how this is going
Quote from: Rick Lowe on December 28, 2024, 11:00:42 AMQuote from: NARSES2 on December 28, 2024, 05:36:40 AMThat's a neat (in its literal sense) build :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Agree! And it is looking very good. :thumbsup:
For the shortened hull, what about something like a Striker, with a row of TOW boxes?
The Stryker M1134 has a two missile box launcher. But those could be stacked easily. The launcher arrangement is interesting. Or I could just use the one from a jeep kit I have. Or put the 106mm recoilless rifle on it.
Sorry, should have been clearer - the British CVRT Striker, FV102, based on the Scorpion tank.
I looked it up and yeah, that would be cool!
A small update. I've added some details to the front. I replicated the lifting rings with a couple of jewelry rings from some old necklace. They're not real silver. I fastened them in place with some UV resin hoping it will look like weld.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239153571_4629f9cf08_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCVQGc)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239384814_e02d67bc52_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCX2r9)
Compared to the real thing. I photographed this vehicle on display in front of a VFW hall. I might try to make the fender supports and headlight guards from brass.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239563465_73e6af7ebe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCXWxk)
A pile of road wheels. Twelve plus the idlers.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239563535_7b9689f181_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCXWyx)
I made two spare road wheels from parts from another kit I bought at HL. I'll need it for a few parts for other things.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239561745_d71563df3e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCXW2F)
I've collected a few spare bolt heads. The dark brown is train parts, tan is from Academy's Bradley, the OD I don't know and the dark green says M-10 on it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54238255977_e0957d59ed_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCReSr)
I don't know if bolts for the add on armor would be appropriate for a mid 1980s time frame or not. I'm thinking not likely, probably just welded on.
I'm undecided on a paint scheme. No surprise there! OD green, MERDC four color or NATO three color. I could make a case for each in the backstory. Considering Denmark upgraded theirs in the mid 80s and used a black and green camo that could work too.
This is really turning into a neat looking machine !
Quote from: kerick on December 31, 2024, 10:30:35 PMA small update. I've added some details to the front. I replicated the lifting rings with a couple of jewelry rings from some old necklace. They're not real silver. I fastened them in place with some UV resin hoping it will look like weld.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239153571_4629f9cf08_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCVQGc)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239384814_e02d67bc52_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCX2r9)
Compared to the real thing. I photographed this vehicle on display in front of a VFW hall. I might try to make the fender supports and headlight guards from brass.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239563465_73e6af7ebe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCXWxk)
A pile of road wheels. Twelve plus the idlers.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239563535_7b9689f181_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCXWyx)
I made two spare road wheels from parts from another kit I bought at HL. I'll need it for a few parts for other things.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239561745_d71563df3e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCXW2F)
I've collected a few spare bolt heads. The dark brown is train parts, tan is from Academy's Bradley, the OD I don't know and the dark green says M-10 on it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54238255977_e0957d59ed_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCReSr)
I don't know if bolts for the add on armor would be appropriate for a mid 1980s time frame or not. I'm thinking not likely, probably just welded on.
I'm undecided on a paint scheme. No surprise there! OD green, MERDC four color or NATO three color. I could make a case for each in the backstory. Considering Denmark upgraded theirs in the mid 80s and used a black and green camo that could work too.
Ken the sprue with the M-10 I'll bet are from an Academy M-10 GMC and they are the bolts for the add-on armour on the upper hull sides ...very useful goodies 👍
The next upgrade for your machine once it's been in service for a while..L7 105mm gun :wacko: ;D
I drilled out the three vision blocks on the cupola. Now I have to figure out what to do with the ones on the riser. They are trapezoid's instead of rounded on the ends like the cupola. Time to look for pictures.
No joy on the hunt for the riser pics. If nothing else I'll just wing something.
I made brass headlight guards from left over framing from a PE sheet. Much better than the kit parts. I think the originals will go in the trash. There's no possible further use for them! The pink background is a post it note pad. I though it would make the parts stand out more.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54243596620_ab73236822_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDjBsu)
Glued thirteen bolt heads to the front today. What a pain! I had to drill a hole as there was a pin on the back side of the bolt head. I'm not sure how much help that was. I think the front armor is finished until after painting when it will get some spare track links.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54243416509_9d93a12140_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDiFV8)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54243596675_930a7d1190_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDjBtr)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54242277042_6283c3b034_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDcRc9)
I wouldn't throw out those guards yet Ken...with a wee bit of work they can be useful for things like Jerry can holders or ammo cans 🤔 😉..I wish I had more 😆
I do like your brass work :bow:
Thanks mi amigos!
Quote from: kerick on January 02, 2025, 09:07:33 PMGlued thirteen bolt heads to the front today. What a pain! I had to drill a hole as there was a pin on the back side of the bolt head. I'm not sure how much help that was.
I would just have cut the pins off. My ability to glue bolt heads in a straight line is much better than my ability to drill holes in a straight line :)
Quote from: Jakko on January 04, 2025, 02:23:55 AMQuote from: kerick on January 02, 2025, 09:07:33 PMGlued thirteen bolt heads to the front today. What a pain! I had to drill a hole as there was a pin on the back side of the bolt head. I'm not sure how much help that was.
I would just have cut the pins off. My ability to glue bolt heads in a straight line is much better than my ability to drill holes in a straight line :)
;D ;D
The whole thing was so tiny that trying to cut the pins off would have resulted in parts pinging around the room. Drilling the holes was easier. I still had to recover one from under the desk.
I was just browsing Prime Portal and found a bunch of photos of M41s in Brazilian service. This would make a great conversion in itself. The paint scheme of Forest Green and brown looks simple and effective. I just need to make decals of the insignia. That shouldn't be too hard.
