SMJmodeler
Junior Member
Member since: October 2015
Posts: 90
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
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Post by SMJmodeler on Nov 23, 2015 13:55:01 GMT -5
Guys:
Well I'm finally back to the workbench! After a thoroughly enjoyable sifting through the stash I decided to start an M4 High Speed Tractor. I have both of the HobbyBoss offerings of this vehicle but decided to go with the 3in/ 90mm version. If you're not familiar with this kit here is the boxing: I also thumbed through some research material and found some interesting ideas to scratch-build to customize the build. Scratch-build #1: The text for this photo says that the wood blocks were experimental and were added to further distribute the weight of the vehicle. This vehicle was based in Oahu so I imagine it worked in boggy areas due to the amount of rain. Close inspection reveals that this is the 155mm/ 240mm version (other HobbyBoss Kit) of this vehicle but oh well...I like it so I decided it would be plausible for my 3"/90mm version to have this same experiment and so it shall! I'm still pondering how to best make the wood blocks. Balsa wood is the obvious choice but I think styrene blocks would glue-up better and bond better...we'll see. Either way the kit-included vinyl tracks will NOT work, so they have to go! I'll be buying some replacement Bronco indies real soon. Scratch-build #2:After seeing this photo of the M4 WITHOUT the storage box on the back ( note the background vehicle): AND this photo: I thought it would be REALLY COOL to build a small version of the flatbed of the M8E2 and replace the kit included mortar rounds storage box. I'm thinking something about 1/2 the size but with the same look. I'll use to-scale 4X's for a wood deck surrounded by a metal frame. The wood WILL be balsa with extruded styrene pieces for the frame. I'll simulate the handles/ hooks by bending small gauge wire. I don't have any pic's or proof that such a flatbed was ever added/ existed...but again, I think it's plausible so I'm going with it! Anyway...that's the plan! I am well along on the build portion and will be posting some progress pic's soon. For anyone following along who hopes to build this kit, I've found some discrepancies in the instructions so I'll copy/ post those too. Here's a sketch of the flatbed and wood block tracks idea, this is going to be fun! Thanks for checking in... SMJmodeler
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Post by deafpanzer on Nov 23, 2015 15:45:26 GMT -5
SWEET! I got me first row of seat... how cool!
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Post by wbill76 on Nov 24, 2015 12:38:01 GMT -5
Pulling up a chair to see what comes next!
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Post by dupes on Nov 25, 2015 13:17:50 GMT -5
First build after how long? And you're just going to dive into a complicated scratch project?
Sounds about right. Hahahahaha.
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SMJmodeler
Junior Member
Member since: October 2015
Posts: 90
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
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Post by SMJmodeler on Nov 25, 2015 14:43:03 GMT -5
deafpanzer: Glad you got here early to get a good seat wbill76: Hey Bill! Glad to see you here! dupes: In hindsight I should have built a tank as my come-back vehicle! The build portion of this baby reminds me of the Stuka Zu Fuss from your GB....but WORSE! Lots of open interior work...not to mention the visible radiator and engine compartment. I guess I needed something challenging to get me building again. Glad you dropped by!
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Post by Leon on Nov 25, 2015 16:37:01 GMT -5
Pulling up a chair now!
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Post by deafpanzer on Nov 30, 2015 13:40:55 GMT -5
deafpanzer: Glad you got here early to get a good seat Yeah as long as Todd doesn't sit in front of me. Have you seen how tall he is?
