Armorama :: Ford GPA G-504

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Ford GPA G-504

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Thursday, October 06, 2011 - 03:00 PM UTC

It sure has been a while, but I finally have time and energy to get back to some building! The weird thing is that this is very similar to my last build log... hmmmm....
Ye Olde Schwimmwagen
This build is an old Tamiya kit that I had started some years back...and yes it is amphibious too!

...it will be another scratch detail too and maybe a water base. We'll see about the base though, I have a couple of ideas in mind.
Any way here we are so far.
I added some rough detail in the front float area... yup, that's a piece of nylon stocking and a slice of a gas can...

Opened up the top deck (there was some molded screen there)

Opened up the top air intake door...

Modified the firewall, added a bilge pipe, and some side supports...

Oh yeah, modified the side steps, exhaust hole, and front tow lug...

For the side steps I used some of the two part rubber putty and made a mold, ground out the old step and cast a new one to glue in.

I think that pretty much brings the project up to date, It may be a few days before I get back to it, but I'll keep on this one!

vonHengest

Texas, United States
Joined: June 29, 2010
KitMaker: 5,854 posts
Armorama: 4,817 posts

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Posted: Thursday, October 06, 2011 - 07:08 PM UTC

I've wanted to see a good take on this kit, subscribed.

bmikk1

Utah, United States
Joined: February 15, 2008
KitMaker: 199 posts
Armorama: 136 posts

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Posted: Friday, October 07, 2011 - 02:44 AM UTC

Great start on a neat subject. Can't wait to see this one finished!

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Friday, October 07, 2011 - 07:00 AM UTC

Maybe someone out there can point me in the right direction for markings on this little guy. From what I've been able to gather so far operation husky was the first big use of the GPA. What I'm still missing is w/hich units had them or at least would have been most likely to have them. I am leaning towards doing the 45th division, but that is as far as I've gotten. I did find one surviving GPA that was tracked back to Anzio, but not with the 45th. Any way that is my dilema so far, other than realizing that I need to rework the firewall... Thanks to all for lookin' in and Brandon -n- Jeremy thanks for following along! Updates coming soon... I hope!

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Sunday, October 09, 2011 - 12:54 PM UTC

I got these guys in the mail, I think between the two kits and a little bit of sculpting I should have a pretty good crew for the GPA.

And I was diging around in some of my detail stuff I think these may be of use too!

I also got a little bit of building (or rebuilding) time in too.
After I came across this photo,

I decided I needed to redo the fire wall so I pulled the hastily done pieces out wihtout much trouble (hmmm... I don't know it that's good or bad), and added some new sheet to the sides

I decided to use foil for the soft cover, and made the clips with my riviting tool.

I was going to put it right in, but then I was thinking I might want to add screens to the openings first. So that is where it sets. Tomorrow is the night off and hopefully there will be some big progress.

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - 09:01 AM UTC

Not quite the progress I had hoped for, but better than nothing.
I put some screens on the fire wall,

And worked on the cover over the radiator. I added som additional ribs to the cover using stretched sprue.

Then pressed heavy foil over it.

And that is all for today!

If you like the foil work, there is more of it here Jeep Wreck!

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

PROFILE

Posted: Friday, October 21, 2011 - 12:04 PM UTC

I actually have some progess on this build, not much but progress none the less!
After looking over my references I decided to scrap the kit rear seat and put in my own three cushion bench. I whipped up a frame and put some shims in the rear, but I'm holding off on the actual cushions until I decide on weather or not there will be occupants back there.

I also made up a windshield frame to replace the kit one piece job. I really need to practice my solder technique, but for now some file work will do the trick.

The inner windshield was made with folded foil, no solder required!

I replaced the windshield bump stops on the deck with some scrap phote etch. I was going to try my new bender, but ended up cutting a toothpick to make the form instead (old habits)

That pretty well sums things up for now, I just need to keep plodding along on this one.

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 11:31 AM UTC

A little more work and a lot more thinking, but more on the thinking later...

Now the work! I added some bits and pieces to the interior,

Added the reworked capstain,

Screened in the deck and put the hatch on...

Mounted the windshield frame (that is already off again it was crooked I couldn't help myself)

Then I had to add some paint to tie it all toghether

The wave deflector is giving me some trouble, I want to do the pressed foil, but it has not been working out so well. The foil is either too heavy or too light, so I'm just taking a break from that for now.

I've been thinking about a small diorama for this one too. What I envision is a farmer and work horse pulling the GPA out of the muddy edge of a stream. I don't know though, another part of me just wants to finish it up and put it on a simple base and call it done. I do have another one on the shelf... so maybe...
we'll see.

Enjoy the progress and let me know what ya think!

Spiderfrommars

Milano, Italy
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
Armorama: 3,543 posts

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Posted: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 12:18 PM UTC

Quoted Text

The inner windshield was made with folded foil, no solder required!

