Cadillac Gage V-100 Commando Armored Car - Vietnam - Build

[lmcq11]

Hi,

This is the upper hull installation step.

Here are the upper hull parts, prepared and ready for assembling.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

As shown on Squadron Signal reference, the main joint between the lower and upper hull is rounded on the sides, giving it a much attractive look. So, there is no point is trying to make the joint perfect, putty and a lot of sanding will make it simple and realistic.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

Its good that Ludwig provides frames so that the upper hull can be built into a simple module with the right angles, otherwise it would have been a real issue aligning them correctly.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

The time consuming work of aligning the lower hull correctly yesterday has payed off. The upper hull sits perfectly on the lower hull with limited work, a pleasant surprise as I was expecting the worst.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

I thought it made sense to put braces made of leftover plasticard in order to reinforce the hull joint. You do not want the hull to crack open at the first bump on a wall.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

The front parts are surprisingly easy to install and the fit is good. There are very little gaps to fill or to worry about. One of the part is not installed yet because we need access to the wheel wells from above for the following step.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

Now that the main upper hull parts solidly assembled, it is time to close the wheel wells with the plasticard parts provided. Even if they are heated up a bit in warm water and pre-shaped as best as possible, the plastic is thick and applies pressure on the hull and I was concerned about the distortion they could create if they were installed before the upper hull is in place. The first one is somewhat challenging to install but the experience helps with the other. No real issue.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

They then need to be sanded smooth, flush with the hull.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

Considering that I started a week ago, progress is quite fast on these small and simple Ludwig kits. The top of the upper hull will be made removable. As all the hatches will open, there is a lot of access for maintenance, and to install figures. Even the front servo for directions can be easily replaced if needed.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

A sight you do not see often, a 1/16 scale V-100 Commando armored car taking shape.

Ludwigs V-100 armored car

Next step are the putty and sanding phases to make the whole thing smooth and pretty before the smaller parts and detailing can start. This is a fun kit. So far, I recommend it to anyone who want to do something special with a WPL chassis. With so many versions of V-100 and V-150 available sold around the world, with different turrets, there are many possibilities for custom and unique creations.

Regards, Louis

[Ad Lav]

Taking shape nicely!

[Raminator]

Absolutely, it's captured that iconic look already. I'm impressed with how well you managed to match the upper and lower halves, should make for a seamless fit.

[HERMAN BIX]

Unmistakably V-100 Sir.
And a massive bonus having a truck base to get things rolling.
Happy sanding mate !!.............you will have loads of practice doing the upper/lower joint

[lmcq11]

Hi,

The V-100 is a sizable vehicle. When compared to the M-113, it is actually longer and as large.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

The body has gone through many phases of putty and sanding, not perfect yet but enough to continue with the build. It is really only after the first coat of primer that the true situation will come out of all the whiteness. No point doing the polishing at this time.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

Similar to the M-113 build, the interlocking plasticard parts will need a lot of care to get to a smooth finish but the shape seems right.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

The frame around the doors and hatches were made of thin plasticard strips. This is important for the look.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

The visor on the right was too large and i started the process of making them all similar. Lot of work will go into these.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

Now the plan is to go around the vehicle and build everything that needs to be added, one hole at a time. Parts for hatches and hinges are provided but they all need to be dramatically reduced and reshaped for accuracy. Be aware that this specific hatch at the rear had the holes for the hinges on the left. I have not seen photographic evidence of this arrangement so the hinges are relocated at the bottom, as seen in pictures.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

Capture.JPG (34.39 KiB) Viewed 6069 times

Knupfer M1x4 brass bolts are used. Remember that sanding plasticard is a dusty business and a mask should always be worn. The model itself requires thorough cleaning many times per sessions. As you can see, my method uses simple material and although not perfect, it's fast and anyone can replicate.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

Regards, Louis

[lmcq11]

Hi,

Continuing the build as I advance around the vehicle, here is the right door/hatches.

These are the parts provided for the side door. Basic shaped parts that need to be reworked, everything else must be built and positioned according to references.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

Those hinges need to be reduced by about half in size and are now at scale but very fragile. It is not a toy so opening the hatches must be done very carefully. Guys that are efficient at building metal parts would likely create metal hinges and laugh at my little hinges that will not last long. I hear you. All pre-drilled holes (periscope, hinges) needed to be filled because they were not at the right location. This door has a lot of angles and a bit complicated to align.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

Although I have no plans to build interior details for this model, I gave the inside of the hatches some basic details. I have not built the interior periscope, yet. There is no luxury of available components on the market. There is no book either on how to build this model in an accurate way so I have to research, think and create whatever I want to do. So far, there has been no major mistake that I know of.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

I saw on a restored vehicle a latch to lock the vehicle from the outside. I have not built it yet because I have to verify it was also present in the field.

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

Ludwigs V-100 Commando

I am learning about the V-100 as a build the various component.

Regards, Louis

[lmcq11]

Hi,

Slowly going around the vehicle, making and adding items one after the other. The headlights will be kept for the end. Shown on top is the Warriors turret, which will be replicated in plasticard later. I think she will be a great companion for the M-113.

Ludwigs 1/16 V-100 Commando

Hatches have been made operable, just for the fun of it. I do not intend to build any interior details.

Ludwigs 1/16 V-100 Commando

These 2 top hatches needed some patience to assemble. I assume lot of putty, sanding and polishing is still required to make them smooth once they have been primes and I can see betterr.

Ludwigs 1/16 V-100 Commando

Epoxy will be poured later into the visors to simulate the thick glass.

Ludwigs 1/16 V-100 Commando

Ludwigs 1/16 V-100 Commando

Regards, Louis

[Ad Lav]

Great progress Louis!

[HERMAN BIX]

Something quite special

[43rdRecceReg]

Little touches of genius here and there, Louis . The work on the hinges is just one example, and is as educational as the rest of the work on the chassis.