Just finished this build and thought I'd post here to see what everyone thinks.

This was a quick build right out of the box, except for the scratch build jerry can racks on the back.

This is Tamiya's Universal Carrier MkII Forced Reconnaissance kit #35249

















Link to my Universal Carrier Build log

thanks for looking
Delbert

Delbert, looks like a nice clean build to me. The paint looks good, the decals are set nice, and just a touch of road use. I usually go for a more lived in look, but heck they were all new once! Were the jerry cans from the kit? They look kinda german pattern to me, not that there is anything wrong with that, I'm just sayin'

Good Work

hey there jonathan

Thanks for the comments.

The kit only came with a couple of the "flimsy" type cans (they didn't hold up well hence their name)

The Jerry cans are from Tamiya's Allied Vehicles accessory set. Prob the best ones in plastic. And I used the British cans. and some plastic styrene strips for the racks.

Here is a excert from olivedrab.com on the British jerry can.





and here is a better photo of the jerry cans.. hey any excuse to add more and better photos.. lol



I was going for the newly arrived but travel weary look. I know the model isn't all that exceptional, but I think its a nice solid build to add to my collection.

Delbert

Very nice, Delbert. I have done several of these little critters but yours is by far much better than any of my projects.
I wonder just what a 'Forced Recon' is anyway?
Ironmike

Well that is some cool info on the cans, I had no idea. I suppose I just got used to the US style for allied vehicles and never gave it thought! Nice!

howdy.

And Thanks Mike..

from my reading the tamiya kit has been released 3 times now. The first one with North Africa figures, the second with figures for NW Europe in relaxed behind the lines poses,

and the 3rd one Forced Recon with the figures in their fighting positions. (btw the North Africa figures are also included)

and jonathan

one of the things I like about the hobby is that there are always things to learn.. esp in the details..

Delbert

Hi Delbert,

Always good to see another carrier. The main issues with the kit are the tracks, drive wheels and thickness of the frontal armour but OOB their is not much you can do about that.

On the finish side there seems little contrast in colour, the camo net for example and the Bren ammo boxes all look the same as do the Jerycans, (nice touch BTW). The tow rope is missing of the front.

The build looks good but the finish is a bit bland for me, but you have the makings of a decent kit if you liven it up a bit.

Cheers

Al

Looks awesome! I've built one of the NWE, before and your's is much more detailed. Makes me want to finish my second one.

Hello again..

The prev photos were taken in my new portable photo studio light cube and do seem to lower the contrasts in the colors.

I went outside and took a couple of photos in the sun.. so the colors look a lot brighter and you can see the contrasts better..


as you can see in the following photo the ammo cans were painted in 4 or 5 colors and shades.







The Jerry cans are paited a different color from the carrier. the carrier is humbrol 159 and the cans are Model Masted faded Olive drab the coat of road dust kinda toned them in..



The tow rope is missing because the kit one didn't fit the plastic eyes right. I do wish I had left the rear tarp piece off as that is one thing I don't like on the kit.

oh an the side mirror is gone.. after about the 3rd time it broke off I could not get it to glue back on right. I recommend to anyone making this kit to be wary of that mirror.

Thanks for the comments everyone. I was going for a nice solid Out of the box build of a newly arrived but travel weary NW Europe UC.

Delbert

Delbert: very nice clean build. I've got the 1/48th version and you've inspired me to move it up on my list!

Happy Modeling, -zon