This is getting more interesting 🤔 👀 😀
Looking for some 1/35th scale smoke grenade launchers. Either American or German style. I'm in the US so if we keep it in the US the postage will be reasonable for such a small couple of things. Or if anyone knows where to get aftermarket ones I'd appreciate that. PM me if you like.
Quote from: kerick on January 05, 2025, 07:31:57 PMLooking for some 1/35th scale smoke grenade launchers. Either American or German style. I'm in the US so if we keep it in the US the postage will be reasonable for such a small couple of things. Or if anyone knows where to get aftermarket ones I'd appreciate that. PM me if you like.
Ken ...pretty sure live resin ..black dog ..Verlinden all do those and all will or should be available in the US .
Also 3D printed ones will be easy to find 😀
Or sections of rod/tube could work for you.
I built some fender supports from left over brass. Also some brackets to keep the drivers hatch from swinging around and bashing his face in. I cut the corners off the fenders to look like most of the M41 pics I've seen.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253757109_8b1971be85_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qEdFPk)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253757114_0d1f656186_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qEdFPq)
I found this pic of the Brazilian M41 which had a nice camo scheme which didn't look too difficult. Looks like there is some black between the brown and green in a few spots. That's hard to see in most other photos.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253748283_e38e1541c3.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qEdDca)
I decided to stock up on brass. One sheet is 0.016" and the other is 0.010". I could build a whole tank from the first sheet. The second sheet is closer in thickness to the etched brass bits I have. I'm sure both will come in handy.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253749118_c73d749956_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qEdDry)
I'm still debating on whether to drill out the headlights or not. Probably not. I'll just paint them and cover with a little UV resin to give it that glass look. Same thing with the cupola riser vision blocks. In the few photos I have found the riser vision blocks just look black. The cupola vision blocks are drilled out. I'll paint them violet later and fill with UV resin.
Quote from: kerick on January 07, 2025, 09:19:05 PMI cut the corners off the fenders to look like most of the M41 pics I've seen.
That's simply a later, minor modification to the M41 design.
Nice additions, mate! :thumbsup:
The track guard mod's were because of trees & bushes damaging the straight-edged early versions, & assisted mud jamming up between the guards & the tracks. The simple expedient of angling the front (& rear) edge meant that all that shrubbery & mud were pushed out to the side preventing/minimising the issues.
I figured it was something like that. Some photos showed the fenders being bent down. If the tank went in reverse there was a real chance of catching the fender with the track and ripping it off.
Saw the title and was kinda skeptical of this thing, but now that I see the pics, I like it!
The short hull could very easily be a TOW vehicle, maybe if you've got a spare turret that's about the right size and shape you could even have the TOW launcher built into one side of it, a bit like the T114 perhaps (though that had a single 106mm recoiless in a special mounting that allowed reloading from inside the vehicle).
Quote from: Spino on January 09, 2025, 01:49:14 PMSaw the title and was kinda skeptical of this thing, but now that I see the pics, I like it!
The short hull could very easily be a TOW vehicle, maybe if you've got a spare turret that's about the right size and shape you could even have the TOW launcher built into one side of it, a bit like the T114 perhaps (though that had a single 106mm recoiless in a special mounting that allowed reloading from inside the vehicle).
That's pretty much the direction I was going with both of these.
I'm going to go with Badger for the assault gun and Weasel for the short TOW version as suggested by robunos. Then the individual names will be Moose and Squirrel as suggested by Jeff Fontaine over on BTS.
I started hacking on the short Squirrel. I'm going to build an entire new front but I'm saving the drivers hatch in case I decide to use it on top. Trimming and reattaching the fenders turned out to be pretty easy. Fortunately it also removed most of the holes in the fenders meant to position the tools and spare tracks so bonus. I trimmed the fender corners and removed the mount for the gun barrel clamp too.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257513064_c62518b3b0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qExWkb)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257513084_c50cc8b53c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qExWkw)
I also ordered a set of new one piece tracks from AFV club. We'll see if they look better than the Tamiya tracks. Can't be any worse.
We are going away for the weekend so not much building going on until next week.
The tracks arrived from AFV club and they are pretty darn sweet for rubber band tracks. Far better than the Tamiya ones. They are for the shorty version so there should be a few links left for spares.
I'm working on building the casement to house the TOW system and some spare rounds. I wish I had another box from a Bradley so that would give me four ready rounds. I bought some paint over the weekend so no excuses there. The assault gun is ready for paint but I'll wait until the shorty is done so I can do both at the same time.
OTOH, if you had a wrecked Bradley or LVTP-7, those tracks are close enough, too.
Quote from: Rick Lowe on January 14, 2025, 08:09:47 PMOTOH, if you had a wrecked Bradley or LVTP-7, those tracks are close enough, too.
I have a spare set of Bradley tracks that will go on the moose. The side skirts will hide the short length.
Quote from: kerick on January 15, 2025, 06:25:26 AMQuote from: Rick Lowe on January 14, 2025, 08:09:47 PMOTOH, if you had a wrecked Bradley or LVTP-7, those tracks are close enough, too.
I have a spare set of Bradley tracks that will go on the moose. The side skirts will hide the short length.
That's a bugger Ken cause amongst the pile of death is the remains of a Tamiya M2A2 which came with an interior ..with spare TOW rds ..would have flicked ya those mate no time flat 😉
And there still sitting there wanting a new home 🏡 🙃
The AFV club tracks were not expensive so no problem there. I'll rustle up a design yet. I have some silicone mold material that needs to be used up and plenty of UV resin. Thanks for the offer but I imagine the postage is ridiculous.
