Hi all!

This is my first build log on here, I've been building for about 3 years now and generally build modern and cold war armour.

So the background on this one is that it is a presentation for a good friend of mine, we served together in Iraq back in 2007 so I want to do a really good job on it. The build is going to be a combination of 2 photos, It will be the below WMIK without crew, with my friend from the second photo knelt in front with a desert hawk 1. This will be presented on a wooden base, mostly covered with desert but our old cap badge in the bottom right corner and a brass plaque on the front.





So on with the build and the obligatory box shots, I have opted for the Milan WMIK for the simple reason that the entire top weapon mount will be replaced anyway and they have the bonnet basket in this kit and I want to show the basket empty bar an assault vest. The accurate armour set will give me the MAPIK armour, spare wheel, and correct most of the problems with the kit, and the eduard etch will provide a few finer points.



I wont do sprue shots of the WMIK but here are the contents of the AA set...it was missing the second spare wheel, not that I will be using it though, a few bits are warped, and a couple are broken as you expect with such fragile resin. This is a great set and corrects most of the problems of the kit, easily the best of the resin updates.



I am building this into sub assemblies for painting, starting with the frame.



Wheels, the tyres are good and have a brand name on, however they have no sag which is disappointing.



Commanders seat, the rear frame was badly warped, but with a bit of hairdryer warming it went to shape.




Side bin doors, nice touch, little unnecessary but the catches are good.



Etch pedals in the new console.



The rear bumpers are much better made from etch than either the kit or the AA part. I hope the tow pin survives!



Rear bin attached.



More later today!

Nice work you got there! I even had a hell of difficulty when handling PE while you do it easily. Keep it going! I like the concept of making diorama based with experience!

Looking really good! I always liked the Landrovers and this build will be fun to follow.

Nice build so far. I like your plan: hope your mate appreciates it. If you want the figure to actuall be him are you going to have to sculpt his face?

Nice work, great start. I look award to seeing more

a quick update...

So I opted for the kit part with the eduard etch for the rifle clamps, as you can see it is far superior to the resin part!


Same with the bottom of the rifle holders.


As for the bonnet, a mixture of kit parts, etch clamps, scratch built and resin parts for the tools


Lead foil for the MAPIK under seat armour


Also for the dust cover doors, with some spare etch as straps



A quick dry fit of some parts


With some of the other parts



More soon!

I like those softskins. Ancient and modern alike. Go one with it. Just my kind of build.
Michael

Just finished mine today: http://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/221793&page=1

You could always hide those resin tires in some deep sand! I'm with you, I do like the tires to be slightly sagged.







Jeff

Thanks for all the comments guys!

Another quick update, I have been a bit rubbish in taking photos of the painting stages. I have painted it and mostly put it together, I've left off one of the arms of the frame whilst I add a couple of final details to the back for ease.

The lights are from little cars apart from the main headlights which are cheapo gems from hobbycraft sanded and polished to a smoother finish. There is still a lot to go, attach the MAPIK panels, wheels and stowage etc. I also knocked a couple of bits off whilst attaching the frame. There is also a couple of bits that need painting further, then once its all finally together I shall begin weathering!







More soon!

your build is great, very nice work.

Nearly there with the WMIK!! A few shots of the "clean" vehicle before weathering, I've added a few bits of stowage, but very little. The vehicle as I understand it wasn't used for long range patrols so I've only given it a couple of jerry cans and a large ammo crate normally used to store the vehicles CES kit. The vehicle was used in several contacts though, so to add a little interest there are two SA80 mags on the centre panel. There is the rifle on the bonnet, an assault vest, helmet as per picture. These will still get a bit of painting. The rear MAPIK panels are not attached yet either, as I don't want to just stick them on. I have attached thin strips of PE and will hang them as per the real vehicle.

Painted - using Tamiya "acrylics" & Vallejos. Decals are from a mixture of the Hobbyboss Land Rover kits and some left overs. I have also used a pin wash of AK Interactive washes Dark Brown and Black.





And weathered...using AK Interactive Pigments, Fuel Stains and a spray of Tamiya Buff








I still have to touch a few bits up, and a tiny bit more weathering. I am keen not to go over the top, but the sand in Afghan does get EVERYWHERE! Then on to the base, the Desert Hawk and the figure.

JC

Looks really good, JC. Nice job!