Jan,

I know that it's still early but I have to say that some of what I am seeing suggests that this build is going to be a real gem. The sand channels and tires look super but I am particularly impressed by what you did to the wheel hubs! How you got the tread patterns are also something. The mat on the fender looks like you've got a winner there that could be used for making tarps and the like. I like the subtle shading it also. Do they actually have a texture or is what I'm seeing just paint? Can't wait to see this one progress.

Regards,
AJ

Thanks for dropping in and the kind words, AJ. Picking out the tread pattern was something my resident painter (SWMBO) showed me. You deposit a dilute wash with a very fine brush near the treads then take a predominately dry larger brush and touch it to the raised areas and it soaks up the excess, drawing it up into the hairs. Wipe the brush off on a paper towel and repeat.

The mat has the texture from the crinkle ribbon and then is painted taking advantage of the creases to enhance the look. I've already experimented further with it and may make a couple of rolls or folded tarps to populate the cargo bed.

Cheers,
Jan

Well, it's taken a while but the Chevy with Lewis has finally seen some serious progress! I'm calling it, at this point, 98% done! I was hopeful enough about it that I took it to the 822 Squadron Model Show last weekend and to my great surprise and joy, it got a silver medal for it's category (1/72 and Smaller Soft-skins and Ordnance).

The reason I am calling it "98%" done is because I am not totally satisfied with the state of the cargo bed, in particular the number of items populating it. Perhaps a few more boxes, tarps, rolls or the like could be added before the next season of shows.

Here's a few quick images that I took earlier today while experimenting with camera settings.











Comments or questions are always welcome.

Cheers,
Jan

Jan,

While parts of this truck appear great, I hate to say it but these pictures are not the best for an overall appreciation. THat being said, from what I do see I love the barrel in the back and more so the detail painting on the rifles. However, the rifles might look better if they had slings (PE or something similar?). I don't want to comment on the sand mats as I can't really see their details in the images.

Regards,
AJ

**** WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILER ****

This post contains images that contain products that I am currently in the process of reviewing.







========================================================================================

It has been a while but I never forgot that many comments in this thread were about adding appropriate stowage for this build. As the warning above states, some of the articles that will be seen in the pictures are part of a review that I am currently working on. The review should be ready for publishing soon. Also, for these images here I took better care with my camera and these were taken using a 4X macro filter.











All comments are welcome but I will not divulge information about the review until after it is published.

Cheers,
Jan

I forgot about this one but the new stuff really adds to the effect. I just love the those two boxes with the roll of whatever on top near the centre front cargo bed. Cool! Are those things glued?

Regards,
AJ

it looks great, specially to guys like me with big clumsy fingers that are more prone to be 1/72 destroyer rather than builders.
Again great job.
If I had to say anything, my eyes keep getting drawn to the large bulky steering wheel.

Eric

Jan, nice tarpy type things very nicely painted, and definitely giving a lived in look. That spare wheel has a great look to it as well, it all certainly adds to the appeal of this truck which is otherwise that single stick poking up from the bed. Agree with the comment on the steering wheel, also the gear lever looks a few inches thick; but then, this isa review sample, and of course the overscale effect is enhanced by your macro lens!

http://www.fast-webstore.com/www-vt-models-cz/eshop/3-1-AFV-72/0/5/196-Chevrolet-30-cwt-acces-set
Malvin

My thanks to those that expressed interest and especially for taking the time to leave a comment.

@weathering_one - A.J.

The "stuff" is not yet glued as I am still experimenting with what items to put where.

@66fastback - Eric,

Thanks for the compliments and I'd rather the "large bulky steering wheel" not have garnered so much of your attention. As Matthew stated, this was a review sample so I had to try to build it pretty much OOTB. I'll try to see what I can do about making it less prominent. Although, it isn't quite that bad with the naked eye.

@firstcircle - Matthew,

I'm glad that you think that these changes enhance the otherwise drab vehicle. Indeed the macro lens does add distortion in any photo. The centre 60-70% of the image is pretty much fine but as you get towards the edges that's where the problems arise. In my defence I wanted to get a nice close-up of the stowage and didn't take the distortion into account.

@Malvin - Petr,

I was aware of the Black Dog set but it wasn't the effect I was looking for as it was not suitable for allowing the Lewis gun to be mounted due to the cluttered cargo area. Another issue was the rather high cost of the set here in North America.

Cheers,
Jan

Well, I am calling this one DONE!!! After looking at a few more pictures on the Internet I found a couple of a restored LRDG Chevy. In them it seems that the steering wheels were covered in a sort of brownish wrapping of either rubber or leather or something. I repainted it on this to a similar colour that definitely slims it down some. While I was at it I added some slings to the rifles by the cab and then did a final weathering of the truck and cargo.













Withe this one done I can now turn some attention to the one mounting a Breda gun. Comments welcome.

Cheers,
Jan

Jan,

Super fine job on this one! The steering wheel looks better and the additional weathering really brings it to life. It really looks better than the LRDG trucks in 1:35 scale that I've seen in the last few models shows that I've attended. It really looks like a winner! Will you be entering it at the Hamilton and/or London shows? I'd like to see this in person.

Regards,
AJ

PS-can't wait for the review of those cargo pieces.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and for the compliment(s). In a way, I'm quite surprised that it turned out as well as it did as this kit was a royal pain to assemble and get painted. It also took a disproportionate length of time to build due to the kit design and all the moulding flaws that needed to be cleaned up.

At this point I anticipate taking it to the next HeritageCon show but that, as always, will depend on the weather.

Cheers,
Jan

Greetings fellow small scale enthusiasts!

I thought I'd share with this community that a review of some fantastic Braille detail items has been published in the Diorama Forum. You can find it at Braille Model Building Details. The review covers the first three sets of Value Gear's 1/72,1/76 Tarps, Rolls and Crates. These were the items used in the finishing of the LRDG Chevy.

Cheers,
Jan

I checked out the review at the link you posted but wasn't sure where to post a comment. So, as this is the truck build and it is finally done, I just have to say it's been quite inspiring. The load in back adds a lot to the build, your sand mats are super and it was nice to see the rifle slings that I mentioned earlier. You've done a superb job and I wish you luck for any shows you attend.

Best Regards,
AJ