I've got a good stretch of time now to bring everything together - and hope to wrap it up in a week or two...
Hope you enjoy!
Gunnie
Hosted by Darren Baker
Eve of Destruction: Finishing
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 06:45 AM UTC
Here are some in-progress photos of a commission I'm burning the Midnight Oil to wrap up. I'm doing the late configuration of "Eve of Destruction". The major subassemblies are just pressed together for the photos - and I have boxes full of the smaller and more delicate fittings set aside until the rough handling of the model is done. The Frame/Chassis was the first thing I build, so it is painted and virtually complete - save for cutting down the gloss for decals and markings.
I've got a good stretch of time now to bring everything together - and hope to wrap it up in a week or two...
Hope you enjoy!
Gunnie
I've got a good stretch of time now to bring everything together - and hope to wrap it up in a week or two...
Hope you enjoy!
Gunnie
animal
KitMaker: 4,503 posts
Armorama: 3,159 posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 07:54 AM UTC
Looking good Jim. The box looks just like the configuration as it is today on display. One little nick pick is the exhaust pipe. If you are able to adjust it it should be back almost touching the fender. Are you going to be putting in some ballistic glass on the windshield armor? You probably are and I might be jumping the gun here. You cab castings are top notch.I have no doubt that the new owner will be very pleased with this one. 
MrRoo
Joined: October 07, 2002
KitMaker: 3,856 posts
Armorama: 2,984 posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 08:01 AM UTC
Jim that looks awesome and as usual your attention to detail is supurb.
Thanks for sharing
Cliff
Thanks for sharing
Cliff
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 08:17 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Looking good Jim. The box looks just like the configuration as it is today on display. One little nick pick is the exhaust pipe. If you are able to adjust it it should be back almost touching the fender. Are you going to be putting in some ballistic glass on the windshield armor? You probably are and I might be jumping the gun here. You cab castings are top notch.I have no doubt that the new owner will be very pleased with this one.
Yes - on both counts. The exhaust is just pressed into place - haven't glued it yet. I've got it set so that the exhaust will rest about 3" scale from the Fender. I haven't seen "Eve" in the flesh - yet - so gauging the distance from photographs is a bit tricky.
The channel/ballistic glass parts for the windshield armor is sitting aside waiting for later addition - along with a ton of other stuff...
Quoted Text
Jim that looks awesome and as usual your attention to detail is supurb.
Thanks Cliff! This model was paid for completely up-front and is intended to be a present for a retiring Veteran from a Transportation Company at Fort Eustis. I really want to provide him something that he'll enjoy having on his shelf. I wish it could have been for Dave's upcoming 'Nam Campaign - but I'll just have to build another gun truck for that one.
Perhaps "Brutus"...
Gunnie
HeavyArty
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 08:25 AM UTC
Jim,
Looks like yo are back to building your namesakes. Great job. It is coming along great. Can't wait to see it finished.
Looks like yo are back to building your namesakes. Great job. It is coming along great. Can't wait to see it finished.
PiotrS
Joined: December 05, 2003
KitMaker: 199 posts
Armorama: 174 posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 07:05 PM UTC
Jim, you did excellent job. Please post photos of finished model. What did you used for cab? Is it a resin conversion or your own casting?
Piotr
Piotr
LemonJello
Joined: January 29, 2004
KitMaker: 177 posts
Armorama: 86 posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 11:48 PM UTC
Simply some amazing work! I don't know what it is exactly about the guntrucks that capture my attention and imagination, but I find them all so fascinating. Thanks for the in progress photos, I can't wait to see this one when its done.
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Thursday, April 14, 2005 - 04:05 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Jim, you did excellent job. Please post photos of finished model. What did you used for cab? Is it a resin conversion or your own casting?
Piotr
Piotr - over the last 11 years, I've constructed the M54 Cab conversion three different ways: all plastic, combination resin/plastic, and all resin.
For this project, I went with my own Fender/Engine Pan and Hood/Cowl/Dashboard castings mated with AFV Club M35 parts suitably modified. I tend to build the combo option more than the all-resin and the all-plastic attempt. It's a decision based on speed and when I need to produce the final model - the plastic/resin combo works best for me in this instance.
Gunnie
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 01:36 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Simply some amazing work! I don't know what it is exactly about the guntrucks that capture my attention and imagination, but I find them all so fascinating. Thanks for the in progress photos, I can't wait to see this one when its done.
Me too! I'm having too much fun with this one in particular. It's gonna be hard to let it go...
Update: I'm painting and pulling the Cab together this week. Below are photos of the painting and additional parts being integrated into the Cab subassembly. There's still some white trim to be done on the Grill and smaller fixtures to add before moving on. The Bumper Marker Posts have been trimmed down to their proper height and the Cab Canvas Top has just been posed in place for the photo. I still need access to the Cab to insert the armored glass into the windshield frame after painting and handling the Cab is complete.
I set aside the Fighting Compartment for final drilling of bolt holes in the armor plate and began painting of the interior fixtures, weapons, and accessories while the Cab parts dried. Maybe I can talk Dave into a future Gun Truck Campaign...
Hope you like! I'm having a good time with this one.
Gunnie
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 08:53 PM UTC
Looking superb so far! Couple of questions though... The two forward mounted .50s, the internal 'box' structure? Was that 'box' for storage or as I suspect, filled with sand or concrete to give additional protection to the gunners? I seem to remember something similar... Was there also 'double' flooring on some of the GT variants to give added protection against mines or command-detonated devices?
I think another GT campaign would be an excellent idea...Jim
I think another GT campaign would be an excellent idea...Jim
animal
KitMaker: 4,503 posts
Armorama: 3,159 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 01:09 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Looking superb so far! Couple of questions though... The two forward mounted .50's, the internal 'box' structure? Was that 'box' for storage or as I suspect, filled with sand or concrete to give additional protection to the gunners? I seem to remember something similar... Was there also 'double' flooring on some of the GT variants to give added protection against mines or command-detonated devices?
I think another GT campaign would be an excellent idea...Jim
The inner box was installed into the first generation Eve's. It is a double wall system that we used for added protection against RPG's. At first the crews would put sand bags between the walls but this proved to add too much weight as the sand would get wet and settle. Instead the area was used to store equipment, tires old flak jackets etc.
As far as a GT campaign I think that would be a fantastic idea. I am not sure if we have enough members who would be interested in one though. I could cover all eras up to the present day.
Jim you have hit this one exactly. The model would look fantastic sitting next to the real Eve at the Museum. The only nit pick is that I wish that I had your eye for detail!LOL As always I am looking forward to seeing this one completed and encourage you to get to work on that "other" five ton that I know that you have been working on.
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 01:23 AM UTC
I'm always amazed to see your kits (or any master modeler) from one stage to another. Very beautiful looking truck.
I'd like a gun truck build as well. Although I think I'd do the old M151A1 with the Verlinden PE armor set. I don't think I'm up to the challenge of creating a Nam era gun truck from scratch like you guys can.
I'd like a gun truck build as well. Although I think I'd do the old M151A1 with the Verlinden PE armor set. I don't think I'm up to the challenge of creating a Nam era gun truck from scratch like you guys can.
animal
KitMaker: 4,503 posts
Armorama: 3,159 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 02:01 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm always amazed to see your kits (or any master modeler) from one stage to another. Very beautiful looking truck.
I'd like a gun truck build as well. Although I think I'd do the old M151A1 with the Verlinden PE armor set. I don't think I'm up to the challenge of creating a Nam era gun truck from scratch like you guys can.
I'll bet you five bucks that you can build a GT in first class order. I know a couple of guys around here who would show you how.
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 02:17 AM UTC
I like the little look to the gun truck wannabe Jeep and I'd want to build a kit I have on hand as opposed to increasing my ever growing stash.
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 02:50 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I'll bet you five bucks that you can build a GT in first class order. I know a couple of guys around here who would show you how.