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Post by wing_nut on Nov 30, 2015 13:44:48 GMT -5
deafpanzer: Glad you got here early to get a good seat Yeah as long as Todd doesn't sit in front of me. Have you seen how tall he is? Yeah and what about the melon sized head? Won;'t be able to see crap. But I'll try
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Post by Tojo72 on Dec 1, 2015 9:03:49 GMT -5
Very interesting project Steve
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SMJmodeler
Junior Member
Member since: October 2015
Posts: 90
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
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Post by SMJmodeler on Dec 8, 2015 14:09:33 GMT -5
Guys: I’ve made a lot progress on the M4 and thought I’d post an update. The build portion went very well. This is a real nice kit with good engineering. My only gripe is the amount & placement of ejector marks. There are several of them along the fenders, inside the cab and the dashboard, some of which are deep and required filling & sanding. The instructions are clear & concise but I did find a couple omissions. The highlighted items need to be addressed:
NOTE: Be sure to mount the front bumper JUST BELOW the fender!!! I didn’t catch this until AFTER a test fitting and checking of my reference material. I had to do a good bit of sanding to the front-bottom of the cab to get it to nestle-down correctly. Moving right along...I did a little scratch work at the back of the engine compartment to get ready for the flatbed and fortunately found a great reference photo to work from. I added the lower bar, just above the belt pulley, made from an Evergreen styrene “L angle” and the vertical bar from a spare part. The added PE plates at the bottom corners were sawn from spare PE parts. Note: Along the way I decided that my other HobbyBoss M4 kit would be helpful as a kitbash (spare parts) and since I picked up this M4 for so cheap I felt it was worth it. I’ve pillaged a bunch of other things which I will note along the way. Here’s how it came out: I wanted to make the flatbed area bigger than the kit included ammo box area so I shaped two 15mm long “plate steel” angles from spare parts and added them to the back of the hull. I stole the bumper from the other M4 kit and added it to the top of the angles. I had to add a filler from where the fenders ended to reach to the bumper but the sheet styrene I bought for this task was too thick. Again, kitbash to the rescue...(maybe I should buy two of every kit I work on!) I sawed-off two lengths from the other kits hull and of course the thickness was perfect. Lastly, I had to extend the gas tank filler tube (not in photos) to get past the back of the bumper...again, a kitbash. Here’s how it all came together: Before starting the flatbed I reviewed my design idea: The perimeter frame was made from Evergreen styrene 3/16” “c channels” and the divider plate was made from an Evergreen sheet. I needed to raise the divider plate a bit to clear the engine belt pulley, that was done by adding a 3/16” Evergreen “L angle” I think it came out nice: Last but not least I needed to make the bed surface. I wanted to have it look like laminated 4X8’s standing on edge (like a wooden cutting board) so what better than real wood! I bought some small ,to scale, basswood strips that would fit in the 3/16” c-channels . I intentionally cut them a bit long for fittng later and then sandwiched/glued a bunch of them together. After a night of drying in the clamps here how it looks: That’s where I am so far, more to come later....
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 8, 2015 15:01:57 GMT -5
Flatbed? Now you are making this more interesting for us to follow and learn... great drawings!
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adt70hk
Forum Moderator
Member since: November 2015
Currently attempting to build something decent!!! ;)
Posts: 2,511
MSC Staff
Nov 17, 2015 7:23:30 GMT -5
Nov 17, 2015 7:23:30 GMT -5
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Post by adt70hk on Dec 8, 2015 18:00:30 GMT -5
Flatbed? Now you are making this more interesting for us to follow and learn... great drawings! Great drawings indeed!! Please tell though that they're plans you've acquired from somewhere and that you haven't drawn them yourself?!?!?! It's bad enough watching your amazing modelling skills at work but the idea that you also did the drawings yourself would be too much!! It also looks like I'll be watching from the back row judging but the number of people who are already here!! Regards Andrew
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Post by Leon on Dec 9, 2015 12:16:59 GMT -5
WOW...Nice scratch work on the frame and bed!
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SMJmodeler
Junior Member
Member since: October 2015
Posts: 90
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
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Post by SMJmodeler on Dec 10, 2015 10:07:08 GMT -5
deafpanzer: I'm glad the flatbed idea & drawing caught your interest. I'm pleased with the results, it looks really cool . I can't wait to get to the painting phase! adt70hk: The drawings came from me:D , thanks for the comments. Leon: Thanks!
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Post by dupes on Dec 10, 2015 10:13:37 GMT -5
Moving right along...nice work!
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Post by dierk on Dec 10, 2015 10:20:05 GMT -5
Niiice! Excellent display of skills, giving this project some added spice. Have you considered applying for the job of doing Dragon's instructions? You'd do a better job than they currently are
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adt70hk
Forum Moderator
Member since: November 2015
Currently attempting to build something decent!!! ;)
Posts: 2,511
MSC Staff
Nov 17, 2015 7:23:30 GMT -5
Nov 17, 2015 7:23:30 GMT -5
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Post by adt70hk on Dec 10, 2015 10:37:58 GMT -5
adt70hk: The drawings came from me:D , thanks for the comments. I give up.........
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Post by Leon on Dec 10, 2015 12:16:53 GMT -5
No giving up allowed Andrew! LOL
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Post by armorguy on Dec 10, 2015 16:00:30 GMT -5
This is nice !
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Post by wbill76 on Dec 10, 2015 20:49:20 GMT -5
Coming along nicely Steve! Got to love the color illustrations.
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adt70hk
Forum Moderator
Member since: November 2015
Currently attempting to build something decent!!! ;)
Posts: 2,511
MSC Staff
Nov 17, 2015 7:23:30 GMT -5
Nov 17, 2015 7:23:30 GMT -5
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Post by adt70hk on Dec 12, 2015 1:08:11 GMT -5
Niiice! Excellent display of skills, giving this project some added spice. Have you considered applying for the job of doing Dragon's instructions? You'd do a better job than they currently are Dierk's right, the drawings really are amazing.... Leon - don't worry I've got over my moment of uber depression at how outrageously talented SMJ is
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SMJmodeler
Junior Member
Member since: October 2015
Posts: 90
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
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Post by SMJmodeler on Dec 15, 2015 11:54:37 GMT -5
Dupes: Thanks! dierk: Thanks..and I like the word spice. Something just "clicked" when I saw the flatbed on the other vehicle. I thought this would be the "Ford Ranger" version of the "Ford F-350". I see it as a practical/ useful vehicle too! My research of the Pacific Theater talked a lot about the difficulty the army had in getting supplies to the troops on the TERRIBLE road conditions due to the RELENTLESS rainfall! I saw a bunch of pic's of The Duece-and-a-Half up to it's wheel wells in mud and even bulldozers being used to haul supplies!