Quote from: kerick on January 15, 2025, 12:58:42 PMThe AFV club tracks were not expensive so no problem there. I'll rustle up a design yet. I have some silicone mold material that needs to be used up and plenty of UV resin. Thanks for the offer but I imagine the postage is ridiculous.
The offer remains matey 👍 ;D
But 😆...mold away bud and make as many TOW tubes as ya want :thumbsup:
Thanks for the offer! I've been looking for the markings for Brazilian armor vehicles but nothing out there. WW2 you can find but not modern. PITA!!!!!
Quote from: kerick on January 15, 2025, 09:41:49 PMThanks for the offer! I've been looking for the markings for Brazilian armor vehicles but nothing out there. WW2 you can find but not modern. PITA!!!!!
:thumbsup: ;D
I'm wondering if the reason there's bugger all modern Brazilian markings is there's nothing out there cause Brazil haven't really done anything really all that modern for yrs 🤔
Aircraft yes but their vehicles don't seem to be much at all and looking at em there's bugger all marking on em.
You could get away some white small numbers ..that's all I can seem to see on their Leo 1s and M60s .
There's a symbol for the Brazilian army that is on many of the vehicles. From a distance it looks like a pineapple. That's the one I can't find. No worries, I'll think of something to fit a backstory.
Quote from: kerick on January 16, 2025, 10:31:13 AMThere's a symbol for the Brazilian army that is on many of the vehicles. From a distance it looks like a pineapple. That's the one I can't find. No worries, I'll think of something to fit a backstory.
Any possibility of custom painting the thing ??
Might be possible if it's small and not easy to see 🤔
Or the back story works 😆 🤣
New backstory will cover the issue. I started with rebuilt M41s cut and welded in Belgium to fill the fire support role after the balloon goes up in 1985ish. Standard USArmy markings in NATO colors or maybe olive drab if I get lazy.
Quote from: kerick on January 16, 2025, 08:47:27 PMNew backstory will cover the issue. I started with rebuilt M41s cut and welded in Belgium to fill the fire support role after the balloon goes up in 1985ish. Standard USArmy markings in NATO colors or maybe olive drab if I get lazy.
Yep...that backstory works very nicely and I like it 👌
You could go with blanked out US Army markings and standard OD ..by the look of it their vehicles were all OD from that time period anyway so your good to go bud 👍
Quote from: Wardukw on January 16, 2025, 09:03:42 PMQuote from: kerick on January 16, 2025, 08:47:27 PMNew backstory will cover the issue. I started with rebuilt M41s cut and welded in Belgium to fill the fire support role after the balloon goes up in 1985ish. Standard USArmy markings in NATO colors or maybe olive drab if I get lazy.
Yep...that backstory works very nicely and I like it 👌
You could go with blanked out US Army markings and standard OD ..by the look of it their vehicles were all OD from that time period anyway so your good to go bud 👍
There will be a little delay before I get to that part anyway. I seem to have forgotten to locate the drivers position so now there is some rearranging to do. At least nothing was glued down. The top of the casemate will be very crowded.
Quote from: kerick on January 18, 2025, 09:39:14 AMQuote from: Wardukw on January 16, 2025, 09:03:42 PMQuote from: kerick on January 16, 2025, 08:47:27 PMNew backstory will cover the issue. I started with rebuilt M41s cut and welded in Belgium to fill the fire support role after the balloon goes up in 1985ish. Standard USArmy markings in NATO colors or maybe olive drab if I get lazy.
Yep...that backstory works very nicely and I like it 👌
You could go with blanked out US Army markings and standard OD ..by the look of it their vehicles were all OD from that time period anyway so your good to go bud 👍
There will be a little delay before I get to that part anyway. I seem to have forgotten to locate the drivers position so now there is some rearranging to do. At least nothing was glued down. The top of the casemate will be very crowded.
Ya could cheat and just mount a couple of vision blocks in the hull just above the glacis plate ..would save ya over crowding the roof ...much like WW2 German jagdpanzer sort of deal .
I've already cut out a spot and glued it in. A little more iron work and it will work.
Well the Badger is ready for paint and the Weasel is still a work in progress. I notched out a space in the top of the casemate and installed the drivers hatch there. I'm just finishing the installation of armor panels. I think I have enough of a different style of bolt heads that might be close enough to not be noticeably different. Hatches are done and I need to invent a way of installing the TOW box. I'm thinking of installing a set of TOW sights from a Bradley. Not sure if that's realistic considering the time frame but it beats having the gunner sitting on the roof with the jeep sights.
Just a couple of photos.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54282357839_5257897263_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qGKgPn)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54282357354_926e628e18_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qGKgF1)
The Sherman style lifting loops have been removed and will be reinstalled on the glasis plate.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54282544575_94552ccdf4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qGLejX)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54282542985_4859e58145_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qGLdRx)
Lots of fiddly bits to go yet. Then paint. Maybe OD green and black stars.
That works. :thumbsup:
I was just thinking about mounting a .50 cal on the TOW set up so it could be fired using the TOW sights. The Weasel is going to be very cramped inside. I might switch to .30 cal just to carry more ammo.
The ammo can holders on .50 and .30 cal guns are just basically sheet metal I believe. I might try making some out of brass. It'll be a personal challenge.
Quote from: kerick on January 22, 2025, 09:26:47 PMI was just thinking about mounting a .50 cal on the TOW set up so it could be fired using the TOW sights. The Weasel is going to be very cramped inside. I might switch to .30 cal just to carry more ammo.
The ammo can holders on .50 and .30 cal guns are just basically sheet metal I believe. I might try making some out of brass. It'll be a personal challenge.
