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Build Complete: #11 Tamiya Chevy 30 CWT LRDG Truck (Scorpion Conversion) WIP

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  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Build Complete: #11 Tamiya Chevy 30 CWT LRDG Truck (Scorpion Conversion) WIP
Posted by Schnobs on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 10:48 PM

Hello everyone after a little debate and going back and forth on my next build I decided to continue my Desert Odyssey after my AS 42 Sahariana build.  Manny had mentioned the Osprey Battle Orders series during that WIP and it I ended up ordering both of the following books and burned many long hours with web research and learning about the history of both the Italian, British, and Germans in North Africa.  I love that theater and cannot learn enough about it.

That being said a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing and I am not an expert or a historian but I would love to pass on some of what I learned to you guys as I go through this WIP.  I have found many references that contradicted other references so please bear with me if I pass on any discrepancies or errors.

The kit I will be modeling is as most of you know the release of Tamiya's #92 kit bundled with a brand new Italeri Breda 20mm AA gun.

The cool thing about it is there must literally hundreds of you that have built this kit so please weigh in with your opinions and any gotcha's that I might run into.  The model is the command radio car with a towed Italian Breda 20MM AA Gun which was highly prized as war booty by the British but it is highly unlikely that it would be towed because according to my research the Chevy 30 CWT could only go 20KM when towing the Breda and the Breda was very fragile.  It was more common for it to be mounted in the tray and vehicles with that modification came to be known as Desert Scorpions.  I am going to make that conversion and scratch build the necessary changes to prevent the gun from literally blowing the head off the driver.  I also picked up the four crew set from New World Miniatures that were molded specifically for this vehicle.  I hope you enjoy them because they were more $$$ than the kit!

I have ordered a set of six resin replacement tires for the kit supplied ones from R&J Enterprises for $12.00 which I thought was a great deal. 

I plan to use the hairspray technique again and after a lot of research and artistic thinking I am pretty sure I have decided ion a final paint scheme.  As most of you are aware they came in a lot of different cammo schemes.  Here are a few real world and model reference photos to illustrate that.

Before I forget here a great computer model of the Chevy 30 CWT that I found that makes a cool wallpaper for your computer.

I am leaning towards Azure over Middle stone or Azure over Faded Pink.  I still have to experiment with colors.  I am using the November Issue of Model Military International as a primary resource for the build as well which provided the inspiration for this build.  Thank Indy!

Here are the box contents and it's time to light this candle!

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 10:52 PM

That didn't take too long to get a rolling. Mischief [:-,]

I was going to ask you which book you picked up for the LRDG. I was thinking there was a Concord book, but I see you have the Osprey. I do like the Osprey books. I have a mini-library myself of much of the armor in my stash.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 11:01 PM

LOL!

Hey Eric,

Yes I like the Osprey series and if you work Amazon and are willing to take a chance on used you can get them for about $6.00 a piece.  I really like this one as well it really helped me with leraning figure painting.

 

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posted by model maniac 96 on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 11:13 PM
Yeah, that is a good book, good luck on the project! I will try to stay more up to date on this build than the last one!



Good luck, Jim
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" Julius Caesar: I came, I saw, I conquered.
  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Thursday, December 3, 2009 12:35 AM

~Great start for the project Mr Schnabel . This is going to be a hoot!   I Really dig the info-laden step-by-step, but you know that. That MMI article really had me itching to build this myself(of course I'm up to my ears with builds) this is going to be the next best thing(maybe better--with you doing all the work!  Tongue [:P] ) BTW I just got the new MMI #45 and there's a really interesting letter(in letters section) from a retired Sergeant, Royal Corps of Signals, statng that the LRDG had it's origins in the Signal Corps section of the Royal engineers and gives some interesting little-known info about its beginnings

Hey that Mark Bannerman book! I gotta get that. I bought his figure painting book. It was basic. Great for a basic book, but basic. Anyways he's really cool, and I'm always picking up tips from him as he's on the Mil Mod site near everyday---thanks for reminding about that book though- Buddy! I've read alot of it on Googlebooks, but I'd like to oun it too.