I'd like to know how did you make...

Your build looks fantastic. Thanks a lot for sharing

captnenglish

California, United States
Joined: May 20, 2008
KitMaker: 1,184 posts
Armorama: 770 posts

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Posted: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 02:35 PM UTC

I'll be following this build as I have kit (along with AM resin tires and Eduard PE) in my stash. I am just waiting to be able to get the Black Dog stowage set and have room on my WB to start it. I plan to do my up as a lend lease version as I understand it, the Soviets used these more. Nice job so far.

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 11:13 PM UTC

Mauro,
Here is the quick and dirty on the inner windshield frame.
First measure the outer frame...

Cut a piece of clear plastic, I use old overhead sheets...

Fold a piece of foil, now I'm using the fancy folder, but any way to keep a nice straight crease will work.

Then cut of the folded edge...

This channel will slide right over the edge of the clear plastic sheet, you may need to spread the opening with a blade to get it started.

The clear plastic really needs to be thin for this method, the sheets that I was telling you about are only .005 inches thick.
I forgot to mention that I paint the folded metal black before I put it on the clear plastic. That way wen I mask it, usually with a liquid mask, the edge that shows through from the other side is black instead of metalic, like the rubber seal on the real deal!

Matthew,
It would be cool to see one built up with all the extras. How do the resin tires compare to the kit ones. I still think there is something funky about the kit tires, but I haven't quite nailed it down yet.

Thanks for checking in!

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

PROFILE

Posted: Thursday, October 27, 2011 - 04:56 AM UTC

I got the wave deflector figured out, I ended up using the lead foil instead of the others. It bends easy, but looks pretty good.

Then I went to work on the underside, I added some foil to the tunnel

Some plastic strip over that

And then made a new rudder out of some scrap photo etch

I'm thinking now that I may just go with the simple base to keep as much of the GPA in view as possible. Still thinkin' though!

Spiderfrommars

Milano, Italy
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
Armorama: 3,543 posts

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Posted: Thursday, October 27, 2011 - 07:32 AM UTC

Well done!

Thanks a million for the "photo tutorial"

Cheers

captnenglish

California, United States
Joined: May 20, 2008
KitMaker: 1,184 posts
Armorama: 770 posts

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Posted: Thursday, October 27, 2011 - 08:18 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Mario,
Here is the quick and dirty on the inner windshield frame.
First measure the outer frame...

Cut a piece of clear plastic, I use old overhead sheets...

Fold a piece of foil, now I'm using the fancy folder, but any way to keep a nice straight crease will work.

Then cut of the folded edge...

This channel will slide right over the edge of the clear plastic sheet, you may need to spread the opening with a blade to get it started.

The clear plastic really needs to be thin for this method, the sheets that I was telling you about are only .005 inches thick.

Matthew,
It would be cool to see one built up with all the extras. How do the resin tires compare to the kit ones. I still think there is something funky about the kit tires, but I haven't quite nailed it down yet.

Thanks for checking in!

I'll have to dig them out to give you a more detailed answeer than to say they are worth the money I spent on them

skyhawk

Florida, United States
Joined: June 03, 2003
KitMaker: 1,095 posts
Armorama: 743 posts

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Posted: Thursday, October 27, 2011 - 10:56 AM UTC

this is some fantastic work! following along and taking notes!
Andy

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

PROFILE

Posted: Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 05:33 AM UTC

I decided I needed to get the interior finished up, but to do that I need to fit the figures. So the three from the jeep crew in pretty much their stock poses.

Idid make up some small stuff, I have the windshield latches for the top of the dash

and I made up the side brackets for the tilt out windshield (I didn't want to chance moving them so that shot is on the bench!)

Then here they are installed

Matt

Quoted Text

I'll have to dig them out to give you a more detailed answeer than to say they are worth the money I spent on them

Any luck digging em' up, just wondered.

Andy,
If you need any more detailed info let me know!

Thanks

Brobru

Warszawa, Poland
Joined: October 10, 2011
KitMaker: 95 posts
Armorama: 86 posts

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Posted: Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 08:54 AM UTC

Great scratch-building! I'm subscribing to learn more!

captnenglish

California, United States
Joined: May 20, 2008
KitMaker: 1,184 posts
Armorama: 770 posts

PROFILE

Posted: Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 09:22 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I decided I needed to get the interior finished up, but to do that I need to fit the figures. So the three from the jeep crew in pretty much their stock poses.

Idid make up some small stuff, I have the windshield latches for the top of the dash

and I made up the side brackets for the tilt out windshield (I didn't want to chance moving them so that shot is on the bench!)

Then here they are installed

Matt

Quoted Text

I'll have to dig them out to give you a more detailed answeer than to say they are worth the money I spent on them

Any luck digging em' up, just wondered.

Andy,
If you need any more detailed info let me know!

