Re: Cadillac Gage V-100 Commando Armored Car - Vietnam - Bui
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 11:52 pm
Hi,
This is the upper hull installation step.
Here are the upper hull parts, prepared and ready for assembling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
They then need to be sanded smooth, flush with the hull.
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.
A sight you do not see often, a 1/16 scale V-100 Commando armored car taking shape.
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
This is the upper hull installation step.
Here are the upper hull parts, prepared and ready for assembling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
They then need to be sanded smooth, flush with the hull.
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.
A sight you do not see often, a 1/16 scale V-100 Commando armored car taking shape.
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