RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

Thank you Meter Rat, Model Builder 4, Herman Bix and MrChef for your encouragements.

The following posts are for the completed exterior shell of the model. Since the Bradley is not very well known, he is a good walk around with detailed close up pictures. The next step is to finish the tracks, which will take time because of the conversion being done.


The exterior decals of the 1/35 Meng kit were also scanned. They are not too exciting but that's how the Bradley is in reality. Using the Photo PC application, i was able to edit the scan and get rid of the Blue background. I duplicated the set on Powerpoint to have spares and scaled up the sheet to 1/16, then printed it on a transparent decal sheet available on Amazon. Once dry, the decals were given a coat of Tamiya semi gloss varnish before cutting and application.


The kit was missing the right smoke grenade dischargers when it arrived. I did email Carson at DKLM and he said that he would send me replacement once he is printing the kit again. However, after 3 months, i could no longer wait and i had to reproduce the part in plasticard. It took about 90 minutes and was easy.


And here is the model after decal installation and weathering using my method with black and dark steel pigments. The model will then be given a coat of flat varnish. As per build description, be aware that the model had extensive modifications and not everything is from the original kit.

The model is just out of its initial weathering phase and i am using these pictures to inspect the model and will perform corrections where needed. The model will continue to get enhancements here and there.


The kit comes with Combat Identification Panels (CIP). These are attached to the Bradley and are designed to produce a distinct identifiable infrared signature when seen through thermal imaging systems, avoiding friendly fire incidents.



Some 3D printed lines become apparent after painting and very difficult to remove. In some cases, they could not be flattened and still show on close ups.


Continuing on following post

That's it for now. The step is for the tracks.

Regards, Louis

Good grief! This thread opened today on my PC to one of the close-up photos. I thought, Oh, details of the real Bradley! Wow...I was off by 16 times. Zowie! I see that you are "using these pictures to inspect the model." That's an excellent technique, for the camera is merciless. Nonetheless: Zowie!

This is the most impressive 1/16 scale model I've ever seen. Fantastic.

Walks off shaking head, and heads for the red wine. That is stunning. The wife thought the interior photos were of the real thing, and took some convincing that it was a model.

Louis, When I see the way you replicated the look of paint worn off the edges of metal (and more) I think it's time for a "Master Class," the demise of which I bemoaned last November: viewtopic.php?p=335205#p335205

Thank you everyone,
The Bradley is quite a fascinating vehicle. Overweight with tons of add-ons, very complex in term of shape, features, equipment, armor and weapons. It will be interesting to see how it performs in Ukraine soon against the Russians.

Herr Dr. Professor wrote: ↑Sun Apr 23, 2023 5:18 pm Louis, When I see the way you replicated the look of paint worn off the edges of metal (and more) I think it's time for a "Master Class," the demise of which I bemoaned last November: viewtopic.php?p=335205#p335205

Oh, the effect is a simple process that works for me where Black dry pigments are deposited and scrubbed in any crevasse using a small brush, and then Black or Dark Steel pigments are dry brushed on all raised surfaces and corners using larger brushes. And then the model is sprayed with flat varnish to seal the pigments in place. Just need to be really careful about the quantity of pigments being picked up by the brush as too much will ruin the paint job. But I find it easier than a wash method that i never mastered or using regular wet paint for highlights. The whole model was applied with this weathering method in about 3 hours of work.


Also very useful for decal application on grainy 3D printed or matt surfaces was this water based decal fixer. Just freely apply on the model where the decals will be located and it avoids tons of adherence problems. It dries and leaves no marks.


Regards, Louis