Starting something new here - I want to try to convert Meng’s armored D9 to a civilian version.
In a previous blog I mentioned that I had hoped for Meng to offer a civil model or at least an aftermarket conversion by someone. Gino provided a link to just such a conversion with 3D printed parts but they are apparently no longer available.
Basically the entire cab/fuel tanks / ROPS area will
Need to be scratch building along with modifying the hood/ grill areas to remove the armored slats .
It would be nice to find a real one to measure but they are thin on the ground here in the NE coast .
I’ll be working from internet images and videos.
Stay tuned.
RT
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Sounds like it will be a good project to follow along. So, grabbing my bucking of popcorn and pop. 
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Did you see this thread from the old forum ?
https://automodeler.kitmaker.net/forums/261844/
and these pics ?
https://public.fotki.com/lotso/meng-cat-d9r-dozer-/
https://www.world-in-scale.de/gallery/trucks-construction/1-35-caterpillar-d9r-by-meng-model/
H.P.
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Same. 
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Does the civilian version have cupholders?
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Thanks Frenchy - I had seen one of these builds but not the other. All will be helpful.
Cheers-RT
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@RDT1953, as a fellow iron enthusiast, I’m looking forward to seeing this build!
You may already know of this resource, but if not, it might be useful:
I like to scratch build, and find IronPlanet to be a great resource for iron, trucks, and all sorts of big things!
Looking forward to seeing your build 
Cheers
Nick
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Thanks Nick - These links will be very helpful !
Cheers-Richard
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I’m looking Forward to your build.
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Good luck with this build Richard. This will be interesting, I’ll be following. I met up with Jim at Armorcon this past weekend.
Thanks Matthew- Jim told me he spoke with you.
One of these days I’ll attend an AMPS event .
I understand Jim came home with a couple Sherman awards including an actual piston from a Sherman engine !
Cheers-RT
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Yes, Jim won our “Best Sherman” award which, along with the trophy, comes with a piston from an M4A3 Ford GAA engine!
That was our last piston though. So we’re looking for donations of worn out Sherman parts.
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While not the same, making a piston replica might be a more sustainable in the long run. Still a cool idea.
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Showing my ignorance here perhaps - isn’t the piston in discussion from a Ford flathead V8 ?
Should be plenty of them around.
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Thanks ! I could use some shots of the top of the hood if you have them …
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PM sent - Thanks
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Check your email.
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