Hello again my friends, it's time to start my blogs for the new year, this time I'm going into multiple builds for 2 Strykers, 2 Abrams, 3 Humvees and 5 AAVs.. so it's going to be real crazy for me..

To start off, here's just a couple pics of my ongoing commission build for the same client as the M1A1& AAV --- The AFV Club Stryker base kit and conversion kit-M1127 RV w/ Blast Panels from Real Model, Add & SLAT Armor, & RHINO Anti-IED from Eduard. I'll be using Legend's stowage kit and MOLLE from Goffy Model and some other scratch build stuff..just to name a few.

The ICV version w SLAT package is for my own interest and ebay..so progress is much slower and those pics will come much later...but why start another blog..so I'll keep it here too. This one I'm using Voyager's detail kit instead.

For reference, I'm using the few pics via internet I have and WWP's Stryker in Detail part 1 & 2.


RV version..
I've made the crew top hatches movable, the forward axles-and wheels positionable as well. And scratched the armor housing for the electrical wiring for the lights.
In the next batch of photos you'll see I've added ALL the etched tie-down handles--that I can find on the real thing. Will post pics once I've totally completed the Slat armor Mounts and other stuff..

Hi Nick,
Very good start.
Miloslav

Looking pretty good. I am currently doing the Trumpeter M1127 w/Slat, Blast Armor, and Rhino as well. I'm also adding the sniper screen up top too.

Finally I can see some more work of you!

Lars

Nick, who sells Goffy Model items?

Goffy Model website lists Umm-Usa as their retailer for the US market.

HTH
Frenchy

Thanks Guys!

Gino, looking forward to your build! BTW, I'm helping my god-daughter build the Trump M1127, she'll post pics in time..doing a "Jurrasic Park" version for her Rapter diorama.. She's having more fun modelling then me..

WE NEED MORE MOLLE SETS SOON!

Hey Nick,
Nice Stryker!!! Looks great so far. The PE really is worth the effort in the end.
THE FUN begins when you use the Slat Armor?? Good luck and keep upthe BLOG.
Todd

Hey Todd thanks! I had actually completed all the mounts-with super glue, but while doing a stress-test all but 2 broke off! So I'm checking out soldering instead..

Really not looking forward to that SLAT assembly..

Hei Nick

Your build is coming along well! Looking forward to see how you assemble the SLATS. Waiting for my additional armour PE from Eduard to start mine.

Is there a difference between the SLAT for the M1126 and the M1130?

Yes right side are different. Eduard have additional armor and slat also for M1130.
Miloslav

Thanks Frenchy!

Guys, surely would appreicate any photos or direct links in particular to the M1127 RV & M1126 ICV.. The WWP books are great for detail but not so much for how they are loaded up in Iraq.

A quick question--anyone have any photos of the rectangular "blanket" located at the front lower hull of the M1127 with RHINO..

Nick look here.
http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com/stryker.htm

the square black blankets are probably the kevlar blankets

as for a load plan, there really wasnt a load plan per say. at first at home station there was load plans. All tanker CSM's love load plans. once we hit country we loaded the vehicle how we fought it. as for weapon systems, we left nothing behind and carried thousands of round per weapon system, with the exception of AT-4's (we had 8 per RV) and javelins. every RV has a CLU, and we all had a couple rounds. though that weapon specifc load varied per mission. some of us tore out the LRAS mounts and they never went back in until we were CONUS and in refit. we pulled benches from ICV's and put them in RV's. since most of us operated out of a FOB, it was mainly class 1,3,5 and an assualt pack per man. we never carried fuel on the outside, in case of IED's causing fires.

Hello friends 123am and just a quick update..

MIlo & Michael tahnks for the replies..

I'll probably scrathc that blanket.

What's CLU, CONUS, and "mainly class 1,3,5???

The hardest nerve wrecking part has been done--soldering the support arms parts and them to the additional/mounting armor.. I waited to gain experience with the build process of this stryker-which I will carry to my ICV version-- SOLDER ALL THE NASTY LITTLE BITS BEFORE GLUING THEM TO THE HULL-- for my ICV that is!

Another note of caution use common sense while using the soldering iron or blow touch--plastic and resin melts! Clever me..

Had to spend S$80 on a 5x desk mounted manifier with light, $20 on 0.3 solder and $32 on a Solderpro70... !


I'm completing the Slat armor and detailing..and will post pics in due time...

Also note I was determined to add a 50cal--so I scratched build the "cradle" for it..

The slat armour looks superb!.

nice work with the scratched detail

Some very nice work there, Nick! Looking forward to much more

Cheers,
Ian

NIck,
Some explanations of the acronyms

CLU= Command Launch Unit, the "brains" of the Javelin AT Missile
CONUS= Continential United States
Class I =Food & water
Class III = Fuel, lubrication oil, grease, etc
Class V = Ammunition & explosives

HTH
John

Hello Nick,
your PE skills are simply amazing. How do you manage to get the slats so straight? Mine are always slightly bended an not so nice. Please could you explain your techniques, do you use some kind of jig?
Happy modelling
Arpad

I think the slat armor looks great, but I doubt I'll ever do it. I'm not that much of a masochist. LOL.

Lookin good so far.

Look really great
What about the other project Nick ???
Cheers
Seb

Looking great Nick! You've got more patience than I would, that's for sure!

Cheers -
Tim

Thanks guys for your kind words.

Thanks John for that explanation

...You guys have acronyms for everything!






Arpad, a really tough one getting them straight and aligned, I used cheapo magnets, mini files, helping hands and anything I could get my hands on to hold each piece,etc..and my MK II eyeballs straining to ensure they are sitting right. I will post an example pics and more info once I can. But I can tell you honestly someone else probably has a better way!

Micheal..yup I do like pain.. But seriously, the Slat assembly is pretty easy. But the mounts (getting them straight and aligned)is the main problem IMHO. But mainly because I don't want to use superglue, but solder instead-as this Stryker is going to cross the ocean and God knows how the box will be handled!. So don't let the Slats prevent you from tackling this kit!


Seb, my other project as in-the other ICV Stryker ? Well, I intended to build simultaneously, but realised the supports arms is a weak point so I prepared all the parts and will start on the ICV asap-- but with a better technique!

Tim, I'm actually pretty impatient, but it's my job.. But I'm really happy that my client asked me to do a Slat version-- as I was looking for a reason to build it!!..despite the difficulties..

Anyway, with my little motivator by my side...what's the hassle of putting hundreds of etch pieces together... I just have to look into her soulful eyes..

You definitely have a whole lot more patience and concentration than me, and your work with the slat armor is outstanding. I'm definitely following your progress and am looking forward to seeing your build as it develops. BTW, I see you also have a furry modelling companion -- mine goes about 100 pounds and drools a lot, he tends to supervise my builds.