On the Bench - 1/16 Gecko Universal Carrier Mk.II - Part 2

 Work is continuing on the Gecko Models Universal Carrier Mk.II.  I have completed the construction of the bogeys, minus the spring end pins, which I will add once they are mounted and the vehicle is leveled.  Once in, they will lock any movement in the suspension.

I next moved on to the interior, which will be well viewable, and nicely detailed.  In the front there are a lot of rods and details, including really nicely detailed seat mounts.  Painting needs to be planned, as once the front plate is on, it would be difficult to get paint in there, and weather.

I did paint the visible radiator and hose prior to mounting and "masked" off.  It should be noted, that the full engine is available as a seperate kit from Gecko, but the engine cover plates in the rear are all molded shut, so you need to do a bit of cutting and scratch building if you wanted to show it off.

Back up front, the instrument panel is also well detailed, but unfortunately Gecko does not provide decals for the instruments or other detail for it.  So currently I am scouring the internet looking for images of the panel, and trying to source the dials to print and install.

I am painting with AK Interactive Real Colours, SCC15 Olive Drab.  I do like it, but where I live it is getting harder to source without having to order online.

On the Bench - 1/16 Gecko Universal Carrier Mk.II

I have started working on the Gecko Models 1/16 Universal Carrier Mk.II.  So far have found it to be a nice kit, well molded details, good instructions, and "big".  If you have ever built a 1/35 scale, you will know what I mean.  

The interior starts with the steering and control mounted to the floor, and assembly is pretty straight forward.  The fuel tanks are added, as well as some storage boxes and battery.  I added a little bit of copper wire for the battery connection just add that little bit of extra details, most of it will be hidden, but I know it is there.

I have know started on the running gear, and Gecko provides nicely plastic molded springs.  They do have a lot of sprue gates, so cutting them off takes a little care and time.

I do recommend a good thin file to clean up the sprue gates, the one from Border Models does a great job.  Sliding them over a rod will help with the clean up as they are a little fragile and makes holding the parts while sanding a lot easier.

Off the Bench - Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle

 

Well after some time, and frustration, the Gecko Models Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle is coming on the bench.  Overall it is a very nice kit, there are some finnicky bits, and I did lose one of the propeller blades, but was able to 3D print a set to replace them all. 

The model was painted with AK Real Colors and weathered with AK Pencils and Ammo by Mig shadders, with a little bit of enamel washes included.

On the Bench - Takom SpPz 2 Luchs A1/A2

 

This is a side build I have had going for some time, the Takom SpPz 2 Luchs.  The kit from Takom is not one of their greatest.  The sprues have lots of flash, there are some parts with weak detail, and the fit for a lot of parts is not great.

The kits does provide option for both the A1 and A2 versions, I chose the A2.

The kits does have some nice details, the suspension and running gear are well done, even though at times trick to assemble.  But if you take your time you can get the steerable wheels to work.

Unfortunately I would not recommend this kit, though I would be interested in how the Revell kit of this vehicle builds.

On the Bench - Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle - Part 2

 

Work on the Gecko Models Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle continues with paint applied.  I used AK Real colours, have to say my favorite paint.  The model was pre-shaded prior to painting with light grey, black, yellow and brown.

With two coat of Future, yes I still have some and use it, ready for decals.

On the Bench - Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle

Started back a little while ago, the Gecko US Navy Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle(PACV) or as some may say, a hovercraft.  The kit is well molded with lots of details, including a well done interior with options to model the front door in the open position.

Probably one of the trickiest parts of the build is the machine gunner stand on the interior, there are no real attach points for strength, and lining up the bars to fit into both the slots in the floor and roof are tricky.  I used Testors liquid cement to "tack" the bars in place, then dry fitted the roof to line up the bars.  Once lined up, I put a couple of drops of CA on the joints and left to dry.

I was also concerned with painting, so I pre-painted some of the areas that may be tricky for the airbrush to reach once I start final painting.

It is a good kit, and I would recommend it. 

Off the Bench - Land Wasser Schlepper

 Just completed, the Bronco Land Wasser Schlepper (Mid Production).  Overall this is a good kit, detailed interior, nice details and overall great fit.  The build was basically out of the box, with the addition of a few extra pieces.  

The model was painted using AK Real Colors(lacquer) and weather with a combination of the AK Weathering pencils and some enamel washes.

The woven bumper is from Thatchweave, which adds a great look to the vehicle.  

The boxes on the back are from Value Gear, and the tool box and tools are 3D printed.  As for the flag, it comes with the kit, is a cloth material, and is was formed using Mod-Podge.