My latest progress has been modification of the tailgate with parts from the Eduard set.
Here is the kit part:
This step has you removing the protruding parts (top left and right) on the tailgate that the retention chains hook on to and replacing them with PE parts that, when folded, are hollow and to scale like the real vehicle.
In this step you are also attaching four photo-etch camouflage straps/tie-downs on the exterior surface of the tailgate.
I have mixed emotions about the camouflage straps/tie-downs. They are a neat detail in a way, but I don't like the execution of the detail by Eduard. I have the following complaints:
1. The top of the tie-down, as made by Eduard, does not attach at the top of the tailgate like it does on the real vehicle. See these pictures:
When you position the bottom tie-down bracket on the eduard piece properly, the top does not go to the top of the tailgate. Here are a few photos of the eduard camouflage straps/tie-downs in place on the model kit tailgate:
2. I additionally feel the eduard camouflage straps/tie-down parts are too short. Their short length does not enable you to represent the camouflage straps rolled up for storage as seen in my photos above or used to secure something like the fuel cans on the M1114 in this picture:
The camouflage strap configuration did not change between the legacy HMMWV (M1025, M1045, etc.) and the M1114 (ECV)when it came into service.
3. I’m additionally unsure of the purpose of the buckle detail on the strap. It is inaccurate and is just a flat piece that does not have a noticeable purpose. I may reshape it later.
An additional challenge with the conversion of the tailgate is to get the top of the left/right photo-etch replacement brackets angled correctly and flush with the rest of the tailgate. As you can see in my pictures, I used some Mr. Surfacer to fill the gaps which I then sanded smooth. My results aren’t as good as I would like but I’m calling it good. I think it will end up looking ok after being primed and painted.
