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
