Keepers of the Peace GB 2013-14

Yesterday I did steps 3 thru 11, although I skipped adding the roadwheel arms in 9 and have not done the external fittings of the top deck in 11

So now that I am back in my proper hobby work area I can get the painting done...

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Stik, I'm a little late to the party but I'm wondering if I could include my French Auf1 in UN markings by Meng to the GB. I started this a couple months ago and you can see my progress, I have a long way to go and I'd like to finish it up. I've been busy with other projects and I just haven't got around to it. This a unique vehicle and I thought it would be a nice addition to the build. 

Terry, I am not running this GB, Pyrman is. But I do not see why not, it looks like it qualifies and we still have several weeks left to go here. The terrain in that top photo looks quite familiar to me... not specificaly, but generally.

I believe it's Lebanon?

I originally signed up to build a British Scimitar in UN markings but I need to get this one done.

Thanks, Terry

jibber

I believe it's Lebanon?

It looks a LOT like southern Bosnia Herzogovina between Mostar and the Adriatic coast. I know that the French operated in that area.

I think you're right. The caption stated it was a joint training exercise between the French and Lebanese armies. I knew it wasn't France so I assumed Lebanon, I really shouldn't assume….

Jibber: I've edited the build roster.  Also, the first pic reminded me of my brief duty in Lebanon, back in '83-84.

I have never been to Lebanon, so I cant say. But both are off the Med and have similar terrain and climates.

Greg tell me I chose correctly, I had a 50/50 shot…thanks for the addition.

Terry

Bish: nice circus tent......what time is the afternoon center ring show? ;)

jibber

Greg tell me I chose correctly.....

Terry

Greg I'm sorry to hear that, I understand taking fire but in my case I could usually see the shooter. I think a sniper may be the scariest thing ever. All the best.

Terry: it was my own fault, sort of, I was hit by a bullet that had broken up, while peeking around the rear of our VAB, to look for the muzzle flash after 2-3 rounds had already been fired.  Fortunately, I survived and he wasn't so lucky.

More progress on my build today.Today I did the final bit of gluing parts in the interior that needed to be done prior to painting. I also cut up some mesh into the proper sizes and shapes for the engine deck intake and cooling radiator screens. Nothing worth photos today, but probably tomorrow.

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I got most of the interior of the AUF1 built and some paint going. From my research I found that a combat AUF1 is painted a shade of light blue and some a pale green but I couldn't find the color of a UN vehicle so I think I'm going to stick with the overall theme of B & W. My plan is to button up the turret but leave the side man doors open for a limited view but keep the ammo bay to the rear closed. In the next week I'll finish the interior and try to get the turret finished and painted. These kits from Meng go together beautifully. 

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Interior pics. I need to finish up the interior painting and weathering especially near the open doors then I can assemble the turret.

Terry: the Auf1 is looking good.  

I have the right side turret taped on to see what interior will look like, I'm also leaving the left door open but the ammo racks won't show. 

Some very nice interior work indeed Jibber! It defintely would be a shame to close that all up for no one to see.

well here are today's promised photos: 

The grill screens that I made up yesterday

and glued in place

then it was time to start gluing all the small detail parts that I had slipped over in place...

hatches (sorry about the poor focus)

rear top deck

and with it all placed on the hull

more to follow soon...

A couple nites ago, I built and cleaned up the TC's .50 for this build. Hollowed out the flash hider bore, added a piece of scrap sheet plastic across the bottom of the ammo can, and I used a micro drill/pin vise and some needle files to improve the sights a bit. Nothing fancy, but just make them look more alive.

and today I painted the interior. I used an old Gunze color, Sandy Yellow, but I am not too keen on how it turned out... I may have to go back and try something else. This color is too dark and too gray for my taste based off of photos that I came across.

Stik: looking good.

Thank you sir. Well, I did not like the original sand color that I used, so I went thru my paints and came up with a better one, an RLM Sand color by Polly Scale... lighter and more yellow/ivory...

Stik it still looks good to me.

Thanks, I think I can work with this color better

Well I gave a second coat of RLM 69 Light Tan today. This evened everythign out and it looks much better now

and a coat of Polly Scale Forest Green 34079 on areas I figured that would have been missed when they were repainted into UN White

I will let it dry and cure overnight, then I can start on interior color detail painting tomorrow