Yep! Dave has hit on a new twist for a GT Campaign:
Instead of everyone going solo like so often happens - this one could be one where "how-to" plays a bigger role in constructing and modifing the trucks according to historical practice. I know Rob and at least a dozen other members out there like Gino would build and finish awesome gun truck models.
Gunnie
animal
KitMaker: 4,503 posts
Armorama: 3,159 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 03:06 AM UTC
I like this idea a lot. We could choose one of the simple 2 1/2 ton early gun trucks, like the first truck which was named gun truck. It is a simple conversion and there is no graphics needed . The AFV Club Nancy kit could be used as the base or may be we could make a generic truck. They could be based on any cargo kit and the gun box could be the first generation type. The basic trucks could be built and then we could group build the armor for them.
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 03:14 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I like this idea a lot. We could choose one of the simple 2 1/2 ton early gun trucks, like the first truck which was named gun truck. It is a simple conversion and there is no graphics needed . The AFV Club Nancy kit could be used as the base or may be we could make a generic truck. They could be based on any cargo kit and the gun box could be the first generation type. The basic trucks could be built and then we could group build the armor for them.
Yep - just what I was thinking too. I was also thinking of including the Jeep Escorts because some were "juniors" to the big trucks. That way the no-armor to the enclosed-armor Jeeps could be spotlighted without making a difficult or expensive project. We could stay with early ones too, so as not to have to deal with extensive graphics...
Gunnie
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 03:22 AM UTC
Quoted Text
- this one could be one where Instead of everyone going solo like so often happens - this one could be one where "how-to" plays a bigger role in constructing and modifing the trucks according to historical practice
Now, that is music to my ears... I've always wanted to build one, but have always found it a little daunting. Definitely a case where some 'GT Counselling' would be welcome. ..Jim
animal
KitMaker: 4,503 posts
Armorama: 3,159 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 04:42 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Now, that is music to my ears... I've always wanted to build one, but have always found it a little daunting. Definitely a case where some 'GT Counseling' would be welcome. ..Jim
I will write something up and post it in the Campaign forum and see where it goes from here.
RotorHead67
Joined: May 07, 2003
KitMaker: 1,174 posts
Armorama: 772 posts
Posted: Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 03:22 AM UTC
JIM,
LOVE IT!!! Dude. You did the retirery justice. He should be very proud of your work. You deffinately have the Nac for Guntrucks. Keep up the Great build, it really is coming along good. Todd
LOVE IT!!! Dude. You did the retirery justice. He should be very proud of your work. You deffinately have the Nac for Guntrucks. Keep up the Great build, it really is coming along good. Todd
Prato
Joined: March 25, 2005
KitMaker: 1,002 posts
Armorama: 720 posts
Posted: Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 04:01 AM UTC
It's an amazing model! very well built! Can't wait to see it finished!
Cheers and happy modelling!
Prato
Cheers and happy modelling!
Prato
Pedro
Joined: May 26, 2003
KitMaker: 1,208 posts
Armorama: 1,023 posts
Posted: Monday, April 25, 2005 - 05:59 AM UTC
She's a beaut already! Great job Gunnie, I love it!
I hope someday I'll biuld one like her myself
Pedro
I hope someday I'll biuld one like her myself
Pedro
pascalbausset
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 1,416 posts
Armorama: 1,379 posts
Posted: Monday, April 25, 2005 - 06:55 AM UTC
Hi Jim, I'am a little later on this post.
I find your M54 GT very nice. I' am waiting with great impatience, the overall painting job.
Its one from my project, but in the year 2300
pascal
I find your M54 GT very nice. I' am waiting with great impatience, the overall painting job.
Its one from my project, but in the year 2300
pascal
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 - 11:51 AM UTC
Sorry for the delay - been busy, busy, busy...
In the final stages now - putting all the pieces together still. The hardest part (for me) is the graphics part of gun truck modeling. These are like the heart of the crews themselves - endless opportunity for expression and a billboard sized fighting compartment flank to paint it on.
