Thanks guys.  Glad you like it and are getting some pointers from it.

Excellent work all around and the chains and tensioners are a nice touch of realism.

BK

   Thank you for the info. And again a great build.

HeavyArty

I finally got to properly tying down the excavator.  For the chain binders, I used 3D printed ones designed by Matt Leese (mdlbldrmatt135).  You can get them at his Down Range Productions Shapeways store.  They look really nice.  I chained it down on all four corners and chained down the bucket.  I folded the boom as far down as it would go without cutting it up and redesigning the whole thing.   I did have to replace and lengthen the upper piston to make it go as far as it is.

 

 

Great fun watching you build this Multi-facetted project Gino.

Harold

Thanks armornut and Harold.  I am very pleased with how it came out.

Yes, the M9 ACE was originally fielded in 1986 and has been used by US Army Engineers since then.  Its main role on the battlefield is digging prepared fighting positions for armored vehicles and breaching obstacles. 

As to the mirrors, I use Testors Model Master Chrome Silver.  I apply it pretty thick to allow it to flow so it results in a very smooth surface.

Outstanding work, the detail is amazing Gino. It was fun to watch you work through all your plans and get great results. Well done my friend.

What did you use to get the mirrors to look like reall mirror glass?

Harold

      Super cool HeavyArty, thank you for comfirming that the ACE is an actual fielded vehicle. I have been eyeing one for my CHET from Hobbyboss.

I finally got to properly tying down the excavator.  For the chain binders, I used 3D printed ones designed by Matt Leese (mdlbldrmatt135).  You can get them at his Down Range Productions Shapeways store.  They look really nice.  I chained it down on all four corners and chained down the bucket.  I folded the boom as far down as it would go without cutting it up and redesigning the whole thing.   I did have to replace and lengthen the upper piston to make it go as far as it is.  

HeavyArty

 

 

Gamera

And as you say that's going to be a lot of space on the shelf! How long is she in total- about a yard/metre? 

 

 

 

It isn't that bad; just under 2'.  It is about 23" from front bumper to the rear of the trailer.

 

That's still friggin' big!  She's going to get lots of attention at any show if nothing else due to her size! 

Thanks Mike.  That is the plan on the chains.

That is absolutely fabulous, Gino.

Remember to cross chain that beast. You don't want any lateral shift while she travels. 

Gamera

And as you say that's going to be a lot of space on the shelf! How long is she in total- about a yard/metre? 

It isn't that bad; just under 2'.  It is about 23" from front bumper to the rear of the trailer.

Wow that's awesome Gino! Great work on everything! 

She turned out perfectly. And I like the light weathering. 

And as you say that's going to be a lot of space on the shelf! How long is she in total- about a yard/metre? 

I have completed this project.  

First, I changed the bumper numbers on the excavator since they really couldn't be read well being black on dark green.  I added a sand surround so they would be more visible, just like the Army does.  I also weathered it with a wash of a dirt brown color and some selective rust and bare metal.

For the truck, I painted it in NATO camo and marked it as a vehicle in IFOR (UN Implementation FORce, Bosnia-Herzegovina in '95-'96).  I also added the yellow RAWS (Rotating Amber Warning Signal) on the roof and red/yellow reflectors as per European regulations on the rear mud flaps.  I added the airlines and brake wiring cable from thin wire and strapped the spare wheel to the frame in front of the 5th wheel. I weathered it in a similar way as the excavator, just a little lighter handed.  I wanted some weathering to show details, but not to cover them up.

Some close-up details.

For some contrast, I painted the trailer in overall medium green and weathered it similar to the excavator, just a little heavier to represent a very well used trailer.

Here it is all hooked up together.  I have the correct chain binders to tie-down the excavator, but am waiting on some chain to arrive.  So it will have to be tied down later.  It is quite large when all hooked up.

This was a very rewarding build to me.  I really enjoyed the scratch work on the truck and was pleasantly surprised with the excavator.  I really like how it turned out.  Now to make room on the shelves for it.

Gino, you have the decals perfect. I'm looking forward to seeing the tractor, trailer and excavator all together. I'm fortunate too to have a room to work on projects and a wife who is understanding during this time at home.

Harold

Thanks Gamera.  The truck is almost done.  It is amazing how much work you can get done when you are locked up at home for a few days...or so.

Looks good Gino, she looks sharp in the Army colours. