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Armor/AFV
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
How important is under chassis detail to you?
Removed by original poster on 08/02/19 - 14:57:39 (GMT).
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 02:57 AM UTC
To get back on topic . . . .

IMHO - When I finish a model I would like the experience and the knowledge gained to be, at least in part, similar to having the real thing parked in my driveway and the Tech Manual in my hand.

So bring on the 100% FULL and COMPLETE detailing; under, over, around and through!

_____________________________

Sidebar:

Some years ago I had just built my first Armor model, a Jagdpanzer IV. You can imagine my surprise and pleasure upon first volunteering at the Patton Museum when, while getting my initial "behind the scenes" tour, I come around a corner and there sits an actual, RUNNING, Jagd IV.

I was totally hooked!


This is one of my earliest armor reference photos.
Way more than just a fond memory to me.
(A tip of the hat to all the volunteers and staff down through the years at the Ft. Knox; Patton Museum.)
Kevlar06
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 03:27 AM UTC
To put this "underside" and "hidden compartment" discussion in a little more perspective, when I was building the new Roden Holt tractor, I was left with "wanting more". There was a lot of the suspension present in the kit, but the drivelines were noticibly abbreviated.. The kit builds and looks just fine, even when turned over, but there were places where underside detail was included, but leading to nowhere-- just empty space. It's one reason why in my build review of the kit, I said it could be a "superdetailers dream". So, in my opinion, it's OK for manufacturers to give abbreviated detail, those that want it can add it, those that don't can leave it the way it is... but, it should at least be designed so those that want to add detail can do so without major "surgery".
VR, Russ
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 03:37 AM UTC
Amen to that Russ!

As you know I had to add the missing cone clutch and driveshaft (still a WIP) to my Holt. (I thought it strange that they left these out.) Also wish they had offered us the version with the exposed open differential rather than that huge enclosed round box.
TopSmith
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 04:19 AM UTC
Jim, about 5% of my builds are wheeled vehicles so I haven't put the research into them as much as tracked vehicles, however, I have not seen many aftermarket kits that provide the chassis parts that the manufacturers leave out. If you created a chassis detailing line of kits to super detail the chassis for the individual manufacturer's kits it might be successful.
southpier
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Alberta, Canada
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 04:53 AM UTC
years, probably 28 or 30 by now, ago, I purchased what I thought to be the acme of resin kits: a 1:48 scale Verlinden jeep.

I was quivering with anticipation as I opened the magic jewel box in which it was enshrined. then I turned it over and realized is was simply a lump of resin!
Kevlar06
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 06:09 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Jim, about 5% of my builds are wheeled vehicles so I haven't put the research into them as much as tracked vehicles, however, I have not seen many aftermarket kits that provide the chassis parts that the manufacturers leave out. If you created a chassis detailing line of kits to super detail the chassis for the individual manufacturer's kits it might be successful.




Now there's an idea worth pursuing for some enterprising manufacturer-- offering aftermarket resin or white metal "innards" for some of those kits that come without, or incomplete. I'm not talking about interiors, tracks, or wheels. I'd like to see some standard differentials, drivelines, nut and bolt sets (as opposed to generic sets) tiedowns, leaf springs in various sizes, springs, etc. And my particular pet peeve-- US lights, reflector sets and wipers, (my gosh-- these were all standardized from WWII to today-- how come I can't buy a set? We can get add-on helmets, weapons, rucksacks, tow cables, and complete interiors (along with exteriors) for many vehicles (the majority seem to be German) today. But try and find a leaf spring, tie down, reflector light, wiper, drive shaft, winch or winch take-off and you're out of luck. How about bolt heads in standard sizes? (yes, I know some manufactures do make some, but I'd like to buy a set with a couple of hundred, not just a couple dozen).
VR, Russ
southpier
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 06:25 AM UTC

Quoted Text

… add-on helmets, weapons, rucksacks, tow cables, and complete interiors (along with exteriors) for many vehicles (the majority seem to be German) .. try and find a leaf spring, tie down, reflector light, wiper, drive shaft, winch or winch take-off and you're out of luck. How about bolt heads …



almost as scarce as booted feet for figures!
samkidd
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 06:36 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Jim, about 5% of my builds are wheeled vehicles so I haven't put the research into them as much as tracked vehicles, however, I have not seen many aftermarket kits that provide the chassis parts that the manufacturers leave out. If you created a chassis detailing line of kits to super detail the chassis for the individual manufacturer's kits it might be successful.



That sir, is a fantastic idea for someone! Hadn't thought of that but I believe you are absolutely correct that it might be a niche market for some enterprising caster creator. While I'm certain that manufacturer is not me, it would likely be a great idea for someone and I hope that someone explores this.

I doubt if I will make moves in that direction, at least any time soon, for a couple reasons. First, LSA's full kits are already super detailed, even on the bottom. When we release our 1/24 scale British 10CWT trailer you'll see what I mean. Secondly LSA's R&D is already mapped out all the way through 2020. The projects currently in the development schedule are already heavily invested in (3D printed sections etc.)so there's no chance of my pursuing that idea anytime soon.

It is though, in my opinion, a great idea. I really hope someone explores it further! Again, this thread is a very good way for some manufacturers to get some solid feedback and excellent ideas so feel free to pitch any thougths you might have. Hopefully the industry is listening.


Jim
LSA
18Bravo
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 08:27 AM UTC
For armor, I usually don't care. Each of these was a multiple first place winner back when such things seemed to matter:




Not only don't I fill in the holes half of the time, I've been known to leave the motorizations units in them.







I generally subscribe to the belief that gentlemen do not look underneath skirts. At least without asking first. You may find a nasty surprise:




Quoted Text


If you created a chassis detailing line of kits to super detail the chassis for the individual manufacturer's kits it might be successful.



Now there's a thought. All you'd need is a dude with a camera who isn't afraid to get a little dirty. (And can fit)

You could go from this:





To this:

http://www-legend.co.kr/portfolio/lf1244-m923-detailing-set/

If you cared.
Frenchy
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Posted: Friday, August 02, 2019 - 09:10 AM UTC

Quoted Text

But try and find a leaf spring, tie down, reflector light, wiper, drive shaft, winch or winch take-off and you're out of luck



At least all hope is not lost for WW2-era wipers :



Same for tie-downs. Here's an example from Alliance Model Works :



H.P.
southpier
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Alberta, Canada
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Posted: Saturday, August 03, 2019 - 09:19 PM UTC
I have a sheet of Royal Models "wingnuts, keys, & padlocks".

i'm sure the widow will be putting these in my estate sale!
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