I am planning to incorporate a model of an AAVP7A1 in a water setting, and wonder where the natural waterline would be on this vehicle. The idea is to cut the lower part of the model away (as with a waterline ship), so that it can be positioned onto my 'sea' surface. Once this is in place, a bow wave, side ripples and turbulence at the rear can then be added to create the impression of movement. Is there a reference point on the hull that can be used to make my cut?

With EAAK





Without it :









H.P.

Thanks for the photos Frenchy. This helps me immensely with what I also want to do albeit in 1/72nd.
Cheers
Charlie

You're welcome. You can check out Robert Burik's great build for inspiration...

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/258291&ord=&page=1

H.P.

I've done a couple of these. One is set in 1991 & other set in 2008ish. Recommend picking up ET Model's 1/72 PE set for details such as the mooring cleats & thinner bow plane.








Looking forward to seeing your progress.

To Henri-Pierre: Many thanks, those photos are excellent as a reference.

To Charles: Yes, the one I am planning to tackle is 1/72 scale … one of the Dragon kits, 'AAVP7A1 RAM/RS' (ref. 7237). Unfortunately, this kit lacks the side-mounted antenna mounts and the stowage frames. I gather their EAAK kit (ref. 7233) includes these items, but I am struggling to get hold of this particular one (the AAVP7A1 kits appear to be out of production). Unless I can acquire one from somebody's stash of unwanted kits, I will have to scratch-build these items.

The ET Model's PE set includes the "gypsy" racks if you pick up that set.
I do have a spare sprue of "gypsy" racks but, I used the antenna mounts.
I can rob one of my kits and provide a single antenna mount as reference for fabricating a new pair.
That's my plan for the next build as they are not accurately shaped. They also lack the antenna mount's base.

Paul, IIRC my LHS still has a Dragon AAVPA1 still in stock. I will check to see if it's the one your wanting. I dunno Aoshima is releasing a JGSDF variant of the AAVP7A1. The Aoshima kit also includes two Zodiac boats with twelve figures for the boats and 3 crew for the AAVP7A1.
Cheers
Charlie

It's the AAVC7A1 version :






H.P.

Some inspiration! The guy giving the camera the bird is me...a long time ago!