SF3D/MaK 1/35 Sand Stalker 232M scratchbuild.

[maschinenkrueger]

While working on the 5 piece PE and foil straps for the fuel can holders on the 6x6, I about snapped and needed something fun to build.

The Sandstalker 232 is a Mercenary Army armored reconnaissance hover vehicle. Not sure how it hovers nor the power source and I'm sure Kow doesn't either but it sure looks cool. Base kit is the old Tamiya 232. There are about a dozen donor kits that go into this.

This is what it will hopefully look like.



Cutting the hull top is a challenging but necessary first step. It was easier to cut this part up now rather than later like on the original model.



This is going to be a rough seam to fill and sand flush w/o destroying the bullet splash guards.



The ribs slot into the rectangular holes for the fenders. I curled these by hand. The holes on each side are not mirror image so the ribs look skewed.






The rim and the fender box level out the bottom of the hull. The backs of the 8Rad wheels are the "hover jets" I added the ribbed styrene for extra beauty.



Getting the shapes correct on the hull are going to be the biggest challenge.

[Deleted]

Interesting build. I will be watching!!

[bullardino]

Wow, I liked your 250/9, this is going to be even better

[Mence]

This is gonna be great!

[Leon]

That looks cool.Count me in.Always up for a good sci-fi build.

[Deleted]

This is just way too cool.

G

[dupes]

A "relaxing, fun" scratchbuild, eh? :0

Looks great so far!

[deafpanzer]

WHOA! I better jump aboard... already looking good!

[Deleted]

Im in, looks like a challenge!

[maschinenkrueger]

Hey, thanks all. It's going to be a challenge to match the curves on this. My earlier floater (snicker) was easy because I could make it up as I went along - and was still off in some spots. This is going to interesting.

[maschinenkrueger]

Here's more.

A epoxy putty skin was applied over a styrene frame.





This is sorta what it looks like prior to the epoxy putty.





This approach keeps the underside hollow like the original. Some greeblies will be in order to cover up the huge gaps. When I get past this stage, the rest will be easy. I hope.

[deafpanzer]

AHHHH! I wouldn't have figured this out myself... great tip! Can't wait to see your next update.

[bbd468]

OH MAN, This is just TOO KEWL!!! Great works right there fella. Will be fun to watch come together!

[Leon]

Ditto what Gary said.

[bullardino]

Wow, what a scratchbuild...

[multicam]

Very cool, MaK! Love it so far! What kind of epoxy putty is that? How easy is it to work with?

[maschinenkrueger]

Thanks guys.

Multicam - I'm using Aves Apoxy Sculpt. Great stuff! Highly recommended. Much easier and softer than Miliput.

[Return_To_Kit_Form]

man I love watching your builds dude. I live my Mak life vicariously these days.

[maschinenkrueger]

:-D


OK. The front nose has been filled and shaped out. The styrene is a little thin in some spots so I need to reinforce it somehow but access is going to be a challenge. I used thinned Tamiya Grey Putty to add the cast texture to the rear skirts.





The nose might be a little broad. In some angles it looks good, in others it doesn't match. :-\

[Leon]

That is looking way cool MaK.Like were this is going.Keep up the good work.

[bullardino]

Awesome, MaK

[Deleted]

Flippin' sweet!

How about some expanding foam from a home improvement store? Spritz a bit in there and allow it to expand out the back of the nose so as to not crack your work.

Maybe?

G

[maschinenkrueger]

That's a good idea G maybe next time, I think I got it fixed and I'm happy with the nose profile.



Some Front on shots.







I didn't have the correct 1/12 moto kit so I used something close enough.

[legend]

Like it!....like it!....I LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fab stuff

Bill

[Deleted]

Oh yeah!

G

[bullardino]

OMG, that's a masterpiece

[Leon]

Great progress Mac.That is looking way cool.

[deafpanzer]

WOW! Nearly missed your last update... great job on the hull!!!

[multicam]

super cool, MaK! Love it!

[maschinenkrueger]

Thanks all. I've been fighting a cold the last few days so not much has been done lately.