Turning the TOW turret into a CROWS turret sounds sweet mate ...stick with the .50 ..you might carry more ammo for the .30 cal but the .50 has many more times destructive power and you could still get over 2000rds of .50cal stuffed in and around your beast 😋
The ammo cans are sealed air tight so storing some outside wouldn't hurt at all...we used to store ammo outside our vehicles all the time and in all weather's.
Storing some behind the casemate is a good spot for starters 👌
Quote from: Wardukw on January 22, 2025, 09:58:22 PMQuote from: kerick on January 22, 2025, 09:26:47 PMI was just thinking about mounting a .50 cal on the TOW set up so it could be fired using the TOW sights. The Weasel is going to be very cramped inside. I might switch to .30 cal just to carry more ammo.
The ammo can holders on .50 and .30 cal guns are just basically sheet metal I believe. I might try making some out of brass. It'll be a personal challenge.
Turning the TOW turret into a CROWS turret sounds sweet mate ...stick with the .50 ..you might carry more ammo for the .30 cal but the .50 has many more times destructive power and you could still get over 2000rds of .50cal stuffed in and around your beast 😋
The ammo cans are sealed air tight so storing some outside wouldn't hurt at all...we used to store ammo outside our vehicles all the time and in all weather's.
Storing some behind the casemate is a good spot for starters 👌
A row of them like on the back of a Bradley turret.
Good looking projects! :thumbsup:
I've always liked the idea of a casemate SPG with a small MG turret on top: stops infantry creeping around the sides with RPGs.
Quote from: kerick on December 21, 2024, 08:32:49 AMI met a Bradley crew in Iraq who had painted the name "Camel TOW" on the box. Their commander made them remove it. Spoil sport!
Saw a video not long ago of a Christmas party organised by a US Army unit. Some wag had strung a cardboard model of the ground launcher tube to the ceiling with "Missile -TOW" written on it, and was try to get people to kiss under it... ;D
Re the light tanks debate from earlier, it all comes down to what the army's recon doctrine is. The British/French/German approach was recon-by-stealth, that is to say, the recon unit (light tank, armoured car, whatever) tries to _avoid_ detection while reporting on the position of the enemy, and only uses it's weapons to cover it's escape when/if discovered. US Army doctrine always favoured a more recon-by-fire approach, i.e. go in and kick the hornet's nest to make them reveal what systems they've got and how they react, then either do a fighting withdrawal or hold for a short period until reinforced by advancing heavy units. It's not that the Brits and Germans didn't believe in recon-by-fire too, it's just that they thought it was best done with full-on tanks (cruisers/mediums in WWII, MBT afterwards). Cold War German army recon batallions had Luchs for recon-by-stealth and Leo Is for recon-by-fire.
Quote from: kerick on January 23, 2025, 08:00:03 AMQuote from: Wardukw on January 22, 2025, 09:58:22 PMQuote from: kerick on January 22, 2025, 09:26:47 PMI was just thinking about mounting a .50 cal on the TOW set up so it could be fired using the TOW sights. The Weasel is going to be very cramped inside. I might switch to .30 cal just to carry more ammo.
The ammo can holders on .50 and .30 cal guns are just basically sheet metal I believe. I might try making some out of brass. It'll be a personal challenge.
Turning the TOW turret into a CROWS turret sounds sweet mate ...stick with the .50 ..you might carry more ammo for the .30 cal but the .50 has many more times destructive power and you could still get over 2000rds of .50cal stuffed in and around your beast 😋
The ammo cans are sealed air tight so storing some outside wouldn't hurt at all...we used to store ammo outside our vehicles all the time and in all weather's.
Storing some behind the casemate is a good spot for starters 👌
A row of them like on the back of a Bradley turret.
Exactly matey 👍
It's a pretty simple rack system to scratch build and you'll be able to get at least 6 to 8 cans sitting back there or more ;D
I've seen photos of Vietnam .50s with chopped-down Jerricans for ready-use ammo cans... just a thought.
Though hooking it up to the ammo box attachment points would be an issue.
Quote from: Rick Lowe on January 23, 2025, 08:34:36 PMI've seen photos of Vietnam .50s with chopped-down Jerricans for ready-use ammo cans... just a thought.
Though hooking it up to the ammo box attachment points would be an issue.
Mate if you look closely you'll see that the jerrycan isn't mounted to the gun at all ..it's far to heavy to hang 500 rds of 50cal off the side of the gun so they were mounted to the nearest thing that it would sit on ..they'd tie em with wire or tie down straps or just drill holes and hang off something with hooks 🪝 :thumbsup:
The dudes with time and a better imagination would weld up a frame which the can can sit in ..nice and solid 👌
Quote from: Wardukw on January 23, 2025, 11:37:52 PMQuote from: Rick Lowe on January 23, 2025, 08:34:36 PMI've seen photos of Vietnam .50s with chopped-down Jerricans for ready-use ammo cans... just a thought.
Though hooking it up to the ammo box attachment points would be an issue.
Mate if you look closely you'll see that the jerrycan isn't mounted to the gun at all ..it's far to heavy to hang 500 rds of 50cal off the side of the gun so they were mounted to the nearest thing that it would sit on ..they'd tie em with wire or tie down straps or just drill holes and hang off something with hooks 🪝 :thumbsup:
The dudes with time and a better imagination would weld up a frame which the can can sit in ..nice and solid 👌
That's a good idea. It seems model makers can mold a decent Jerry can but are unable to provide the proper cap so I have a bunch of Jerry cans that would look better with the top cut off.
