This is my first large 3DP kit attempt. So I thought I’d create a b-blog (build blog) and share the experience and get feedback enroute. Feedback is a gift!
Patience, please. I am just restarting on 1/35 after years of absence.
If this is for Atlanta then I will be there to see it in person.
2 Likes
I’m part of the AMPS-ATL crew, and I work the show. See you there!
1 Like
Updates to the build. I’ve focused on acquiring a RWS and selected the M151. I plan to (so far) use the MK19, because the M2 is really meant for something the Bushmaster cannon already can do: defeat targets at extended ranges. The MK19 gives the AGDS suppression and local (under 1,000m) destruction.
Some WIP on the M151 system. It’s amazing how bad my work looks under extreme close-up photography!
1 Like
Created a muzzle for the MK19.
I plan to add rudimentary wiring (to the smoke dischargers for example). The MK19 kit did not include a charging handle. Kit-bashing I will do!
1 Like
The digital camera.
The model builders worst enemy and best friend.
3 Likes
Deloused the turret and attachments, then washed in warm soapy water. B+ or A- on printing. RS launcher is a bit proud in the stored position. The hatches are 0.x smaller than their openings. Position carefully with Cyanocrylate zap-a-gap, and see what detailing does to the lines.
Pics
3 Likes
If lice are a problem with your kits I might suggest obtaining some DDT on the black market and sprinkling the powder around the base of your shelving.
3 Likes
Oiy Vay
Thanks for the laugh. “De-lousing” has been used in the US military for a couple of things:
- clearing an area of potentially hidden enemy (sneaky aircraft, threatening submarines, etc.)
- Using coax to get troops OFF/AWAY FROM your wingman’s MBT. VERY effective, if a bit messy!
- Removing unnecessary materials (such as the printing sprues left on 3DP monblocs)
4 Likes
Close to finalizing the RWS:
I’ve also worked on the turret subs: the missile pods, radar, and sight rotor behind the cupola. The guns (optional M2 HBMG or MK19 AGL) need a wash of gunmetal.
More to follow.
3 Likes
UPDATE-
Following near-completion of the RWS work, I turned my attention to the hull, and to prepping the turret for assembly/attachments and painting both. The hull is an educational exercise wrt 3DP resin. The turret will get mounted to an RFM M1A2 chassis in the near future. This is because, with the help of fellow kitmakers, I found that it’s bore (the model’s turret ring) fits the piston (the turret insert into the hull) most closely, and is in itself a well-executed kit.
I did find the printer’s hull and running gear (banana tank) exquisitely detailed, but a bit simpler than I’d wanted to for a vignette (see AMPS rules).
Overall progress:
Color/tone differences are the result of lighting and position of iPhone wrt subject.
Sub assembly update from a few days past:
- The monolithic hull, and monolithic running gear/track assembly before joining
- The skirts with stand-off supports
- The turret subassembly, w/o the radar or ADATS “head” finally attached
2 Likes
Observations:
- The turret is a bit askew. The missile TEL boxes are not symmetrically cut-in to the turret structure. The RH box, when in teh stowed position, overlays the turret roof join about 1.5mm.
- My workaround is to display that box elevated w/ a scratch0-build erector mechanism shown under the box
- Once sanded, the turret (below) is a clean shape overall, grade at A-. Nearly all the fittings are printed, so I will evaluate my skill at removing handles and lifting points and adding detail. The entire thing is printed at 0.1mm resolution. Overall surface is A, with nicely printed bolt heads on the longitudinal plates, good wire diameter and consistency for the bustle racks, and good details like the exhaust fittings on the top right front and the left front behind the open recess into the left turret cheek. The right cheek has the AESA spheroid printed in place.
I am reevaluating my choice for the RWS (surprise!).
I will attach CIP s (combat identification panels) to the sides and rear of the turret (donations from a very nice Tamiya box-o-goodies).
I will evaluate the detail of the printed smoke dischargers mounted to the turret cheekbone prominence. I plan to mount reload boxes below the launchers.
WHEW!
2 Likes
Skull detail: see the objective lenses. The narrow nose-box between the L and R lenses is a laser SACLOS transceiver.
2 Likes
Looks good, but that resin colour hides a lot of detail at this stage… will be good to see it primed so it can all be seen.
2 Likes