I've decided to build the truck first, using only what comes in the box. It is all to easy to get used to PE and AM sets, and the use of them becomes almost second nature. But for those with limited budgets or access to the sets, or the lack of skill to use them yet, I thought I build a cheap kit from the box, doing as much as possible to add or dress up the kit with out adding AM stuff. Hence I'm opening doors, panels and bonnet, adding some bits and pieces with streche sprue and scap plastic and cardboard from the box the model came with. I'll leave access to the interior and the chassis to add the interior after I 'finished' the base truck.
I'll try to do an articel that might give those without the experience or skills the idea or confidence to try and take the first steps on the path of AMS...
:-) Anyway, here's some first pics of my progress
To open the drivers door, and show the interior of the cab, all you need to do is carefully bend the door along the hinge line, which is already recessed and with care doesn't need to be scribed. You can leave the door attached, and just add a little glue along the Hinge line to set the door in the open postion of your choice. Bob's your uncle.
Removing the doors from the superstructure needs care as you will have to scribe them along their edge with a sharp exacto knive.
Again, to remove the bonnet ( hood for those accross the pond) just scribe along the recessed panel lines untill you have cut it out. It will show the (simple) engine, which could do with some improving, but as it's kept simple I'll probably only start by painting it and perhaps add a battery against the bulkhead. When I add the interior, I'll probably plumb the engine a bit more aswel.
Hope you like the idea, and I'll update as soon as I have painted the cab interior and chassis.
Cheers
Henk
