Hi Folk. For the British Commonwealth Group Build I decided to bring out of storage the second model I ever did, the Tamiya LRDG Chev, and convert it to an Aussie 30cwt Maple Leaf Chev with a local (GM Holden) body on it. As the model was made already in a very poor way it was first stripped with oven cleaner to remove all paint and to loosen the tube glue I had used. It was then disasembled and most (but not all) discarded as been "not relavent". A verlinden GMC motor was altered by changing the sump and adding the Tamiya bell housing and gearbox. This was then fitted to the chassis with home built mounts. The kit cab and front panels have been altered as you can see by the pics with the addition of a italeri GMC cab top. This has been widened 5 mm at the top of the windscreen to suit it's new role. The doors have also been 'squared off' as per the local made body. The bonnet has been removed and altered to show the motor when finished. It will have a scratch built General Service body on the back. Still lots of filling to do but I thought you might like to look now before I cover it all up.
Comments welcome. (And yes it has been/is a big job)
the original kit before reuse.
the start of the cab grafting.
the motor looking down all wired up and ready to start!
the engine bay opened up with new side panels and the back of the radiator finished. the steering column was rebuilt useing brass wire and a steering box from the spares box
the roof filled in with another spare roof section cut 5mm wider at the front. I will have to scratch build another windscreen frame to suit as the original gmc one is to narrow now.
a view of the front with missing bars replaced. Still a lot to be done to the body yet.
a side view with the body/cab sitting on the chassis. Wheels are replacement resin ones as the original rubber tyres split after 6 months.
once again comments welcome but as I have said there is a long way to go yet.