Quote from: kerick on January 24, 2025, 08:43:31 AMQuote from: Wardukw on January 23, 2025, 11:37:52 PMQuote from: Rick Lowe on January 23, 2025, 08:34:36 PMI've seen photos of Vietnam .50s with chopped-down Jerricans for ready-use ammo cans... just a thought.
Though hooking it up to the ammo box attachment points would be an issue.
Mate if you look closely you'll see that the jerrycan isn't mounted to the gun at all ..it's far to heavy to hang 500 rds of 50cal off the side of the gun so they were mounted to the nearest thing that it would sit on ..they'd tie em with wire or tie down straps or just drill holes and hang off something with hooks 🪝 :thumbsup:
The dudes with time and a better imagination would weld up a frame which the can can sit in ..nice and solid 👌
That's a good idea. It seems model makers can mold a decent Jerry can but are unable to provide the proper cap so I have a bunch of Jerry cans that would look better with the top cut off.
Ken the Jerry can /ammo can is a item used when you are in combat and in combat every day...it's just used to do as mentioned above..carry alot of ammo so you don't need to reload at the most inappropriate moment 😉
They give zero weather and dirt protection so dirt ammo is common and these won't work anyway for a CROWS/TOW turret ..to damn big .if ya look at the CROWS turret you'll see a ammo box of to the side or underneath depending on the version and those hold around 500rds again ..depending on the version.
I'd just stick with the 50cal ammo cans..they'll take up less room for one thing and be much easier to stack and store :thumbsup:
I'd use the ammo cans for storage on the vehicle. Maybe one cut off can on top just to give people something to ask questions about.
Quote from: kerick on January 24, 2025, 09:57:22 AMI'd use the ammo cans for storage on the vehicle. Maybe one cut off can on top just to give people something to ask questions about.
I like it ;)
Academy's 35th M60 MBTs in Israeli service always came with the converted jerry cans in the kits cause the Israelis mounted em beside their 50cals which were mounted above the main guns .
When ya think that a standard 50cal ammo can holds 100rds ..a jerry can will hold 700 plus ..I have seen em stacked to over flowing in Vietnam.
Quote from: Wardukw on January 24, 2025, 10:24:16 AMQuote from: kerick on January 24, 2025, 09:57:22 AMI'd use the ammo cans for storage on the vehicle. Maybe one cut off can on top just to give people something to ask questions about.
I like it ;)
Academy's 35th M60 MBTs in Israeli service always came with the converted jerry cans in the kits cause the Israelis mounted em beside their 50cals which were mounted above the main guns .
When ya think that a standard 50cal ammo can holds 100rds ..a jerry can will hold 700 plus ..I have seen em stacked to over flowing in Vietnam.
I might have that kit in the stash. I'll have to check on that.
Quote from: kerick on January 24, 2025, 02:19:08 PMQuote from: Wardukw on January 24, 2025, 10:24:16 AMQuote from: kerick on January 24, 2025, 09:57:22 AMI'd use the ammo cans for storage on the vehicle. Maybe one cut off can on top just to give people something to ask questions about.
I like it ;)
Academy's 35th M60 MBTs in Israeli service always came with the converted jerry cans in the kits cause the Israelis mounted em beside their 50cals which were mounted above the main guns .
When ya think that a standard 50cal ammo can holds 100rds ..a jerry can will hold 700 plus ..I have seen em stacked to over flowing in Vietnam.
I might have that kit in the stash. I'll have to check on that.
Mate if ya do then bingo 😄
If not ..still pretty easy to make 👌
Quote from: Wardukw on January 24, 2025, 08:24:43 PMIf not ..still pretty easy to make 👌
Yeah - cut the top off one, put in a single layer of ammo leading to the feed and bingo.
Paint the inside of the can black and you don't have to worry about a second layer, which saves the rest for something else. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Rick Lowe on January 25, 2025, 05:04:01 PMQuote from: Wardukw on January 24, 2025, 08:24:43 PMIf not ..still pretty easy to make 👌
Yeah - cut the top off one, put in a single layer of ammo leading to the feed and bingo.
Paint the inside of the can black and you don't have to worry about a second layer, which saves the rest for something else. :thumbsup:
Shave the inside edge enough to make it look like sheet metal.
Quote from: kerick on January 25, 2025, 05:23:28 PMQuote from: Rick Lowe on January 25, 2025, 05:04:01 PMQuote from: Wardukw on January 24, 2025, 08:24:43 PMIf not ..still pretty easy to make 👌
Yeah - cut the top off one, put in a single layer of ammo leading to the feed and bingo.
Paint the inside of the can black and you don't have to worry about a second layer, which saves the rest for something else. :thumbsup:
Shave the inside edge enough to make it look like sheet metal.
Indeed, and to make sure the belt actually fits... :thumbsup:
Or, you could cut it down to just above the ridge running around the can, and replace the upper 5-6mm with sheet foil.
Nothing looks like sheet metal more than sheet metal...
Quote from: Rick Lowe on January 25, 2025, 05:32:10 PMQuote from: kerick on January 25, 2025, 05:23:28 PMQuote from: Rick Lowe on January 25, 2025, 05:04:01 PMQuote from: Wardukw on January 24, 2025, 08:24:43 PMIf not ..still pretty easy to make 👌
Yeah - cut the top off one, put in a single layer of ammo leading to the feed and bingo.
Paint the inside of the can black and you don't have to worry about a second layer, which saves the rest for something else. :thumbsup:
Shave the inside edge enough to make it look like sheet metal.
Indeed, and to make sure the belt actually fits... :thumbsup:
Or, you could cut it down to just above the ridge running around the can, and replace the upper 5-6mm with sheet foil.
Nothing looks like sheet metal more than sheet metal...
And easy to make look dented up.
