Dragon 1/72 AAVP7A1 (RAM/RS) with EAAK

This model was built mostly out-of-the-box. I painted everything except the EAAK plates with acrylics, both Tamiya and Games Workshop. The EAAK was painted with Tamiya Spray. I used an airbrush for the first time to apply the acrylics. The whole model was washed with thinned Raw Umber artist's oil paint. The weathering is a combination of drybrushed acrylics, Tamiya Weathering Master kits, and MIG Pigments. The two backpacks are from Legend, the stowage is from Verlinden (thanks, Sabot), and the antenna are made from music wire. Finally, the model was given a light overspray with Games Workshop Matte Varnish.

wow nice job Silverleaf ... i like very much .... i have that kit on my to do list .... i just hope it turns out half as good as yours

Thanks, I appreciate it.

As a former AAV crewchief, Serria Hotel job on the pig! I grabbed this kit when I saw it on the hobby shop shelf, and figure ill get around to building it before I do the 1/35 beasts in the closet!

great job again.
Andy

YAT-YAS!

Great job all around William, paint and weathing is excellent for 1/72 and being your first time using a airbrush. So what’s your overall impression on this little guy, any fit problems.

Great work,
Joe

Thanks! I am a former 0352 TOW Gunner. I didn't get a chance to ride in one of these; but, I did get to see them jumping off the tail end of a LST. I don't envy the grunts in the back. You guys are crazy!!

I also have two 1/35 kits; but, they are an earlier version without the upgraded weapons station. I'll get to them one day.

Thanks a lot, especially coming from you. I saw your 1/35 AAV with interior. Now that was an awesome piece of work. As a matter of fact, I will be using your technique for adding weld beads to some of my 1/35 models in the future.




This is the first kit I have put together in this scale, and I love it. I have to admit, though, I dismissed things like weld beads.

Actually, it fit together really well. I did do some putty/Mr Surfacer work where the top met the hull sides. There is a weld on the real vehicle, but it is on top of the hullside. This kit left a line (not a gap) down the side, so I filled it in.

The only other issue is with the weapons station. The front, in between the weapon barrells, actually comes to a point on the real vehicle. I played around with molding something out of putty or plasticard; but, in the end decided that at this scale it did not make much difference. Besides, I wasn't sure my skill level was up to making something so small fit seamlessly onto the existing part.

You also have to be careful when you fit the top hatches. They just barely fit over the holes. The "hinges" are delicate and I was really careful when putting them in place. The instructions call for removing some of the detail from the hatches in order to place the PE armor plates. Be sure you do that before you glue the hatches in place. It will be much easier.

This is also the first time I have ever used PE on a model. It is really difficult in this scale; especially the latches and grab handles. In fact, there are PE pieces that are not on the finished model because they broke/came off while I was working on it. In the future I will apply PE later in the build process when I can.

Overall, I really liked the model and it went together well. I had a lot of fun finishing it and I look forward to building some more 1/72 kits.

Awesome build man.

Yes, awesome model. I just can't believe it is 1/72nd scale too!

It's just my opinion, but I would enter that in a model contest. It's right up there with the best I've seen.

Thanks for sharing it.

First time using Airbrush?!? Men, I'd love to have your steady hand!!
Great painting, very convincing. And adding all these aftermarket details give a good sensation of the "real" thing!
Kudos!

Luis

Two thumbs up, William.

Great job on the painting and weathering - especially considering the scale!

Thanks for sharing

Your AAV looks great William. I only hope my own will look this good when I get time to build it.

Erik

Thank you all for your wonderful replies. I really appreciate the compliments.

Looks good. I miss those things. Skyhawk were you 2nd or 3rd tracks.

I used to be one of those "Grunts" in the back. I always injoyed being in them. Saved on the LPC's.(Leather personel carriers). The only thing we ever worried about going off the back of an assualt ship was where you sat. The bulkhead on the engine cover inside had an opening that always spat out alot of water into the interior of the trak, and you could get pretty wet sitting up there. Nice little build. Semper-Fi!