A SLIGHT DETOUR . . . .

Check this out. I still have loadbox parts left from the two M23 conversions!!!!

This Oshkosh MRAP loadbox looks awfully similar to the Mk23 4x4.

The wheels are again turning . . . And the jeweler's saw is getting ready to do some cutting!

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(Some photos from www.armyrecognition.com and Oshkosh Defense used here for discussion only.)

Michael, would it be worthwhile to use the chassis/suspension from the Trumpeter MTVR on the Panda M-ATV? I seem to recall reading that the M-ATV was built on the chassis of the 4X4 version of the M-ATV. In addition to having some of the chassis detail Panda left off of the M-ATV it looks like the MTVR would also help to fill in some of the detail visible in the wheel wells.

Regards,

Eric

Well Eric, you must have read my mind b/c a version of what you are describing is right now on my work bench!

I had a loadbox left over from all my Mk23 conversions so I am in the process of chopping the Panda M-ATV into a two man cab and adding the rear platform from the Mk23!

Photos will follow.

Trying now to find reference on the M-ATV driveline in order to build/add the missing parts to the model.

I certainly wish I had figured out the following BEFORE building all those Mk23 conversions using the stock coil springs that come with the kit!
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Following on many of Nick Haskell's (Stickframe's) great vehicle builds, I have been trying to come up with my own way of making coil springs for the many Oshkosh TAK-4 suspension units being offered.

Fortunately, I just recently lucked into a new product at my LHS; offered by Plastruct:


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Modification of Panda's M-ATV MRAP 4x4 shown above.






First I selected a drill bit that would give me the desired inside diameter of the spring and clamped the bit in my table vice. Then I took two pieces of the plastic coated wire and holding them tightly by their ends with a pair of pliers, I began to wrap the wire around the drill bit. (I tried using just a single strand of wire with hopes to expand the spring lengthwise after bending but this proved inconsistent.)

In the end, bending two pieces of the wire at the same time, I get the correct "coils per inch" spacing in the bend. The Plastruct wire has the perfect hardness to permanently hold this bend when complete. Afterwards, it is a very easy task to "unscrew" the two coils from each other when done.

p.s. The plastic coating that Plastruct uses on this wire does not react to our model solvents so Superglue with be necessary to attach the springs to the model.

Blackdog really should make their up armored cab conversion for the Mk23 available separately from the gun truck!!! Hint, Hint!

Looking real good Michael, nice work on the suspension and springs. Yeah a lot of modelers forget about the Plastruct stuff, many uses. I have a full display of it along with Evergreen. Built many truck trailers with plastruct.

A few years ago I did the same build with the Panda M-ATV's, built a M-ATV Utility and ambulance. I also started a command version...never finished it, it no sits on the shelf wearing a sweater

Will be following along.

Happy Modeling,
Joe

More great work!

Eric I think it would be quite possible to substitute the much easier to build Trumpeter TAK-4 suspension units from the Mk23 kit for those in the Panda M-ATV. The question being would the higher quality Trumpeter units be worth the much higher cost versus the time saved in building what would end up being the same finished product? Please understand that once completed, the two different model manufacture's products provide approximately the same level of detail and finish.

Michael, I've never lived anywhere close to reality so cost usually isn't an issue in my head! Honestly though, which one would be easier to articulate for rough ground and alter for steered wheels?

Regards,

Eric

Well then definitely the Trumpeter parts have the more crisp detailing and go together much more easily. I would still go with the Panda frame and chassis to better fit the Panda MRAP body.

I would roll your own springs regardless of which parts you go with. That way you can position the suspension to match whatever ground contour you choose.

Finally I recommend using the Trumpeter steering gear for your vehicle. Again it is the crisp molding detail here that attracts me.

Mike

Latest progress on the Oshkosh 4x4 Mk . . .

and the latest progress on the Oshkosh 4x4 M-ATV truck:



Looks like one serious hotrod armored truck if you ask me!