I've been working on the TOW launcher system. I wanted it to rotate but I couldn't figure out how to do it without complications. That's until I remembered the refrigerator magnet that has been attached to my tool box for years. A couple of washers fit into the lower part and the magnet in the upper. Works great so far. And if it gets bumped it won't break off. So far so good. Now I need to work out some arms to raise and lower the launcher. I found a spring perfect to raise it but no promises to make it work.
I like it. Very interesting build. Thanks for sharing !
Quote from: kerick on January 25, 2025, 07:01:51 PMI've been working on the TOW launcher system. I wanted it to rotate but I couldn't figure out how to do it without complications. That's until I remembered the refrigerator magnet that has been attached to my tool box for years. A couple of washers fit into the lower part and the magnet in the upper. Works great so far. And if it gets bumped it won't break off. So far so good. Now I need to work out some arms to raise and lower the launcher. I found a spring perfect to raise it but no promises to make it work.
Cool! And will be useful for transporting the model.
Or swapping out the armament fit for something else... ;)
Quote from: Rick Lowe on January 26, 2025, 08:15:41 PMQuote from: kerick on January 25, 2025, 07:01:51 PMI've been working on the TOW launcher system. I wanted it to rotate but I couldn't figure out how to do it without complications. That's until I remembered the refrigerator magnet that has been attached to my tool box for years. A couple of washers fit into the lower part and the magnet in the upper. Works great so far. And if it gets bumped it won't break off. So far so good. Now I need to work out some arms to raise and lower the launcher. I found a spring perfect to raise it but no promises to make it work.
Cool! And will be useful for transporting the model.
Or swapping out the armament fit for something else... ;)
Like a 20mm cannon armed CROWS turret :wacko: ;D
Though I'm really liking the magnet ideas..ive really gotta remember this .
I was working on the arms last night and I'm trying to build it so there's enough friction to hold the launcher in the up or down position. So far so good. Now if I can keep from accidentally gluing it together!
No spring involved! Just friction fit. Here's the lowered traveling position.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54294541865_ee28ec69ee_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHPHGM)
The reloading position.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54294353019_49e8ee7f86_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHNKyP)
Firing position.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54293230892_46e4576759_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHGZZN)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54294364918_c43cb9c68c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHNP6Y)
Now I have to build the sights, which will be a basic box, on the right side and a .50 cal mount on the left. It's a little too easy to move right now. I'm thinking the paint will stiffen that up a bit. I was really worried that gluing that green part over the ends of the lower pivots might leak glue and then harden the whole thing but I got away with it. This might be getting away from the "thrown together from spare parts in a war emergency" theory behind my backstory but oh well.
The static dispersing idea behind the aluminum plate on the desk is having mixed results. Of course it doesn't actually get rid of the dust but because of the cold here lately and running a space heater its so dry I don't think anything will get rid of the level of static.
Coming along very nicely - and you're right, a co-ax MG is always a Good Idea. :thumbsup:
For those targets that aren't worth a whole TOW of their very own; or for ranging...
Looking brilliant matey 👍 👌
As for your slapped together idea bud ..it still works fine ...if you took a look at a military bone yard you'd be amazed at what you can find 😉
Hell in one I was looking at the prototype Sgt York M48 AA system was there..tucked in amongst a stash of other machines including a easy eight M4 Sherman chassis which was sitting beside it 😳 😄
It's that classic case of the more you look the more you find mate sort of deal 👍
Quote from: Rick Lowe on January 28, 2025, 08:19:39 PMComing along very nicely - and you're right, a co-ax MG is always a Good Idea. :thumbsup:
For those targets that aren't worth a whole TOW of their very own; or for ranging...
One big TOW or a bunch of little toes, it's still a kick in the a$$!
True. ;D
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 08:34:46 PMLooking brilliant matey 👍 👌
As for your slapped together idea bud ..it still works fine ...if you took a look at a military bone yard you'd be amazed at what you can find 😉
Hell in one I was looking at the prototype Sgt York M48 AA system was there..tucked in amongst a stash of other machines including a easy eight M4 Sherman chassis which was sitting beside it 😳 😄
It's that classic case of the more you look the more you find mate sort of deal 👍
Was that in California or Arizona? I was at Fort Hunter-Ligget, California in the early 80s for the tests there. Our squadron was tasked with controlling the OPFOR aircraft. That thing just sat there and barely reacted. That whole program died pretty soon after that. I always wondered if they just left it there or trucked it off somewhere.
Quote from: kerick on January 28, 2025, 08:40:51 PMQuote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 08:34:46 PMLooking brilliant matey 👍 👌
As for your slapped together idea bud ..it still works fine ...if you took a look at a military bone yard you'd be amazed at what you can find 😉
Hell in one I was looking at the prototype Sgt York M48 AA system was there..tucked in amongst a stash of other machines including a easy eight M4 Sherman chassis which was sitting beside it 😳 😄
It's that classic case of the more you look the more you find mate sort of deal 👍
Was that in California or Arizona? I was at Fort Hunter-Ligget, California in the early 80s for the tests there. That whole program died pretty soon after that. I always wondered if they just left it there or trucked it off somewhere.
Pretty sure it was Cali...but it might have been Arizona cause I remember the last tests were done out there 😅
I think 🤔 ;D
It was covered in a heap of dust ..that I do remember..so Arizona is looking the part here 😆
Nice work! :thumbsup:
Working bits are well engineered bits.
Like this a lot
Thanks!
I spent the evening sorting out parts while searching for pieces to make the gun support and sight mount out of. I got three parts glued on and a plan! Kit bashing can be a slow game sometimes. And the parts I ended up using were the simplest stuff.