 

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Thursday, December 3, 2009 1:40 AM

~Hey Edmund ~ I was doing a little snooping around and well,  have you found this site yet ?

http://www.lrdg.org/          I really liked the LRDG links page   REFERENCE-ola' !!

 

Oh ya!

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Central Texas
Posted by NucMedTech on Thursday, December 3, 2009 7:40 AM

Well, I'm jumping on board for this one, was kind of in and out of the last one. Looking forward to the write up.

-StephenCowboy [C):-)]

Most barriers to your successes are man made. And most often you are the man who made them. -Frank Tyger

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Essex England
Posted by spacepacker on Thursday, December 3, 2009 10:25 AM

Hey, I'm building the same kit and I'm also looking at the build shown in Model Military.

You will probably have yours done before mine, I'm such a slow builder; good luck.

BTW,the Breda gun is very delicate to clean up," a right little breda".Big Smile [:D]..cheers...Kenny

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Thursday, December 3, 2009 11:08 AM

Hey Adam,

Yes i did find that site during my research and I swear to God I think I inhaled it!  It has very good information.

Stephen:  Thanks for coming on board the more the better!!

SpacePacker:  Cool good luck with your build.  The same gun was in the AS 42 kit and there a coupel of gotcha's.  Make sure you look at some real world references when you are cleaning it up or you could easily remove some of the detail and if you are careful with the glue the gun will transverse and elevate and so will the site.

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Thursday, December 3, 2009 1:23 PM
Ought to be a fun ride Edmund, look forward to seeing what you do with this one.
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Friday, December 4, 2009 2:40 AM

It wouldn't be a WIP without you Bill!

I finished the chassis tongiht and I wore out an exacto blade and half way through another one removing seams.  The age of the molds must be showing because I have never seen it this bad.  I am not complaining though it is very Zen!

I also picked up some final Tamiya paints tonight at the LHS for the build.

I will be using Life Color paints to represent BSC No. 61 light sand  for the interior of the cab and the cargo area.  It chips really nicely with the HP method.

The colors for the cammo paint job will be Desert Pink and Azure.

That's it tonight I am off to bed!

 

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Friday, December 4, 2009 7:37 AM

NO, No,No, ! Get back to work! I'm crack'in the whip on you

Indiana Jones

HEehHee! Well...it's a start! Your "people" want to see more though~Are you out of bed yet? You are if your reading this.....um..........happy building                 ~Indy

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    January 2012
Posted by I make stuff on Friday, December 4, 2009 10:45 AM

Looks good so far, but is that "bottom" of the engine all they gave you?  If so, well, you KNOW what I'm going to tell you you should do, right?

Wink [;)]

Bill  

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Friday, December 4, 2009 10:48 AM

LOL!  Nice!

I am hard at work researchign this morning.  As you guys know I am doing the conversion from a Radio Command car to a Scorpion so I will be removing the radio but I have a question about the large piece behind the cab.  Is this a battery bank for the radio or just a stowage locker or something else?

THanks Guys!

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Friday, December 4, 2009 10:57 AM
 Citadelgrad87 wrote:

Looks good so far, but is that "bottom" of the engine all they gave you?  If so, well, you KNOW what I'm going to tell you you should do, right?

Wink [;)]

Bill  

Absolutely!  You mean like this!!

 

It's a spare engine that came with a Verlinden Military Cargo set i picked up fro my Stug III Re-supply Dio.  I was saving it for just such an emergency!

 

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Eugene, Oregon
Posted by hughes2682 on Friday, December 4, 2009 10:58 AM
Edmund,
Now if you could only scrape seams in your sleep just think how much more productive you would be. LOL
I just didn't want to hear Indy crack the whip on you. That kind of screaming only disrupts those who do sleep.

Seriously though, nice job cleaning up the seam lines. I've had a few older Tamiya kits with some wonky seam lines. I know what you mean my Zen.

This is gonna be good!

