Ryefield Models M1240A1 M-ATV, US MRAP All Terrain Vehicle

[Greg Kimsey]

Nope, not engine; next are suspension parts...

 

[Sharkmouth]

The support bars are made of brass tubing because...well...2 of the kit pieces went flying never to be seen again. The kit pieces were 1.16mm diameter, so I used 1.22 metal tubing since that was the closest size I had and cut them 10.68mm long with a rod to fit inside cut 1.25mm so it would fit into the pin hole. It took a long time and more than six tries to get six pieces the precise length LOL.

This happens to me quite a bit with the brittle plastic some companies use. It is nice to have a stocked 'scratch-builder's stash.'

 

[moon puppy]

Thanks for the reminder, as I'm linking up tracks I need to start painting Lulubelle as well.

I got a rig for cutting tube or rod on regular length, forgot who I got it from, smallshop (looks like they shut down) maybe? I'll get a picture.

 

[Greg Kimsey]

So this tow hook was somply butt joined to the frame and kept getting knocked off. I cut the connecting rod off and drilled out the hook and the frame with a 1.2mm bit and used the 1.22mm tube to make a sturdier connection point.

 

[Greg Kimsey]

Model #1 is assembled. The engine really is next this time. The details are just crazy on the kit. The plastic IS very soft though. Not a huge drawback, it is manageable; just an FYI.

 

[moon puppy]

Why paint it? it's already yellow!

 

[Greg Kimsey]

Ha! Yer right! I am calling it...it's done

Except for this part. Model #2, the engine. I have to admit that some of the instructions are not clear. An arrow points to a general area on the backside of the part in hand and you have to figure out how and where the part attaches, and it is not always obvious. Sometimes it is obvious when line up tabs are involved. But when it isn't clear and the reference doesn't show then I had to guess. Most are close-ish I think.

 

[moon puppy]

That's a big motor!

 

[Greg Kimsey]

That's a big motor!

Gotta be for this beast. Here are the specs:

 

[Greg Kimsey]

So, somehow, somewhere, a part fell off. I have swept, searched, moved everything, I got nuttin. The piece is one of a matching pair on the front bumper. I had some PE left over from the Missouri ship. I improvised with two pieces of the crane to replace what look like a towing rig. It is not accurate by any means, but what say you? See the matching piece to the missing one on the table indicated by the arrow and my solution in circles. My alternative is creating and 3D printing the part. Go to the effort or call it and move on?

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Looks like you have come up with some good alternatives to the parts Greg.

I have a porcelain tile floor all through my house since I had a water leak several years ago. Have dropped quite a number of parts on the floor in the "Hobby Shop" and found them all (even the TINY PE pieces). After 20 years of being a watchmaker, a person develops micro part finding skills.

It also helps to reorganize and clean up my work space on the bench before starting any new projects.

 

[moon puppy]

clean up my work space on the bench before starting any new projects.

Witch! Witch! It's Witchcraft I tell you!!



Press on Greg

 

[Sharkmouth]

My best friend is a vacuum with a section of nylon hosiery over the end.

 

[Greg Kimsey]

My best friend is a vacuum with a section of nylon hosiery over the end.

One of the guys im my model group does that. He has to be very specific when he is asking his wife for panty hose LOL

 

[Rhino]

This is a VERY popular kit with 1/35 modern armor builders. I would bet I've seen 5 or 6 of these built. All of them were awesome!

 

[Sharkmouth]

One of the guys im my model group does that. He has to be very specific when he is asking his wife for panty hose LOL

Sure, fishnet don't work!

 

[Greg Kimsey]

I am going to try the black base and chrome marbling like I use on airplanes to see what effect I get on armor. The chrome didn't seem to give enough contrast so I finished up with some gray primer in the centers using the marbling squiggles. The transmission is totally gray so I painted it in without squiggles. Now to see what I get after the desert yellow!

 

[moon puppy]

Chrome as a base for a top coat? Hmmm

 

[Greg Kimsey]

It looks OK I guess. I thinned the Tamiya XF59 Desert Yellow with Mr Leveler and sprayed many thin coats on the chassis. I used Tamiya XF3 flat yellow thinned with MrL on the engine then with a brush paint XF1 Flat Black in the belts and black parts. So far so good.

 

[Greg Kimsey]

Chrome as a base for a top coat? Hmmm

It is how I do the airplanes and I like the effect it gives, so...why not?