The M1238 is the US designation for the RG-33, a MRAP vehicle, an evolution of the RG-31.
The A1 version is an evolution of the base version, the main difference being the adoption of the TAK-4 suspension system. More info here: WarWheels.Net- M1238A1 RG-33A1 4x4 SOCOM MRAP Index
There are no RG-33 model kits available, so for this build I decided to use two existing model kits:
Kinetic RG-31 Mk5, from which I soon discovered that I would only use few parts
Trumpeter Mk.23, for the TAK-4 suspensions
but the majority of the model will be built using scratch built parts and 3D designed and printed parts.
Before starting this project I knew it would require a lot of effort and I asked myself “why would you want to spend so much time and money building a scale model?” the answer was that I really liked the vehicle I wanted to replicate and that this was essentially a way to challenge my modeling skills.
I started this build in the spring of 2024; it’s been through several starts and stops and isn’t nearly finished yet.
Here, I’ll try to present the main construction steps already completed.
I started with the hull and drivetrain.
The RG-33 hull is much larger than the RG-31, so the hull from the Kinetic kit isn’t suitable.
I built the hull from scratch with plasticard, considering the overall length to be similar to the RG-31 and using the TAK-4 track for the width.
I then added engine parts and driveshafts from the Kinetic kit and the two TAK-4 units from the Mk.23 kit.
I added plasticard and performed some “surgical” work on the Kinetic parts to accommodate the suspension assemblies.
Here is the front hood with bumper and fenders.
I designed the main parts, in cream and dark grey color, and added scratch built parts in plasticard and metal wires / plates.
The only parts I used from the Kinetic model are the hood latches (in light grey).
I envy your idea, your desire, your skill, and the ultimately successful model. If you ever come up with the idea of doing a resin/3D conversion, I’d be first in line.
The side boxes are a mix of scratch build and 3D printed parts.
Front plates are 3D printed while the box bodies are made with plasticard, the old cut and glue process
As if making this model wasn’t complex enough, I decided to include the interior as well.
These too are a combination of 3D-designed and printed parts, parts made with plasticard and wire, and parts recycled from other kits.