Quote from: kerick on January 29, 2025, 09:28:34 PMKit bashing can be a slow game sometimes. And the parts I ended up using were the simplest stuff.
Never a truer statement :thumbsup:
I have the gun installed and the sights built and attached to the launcher. Now I have to buckle down on the paint job. I might just keep it simple after the Junkyard Dog project. OD green with black stars and such might work.
Quote from: kerick on January 31, 2025, 01:18:53 PMI have the gun installed and the sights built and attached to the launcher. Now I have to buckle down on the paint job. I might just keep it simple after the Junkyard Dog project. OD green with black stars and such might work.
Od green and black stars works perfectly Ken ..with light gray dry brushing all the details stand out like crazy..looks great 👍
I managed to get a couple of things accomplished. As stated the gun is in place and the sights installed including a FLIR sight on top. Bolts are in place on the front along with the headlights with brass guards. I'm not totally sure about the headlight setup, it may change. Grenade launchers from a Japanese Type 90 tank are in place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299963995_811cb777c1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJivvM)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299536166_7cb069df8e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJgjkq)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54298661472_8f0530a000_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJbQju)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54298661312_b09d83c1d1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJbQgJ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299537031_7361ab9cfb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJgjAk)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299536821_0d8de26165_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJgjwH)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299537141_b02c9e4a18_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJgjCe)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54298662197_4511f1cc4b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJbQwZ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299772849_aa8d3cfc51_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJhwGa)
I was one bolt short on the front armor. Can you tell which one? Once its painted it will be harder to tell.
So between the Badger and the Weasel there are the two M41 kits, Bradley parts and tracks, AFV club tracks, Type 90, T-54, Sherman, M48 Patton, some kind of German AA gun, an unknown tank engine deck, sprue, I think an M3 or M5 tank hull, bolts from an M10, part of a Scotch tape dispenser, engine hatch from an M113 and lots of unknown bits and pieces. That's not counting the Evergreen and Plastruct plastic. Plus some orangey-red Bondo spot putty. And I still have to paint and decal it. I do this for the fun, really, I do! :wacko:
Quote from: kerick on January 31, 2025, 08:57:21 PMI managed to get a couple of things accomplished. As stated the gun is in place and the sights installed including a FLIR sight on top. Bolts are in place on the front along with the headlights with brass guards. I'm not totally sure about the headlight setup, it may change. Grenade launchers from a Japanese Type 90 tank are in place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299963995_811cb777c1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJivvM)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299536166_7cb069df8e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJgjkq)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54298661472_8f0530a000_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJbQju)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54298661312_b09d83c1d1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJbQgJ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299537031_7361ab9cfb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJgjAk)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299536821_0d8de26165_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJgjwH)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299537141_b02c9e4a18_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJgjCe)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54298662197_4511f1cc4b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJbQwZ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299772849_aa8d3cfc51_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJhwGa)
I was one bolt short on the front armor. Can you tell which one? Once its painted it will be harder to tell.
So between the Badger and the Weasel there are the two M41 kits, Bradley parts and tracks, AFV club tracks, Type 90, T-54, Sherman, M48 Patton, some kind of German AA gun, an unknown tank engine deck, sprue, I think an M3 or M5 tank hull, bolts from an M10, part of a Scotch tape dispenser, engine hatch from an M113 and lots of unknown bits and pieces. That's not counting the Evergreen and Plastruct plastic. Plus some orangey-red Bondo spot putty. And I still have to paint and decal it. I do this for the fun, really, I do! :wacko:
😆 🤣 😂 ...love it mate 👌
Kit bashing is great fun and this is a prefect example of the art 🎨 😀
Oh ..bottom left hand corner 🤘🤘😉😁
I just love looking at the "before and after" paintwork shots :thumbsup:
Quote from: NARSES2 on February 01, 2025, 05:21:51 AMI just love looking at the "before and after" paintwork shots :thumbsup:
That unification of a chaotic mix of "bits" into a cohesive whole is always satisfying. ;D :thumbsup:
:thumbsup: :mellow: :thumbsup:
I'm going to go with OD green but I'll try some shading. Black around the edges except the black plastic. That will have to get light grey in the middle.
Moving on to the painting bit... goody
Always the spot where I bog down. I'll have to muscle through.
Look at all them greeblies ! Love it. Everything looks clean and crisp like the real thing would.
Thanks everyone!
Quote from: NARSES2 on February 01, 2025, 05:21:51 AMI just love looking at the "before and after" paintwork shots :thumbsup:
Ditto.
It's amazing how the paintjob coalesces the vehicle and look. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Quote from: Rick Lowe on February 01, 2025, 05:30:41 PMIt's amazing how the paintjob coalesces the vehicle and look. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Very much so.
With an aircraft model commencing the paintwork can take it from "almost being ditched" to " actually this isn't that bad".
Quote from: NARSES2 on February 02, 2025, 12:31:23 AMWith an aircraft model commencing the paintwork can take it from "almost being ditched" to " actually this isn't that bad".
But just now and then it can go 'What WAS I thinking off? This is total RUBBISH!' :banghead:
No such thing as a bad whiff. Just sometimes it needs a little more PSR. :wacko:
Quote from: kerick on February 02, 2025, 09:13:27 AMNo such thing as a bad whiff. Just sometimes it needs a little more PSR. :wacko:
😃😃😃
Oh so true 👍 😄
If at first you don't succeed..PSR the hell out if it 🤣
Quote from: kerick on February 02, 2025, 09:13:27 AMNo such thing as a bad whiff. Just sometimes it needs a little more PSR. :wacko:
Take it back to bare plastic and repaint. :thumbsup:
Or hack it about and put it into a crash diorama...
