Arnie's Ford GPA (Tamiya 1/35)

[scottie3158]

Thanks Paul!

Did you have any fit issues with the driver when you built yours?

To be honest I didn't use him, so I can't say.

[Tim Marlow]

Looking good Arnie. Fun little subject.

[A_J_Rimmer]

Thanks Gents - it's still progressing, decals are going on. The wheels are just tested fitted for the photo. I need to do some weathering to the suspension before I glue them in place.

[scottie3158]

Arnold, all looking good.

[A_J_Rimmer]

Arnold, all looking good.

Thanks Paul!

[David Lovell]

Hi Arnold looking good ,driver and figures or driver and a cab full of junk plus nature of the beast a good dash of weathering. Is this a reboxing of the old kit or new moulds im sure the old one came with driver and standing figure. Dave

[Guest]

There were a few versions of this kit released over the years, the original had a driver and a standing figure, the next had Soviet figures (from ICM) lounging next to the vehicle, and the most recent one had three new American crew figures for inside, plus parts for the engine and a photoetched grille (maybe the Soviet version also has those, not sure).

[A_J_Rimmer]

There were a few versions of this kit released over the years, the original had a driver and a standing figure, the next had Soviet figures (from ICM) lounging next to the vehicle, and the most recent one had three new American crew figures for inside, plus parts for the engine and a photoetched grille (maybe the Soviet version also has those, not sure).

That's the version I have - the latest with the phot-etch and three figures.

Hi Arnold looking good ,driver and figures or driver and a cab full of junk plus nature of the beast a good dash of weathering. Is this a reboxing of the old kit or new moulds im sure the old one came with driver and standing figure. Dave

That's pretty much what I'm thinking now. Maybe the front two figures and some boxes and stuff on the rear seat.

As Jakko said, this is a reboxing of an old kit but as it's Tamiya, it's hardly noticeable.

[A_J_Rimmer]

I got the last of the decals on last night, so it'll be onto a clear coat and some weathering. I'd really like to add a rope to the capstan winch but I've yet to find a decent photo of how it was arranged.

[A_J_Rimmer]

I'm in the process of getting the interior bits and bobs sorted out. I have this idea of driver running some supplies forward. So as well as the ammo cans and boxes in the back, I'm going to add another box in the passenger footwell, and a .30cal in the back in front of the ammo boxes. I'd like to try and have it wrapped in a tarp/blanket, but this is all new to me so I'll have to see how I can do it. I'm also planning on putting the drivers pack on the passenger seat, along with his Thompson - I'll need to make up some webbing straps and a sling I guess. I have a lot of wine bottle foil that I can use for that.

I'd also like to have a rope around the capstan winch - just to show it is actually a winch - it's such a cool feature it needs to be show up a bit more. The plan is to make up a D-ring around the front mount, thread it around the winch and then have a coil of rope chucked on top of the box in the passenger foot well - as if he's had to throw it there in a hurry.

I've no idea on how to do any of this mind, but it'll be fun trying.



The pouch is thrown on the floor, as thought it's his orders or some important doc's to be taken forward.



I have also done some light weathering - just a Flory models grime wash and some light 'sand' pigments on the underside.

I've also had a crack at sorting out the driver. He didn't fit well as his arms weren't in the right place for the steering wheel, so I've cut, pinned and repositioned the right arms as if it was reaching for the gears.

Before...



After... (I have since filled the gaps with milliput).



Cheers!

[Jim R]

Great choice of subject, a quirky little vehicle. All looking neat and tidy. I like the inside clutter. Getting figures to fit and look natural is often a challenge. Nothing you can't handle though :thumb2:

[A_J_Rimmer]

Great choice of subject, a quirky little vehicle. All looking neat and tidy. I like the inside clutter. Getting figures to fit and look natural is often a challenge. Nothing you can't handle though :thumb2:

Thanks Jim! I have to say it was fun chopping the driver up and sorting out his position - it's a confidence thing.

It's funny really, I was reminded of this last night whilst watching the Repair shop. The clock-guy was doing his thing with lathes and another guy was using a big bending machine to do a lot of sheet metal work and it reminded me that I used to do all that - I used to be an Aircraft Engineer and used to do loads of sheet metal work. 20 years ago I was capable of pulling a wing apart to it'd component parts and rebuilding it - so why is it then that PE work scares the crap out of me..? Getting old is odd.

[scottie3158]

Arnold looking good mate.

[A_J_Rimmer]

Arnold looking good mate.

Thanks Paul!

[Waspie]

Thanks Jim! I have to say it was fun chopping the driver up and sorting out his position - it's a confidence thing.

It's funny really, I was reminded of this last night whilst watching the Repair shop. The clock-guy was doing his thing with lathes and another guy was using a big bending machine to do a lot of sheet metal work and it reminded me that I used to do all that - I used to be an Aircraft Engineer and used to do loads of sheet metal work. 20 years ago I was capable of pulling a wing apart to it'd component parts and rebuilding it - so why is it then that PE work scares the crap out of me..? Getting old is odd.

I can understand that. Weird innit??
Nice build Arnie, quirky little vehicle - love it.