Thanks

I've got a deadline for work, give me couple more days

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Sunday, October 30, 2011 - 12:15 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I've got a deadline for work, give me couple more days

Matthew, No problem, when ever you get a chance.

As for the building I do have a few more pieces ready.
I got out the green stuff again and made some more seat cushions. The passanger side is a full set since he will be standing, the driver side will be mostly the back but I will probably tuck some along the side of his leg once I get him all fitted up. And lastly one of the three rear bench cushions.

The driver's side looks a little goofy, that's because it's only a partial and the figure was pressed into that for a snug fit.

Next I hollowed out the center of the rim on the spare tire and added a bolt for the tie down on the rear deck, It was a littly harry grinding that out, but it came out OK.

On the gas can I added the third handle, dished out the cap and added a rim to that, put a small chain (made with flattened twisted wire that I learned here on Armorama), and put a webbing strap with a photoetch buckle on it.

Then I cut the buckle off and made my own out of wire... it's kind of hard to see in the picture, but it does look better!

Put a little paint on all of those goodies,

And brought it all together for another test fit, this time including the inner windsheild. It has a pretty good fit, maybe a little bit of adjustment on the side.

Now I really need to finish up the crew, the standing figure is ready and the driver is next, once he is done I can glue in the seats and position the figure in back with the rest of those cushions.
Today is model club so we will see what I can get done around that.

Enjoy

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Wednesday, November 02, 2011 - 11:27 PM UTC

OK let's see, the standing passanger is pretty much set, so the next one to positon is the driver. He was originally designed to have his steering arm by his side, but that won't work here so, I propped it up on the edge of the sidewall.

Then I needed to repositon his hand on the wheel. Then over to the other arm and the shifter.

It took quite a bit of doing to get everything lined up, but I think it will be worth it in the end.
So that brings us down to the final feller... the back seat driver. Since I am doing the three cushion set up back ther I rolled out the clay and cut the cushions (I got rid of the one that I had done, it was a little small). Lay in the two on the sides and then cut the one he will be sitting on. When it is fit on him this is how it looks

Here they are all in position

And the last cushion is the back rest (I almost forgot that one), you can see the in the middle where the rider has been pressed into the clay for a custom fit

This is one of those "Oooohhh shi....." stories from the modeling world. I was doing some airbrushing on the windshield frame, when one of those tiny custom side brackets flashed by into to the vastness of my work area... Well the story does have a happy ending with the help of a flash light and a little crawling time it is back where it belongs... Pshew....

Back to work!

Joel_W

Associate Editor
AUTOMODELER

New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
Armorama: 1,143 posts

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Posted: Thursday, November 03, 2011 - 07:27 AM UTC

Absolutely 1st rate build. For a deceivingly simplle lookin kit, the amount of detailing you added by scratchbuilding is truly amazing. Looking forward to your finished post.

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Saturday, November 05, 2011 - 11:42 AM UTC

Let the finishing begin! This is always the scary part, will it come out good, or will it all be a loss?!?!? I dunno....

Any way, here are a couple shots of the interior with a wash, some dry brushing, and paint chipping...

While this was drying I went ahead and put the Archer transfers on the dash...

Maybe everyone knows this, but these were the dry transfers that you don't put on dry, they go on a wet transfer sheet that doesn't need trimming! I'll tell ya what I don't know why all decals are not done this way it is the best thing ever!
I did a little epoxy work and put lenses over the gages

I went ahead and put a little on the reflector lenses too

And...
wiper motors and a rear view mirror on the windshield inner frame...

Well that is it for now, hope your likin' the progress Joel!

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Thursday, November 10, 2011 - 09:01 AM UTC

Back at it with a bit of an update...
The crew is coming together. Here is the driver...

The front seat passanger...

And the guy in back...

Then there is the GPA and those antique decals, even with clear coat they were still pretty dang hard to work with. I did have some dry transfer numbers, those didn't work so good either. Well here it is anyway...

OK, I did have to do some painting on the back and side, but I'm thinking a bit of creative weathering may help "clean" those up...

I need to let stuff dry for a while, but hopefully there will be more progress soon.

Babcat

Michigan, United States
Joined: March 21, 2006
KitMaker: 269 posts
Armorama: 259 posts

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Posted: Sunday, November 13, 2011 - 04:24 AM UTC

Ohhh, it's getting close now. I have to force myself to slow down and quit touching the wet paint.

I've started a list of some of the final details that need to be added as the build nears the end!

skyhawk

Florida, United States
Joined: June 03, 2003
KitMaker: 1,095 posts
Armorama: 743 posts

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Posted: Sunday, November 13, 2011 - 04:55 AM UTC

Great work! It's a shame you have to use those cruddy wheels. Are they glued on yet? If not drop me a email I may have a solution for you. [email protected]

Really liking your build though.
Cheers!
Andy

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