Cheers
Dave

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Aaronw/Groupbuilds/ClassicAviationGB2010bomb.jpg

With enough thrust, pigs fly just fine.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 4, 2009 2:32 PM
Yummy---this is gonna be good.  Are you planning on mounting the Breda in the back of the truck?  If so, I have a great article in I can scan and show how the modifications were made to the bed to hold the gun and remove the radio...the front-end of the bed was made into a "bustle" storage area...  
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Friday, December 4, 2009 3:14 PM

Schnobs,

 I was looking at this kit before I knew of the re-release but couldn't fork over the $100 asking price on Ebay.  So I'll be following along with your progress.  For a little extra entertainment while your building, have a go at this book:

 

 

Apropos for your scorpion and a very enjoyable read.  Here's a review

http://www.armchairgeneral.com/killing-rommel-book-review.htm

 

And if someone hasn't already directed you, some good information here:

http://www.lrdg.de/vehicles.htm

 

Don

 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Posted by mm23t on Friday, December 4, 2009 3:53 PM
Edmund..wake up lad, its time to continue....I'm leaving town tomorrow for a couple of weeks and will be checking your work when I return. Now again, wake up lad.....Zzz [zzz] 

Medals are not "Won", they are "Earned".

Mike..

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by jadgpanther302 on Friday, December 4, 2009 5:17 PM
That killing rommel book was AMAZING. WIP looks good!
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Friday, December 4, 2009 5:43 PM

I do plan on converting the Radio Command car to a Scorpion with the Breda mounted in the Tray and the radio removed I already posted this question but I will repost do you know what the following is and if it is a part of the radio?

I am sure you are referencing Model Military Interntionall November Scorpions Sting build article.  I am using that as a reference but I plan to remove the front piece in question and of course the radio and build up the greedy boards on the side so I have more room for Italian fuel drums and british stowage plus the gun.

 

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Friday, December 4, 2009 5:44 PM

Thanks Don for both of the links!

 

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 4, 2009 9:15 PM
 Schnobs wrote:

I do plan on converting the Radio Command car to a Scorpion with the Breda mounted in the Tray and the radio removed I already posted this question but I will repost do you know what the following is and if it is a part of the radio?

I am sure you are referencing Model Military Interntionall November Scorpions Sting build article.  I am using that as a reference but I plan to remove the front piece in question and of course the radio and build up the greedy boards on the side so I have more room for Italian fuel drums and british stowage plus the gun.

 

Sorry, no I don't---but my guess is that it IS NOT part of the radio. I assume it is a storage compartment for something...
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Friday, December 4, 2009 9:17 PM

Thanks Mike & Paul for your comments.

I received a six piece Resin Tire set from R&J today which was les than 48 hours after I ordered them. Great service and great products I cannot say enough about those folks.

I cleaned them up and primed them with Tamiya Surface primer.  I took a couple shots next to the Sand Tires on my AS 42 so you can get a sense of scale.

Love tires.........................

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Friday, December 4, 2009 9:34 PM
That was my guess as well but I thought it might be a bank of batteries or something.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posted by model maniac 96 on Friday, December 4, 2009 9:36 PM
It looks like a good start to a very good build! Sorry about the seam lines and flash on the chassis, you think zen I think pain, LOL!!!!


Thanks, Jim
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" Julius Caesar: I came, I saw, I conquered.
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Saturday, December 5, 2009 12:51 AM

Thanks Jim.

Build Update:

I got some great progress on the cab assembly tonight and drilled out my spare wheels I had forget to do that before I primered them so I spoke to myself sharply and completed that task.

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Cary, North Carolina
Posted by M1Carbine on Saturday, December 5, 2009 2:59 AM

Looking great so far Ed.  More, more, gimme more for poopy sake.....LOL

 

Bob

  • Member since
    February 2009
  • From: mass,USA
Posted by scratchmod on Saturday, December 5, 2009 10:14 AM

Well your of to a great start Edmund, this is going to be fun, to watch.

Talk to you soon.

Rob

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posted by model maniac 96 on Saturday, December 5, 2009 4:29 PM
Cool, another nice looking update! Exactly what I have come to expect, this is going to be fun to watch!



Thanks, Jim
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" Julius Caesar: I came, I saw, I conquered.
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