I changed the headlights to a position on the fenders. Looks much better now. I built a rack Bradley style for .50 cal ammo cans on the back of the casemate.
Everything on the Badger and Weasel is OD green now. It's been a long evening. I preshaded with black on the more recessed areas but I'll see in the morning if it made a difference. If not I might spray a little lightened paint on the upper surfaces tomorrow.
Quote from: kerick on February 03, 2025, 11:34:27 PMEverything on the Badger and Weasel is OD green now. It's been a long evening. I preshaded with black on the more recessed areas but I'll see in the morning if it made a difference. If not I might spray a little lightened paint on the upper surfaces tomorrow.
The thing with OD Ken is when it's exposed to the sun for a long while it becomes alot ligther then you'd think ..so you could lighten it up quite alot and it will still look good..anything in between works too.
So you can go from new to old just by shading ;D
And the variety of shades OD can fade/bleach/weather into is amazing.
I've heard it's best to add some yellow instead of white.
That makes sense, as it starts as a mix of yellow and black.
Or a nice deep cream.
Painting tracks and road wheels. You know the story.
The OD green looks good and some of the black preshade is doing its job. Next is some OD plus yellow highlights.
:thumbsup:
I'm already getting impatient 😄😄
I'm painting the tracks. Two vehicles, twice as much track.
Here's what they look like in green. It makes it look like something that could have been. The black preshade is showing up on the cupola.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54320923537_3233e53628_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qL9W4c)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54320924167_fde9d483f8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qL9Wf4)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54322049104_4dc7ae4bec_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qLfGDw)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54322049119_dfc172a6e8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qLfGDM)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54322230670_75b64de643_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qLgCBY)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54321816446_693df75f6c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qLevub)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54322045253_4f1a31f0c1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qLfFv8)
Still painting tracks and getting ready to paint highlights.
The paint job's bringing them together nicely! They're starting to look the "real" deal! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Very very very nice 👌 👍
That's smooth mate...Guy is dead right ✅️ ;D
I need to spray the highlights and cover up a few missed spots.
One of the of the models I'm gonna build for the bad ideas GB ..a E100 with a 12.8cm AA gun ..has me thinking about shading and I'm gonna try something 🤔
I'm going to use light gray and black as primers so when I spray the main colour I'll get a different layer effect..might work out cool 😎
They're both looking very good. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Old Wombat on February 11, 2025, 04:28:10 PMThe paint job's bringing them together nicely! They're starting to look the "real" deal! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I could not have put it better :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks everyone!
I've been working on the tracks to make them look rusted and well used. I've also tried applying some to the road wheels and a few other spots. I'm up to the light rust.
Like the way this is working out. Nice paint work so far
Finally finished the track painting. A little dry brush of steel to go but I'll put that on when I'm ready to attach them. Very tedious!!!!
Quote from: kerick on February 16, 2025, 09:26:06 AMFinally finished the track painting. A little dry brush of steel to go but I'll put that on when I'm ready to attach them. Very tedious!!!!
;D ;D ;D
Yep ..been there many times Ken ..fun ain't it ?? :banghead: :wacko: :wacko:
For sure....those are starting to look so real ! Great stuff. Always nice to see whif armour that looks real.
Thanks mi amigos!
I designed some decals tonight for the Moose and Squirrel. I cooked up some I might use on the Alabama Slammer I've been thinking about for ages now.
Here's a pic of the decals I put together last night. The Moose and Squirrel names are in yellow which I thought would look good against the OD green. Everything else is black. Then there are the gun truck markings which includes the "BLOOD SWEAT AND TIRES" in color. Sweat should be in white but my printer doesn't have that so back to yellow.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54350991959_3921da9d1c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qNP3mg)
I just realized the Ace of Spades card image won't work unless I paint a white rectangle first. Drat!
Print some of them on white decal paper?
Quote from: PR19_Kit on February 25, 2025, 02:13:06 PMPrint some of them on white decal paper?
Or just cut out some rectangles from the white decal paper. Not sure I'll use that image. I got a little carried away with clipping images. Maybe on a later project.
They look great bud...those will really make this look awesome 👌 😃
I need to bust out the air brush. Maybe tomorrow, God willing.
:thumbsup:
Been waiting for this 😆
The Badger and the Weasel have been sprayed with highlights, glossed and ready for decals. Progress!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Here's some pics of the paint work so far. Decals are on too.
I sprayed some highlights on the upper surfaces.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54370271112_128f202216_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qQvRns)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54371142721_06f4f5a353_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qQAjtc)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54371349339_62795c302f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qQBnTz)
When I sprayed on the gloss coat some of the highlight disappeared. The areas that had more coverage held up but the light areas just blended in. My home made decals are working pretty good.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54371142016_cd0d7b0549_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qQAjg3)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54371142716_8a7cb50366_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qQAjt7)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54371377728_d41fe61fb8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qQBwk3)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54371377698_7d740b0533_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qQBwjw)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54371377738_4f8b771100_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qQBwkd)
Some matte coat and then the fiddly bits. The end is in sight!
I may have missed something here. Does the big bit tow the little bit or are they like a tag team, they only go around in pairs, but not connected?
A bit like Grumman Guardians used to do while hunting subs.
Definitely a tag team. The 90mm gun takes out anything up to an MBT and the TOW takes out the T55s etc.
Matte applied. Kind of a satin finish. I might look for something really flat. It just doesn't look quite right yet.
That's looking great bud ...fresh out of the storage shed after sitting for a decade or two 🙃
They are looking very good :thumbsup:
I found a can of good old dullcoat at a local craft store. Now I can make it look right.
:thumbsup: ...results mate 😄