Hi fellas.

I've been wanting to build a model for my father to depict his HMMWV that he had in 1991. I've been waiting for him to dig out his old photo album so I could see pictures of it. It looks like it may not be as straight forward as I ha hoped. I want to build this as accurate as possible, for him. By looking at the picture, it looks like I'll be doing a fair bit of scratch building. Which I have never done.

Here is the picture.


By looking at this picture, and talking to him, he said they placed wood 4x4s on top strapped down. They also built a plywood box in the back to store their gear. So I guess my first question is, where is the best place to buy scale plywood and 4x4s?

Also looks like I'll be needing something to represent angle iron.

I was also thinking about using this to represent weight.

Will it work with the Tamiya M1025?
His HMMWV doesn't look weighted down like some from the 2003ish era, but definitely doesn't seem to be riding as high as the ones I worked on with no weight in them.

I was also going to pick up a set of DEF model sagged wheels R/T II.

Can anyone recommend a PE set that would help set this off?

I know these are a lot of questions. This is a surprise for him, and I really want it to be just like the picture.

Thanks for any help,
Dustin

EDIT: I'll also be using the MIG conversion 35-121 kit.

Dustin, the DEF suspension is only used to correct an error with the Academy M1151. No such error exists with the Tamiya kits. Weighting a HMMWV kit down requires pretty extensive work to the chassis. There is an Eduard photo etch set for the Tamiya M1025 that is still available. Much of it will not be used for a M998 like your father's. There isn't actual 1/35th scale lumber. You will have to use Evergreen or Plastruct styrene. I'm sure you will be able to find styrene strip that will work for the 2x4. You will have to round the edges and scrape it with a razor saw or rough sandpaper to add some grain to it. I hope this helps.

Regards,

Eric

Eric,

That does help tremendously. Thank you very much.