Marc, I'm building that kit right now over at the D Day Armor Campaign, the instructions are very busy and confusing especially step 8 Check my post over there for some help if you need it

Thanks Sal.
I saw that last night before bed, but i was too tired to read and comprehend what you wrote.

Hi Guys,

So as the time gets closer to start date, I guess I've got to decide what to build. Both models have challenges for me, should I build this..



As I've never used friul tracks and after building my first set of individual link plastic tracks, I'm worried that my glacial building pace (7 models in 2yrs), may make me not finish in time.

Or this



The problem here is the part count, 923, once again the pace of building. Also it's going to really challenge my skills, which takes us back to 7 models in 2 years and only 3 of them I would actually call semi good... Suggestions??.

If the Warrior kit has individual track links, then working with the Friuls should be even easier. It's more like assembling than building with just some clean up and cutting the wire.

I can understand the concern on the parts count especially if they are very small. Probably the situation here but someday you're going to have to face a kit with a lot of parts to deal with.

Too bad the Academy Warrior doesn't have the vinyl one piece tracks ... they are a breeze to slap on the kit!

If these are your only choices, then go with the Warrior!








~ Jeff

Hi Frazer,

923!!!! YIKES! Both are sweet kits, but the Warrior gets my vote. There will be more of a fun factor as well i would think.

Gary

@ Jeff,

The warrior does come with vinyl tracks, which is good and after opening the box to check I found some photo etch, I ordered this months ago so I had forgotten.

I think I will probably go with it as I am really looking forward to the look of the metal tracks when built, If I don't get them made in time I will have the vinyl as back-up.

Also I did join the campaign so that I would try and speed up a bit with the building. I will keep the Trumpeter for an Engineer vehicle Campaign, one that runs for a year

@ Gary,

You are right, It will be more fun for my first campaign and and it will fit in with my Bradley and the BMP 3 I'm finishing up, all in desert colours of course.

I agree, the Warrior might fit better, keep the Stryker for a Stryker/LAV campaign.

Good deal! The best way to tackle a high parts count is to break down the build into sub-assembly stages so it's not so overwhelming. Mark them with a yellow high-lighter to mark progress.

For example, if you only have 15 minutes one night, select an area that can be put together quickly and be set aside. That might mean skipping around some but at least you can save yourself from having to stop in the middle of a long run and have several stages finished.

Works for me!








~ Jeff

Well everyone I have changed my mind on what I plan to build for this campaign. I decided to go with something a little bit simpler and different for my collection.

Here's my newest plan a French UNIFIL VAB 4x4 in Lebanon



I've just ordered a tone of stuff from Blast models and hopefully it should be here soon. Should be an nice addition to Jeff's 6x6 version.

Chris

Excellent idea Jeff, I will use in the future.....
Thanks

José Miguel

I agree Jeff, great idea.

Christopher what did you order ? it looks good, it has a .50 cal & some sort of Rhino device ?

John I ordered a full interior set (includes front rear interior 2 kits), replacements wheels, exterior update, .50cal station update, along with 4 sets of figures.

The device in the front is actually a wire cutter, wouldn't want the gunner losing his heading during deployments.

Dang Christopher! You're really pimping out this VAB, huh?!!

So where did you order the tires from? I guess I gotta break down and get a few ... six of them to be exact.

That interior is gonna be HAWT, I tell ya!









~ Jeff

Christopher, That is a SWEET set you got there. Man, thats gonna be fun to see that all come together.

Gary

Thanks Jeff and Gary, I decide the BTR-D originally planned just needs too much work and have always like the look of the Vab.


Jeff I ordered everything from Blast models out of France. The blast set includes a set of 4 tires for $11.54 USD. You get go directly to blast website to order things. i normally don't spend this kind of money on models, just I have a little extra cash set aside for things I've been dreaming of getting.

Chris

Thanks Chris, I guess I knew where to get 'em ... just a Senior moment like Jeff T. Like Father like Son.

I guess too I need step up to the plate and make my VAB a little better and to keep up with Chris and his 4X4 VAB with a few little extras. No where near what he has slated for his ride but while I am getting 2 sets of wheels ... hey, now I'll have a spare I can throw on top!

You wanna spare Chris for yours? I don't need 8 wheels.








~ Jeff

Would a Sd.Kfz 222 be a suitable candidate?
I have one of the very old original versions of the Tamiya 1/48 and was thinking of getting the Eduard PE set for this. Problem is that I have never used PE before (apart from one set of P-51 seatbelts) and I'm a wee bit daunted by it. Anyone else have experience of this particular PE item and is it likely to be difficult to work with? I do have a folding tool on order, but the old eyes & chunky fingers might not be suitable! I also have a tendency to take so long over a build that bits start to become broken off through over handling!
Best Regards,
Pete

Yhanks Jeff for the offer, but you can keep the wheels. I don't have a need for the extra set. You could always build a VAB 6x6 ECH which is a maintenance vheicle. I don't have any pictures on it, but more than likely it would have the extra wheels. Remember if you plan to use the blast rear interior for your kit, it will be slightly short. It's ment only for the 4x4 version, yours has a longer hull.

Chris

Okay, but I was gonna only let you have one. Kinda like the EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle with a spare tire hanging off the back!



Thanks for the tip but I kinda figured the interior would be a push but will look into some other detail items and maybe scratch build some improvements if needed.








~ Jeff

Oh man! I havent seen that in many years. That would be awesome for someone to scratchup the EM-50. I love that movie! Good stuff Jeff!

Gary

Now that is a good one, can never go wrong with Stripes

Yes you could always hang the tire with cover and all, don't forget to add the lawn chairs and umbrelas too

Chris

I wonder what John would say if I painted the VAB that beige over the puke green and installed some aluminum shutters?








~ Jeff

@Pete
That's ok !
Welcome !

@Jeff
The Blast set looks great, they might have something for your VAB version there

http://www.phpshopxml.com/blamod.shop/CID/817a13777ac2aec8417eb96d63d68d34/function/itemPageDisplay/shopItemCode/BL35144K










aluminum shutters would be awsome in a Voyager PE set for a Stryker along some aluminium chromed rimms, metalized bright orange colour...

Oh wow, a 6 piece tire set! Good going there John, now I won't have that spare tire issue. (like I was really going to do that) That first picture almost looks like a giant picnic basket on top.

Oh well, time to look around, THEN some build time.

Thanks again for the link!








~ Jeff

Bummer ... 6 piece wheel set is sold out.








~ Jeff