Vandra Ram II Canadian Sherman conversion - Build

[lmcq11]

Hi,

The model is ready for a final walk around before a primer coat. I will be adding some brackets that I see I am missing but other than accessories that will be added later, the model is basically complete.

Vandra Ram II tank

M3 early style suspension in place and looking good. Once the first coat of primer is done, these will undergo many sanding phases so that the middle plug disappears and the overall integration is smooth.

Vandra Ram II tank

The 2 platforms on the back are supports for blankets and camo nets. Braces and nets will be added later.

Vandra Ram II tank

Rear view

Vandra Ram II tank

There was a bad angle on the left side of the turret and it was redone. The casting was pretty rough at the factory and the weld seam like seen on pictures was replicated.

Vandra Ram II tank

The 1/16 Ram next to his 1/35 buddy.

Vandra Ram II tank

Vandra Ram II tank

The Mato T-74 tracks are on. Although they look good, I am extremely disappointed, they run like a pig. I do not know what is wrong with them, they are not flexible enough. First time I see Mato tracks like this. They do not wrap correctly around the sprocket. There is a lot of tension on each pad and joint. If I cannot find a way to improve them, I will have to put HL tracks to run the tank. I am about to soak them in oil. If anyone has a trick to make them work better, please let me know.

Vandra Ram II tank

Next time you see it, it will be painted.

Regards, Louis

[c.rainford73]

Louis brilliant workI had a very similar situation with Pershing tracks from Mato. I soaked them in oil for two days and no more grabbing and sticking together. Also check for any slag on the inside of the connections.

Following along

[lmcq11]

I soaked them in oil for two days and no more grabbing and sticking together. Also check for any slag on the inside of the connections.

thanks Carl !, I will do that.
Louis

[lmcq11]

Hi,

Here is the Ram II tank model, painted and weathered. Still need to put on a few accessories and build the crew.

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

A few more pics will follow on next post

Regards, Louis

[lmcq11]

A few more pics.

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

I have decided to put on a regular .30 cal on storage. The experimental mount seen earlier would have taken too long. The MG is rarely seen installed on the commander turret. I still need to figure out the mounting.

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Vandra Ram II 1/16 scale RC tank

Overall, I am satisfied with the results. It is too bad Vandra is forcing the building to do a lot of surgery on the hull in order to obtain an accurate model because the rest is strait forward and fast, it can be made into a good representation of the RAM tank but it is a dirty business.

Next steps is finalizing the model, put on the crew and bring the model outside for a photo shoot in the snow.

Regards, Louis

[c.rainford73]

Louis I'm so impressed with the cast texture and paintsuch a long way from the beginning kit. I can't wait to see it outside and a video of it running about!

Just a super job

[PainlessWolf]

Evenin'
I echo Carl. I can't wait to see it running. You did an amazing job of looking past the built in issues and resolving them to bring a great model to light.
following along,
Painless

[Ad Lav]

Amazing work. All the cutting a fixing has paid off.

[C.Ellis]

A truly legendary build! Some of those close up pictures make the tank look real

[Raminator]

Next time you see it, it will be painted.

By now I know that you're not a man given to exaggeration Louis, but wow, you were not kidding. You've gone from a bare, mixed-media model to a completely painted and weathered one in only three days! It's a beautiful result, and all the more impressive for the amount of passion and energy you've put into a flawed starter kit. Another one to be proud of, well done.