Hi all,
I just started this kit by Kinetic. It is variant of their original US RG31. It comes with an interior and the M151 RWS with a 0.50 MG (not the best I've seen).
The detail is a bit soft and there are some heat sinks to fill. The instructions are clear enough for the average modeler. The great thing is that Kinetic require parts from the same sprue during a series of steps. Why don't all the manufacturers do the same? IT's way easier for the modeler.

After some hours on the workbench, here is the hull with the front axle and part of the transmission in place.





Olivier

Swap the kit .50cal for a GPMG. The Canadian RG's were most commonly seen with the C6 GPMG

Alex, I haven't seen close pictures of the C6 fitted to the RWS. Could you show some please so I can see if I can do something from the various MAG58 I have in the stash?

Olivier

Here is my interior basically painted. I'll weather a bit as even with the hatches closed the large windows will allow to see inside.









Olivier

Great progress Olivier, interior is looking great.

cheers
walter

Thank yo uWalter.

The interior has been a bit weathered. This looks probably overdone but through the green tinted glasses I think few will remain visible. So I tried to enhance the contrast.







I will now close the box and continue the build.

Olivier

When looking at reference pictures I noticed that the antennas configuration of the kit does not look standard. I came across the following configurations:
1 large antenna at each rear corner of the cabin and a short mount for a round plate with the IED jammers on the roof.

1 large antenna at the right rear corner of the cabin and the same IED jammer support with 1 jammer antenna and 1 large antenna like the rear corner one.

2 T shaped supports on the roof with 2 large antennas on one side and 1 jammer antenna and 1 large antenna on the other side.

The kit instructions claim for installing the 2 large antennas at the rear corner as well as the 2 T shaped supports with 1 jammer antenna and 1 large antenna each. Is this configuration correct?

Olivier

The two large antennas at the rear seem most common in the pics I have, plus the smaller one behind and to the right of the RWS (may or may not be fitted). Could be dependent on time frame as well.



Here's one (version without gun ports in windows) with the larger mounts.



Jim

Thank you for the pictures Jim. The second is another configuration with jammers antennas only on the T shaped supports.
Maybe this is the one I'll depict.

Olivier

The cabin is closed. The suspension is complete and the side bins are all glued. It's time to add the various accessories all around the vehicle. The rear bins needed some trimming to fit to the rear plate.









Olivier

Nice progress.

In an article from the french model magazine Steelmasters about the US version, transparent parts for windows were compared with jelly. A bit exaggerated in my mind. The transparent aspect is rater correct, even there are some minor irregularities.

Alex
I haven't used any window part yet. I'll give my feelings later about this issue.

I made some progress on the exterior details. I modified the position of the vertical handle on the rear panel. Putty is mandatory in many areas and between parts of sub-assemblies so it is a slow build.

The instructions often are vague. For instance, the round bases for the IED jammers posts on the right side have no marking at all to be placed. Moreover theye are beveled so you need to be careful when you put them on the roof.
The rear door is impossible to glue in the closed position. So I'll put it open when time comes. The hinges needed some serious trimming so the door could fit.







Olivier

I have another question for the Canadian members. Kinetic ask for putting armored shields around the roof hatches but on the decal instructions they've written no shields for the both decorations. This is a bit weird. So should I just let the shields away or use them?
TIA

Olivier

short answer, yes. I built mine with the shields on. if you do the 2 rearward antennae mounts need to come off or else the shields won't sit right.

here's mine

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y9HF7xVoID1vzm9tatkOnDBtCEZVHc6H/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19PZzQOlnsqs9u92-cj921CVY-q1FemDW/view?usp=sharing

Thanks Ian. Google ask you give me your authorization to access your files. You should get an email from them.

Olivier

changed the settings,should be able to see it now.

Thank you Ian. Very nice paint job.

Despite the kit inaccuracies and the vague instructions I managed to do some progress. The RWS is not glued yet. I'm not happy with it and I'm hesitating to buy a better one by AFV Club. Will see. I'm not sure this kit deserves more money.
I didn't manage to fit the blast shields because of the antenna bases. I didn't want to do any surgery on the front shield.







The clear parts got a coat of Klir with some drops of Tamiya Clear Green. Hopefully this will be enough to depict the greenish hue.

Olivier

I finally added the blast shields and applied the base coat. Some details are already painted too.
I need to glue the PE lights protections and I'll spray a coat of klir before applying the decals.









Olivier

Great looking base coat. What did you use?

Thank you Jason. This is AK122 base color for US vehicles in OEF/OIF.

Olivier

I applied the decals today. The good point is Kinetic give some stencils.
The bad points are vague instructions, some too large decals nearly useless, one of the large heads is missing (according to the instructions you need four large and one small while you get three large only and two small).









I intended to use a C6 to replace the kit poor M2 HMG but the right cradle is missing. I need to source a correct M2 to put on the RWS. Concerning the antennas, according to the instructions, the vehicle depicted only has the antennas on the roof T brackets.
I'd like to add some water cans and fuel cans in the right side stowage shelf. Can I use US models? The only "Canadian" ones I have are the odd two handles type and other with straps.

Olivier

Perfect, thanks!

For water cans any modern plastic type with a single handle should work.

For fuel cans the Scepter 20 litre fuel cans used by Canada and the U.S. are what you should looking for.


[url]https://www.scepter.com/products/military-products/military-fuel-water-containers/military-fuel-container/5-gallon-20-litre-military-fuel-container-05552/[url]

It's looking really good Olivier!

cheers
Walter

Thank you for the answer Jason.
Thanks for the comment Walter.
The model is nearly complete. I just need to find a better M2 MG as the kit one is really simplified. Unfortunately I don't have any in my stash and mounting a C6 is not just swapping the weapon. The C6 needs an adaptor.

Olivier