HI all,

With my ASLAV-F paint curing, I thought i'd move on to my next build.

This arrived yesterday from Formations:



Yep, their M1200 Armored Knight conversion for Trumpeters' M1117 Guardian.

I've been collecting aftermarket trinkets for the M1117, but have decided to use them (where appropriate) on the M1200 build.

Here's what ive stockpiled so far:



The M1200 conversion comes with a CD reference images, and included on the CD is a Powerpoint file of the kits instructions in full colour - very nice too!

SO, I'll print the instructions off at work today, and get started tonight, hopefully!

Sam

Very nice. Quite the pile of goodies you got for it too. "Q"

Yeah look's like your going to have a lo9t of work ahead of you my friend.

this,this is going to be sick!

Good luck Sam....I'll follow.....

Sam
DId Blast corrected their wheels ??

Where did you get the formation kit ?
any web site ??

Good luck
Cheers
Seb

No idea about the Blast wheels, mine were the original release, so therefore are a little wonky.

The Formations conversion is available from.. Formations!

http://www.formationsmodels.com/

Sam

Looks like this is going to be one wicked beast.

Ok Thanks Sam
for the website
Cheers
Seb

just orderd 1 m1200 conversion
henk

Hi All,

Just a couple of teaser shots taken from the desk. Im too much in the zone to stop, set up my photo area, take proper shots, edit, etc.. so i'll post these for now, then put some better shots up later today.

First impressions - the Trumpeter kit of the M1117 is one of the nicest kits i've built in a long time. virtually no gaps, and with some really nice details.

So, here is where I am now. I've jumped around from the instructions a little, I always like to get the basic structure together first, work on any gaps or other issues, then move on to adding details.



Note the Arms Corps Models footman/continuous loops. Still to add them on the hull side - no point adding them this early in construction, i'd spend most of my time breaking them off and re-gluing them back on.





So, a question, are these currently being used in Afghanistan? My preference is to build a vehicle in use there, but will settle for an Iraq vehicle if thats my only choice.

Cheers!

SD

Dont know the anwser to your question,but i know this looks amazing!
Kind regards!

Good to see this project in your hands Sam!

I have the kit as well, but no instructions..so just a heads up...... base on the photos I have of the real thing :
Since the M1200 has a Duke antenna mount on the left side, thus the 4 L-shape hooks for the tow cable is shifted and spaced out more so across the top as compared to the compressed as in M1117/kit version.
I did the same by removing the anti-slip details and installing them were necessary. I used 0.13 styrene sheet. But i think Archer's "Wood grain" decals may accomplish the look too.

Also, you'll need to remove some of the anti-slip texture in order to fit the added antenna mounting points for the rest of the top..

I will post another photo soon with the L-shape hooks installed..



However, the prototype M1200 does not have the Duke mount,thus no chance in hooks location,etc

There are obvious differences of the anti-slip pattern between the M1200 and M1117, and other short comings to the Trumpy's kit. After making these changes to my M1200, I totally get why NWM initially planned to put out a corrected hull in their conversion.

PM me if you need any more info...Good Luck!

Nick

Hi Nick,

thanks for the info!! I can see there are some changes between the M1117 and M1200, truth be told i'm taking the lazy route and im going to change as little as possible! So no anti slip changes for me!

I've put heaps of time in on this today, in front of the Australian Grand Prix coverage. Lots done, but lots to go.

Here are the Blast wheels. Sadly, utterly unusable. I really like Blast's updated, but these wheels arent great. The best bit about them is the hoses molded on for the air pressure system.
Look at the camber on these!




Over sized too, i think


And here are the NWM wheels









And the rest of it:





Thats it for me for now, the GP has just started!

GO WEBBER!

Sam

Sam,

I really need to learn how you work so fast. It's nuts, but hey, keep up the good work. The M1200 is looking great!

I agree, it is nuts how fast you work! I'm working on figuring out my limitations and how to streamline my workflow, so maybe one day I'll be a quick builder as well

That's a bummer about the Blast resin wheels. What's the deal with the negative camber on them? Do they just not sit flush with the stock parts?

Nice clean work so far, I've been waiting to see one of these show up here, glad you're willing to take the time to share it with us!

I had the same problem with the bowing out of Blast's tires, and wound up adjusting the undercarriage to compensate. They may be a bit narrow but I liked the subtle bulge they have, as well as the molded CTIS.

Hi Sam. Very nice build so far ... so clean. Not so much interest in modern subjects but this one looks cool.