So, having re-read the wiki page Womby posted above (which I did read when I began this build)...

The Subaru Brat was developed in Japan for the North American Market.  The first generation were sold in "North America and Canada" (I always thought Canada was part of North America.  Shows what I know eh.  Thank you Wikipaedia).
The second generation was also sold in Australia and New Zealand (as the Subaru Brumby), and in Europe (which included the UK back then).
Womby's pics are all second generation vehicles.
They were never sold in Japan.
The AMT kit is of the first generation Brat.

Well I never, perhaps I have seen one but just assumed they were Mitsubishis or similar?

Quote from: zenrat on March 05, 2025, 02:55:38 AMThe Subaru Brat was developed in Japan for the North American Market.  The first generation were sold in "North America and Canada" (I always thought Canada was part of North America.  Shows what I know eh.  Thank you Wikipaedia).

And here's me thinking Mexico was included in the geographical description of N America as well 

We had the Brat here in vast numbers ..a mate of dad's had them on his farm as his run around..he had 7 or 8 of em ...we'd paddock bash with em and it always turned into a race   

They were built in NZ.  Might explain the numbers.


I have painted the metal bodywork on the Woody (what little there is).  It's red.
It needs a light polish and then some clear.  Hopefully this weekend.

Firefly is painted, transferred, and cleared.  Fiddley bits next.  I've begin a back story in my usual way (plagiarised a big chunk off Wikipaedia).

MiG 15 is almost there.  Undercarriage and a few ariels to add.

Clear (or at least the first go at it) on the Woody today after work.
My trusty compressor has let me down (I figure its at least 15 years old).  The part of the regulator knob which grips the splined shaft to adjust the pressure has split.  I can still make adjustments with a pair of pliers but it is slow and awkward and I risk damaging the splines.  Glue is an option but I doubt it will hold.  I have made enquiries regarding a replacement part.

Quote from: zenrat on March 08, 2025, 05:17:06 AMI have made enquiries regarding a replacement part.

Best of luck with that 

There is nothing more excruciatingly painful than damaged splines!  The Okhrana  in Tzarist Russia extracted many confessions by this method.  It became so infamous internationally that Messrs Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold threatened to cease the export of pliers to St Petersburg.

Quote from: NARSES2 on March 08, 2025, 05:24:43 AM

Quote from: zenrat on March 08, 2025, 05:17:06 AMI have made enquiries regarding a replacement part.

Best of luck with that 

Hobby Tools Australia (who I bought the compressor off) sell the regulator and moisture trap separately.  The part in question is part of this assembly.  i am hopeful they can get individual parts from their supplier.

Slow boat from China?
Then they charge half the price of a whole new compressor.

Nice work on the Brat, Fred.
And the base is cool, too. 

Quote from: zenrat on March 08, 2025, 05:33:43 AM

Quote from: NARSES2 on March 08, 2025, 05:24:43 AM

Quote from: zenrat on March 08, 2025, 05:17:06 AMI have made enquiries regarding a replacement part.

Best of luck with that 

Hobby Tools Australia (who I bought the compressor off) sell the regulator and moisture trap separately.  The part in question is part of this assembly.  i am hopeful they can get individual parts from their supplier.

If they can't help mate then here's an idea for ya...CA the split together ..then once it's set..I take it it hollow between where the spline goes and you grip it ...fill that area with a good hard setting resin..that will stop the plastic from cracking again.

Thanks Phill.  That could work.
The rest of youse, stop being such negative nellies.

Quote from: Rick Lowe on March 08, 2025, 05:41:41 PMNice work on the Brat, Fred.
And the base is cool, too. 

Thanks Rick.  That's the unfinished base for the 1/35 Panhard VBL.  If i'm careful with my choice of accoutrements it can be used for 1/25 as well.


The Ant Rid drove the ants from my stash cupboard...

...and they moved to my bench where they were delighted to find my paintbrush water and set up home around/beneath it.
More Ant Rid has been applied.  The resulting sticky corpse strewn mess will finally force me to swap my old worn cutting mats for my nice new pink one.

MiG 15 is up on its feet.  Just some finishing paint touches and rigging an aerial to do.

Fireflyski fiddley bits to do.  It may get the small bombs Eduard supply for the MiG 15 which I have built clean.

Woody is demasked and ready for wood painting and whatever approach I decide to take with the roof (painted masking tape can provide a very effective vinyl roof texture).
Woody WIP 25-03-09 02 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
I want to scratch up a sunvisor something like this one.
48 Ford Woody by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Oh yes, that sun visor is very 'Aussie'. 

Spent time evicting the rest of the ants from the bench today.  WD40 works a treat, killing them instantly.
I then removed the old, knackered cutting mats and installed my new Hot Pink one.

Bench 25.03.10 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr