1/18 SAS Jeep

ForeverPlasticKits · Post by **ForeverPlasticKits** » Tue Aug 17, 2021 10:33 pm

marvelous!

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 2:05 am

WOW COR, Digger, Kev, DW, and FPC; I really appreciate your support and interest on this build. Thanks for keeping me motivated towards the finish. It's been some time since my last update so I feel the need to show the progress of the build.

Since starting on the washes and chipping I carried that from the body to the jerry cans, gun mounts, and the lot. I also spent considerable time in the engine bay scratch building the voltage regulator (?) which mounts beside the battery on the right fender. The fuel filter/strainer (?) was also created for mounting on the firewall behind the air cleaner:

During this phase I also created the throttle linkage and line; detailed the battery along with adding the positive and ground cables; and created the radiator and firewall mounts for the bracing rod. Before adding the body to the chassis I began final work for the body mounts as well as various nuts and bolts.

During the test fitting of the body and chassis I found that the tight tolerances of the steering box and exhaust would not allow the body and chassis to mate properly. After looking closer at the problem I found that the exhaust I made was incorrect. It should exit the engine bay in front of and to the right of the steering arm. I also found that the bend I created for the exhaust I previously attached to the skid plate was also incorrect. Once those parts were removed the body and chassis fit just fine. After the last bit of weathering and wear I attached the body to the chassis with CA glue as the screw attach point are now long gone.

Once the joint had dried to a strong bond I began the finishing of the engine bay. First I added the battery along with the ground wire to the chassis and the positive to the starter. Next was adding the voltage regulator to the fender the ran the wires to the engine. Next was adding the fuel strainer to the firewall and its lines back to the gas tank and to the fuel pump. The throttle linkage was next, adding it to the right side of the carburetor and snaking the line to the lower firewall towards the accelerator. The next detail item was the bracing rod from the firewall to the radiator (across the flat spot on the air cleaner tube). After some final washes and dry brushing here is the results:

In many of the photos I found a 5-6 foot length of Marson Mat (also known as Marsdon matting) attached to the back of the spare tires. It was used to get the jeep recovered when stuck in the sand. My problem is I have nothing even close to make it from. Surprise, surprise when walking through a craft isle in Hobby Lobby (chain craft store in the USA), I found some perforated aluminum sheet that I thought could work if cut and modified.

Here it is cut bent and thin sheet plastic strips added:

And here it is with a base coat of paint: (I think more sanding is needed to soften the plastic edges before moving forward)

I've also been working on final painting of many accessories. I'm still waiting for the radio, mount, and antenna base. Here is the "stuff" staged for final assembly and weathering. The figures will be my last assembly and paint items.

And here is where the progress ends as of today:

I still have to recreate a new exhaust; modify the driver (more); get and finish the radio set; paint and decal some items (ammo cans, air and oil filters, etc.); recreate and paint all new straps for the jerry cans and other items tied to the jeep, complete the Marson mat, finish assembly and paint of the figures, and start on the display base.

After his help on the model, Jarrod and I enjoyed playing drums to various artists for about an hour to complete the evening.

Until next time, be smart, stay safe, live well, and model something. (P.S.: comments always welcome).

Ben

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:55 am

Well done on the Marsdon matting that was inspired.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:20 am

digger303 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:55 am Well done on the Marsdon matting that was inspired.

What he said, brilliant find

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 1:03 am

Kevthemodeller wrote: ↑Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:20 am
digger303 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:55 am Well done on the Marsdon matting that was inspired.
What he said, brilliant find

Absolutely! What a great find

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Fri Aug 27, 2021 10:37 pm

Just note let everyone know where the build is at....

- Created exhaust from the engine to the skid plate. This was a rework from something I tried earlier. It has been added, painted, weathered, etc.

- Another rework item completed was a modification to the drivers foot that is resting on the side of the jeep. It was interfering with the M1919 post brace (travel lock). After the foot surgery I still had to slightly modify the travel lock bar as well. Both the foot and bar have been repainted and such.

- Started work on the jerry cans, both on the bonnet and in the rear rack. The cans on the bonnet will have a tarp laid over them with a shovel and axe on top with tie-downs holding it all together. Still much to do on this whole thing.

- I received the WW2 jeep radio set from Shapeways. When looking at it I initially thought it was too big or out of scale. Then after some research I see that it is very accurate and in scale. Like most 3d resin parts it was built up in layers. This means it had lines visible through the part that needed to be sanded or smoothed out. The radio also came with an antenna mount and base (bonus). What ever the radio and mount are made of does not like CA glue or paint of any kind;.... even after a hard scrubbing. I eventually got several thin layers of enamel to adhere to the parts. Now its time for detail painting.

- After much research I started adding the base colors to the figures uniforms. They are going to be the brown, the load bearing gear will be light brown or tan, and the berets maroon (thanks to RangerNeil's authentication). I had a tough time trying to authenticate the boot gaiters (?- canvas wrap around the top of the boot). I found that they had a color similar to OD Green, a brown, and a tan; depending on the uniform being work or theater of operation. From what I could locate it appears that the north Africa or Mediterranean areas had both tan and green, while the European theater had green or the dark brown. I chose to make mine the color similar to OD Green.

I do have a question regarding the placement of the SAS paratrooper wings. Some photos show them on the right shoulder and others show them above either the left or right breast pocket, which is correct for this WW2 uniform?

HELP PLEASE?

Photos soon.... Ben

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 3:57 pm

After much research I found that the SAS parachute wings , during the second world war, were worn on the right shoulder. After a qualifying number of "active service" jumps, they were worn above the left breast pocket, above the medal ribbons.

I also found that there were several types or styles of wings. The Royal Navy has thiers, and the regular Army had three; assistant jump instructor wings, parachute badge with wings, and badge without wings. Also within the SAS / SBS the parachute badge for Communicators are of a different design.

Last week I sprained my ankle which prohibits me from going down stairs to model. I hope to be back at it soon and show some progress photos.

Ben

Garion77 · Post by **Garion77** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 4:24 pm

With my holidays and finishing my Hellcat, I hadn't check here for a while... really nice how it's looking. The details are marvelous.
Take care of you're ankle !

RangerNeil · Post by **RangerNeil** » Tue Aug 31, 2021 8:49 pm

DRUMS01 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 31, 2021 3:57 pm After much research I found that the SAS parachute wings , during the second world war, were worn on the right shoulder. After a qualifying number of "active service" jumps, they were worn above the left breast pocket, above the medal ribbons.

I also found that there were several types or styles of wings. The Royal Navy has thiers, and the regular Army had three; assistant jump instructor wings, parachute badge with wings, and badge without wings. Also within the SAS / SBS the parachute badge for Communicators are of a different design.

Last week I sprained my ankle which prohibits me from going down stairs to model. I hope to be back at it soon and show some progress photos.

Ben

Not sure about WW2 but post war the Jump Wings worn are unique to the Regiments. If pushed I would say they used regular Army wings in WW2 as most uniform kit was either issued or unit modified. My old man was 6th Airborne and his were with wings. I vaguely recall him talking about the Regiment in Europe and saying as first glance it was hard to tell whether they were Para or SAS...

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 1:32 am

From Wikipedia and several other book sources:

During World War II with forming of the first British Airborne units parachute training was a 12-day course carried out at the No. 1 Parachute Training School, RAF Ringway. Recruits initially jumped from a converted barrage balloon and finished with five parachute jumps from an aircraft. Anyone failing to complete a parachute jump was returned to his old unit (known as "returned to unit" or "RTU"). At the end of the course, new Paras were presented with their maroon beret and parachute wings and posted to a parachute battalion.

VERSIONS:

Royal Navy:

All Qualified military parachutists serving in the Royal Navy wear the Army pattern parachutist badge, a parachute with wings. In gold on blue on No 1 Uniform and (in miniature) on No 2 Uniform; in white on blue on RN PCS or light blue on khaki drill on MTP. The badge is worn above the trade badge and 6mm below the shoulder seam on right arm.

Army:

The British Army has three parachute qualification badges for non Special Forces qualified soldiers:

- Assistant Parachute Jump Instructor;
- Parachute Badge with Wings (also used by the Royal Marines and Royal Navy)
- Parachute Badge without Wings.

The Parachute Badge with Wings insignia, which depicts an open parachute embroidered in white flanked by a pair of wings embroidered in light blue, is only to be worn by a qualified parachutist who has subsequently been on the posted strength of a unit where he may be ordered in the course of his duties to parachute. Those who do not serve with a parachute unit are permitted to wear the Parachute Badge without Wings, colloquially known as the 'Lightbulb'.

Special Forces:

The parachutist's badges for personnel of the SAS and SBS are of different designs, Special Forces Communicators attached to the SBS wear SBS pattern wings. Special Forces Communicators wings are of a distinct design.

SAS pattern parachute wings, designed by Lieutenant Jock Lewes and based on the stylised sacred Ibis wings of Isis of Egyptian iconography depicted in the décor of Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo, are worn on the right shoulder. During the second world war, after a qualifying number of active service "jumps", they were worn on the left breast above medal ribbons.

The Parachute Jump Instructor badge is categorised as a Flying Badge.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 8:04 am

Very interesting research there Ben

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 5:27 am

This is an update to a previous response which is revised and includes photos (finally!). Just note let everyone know where the build is at....

- Created exhaust from the engine to the skid plate. This was a rework from something I tried earlier. It has been added, painted, weathered, etc.

- Another rework item completed was a modification to the drivers foot that is resting on the side of the jeep. It was interfering with the M1919 post brace (travel lock). After the foot surgery I still had to slightly modify the travel lock bar as well. Both the foot and bar have been repainted and such.

- Completed the work on the jerry cans, both on the bonnet and in the rear rack. The cans on the bonnet have a tarp laid over them with a shovel and axe on top with tie-downs holding it all together. The tarp is thin lens cleaning cloth that was painted and shadowed prior to the implements being placed on it. Both implements (the axe and shovel) are from a 1/18 Sherman Tank toy. The tank tie down straps and mounting bars were removed and then reshaped into what you see here. I used a razor knife to replicate some wood grain on the handles that was brought out with some washes. The cloth strap over the jerry cans replaced the terrible (fake) looking raised plastic strip molded into the plastic. It is actually 1/8 inch border / ribbon from a sewing store that has been painted. Last was the small straps (scaled to be 1/2 inch straps) that I created using Tamiya masking tape with the sticky sides pressed together and then cut to width. The metal strap tie-downs are spares from my P.E. stash. The straps were applied with CA glue after being painted and washed. The last step was to add the previously painted rolled tarp to the front of the hood/bonnet. This is what I ended up with and I am satisfied to this point (still light pastel and washes to do when completing the build.

Speaking of the hood, I finished the washes and placement of wiring or hoses, including radiator hose clamps under the hood. I have not decided but I may add a couple decals in here for some of the components (battery, oil - fuel - and gas filter, voltage regulator, etc.)

- I also used the 1/8 border cloth to rework the straps on the rear and side jerry cans as well. Both the rear and side cans also had holding brackets added to them by using sheet plastic cut into strips and glued to simulate the metal rack used to secure them in the vehicle. The cans were painted to simulate various tan colors used within the operational theater and black for the water cans. They were then pick painted to reflect chipping and wear along with a sandy dirt wash.

In this photo you can also see the M2 tri-pod and ammo crate added to the rear stowage area along with the jerry cans on the fender.

- I received the WW2 jeep radio set from Shapeways. When looking at it I initially thought it was too big or out of scale.

Then after some research I see that it is very accurate and in scale. Like most 3d resin parts it was built up in layers. This means it had lines visible through the part that needed to be sanded or smoothed out. The radio also came with an antenna mount and base (bonus). What ever the radio and mount are made of does not like CA glue or paint of any kind;.... even after a hard scrubbing. I eventually got several thin layers of enamel to adhere to the parts. After some light washes, dry brushing, and picking out some details, here is what it looks like prior to decals and installation into the jeep.

- After much research I started adding the base colors to the figures uniforms. They are going to be the standard British brown, the load bearing gear will be light brown or tan, and the berets maroon (thanks to RangerNeil's authentication). I had a tough time trying to authenticate the boot gaiters (?- canvas wrap around the top of the boot). I found that they had a color similar to OD Green, a brown, and a tan; depending on the uniform being work or theater of operation. From what I could locate it appears that the north Africa or Mediterranean areas had both tan and green, while the European theater had green or the dark brown. Mine will be either tan or green. You can see in the various photos below, (some are rein actors), that various colors of gaiters were used.

Here is where the jeep is as of today. I hope everyone is enjoying the conversion as much as I am. Thanks for looking and please share any thoughts to include ideas to improve the build. Some help would be appreciated regarding ideas for the display base it is going on (thanks in advance for those ideas)......

Till next time..... be safe, positive, and live well my friends!

Ben

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 1:13 pm

It's going well.

Garion77 · Post by **Garion77** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 2:10 pm

Enjoying the conversion you asked ? You bet !!!! My god this is amazing. All the accessories look so real. And the read of how everything is done is great.
Keep on the good work

RangerNeil · Post by **RangerNeil** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 8:08 pm

The webbing gaiters should be the same colour as the 38 pattern webbing - the same Blanco would have been used on both.
Tan colour was the natural colour as it left the factory and was issued to the troops.
Green would be with blanco applied.
Brown likely wasn't canvas gaiters but the cloth puttees that replaced them up till the 1990's.

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 10:56 pm

Thanks Neil, that clears up a lot of confusion for me:

"Tan colour was the natural colour as it left the factory and was issued to the troops".

So tan they will be.....

Ben

Parker · Post by **Parker** » Tue Sep 07, 2021 12:02 am

sweet Jeep!

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Tue Sep 07, 2021 5:22 am

Wow Ben! One would never guess that this had started as a toy. Absolutely brilliant work! I also very much enjoy your build threads. Thank you for sharing them with us.

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Fri Sep 10, 2021 1:23 am

Thanks for keeping up on my build digger303. You are a person that I can rely on for keeping me motivated. By the way, your landing craft came out great regardless of the challenges you experienced; very nice work!

Hey Garion77, you comments are well received. It's nice to know that somebody enjoys my long winded ramblings and photos. As for the realistic look, I can only give credit to several of our friends in the forum and I just copied their techniques.

Hi Parker, its nice to hear from you. Thanks for the "like" and I hope everyone enjoys the finished product.

BigWall, That was the whole idea from the beginning... to add realism to a toy. As I mentioned to Garion, it's nice to hear from people like you who enjoy my type of posting. I now have the Marsden Board finished and attached to the spare tires at the rear of the vehicle. I've also added a little bit of rust stain to parts of the jeep (very little as I do not want to over do it). We've (Jarrod and I) been working on the base colors and some shading on the uniforms. I hope to show some photos soon....

COVID Isolation and another virus has keep me away from very much modeling, but I hope to back at it soon. Be careful everyone and build something.

Ben and Jarrod

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Fri Sep 10, 2021 6:10 am

BigWall wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 5:22 am Wow Ben! One would never guess that this had started as a toy. Absolutely brilliant work! I also very much enjoy your build threads. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Going to second those comments.

Stokesy44 · Post by **Stokesy44** » Fri Sep 10, 2021 8:20 am

Its a cracking conversion mate.

How are you enjoying working on such a large scale?

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 1:54 am

I wanted to show more on this build but COVID-19 has visited me and my family which has ground everything to a halt. I wish I had an answer to all this, I'm over 60, got the shots, wore/wear masks, avoided large gatherings both enclosed and outside, etc.

I tested last week Sunday based on 5 days after one of Jarrod's home health aides tested positive; our entire family results was negative / clear of COVID. The very next day (last Monday) the regular symptoms hit me like Thor's hammer in the chest. Since I just got tested the day before, I thought it was either bad allergies or the flu. Last night it hit me really bad so I went today to an Urgent Care for another test and now I'm positive with both COVID and the FLU. I'm not sure how they can tell that with a nasal swab, but that is what I'm told. Looking at my medical history with cancer, organ donation resulting in a single kidney, and bacterial pneumonia; the doctor gave me a fast track to the ER for an IV if needed. The doctor also told me to watch my pulse-ox level through the day; thank goodness for my Apple watch as that makes it easy.

I immediately began staying at home last Monday and isolating from my family then but even more today.

The only two symptoms I have not had were vomiting and severe chest congestion. With my son special needs and medical complications I am worried. He needs 24/7 full-time care so I can only limit my exposure so much. With his home health aide contracting COVID and now me, I do not know when we will have coverage to take care of Jarrod, and likewise a chance for me to rest and recover versus take care of him.

Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers that this will resolve itself soon in a positive way.

Ben and Jarrod

Parker · Post by **Parker** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 3:34 am

thoughts with you and the family mate.
wishing you all the very best.
-P

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 4:45 am

You're both in my thoughts. Get well soon and hopefully Jarrod won't come up positive.

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 5:09 am

DAMN.... your really in the thick of it, getting hit on all sides. Makes me think how lucky I am, but you have my best wishes for a speedy recovery for you and all your family.

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:12 am

Just an update... I'm the only one in the family with COVID complications so far and its kicking my caboose. While the intense headache and burning eyes has mostly left after a week, it has been replaced with a persistent trickle in my throat and cough. The coughing spells are so bad sometimes I nearly black out (and that scares the crap out of me). Then I start feeling "almost" normal and immediately get pummeled with drenching full body sweats. If I get up to walk around the house, buy the time I'm done I am exhausted and ready to lay down. So far just today I've changed out of three sets of clothes that were drenched with sweat, but the hot shower feels really good. Still forcing myself to eat and drink because the FLU and COVID take that all away. I cannot explain how I stay over 90 % pulse/ox but feel light headed and dizzy all the time. Keeping focus and controlling my fine motor skills for modeling is out of the question,... not today at least.

I sure hope this is done and over with really soon as every fiber of my body aches. I get chilled to the bone but have a 97.9 temp. My BP 128/78, heart rate 67 bpm rest, pulse ox 96% and temp are all fluctuating but mostly normal. But if I walk to the mailbox and back I am out of it, sweating like a pig in a butcher shop, and need to rest. This crap is really not for wimps! As long as I'm the only one in the house to have to go through this I'm OK with that.......

Hopefully I will be feeling good enough to do something by the end of this week?, perhaps?, got to be positive right?

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:59 am

Wow! Your symptoms sound so much like what I've been going thru. I test negative for covid and the flu though. My wife , 2 friends and I have all been told that it's not covid or the flu but a different virus that takes 5-6 weeks to get over. Who knows what the heck is going on anymore?

Hang in there. My thoughts are with you.

Garion77 · Post by **Garion77** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 11:00 am

My prayers are with you.... I know what you're going through. My girlfriend got it pretty hard, just at the beginning of the pandemic where I'm from, and when everything was chaotic. Take care. Rest the most you can.

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 11:12 am

Sounds awful. Hope you get the best of it soon.

RangerNeil · Post by **RangerNeil** » Wed Sep 15, 2021 10:39 am

Best of wishes to you and the family sir. I hope whatever it is you have clears up soon!!

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Thu Sep 16, 2021 6:52 pm

ANOTHER UPDATE: Finally yielded to my COVID infection and went to the Emergency Room. At the time my coughing got worse and my pulse-ox level was staying below 90 (not good). So after three blood tests, chest x-rays, an MRI with dye to trace for blood clots, two IV's to hydrate, and finally a medicine cocktail by IV (normally reserved for the immune deficient), I was released and went home. All-in-all it was a 11 hour event at a place I did not want to be.

Last night I slept like a baby and I woke today refreshed with much less congestion or coughing. It is not all gone but much, much, better. while I don't want to jinx the progress, I feel like I may be finally coming out of the COVID crud. I am leery to do something like cutting the grass or? But I feel better today than any day in the last 12. So, I do have a couple photos I want to share on the build progress that occurred prior to my COVID experience.

The first area of update is for the application of the Marsden mat. Once I was satisfied with the bend of the hardened aluminum and adding of the plastic strips with multiple sanding efforts to remove the hard edges I applied a dark tan base coat followed by some washes, dry brushing, chipping, etc. When investigating the methods they used to fix the mat to the jeep (rope, wire, nut and bolt) I liked the nut and bolt option. My goal was to make the mounting jig appear to have been drilled through the wood behind the mounted spare tire on the back of the jeep. It is to replicate the rod being pushed through that hole and through a lug hole, with the shaft extending past the side profile of the tire. The Marsden mat is hung on the threaded rod by pushing the rod through a hole in the matting. I think the photos will explain it better that what I just did. I then added a nut to secure it to the back of the jeep. Here are two photos of the work:

The center M2 50 floor mount was finally added. I did this so I could better prepare and finalize the location for the trooper manning it. Here are a couple pictures of how it will look eventually, but there is still much to do.

And I will leave you with some of the beginnings of my figure painting, specifically focusing on uniform color and the start of shading. Thanks to Ranger Neil for insight on some of the colors.

DRIVER - work in progress:

GUNNER - work in progress:

Not much more to this point, but I hope to do more soon. Take care and be careful.

Ben

Stokesy44 · Post by **Stokesy44** » Thu Sep 16, 2021 7:26 pm

Good to hear you're feeling better mate.

The matting looks great and I really like that big 50 cal. Great stuff.

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Fri Sep 17, 2021 1:06 am

Marvelous news and great modeling progress.

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Fri Sep 17, 2021 1:15 am

I'm so glad you're doing better and I hope your family is staying healthy as well. You were dang dehydrated for them to give you 2 liters of fluid.

The Jeep is looking great and the figures are coming along nicely!

Keep getting better!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Fri Sep 17, 2021 3:04 am

So sorry to hear of your health issues
Definitely will keep you and your son in my thoughts
Your kind of infection scares the life out of me when you get vaccinated and take precautions and STILL get sick
Really wishing you well, take care

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Sep 20, 2021 8:22 am

Best wishes mate

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Mon Sep 20, 2021 10:49 am

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Fri Sep 17, 2021 3:04 am So sorry to hear of your health issues
Definitely will keep you and your son in my thoughts
Your kind of infection scares the life out of me when you get vaccinated and take precautions and STILL get sick
Really wishing you well, take care

Yes it's a scary virus. We have had at least 2 cases here where they had been fully vaccinated yet still died. Mitigating circumstance being one was 80 and the other I don't know.

Good news that your recovering and no one else contracted it.

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 2:06 am

The lowest point in this virus for me was actually thinking I may go to bed at night and not wake up. It bothered me so much that I was telling my wife where I wanted to be when I had my last breath (at home with family holding Jarrod). We discussed our family trust and care plan for Jarrod. It was sad, but I was not afraid. I was just not ready to quit or surrender.

That was when it was determine I had to go the the Emergency Room. While there I was one of two that were fully vaccinated but still had cover out of 40. This is a smaller country hospital, so 40 is a lot. Many of those without the shots sounded much worse off that me, so I was grateful at least for my immunizations. Well, four blood tests, a chest x-ray, fluids, an MRI with tracing for clots, oxygen, and a medical cocktail by IV later, and I was slapped on the but while heading out the door.

The next morning I felt much better and have been able to move forward feeling a little better every day, but still not fully recovered. I still have a cough (but not really any congestion), shortness of breath and full sweats after doing ANYTHING, and a digestive tract that is not quite right.

All in all, I will take what I currently have compared to where I was a week ago. These lingering issues can be dealt with. I hope and pray that none of you get it. I thought I was pretty well protected with both shots and being cautious. The scare and body deterioration is quick and you have NO CONTROL when it hits you, just hold on tight and pray.

I hope to post updated images soon. I've since purchased decals for the German grenades, numerous paints for the skin tone as my old MM mixes have dried up. I've also been working on two spare Vickers drum magazines (from scratch), special paint mixes for the maroon beret's, and much more.

Till next update.

Ben

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 4:12 am

Well, that's a good update. I'm glad to hear you're getting well. Stay safe!

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 5:24 am

I call that good news.
Show us the scratch building, I'm always interested in how something is made.

Stokesy44 · Post by **Stokesy44** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 7:33 am

Very good to hear you are on the mend

RangerNeil · Post by **RangerNeil** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 11:14 am

digger303 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 22, 2021 5:24 am I call that good news.
Show us the scratch building, I'm always interested in how something is made.

Same here - on both counts.

Glad you are on the road to recovery. Good news according to my daughter (head of the Physio team in a Respiratory ICU/CCU) is you only get it badly once.

Garion77 · Post by **Garion77** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 11:22 am

I'm just out of words and do not know what to say. Get well and take care.