"Eve's" logo is deceptively simple-looking. It's a mixture of four different font styles and had me really looking hard the first time I tried to do them. What I found amazing is that "Eve" was painted and the logo reapplied more than one time during service. Though the location of the lettering shifts a little between repairs and fits - the "style" of the letterring remains pretty much the same.
My logo is hand-drawn in the computer (Adobe Photoshop) sized and printed on white decal sheet with my HP Deskjet 3322. I don't own an ALPS Printer that can do white lettering. Sometimes I wish I did...
The longest part of the process is actually cutting out the lettering from the white decal sheet. It takes a good hour and a half and a relaxing setting - but is well worth the time and effort.
Above, the Fighting Compartment subassemblies before painting. Underneath the Cargo Box, I've applied acrylic gel medium for light dirt/mud accumulation. This gets picked out after painting. For second-generation gun trucks, I usually build the F/C in three subassemblies to aid in painting and detailing. The outer walls are mounted to the Cargo Box and graphics applied to it. The assembly is strong enough for that task. The Inner Armor is a separate piece that's set aside for the Floor to be added. It isn't easy to get the .50cal Ammo Can floor in place if you glue everything together. By making a Floor, I can add the Ammo Can armor readily - and then slip the whole into place into the Inner Wall subassembly. I cast my Ammo Cans in singles and blocks of nine in a row to speed assembly.
When ready, I can insert the Inner Wall/Floor subasssembly into the Cargo Box and join at the lateral braces where the .50cal MG cover the flanks of the F/C. Keeping the two subassemblies separate aids access of adding equipment and stowage between the armor walls late in the finishing process.
More to come shortly...
Gunnie
In the final stages now - putting all the pieces together still. The hardest part (for me) is the graphics part of gun truck modeling. These are like the heart of the crews themselves - endless opportunity for expression and a billboard sized fighting compartment flank to paint it on.
"Eve's" logo is deceptively simple-looking. It's a mixture of four different font styles and had me really looking hard the first time I tried to do them. What I found amazing is that "Eve" was painted and the logo reapplied more than one time during service. Though the location of the lettering shifts a little between repairs and fits - the "style" of the letterring remains pretty much the same.
My logo is hand-drawn in the computer (Adobe Photoshop) sized and printed on white decal sheet with my HP Deskjet 3322. I don't own an ALPS Printer that can do white lettering. Sometimes I wish I did...
The longest part of the process is actually cutting out the lettering from the white decal sheet. It takes a good hour and a half and a relaxing setting - but is well worth the time and effort.
Above, the Fighting Compartment subassemblies before painting. Underneath the Cargo Box, I've applied acrylic gel medium for light dirt/mud accumulation. This gets picked out after painting. For second-generation gun trucks, I usually build the F/C in three subassemblies to aid in painting and detailing. The outer walls are mounted to the Cargo Box and graphics applied to it. The assembly is strong enough for that task. The Inner Armor is a separate piece that's set aside for the Floor to be added. It isn't easy to get the .50cal Ammo Can floor in place if you glue everything together. By making a Floor, I can add the Ammo Can armor readily - and then slip the whole into place into the Inner Wall subassembly. I cast my Ammo Cans in singles and blocks of nine in a row to speed assembly.
When ready, I can insert the Inner Wall/Floor subasssembly into the Cargo Box and join at the lateral braces where the .50cal MG cover the flanks of the F/C. Keeping the two subassemblies separate aids access of adding equipment and stowage between the armor walls late in the finishing process.
More to come shortly...
Gunnie
animal
KitMaker: 4,503 posts
Armorama: 3,159 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 - 03:03 PM UTC
The new owner will be one very happy person when he receives this work of art. Man oh Man you are hitting this one with perfection. My hats off to you Gunnie. You could place it right besides the real one at the Museum and you wouldn't be able to see any difference in them ( with the exception that there are no flaws in your creation). Can't wait to see this one completed.
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