Volvo L220E Front Loader conversion

ti · January 11, 2010, 02:59:53 PM

The basis for the model is a 1/32 toy-like remote control from NewRay(never heard of them before) Naturally, there were many mistakes and inaccuracies on this vehicle when I bought it. Quite understandable as it wasn't meant to be a a collectible item but merely a simple toy for kids around the age of 5-7 years of age. My interest was to build a wheel loader after seeing Mig's version but didn't want to spend the amount they were asking for the model(yes, I know...cheap person

)

Anyhow, I wasn't too fond of the look of Mig's version, as I wanted something more
heavy-looking. Since there weren't anything in kit form, especially in 1/35 scale, I decided to look at other alternatives. So I was out grocery shopping and spotted this toy-like wheel loader. I stopped and looked at it and my mind started as usual sketching out the design aspects. I noticed it was not much of a model with not detailing what-so-ever, and a remote control toy at that. So I forgot about it, although I took noticed of the name of this particular model brand and decided I'll do a search on the net, just for the hell of it.

Doing an INTERNET search for this particular vehicle brand version I noticed I would have to do an extreme modification of the toy wheel loader if I wanted a nice representation of the real wheel loader. So after many days of contemplation and preparation I decided to buy the toy and go to work on it. Like I mentioned before, I did a reasonable amount of re-construction and refurbishing to get it to look like a descent enough model to be displayed. I had to remove all the remote devices and spokes motors and what-nots from within the toy loader. All sealed-up openings had to be cut out as well as other areas had to be cut out like on the real vehicle. Some parts were removed and new scratch built pieces were used in it's place. It was a good bit of work but the results was all worth it. All grab-irons, hydraulic hoses, pipings, antennae, wipers, support window braces, hinges, side view mirrors support braces, air intake, step grills, mud guards, rear view mirror and a drag hook were all scratch built.

Since I wanted a military version look I decided to paint it green and added all the necessary details like the strobe light and antennae. I think the end result really stands out than the original toy-like wheel loader. Now, this particular model is the L220E Wheel Loader manufacture by Volvo. I personally have no idea if this particular model exist in military colors but regardless if one exist or not, it does look good wearing the military color scheme, for sure. Introducing this front loader into the military would do it justice.

This is the 1/32 scale Volvo L220E Wheel loader. Took me 6 days to get the results you see in the pics.

Before:

After:

lenny100 · January 11, 2010, 03:47:52 PM

that from a toy wow

Scooterman · January 11, 2010, 06:50:09 PM

N E A T

Ian the Kiwi Herder · January 12, 2010, 12:32:27 AM

Dear G*d !

Can anybody here find fault with anything this guy has shown so far ?? - No neither can I - superb work, all of it, Ti....... and (belated) welcome to the asylum

Ian

ti · January 12, 2010, 01:06:16 AM

I'm sure there are some faults in my work Ian. Just probably not easy to spot

Thanks for the comments. I appreciate it.

batmancustoms · January 12, 2010, 12:33:04 PM

very cool!

Ed S · January 12, 2010, 01:17:49 PM

Very nice. Excellent finish and detail work on the loader.

Ed

Weaver · January 12, 2010, 02:12:50 PM

TOP piece of work, particularly since you had to de-construct it to re-construct it, so to speak.

You should put that in a model competition with a fake "proper" kit company name on it like "Tamigawa" (but less obvious) and then sit back and watch all the JMNs scatch their heads....

chrisonord · January 12, 2010, 02:20:03 PM

That is yet another piece of excellence Ti.
What are you like at knitting by the way?? :rolleyes:cos I am now going to take it up

Cheers
Chris.

ti · January 12, 2010, 02:48:43 PM

Quote from: Weaver on January 12, 2010, 02:12:50 PM
TOP piece of work, particularly since you had to de-construct it to re-construct it, so to speak.

You should put that in a model competition with a fake "proper" kit company name on it like "Tamigawa" (but less obvious) and then sit back and watch all the JMNs scatch their heads....

Mmmmmmmmmm! sounds smart.

Chris, No risk there at all. I'm hopeless.

thedarkmaster · January 12, 2010, 02:59:26 PM

Oh wow man, i just cannot believe what you do and what you achieve, it's all so outstanding

top class work keep it up, in fact never stop

ti · January 12, 2010, 03:08:20 PM

Thanks mate. Will try to co never stop

Mike Wren · January 13, 2010, 03:13:10 AM

superb modelling!

ti · January 14, 2010, 01:19:05 PM

Thanks Mike.

Sisko · January 15, 2010, 03:06:47 PM

Quote from: Ian the Hunter-Gatherer on January 12, 2010, 12:32:27 AM
Dear G*d !

Can anybody here find fault with anything this guy has shown so far ?? - No neither can I - superb work, all of it, Ti....... and (belated) welcome to the asylum

Ian

I agree!

Your work is to a very high standard. I have enjoyed all your posts and can't wait to see more.

Some in progress pics would be nice if you have them. It would be nice to see how you go about your scratchbuilding.