adt70hk: Good to hear you're not giving up! I see you're junior member so I assume you're still young. Keep honing you're skills and don't be afraid to ask questions, there's a wealth of talent here on the forum and we're here to help & share!
armorguy: Thanks, glad you like it so far.
wbill76: Thanks Bill...boy, I didn't realize the color drawings would grab so much attention, thanks for noticing. I'm glad I made the effort too, they were especially helpful as I was sizing up the plate behind the engine area.
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bbrowniii
Full Member
Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,235
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Dec 15, 2015 21:18:17 GMT -5
Steve walks into the room, plops down his first build in months. Over the gasps of awe and amazement, he cries out:
"I'm back bi%$hes!!!"
Drop the mic, exit stage left.
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SMJmodeler
Junior Member
Member since: October 2015
Posts: 90
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
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Post by SMJmodeler on Dec 16, 2015 9:36:49 GMT -5
bbrowniii: BROWNEEEEEE!!!! Hey man, glad you dropped by. I saw your name on a few threads so I figured you were hangin' around here somewhere. I assume your still building, where should I be looking to find what your working on?
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Post by wing_nut on Dec 16, 2015 15:27:29 GMT -5
Looking good Steve.
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adt70hk
Forum Moderator
Member since: November 2015
Currently attempting to build something decent!!! ;)
Posts: 2,511
MSC Staff
Nov 17, 2015 7:23:30 GMT -5
Nov 17, 2015 7:23:30 GMT -5
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Post by adt70hk on Dec 16, 2015 18:03:57 GMT -5
adt70hk: Good to hear you're not giving up! I see you're junior member so I assume you're still young. Keep honing you're skills and don't be afraid to ask questions, there's a wealth of talent here on the forum and we're here to help & share! In modelling skills yes, very young and I am still definitely crawling.....in real life, the wrong side of 40..... I did a little bit of pretty poor wargaming modelling in my youth but then didn't touch one for well over 25 years. Then my young son decided he wanted one on a visit to hobby store 18 months ago and the bug has well and truly bitten....(just ask my wife) But as you'll see from by initial posts on joining last month, I have a very long way to go..... however I really am enjoying the journey and am finding the input from people on here invaluable. In the meantime, if you could hold-off posting any updates for a week or so, just so us mere mortals aren't completely overwhelmed by your outrageous talent, I'd be grateful? Seriously though it really is looking amazing and is a great inspiration. Regards Andrew PS as other's will tell you I'm not worried about asking questions, quite the opposite.
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afvfan
Senior Member
Member since: December 2012
Bob
Posts: 1,772
Dec 10, 2012 17:32:38 GMT -5
Dec 10, 2012 17:32:38 GMT -5
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Post by afvfan on Dec 16, 2015 18:22:54 GMT -5
This definitely ain't your daddy's Aurora kit! Nice work so far.
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bbrowniii
Full Member
Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,235
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Dec 16, 2015 21:45:11 GMT -5
bbrowniii: BROWNEEEEEE!!!! Hey man, glad you dropped by. I saw your name on a few threads so I figured you were hangin' around here somewhere. I assume your still building, where should I be looking to find what your working on? Steeeeeeeeeeeve!!! Yeah, man. I'm here and still building. Last 10 -12 months have been so busy I have not posted many pics. I'll try to add some over my kids winter break.
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Post by dupes on Dec 17, 2015 11:24:06 GMT -5
We want an update! We want an update!
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SMJmodeler
Junior Member
Member since: October 2015
Posts: 90
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
Oct 28, 2015 13:55:05 GMT -5
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Post by SMJmodeler on Dec 17, 2015 13:05:54 GMT -5
wing_nut: Thanks!
adt70hk: I apologize for assuming you were a youngster (not that's there anything wrong with that)...in reality, you probably wish you were younger, huh? Your comments are too kind, but appreciated. afvfan: Thanks for dropping by. Aurora?!...haven't heard that one for awhile...reminds me of an AFX race car track I had when I was young. bbrowniii: Good to hear your still building, I'll look forward to your post.
dupes: I could post a picture of all my primed sub-assemblies but that'd be the only update. I'm ready to start painting, hopefully this Saturday. I'm also patiently waiting for the arrival of my AFV Club indies, which are coming from overseas so it could be a while. BTW: I ended going with the T48's like you first mentioned, they'll have the duckbills too! The indies work, added wood blocks and braille-scale bolt heads will be a kit-level build in itself!
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