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Thu Sep 23, 2021 7:26 pm

Here is a short update.

After looking EVERYWHERE for months I can say there are no magazine / drums for a vickers "K" air cooled machine gun in 1/18 scale. Well, on second thought, there are a couple different 3d printed guns with 2-4 mags in Shapeways for $80 USD. I refuse to pay that prince just to use a couple mags, so you know me, time to scratch build a couple.

First I tried using an old pair of round automotive air filters as a base, but they just would not cooperate. Next attempt was to simply punch out several round disc's from plastic sheet, but I do not have any kind of brass to steel rod to use as the punch. The scale/size is the initial challenge along with keeping them round while shaping them. My third attempt proved more successful.

I am starting off with metal flat washers in the same diameter of the magazines already found on the toy guns. Next I glue them onto some sheet plastic. Once dry I cut around the washer and sand it to the shape of the washer (they help keep it perfectly symmetrical.

And now the challenge of building up the details on top of the drum. To replicate the raised area on the outside of the drum I used solder coiled around a dowel and cut to make circles. They were carefully attached to make the outside circumference.

Next was using smaller punches to make the layers of relief for the center top.

Then after several failed attempts of making perfectly uniformed rivets, I chose to drill them instead. My thought is since they are only going to be marginally seen and away from the MG, the relief once painted should not be noticable, at least I hope. The last step was to use some lead tooling foil and a specific width of plastic. I cut strips from the foil and wrapped them around the plastic to make four scale leather straps for the top of the drums.

Last was to paint them flat black, then dry brush silver over the tops to raise the details. Next was to paint the leather straps. Here is the final result:

I still may paint the side of the drums in a lighter silver/white like that seen on some real ones (see below).

And one last update, just a quick photo of the WIP on the radio set. Much more to show on this addition at next update.

Till next time, model something or tel me what you think, perhaps other ideas towards the build...

Ben

Stokesy44 · Post by **Stokesy44** » Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:52 pm

Fine looking work Sir

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Fri Sep 24, 2021 1:28 am

A very clear explanation of the way you went about the scratch build process. A very easy read....thank you.
The end result is as good as a molded piece if not better.

DRUMS01 · Post by **DRUMS01** » Sat Sep 25, 2021 4:29 pm

This update is for adding the radio set. The purchased from Shapeways provide to be a good one. It is very accurate in size and details when compared to source photos. As previously mentioned the material did not like CA glue or acrylic or enamel paints, even after a thorough wash and scrub (?). The item came as a four piece set which consists of the radio, fender mount, antenna base, and headset.

Here are pictures of the actual radio set.

After initial painting and some light weathering:

I made the angle iron brace for the fender mount from two pieces of cut strip plastic. Here it is mounted with the antenna cable made from solder and added.

The radio face and clamps were washed, dry brushed and detailed picked with a hairy stick. Afterwards I sourced some decals from my spares. The cable from the power supply is also solder and the fitting from spares. Overall I am happy with the results.

Next up is adding the "little things" and then the figures. I'm still working on ideas for a base....

Stay safe, happy, and healthy....

Ben

RangerNeil · Post by **RangerNeil** » Sat Sep 25, 2021 6:18 pm

Radio set looks spot on. So do the ammo drums!
Congratulations.

I remember seeing the radio's as "museum pieces" way back when. We'd just migrated to Clansman from Larkspur which if memory serves replaced the old BC-620 sets used on the Jeeps when the Regiments were reformed in the 1950's using Austin Champs and Series 1 Landrovers.

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:23 pm

The radio looks great! It sounds like your feeling quite a bit better as well. Stay safe! It sounds like the CDC is recommending that people like you and I need to get a third dose of the vaccine. I'm waiting until I have an appointment with my Dr. next week to talk to her about it.

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Sun Sep 26, 2021 2:32 am

BigWall wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:23 pm The radio looks great! It sounds like your feeling quite a bit better as well. Stay safe! It sounds like the CDC is recommending that people like you and I need to get a third dose of the vaccine. I'm waiting until I have an appointment with my Dr. next week to talk to her about it.

The radio does look the part in every way.
Im', healthy enough , but if they are offering another dose of vacine I'll be first in. Perhaps a different variety this time though.