M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

[lmcq11]

It's a great build. I always wonder how much you have invested in hex head bolts over the years... I just bought a bunch from the former Smalescale hardware here in the US and they are not cheap.

Thanks, yeah, the brass hardware is usually between $50 and $100 on such build.

You might want to check Knupfer from Germany. As we are not in Germany, we do not pay the 19% VAT and the shipping is usually cheap (card envelope) with no custom. They have a page for specials, and the common M1 bolt is sometimes there at a good price for qty 50.

https://knupfer.info/shop/index.php/son ... ebote.html

Price below for 25 bolts to which we have to remove the VAT. You might want to compare with what you paid.

Knupfer

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[lmcq11]

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since a posted something. I took a few months off from modelling and spent a few winter weeks in Portugal as well. With the nice weather arriving in Quebec, i can work outside again on the deck and decided to paint and finish the Bradley that was standing on its own on the workbench for the past 4 months.

This is a quick update on the ongoing painting phase. Painting this complicated model is quite something.


A scan of the MENG 1/35 interior decals was previously expanded to 1/16, done in double in order to offer some spares. I did a fresh inkjet printout on virgin white decal sheet and after a coat of semi gloss varnish, they are ready to be cut and used.

M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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The first item to finish were the TOW missiles.

M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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Then the interior was painted with AK 4012; APC Interior light green. The weathering and small corrections are not done yet.

M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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The exterior shell was given 2 coats of Tamiya enamel grey primer, then given a coat of acrylic MIG RAL7028 Dunkelgelb aus 44DGI. Forget about using readily available Dark Yellow or Desert Yellow, they do not match pictures as either too yellow, too dark or too orange. I found that RAL7028 was the closest color i had available on inventory. After seeing the model in white for months, it is nice to see some color.

M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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The next step is to paint the black stuff (barrel, rubber), install the interior fake roof wiring, and do some weathering.

Regards, Louis

[BarryC]

Fantastic Louis!

Barry

[BarryC]

y oops double post

[lmcq11]

Thanks Barry

Hi everyone,

Completing the interior. These are the first test pictures of the interior. I am noticing a few things to improve such as the interior of the turret basket but overall, i am very satisfied with the results of the scratch built interior. Such M3 Bradley with interior detailing is a unique model.


View of the electronics and rear detailed interior prior to closing the hull for electronic testing.

M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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Here is the illuminated interior, the LEDs are doing a great job bringing the model to life. The interior is an important show case of this build. I was able to insert my Iphone inside the hull for some close ups.

M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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[lmcq11]

M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build

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This is it for now. The next step is to continue painting and weathering the exterior of the model. After that, i will take care of the MLRS metal tracks conversion to Bradley Big foot tracks.

Regards, Louis

[Meter rat]

Superb, simply stunning.

[Model Builder 4]

Great work Louis that interior looks awesome

Cheers,Lee.

[HERMAN BIX]

I’ve never seen the inside of a Bradley but from pictures, yours looks impossible to distinguish from the real ones.
Extraordinary job

[MrChef]

Extremely impressive build. That interior is awesome especially since it's scratch built and how you fit all the go-bits in front.

Just Wow, I'm looking forward to see how you finish it up and weather the exterior.

Chef