I also posted this in the Ships forum, but another forum member thought it might be cool to post here as well since this kit was surely a 'tweener!

Here are some pics of the completed DUKW. I did not add the "roll bar" since some of the pics show it removed, so I opted to leave it off. This CG DUKW simulates Station Sandy Hook's circa 1965. Special thanks to CG Bob for the copy of the Coatings and Colors Manual. Decals were printed on Testor's decal paper (clear). Nav lights were scratch built from sprue and plastruct plastic card. The .50 cal mounts were omitted, Some pictures I used showed a large whip antennae, but some did not, so I left that off as well. The spar was enhanced to better show panel lines and recesses with Citadel Sepia Ink. This is an ink with just a touch of brown hue in it, that REALLY complemented the spar color. Tires were done in Floquil Grimey Black, and the hubs were done in Flat Black. The side panels (over the wheels) used by the Army, were not used by the CG, and were left off.

Since this model will be used to demonstrate differences and important inspection issues with "modern" civilian Ducks, I needed to show the undersides better. I picked up a VERY cheap football display case on clearance at Kohls that had a mirror in the back. I then bought some acrylic rod and attached flat round magnets to the top of them. Inside the DUKW are large block magnets. The magnets hold the DUKW in place on top of the rods so that the model can be taken out of the case. You can see how it looks in some of the pictures.

While it may be taboo to state here, I have found Plaid Craft Paints (those found at Walmart and Michaels) will do tolerably well for low brand acrylic paints. With a primer coating of white, I used the color "Kings Gold" to simulate Spar. I think for the scale it is spot on. I will post pics when I get farther along. I will say that the Italeri model is done in two parts, the top (deck and cockpit) and the bottom (drive and wheels). This seems to lend itself perfectly to the 2 part buff and white CG color scheme!

The name plate is temporary, until I get something permanent printed on heavier stock.

Thanks for looking!

More pics and projects at:

http://highlanderburial.blogspot.com/