T2K5 BLOG

I started tinkering with some ideas. Funny...I do a lot of sci-fi and this time, I don't want to sci-fi but keep my AFVs OOTB! :-)

I might try for a 203mm howitzer with a turret and make it the size of FCS. While I believe a "last stand" AFV would be better if a SAM or AAA (since enemy air will probably be the first attackers), I don't wish to invest in that.

I did see a Sgt. York like Nate and Jacques's idea, but I didn't want to invest in a M1 chasis like Sabot. (I didn't like the idea of a M48 chassis).

Still tinkering...

Hmmm... T2K5 tinkering eh?!?

Well, how's about considering a lighter tank hull - like the very inexpensive but nicely done-as-it-comes-in-the-box Tamiya Walker BullDog...

Gunnie

This whole Campaign is all about tinkering! I've looked at this series of Campaigns from the domestic (USA) point-of-view. How will the folks here at home get by, what will they defend their neighborhoods with when the "rabble" attacks. Will some left over National Guard stock and/or units combine with the local civilians to form ad hoc units??

In the field what would the soldiers cobble together? SAMs on flatbeds? Or guntrucks made from civilian vehicles? It doesn't have to be Sci-Fi, in fact some of the LOW tech builds are pretty cool! Somewhere out there there must be a lot of old M60s...except for the ones dumped in the ocean.

A good source of "raw materials" might be the tables most LHSs have of "used" kits.

All this said and I don't have much of a clue what I am going to build yet...the story is coming together, but, well the details are a bugger!

Jim

In a scenario pitting any foreign invaders against the City of Detroit - my money goes with the City of Detroit!

Gunnie

My main T2K5 issue is...I'm now "Cheap Pete!" :-).

I bought an Italeri M110 as a basis...cheap, not many parts, and for sure I don't want to build it OOTB. But to make T2K5 involves kitbashing. Would I scarifice a Tamiya AFV kit for T2K5? I'd rather build the Tamiya kit OOTB.

Viewers of kitbashes may criticize that the kitbash looks simple or "just this and that together." But when these critics use a calculator to add up the cost of the kitbashes, they'll soon realize that $35 + $45 kit = $80 just for T2K5! Never lose sight of the cost.

In my kitbashing experiences, I've learned that the investment in the kitbash often does pay dividends, meaning bashing two Tamiya kits will most likely look a lot better than bashing two Italeri kits. Nonetheless, the year is still young and campaigns are just getting started. As such, I'm saving my cash for other campaigns.

While T2K5 is all year, I do hope to finish at least by the IMPS contest come April. This doesn't mean I'll enter my T2K5 AFV, but does mean I don't want invest too much time and resources into T2K5.

We'll see... I have future paychecks coming, but right now I'm gutless and "Cheap Pete." After all, I already have my Humvee and that took a TAM M1025, a AFV-Club ROC Humvee, DML's MG Set, TAM modern gear set, and several DML figures to make = not cheap.

Pete;

The point of this campaign is to have FUN! I can relate to the "Cheap (insert name here)" concept big time! Seriously, don't get wrapped up in the GOTTA DO SOMETHING mode! There are 11 months until this campaign is over...and then the next one starts up. I never did finish my original T2K build but I still had a blast! (And I AM going to finish that bad boy one day!) Also it is not a rivet counter event. It is more about the concept, imagination, etc.

Take your time, have fun and when you're ready go for it.


Gunnie,




Hahahaha, our reputation goes far, eh?? Funny (sorta) thing about that...A couple of nights ago I was sitting at the 'puter (probably surfing Armorama) about 0100 and hear BANG BANG BANG...BANG BANG.

I thought that sure didn't sound like firecrackers. Well, turns out it was an armed robbery at the local, and very popular tavern down about 1/4 mile away (The pub is on Woodward Avenue- Dream Cruise Central). The Bang Bangs were some sub human, neanderthal, simpleminded scum shooting at the Police as they attempted to get away from the scene of the crime.

Yup...tough town at times!

Well, back to the storyline for this years T2K...

Cheap Jim
Duckin' and Coverin'

Hey Cheap Pete, just so you don't get too bent out of shape, this series of campaigns is always good for other things than just showing off on Armorama...



I recieved silver at the MMSI show in Chicago for this build, just a bunch of leftover or old kits I rebuilt to make this. Call it a "cheap Jacques" build.

So, don't let it get you down, it's only castles burning.

Me too - to echo Jacques' Post above. I spent virtually nothing but a few scraps and spares to mke my 2004 (2003 entry that I couldn't finish until '04) Soviet BMD-1P+ AIFV "Pocomax" (Wolverine). The base kit was a gift. GO RED TEAM!

The only contest I took this cub to was the 2005 IPMS/USA National Convention in Phoenix - and it was awarded Third in the Hypotheticals Category. A pleasant suprise for "grins and giggles" here in T2K on Armorama.

You never have to go expensive or sacrifice your favorite kit(s) - I think the best inspiration comes from innovation (i.e. goin' cheap!).

Gunnie

Jacques and Jim(s), (OK, that sounds bad )

Great builds! I saw them before, but not at those angles.

I do have a few pristine kits that I'll probably not touch. I also have some spares, but not enough to make a conversion, or not enough to cover some gaps.

I'll think of something... I think the key is the basis and the M110 just doesn't seem to be a good basis because the Italeri kit doesn't have a lot of parts, nor does the M110 lend itself to many modifications.

Hmmm...still tinkering.

"........and it was awarded Third in the Hypotheticals Category. A pleasant suprise for "grins and giggles" here in T2K on Armorama........."

.........yer killin' me.........

Tread.

Congrats on your Silver there Jacques.....you deserved it.

Now yer both killin' me........ :-)