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.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture.JPG (221.6 KiB) Viewed 628 times
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.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture2.JPG (209.54 KiB) Viewed 628 times
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.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture3.JPG (206.02 KiB) Viewed 628 times
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.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture3a.JPG (184.65 KiB) Viewed 628 times
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture4.JPG (229.72 KiB) Viewed 628 times
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture5.JPG (211.51 KiB) Viewed 628 times
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.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture6.JPG (162.43 KiB) Viewed 628 times
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture7.JPG (189.75 KiB) Viewed 628 times
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture8.JPG (195.93 KiB) Viewed 628 times
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
- Capture9.JPG (175.31 KiB) Viewed 628 times
