OK, so I have decided to crank out a “correction set” for venerable and easily available Tamiya or Academy M151A2 jeep kits (if you have been doing this hobby for a while, I’m sure many of you had built one from the 80s or even the newer issues).
First, I revised the CAD designs for the upper suspension A-arms after getting hold of more reference photos. The shape was rounder than I had originally drawn:
Second, I CADded the M151A2 front grill to solve the annoying molded headlight issue [I am aware of DEF’s DM35133 set but I wanted to see if I can build one on my own]. I plan to DIY the clear lenses by using a UV-clear resin (you can also use a 2-part clear epoxy resin from Hobby Lobby or Michaels if in the US/Canada) or 3D print them separately.
Lastly, I CADded these spring shocks and columns/sticks to correct the kits’ heights. Currently, all the kits are doing low rides - they should be at least 2-3 inches higher in real life (around 76 mm or 2.18 mm in 1/35 scale). So I can use these parts to correct the heights. Not the perfect solution but should improve.
Spring for the front, spring for the rear, columns for the front, then for the rear suspensions/wheels:
Those sticks can go to the highlighted sections to add the needed height.
Planning to print these out this weekend.
Kind regards,
James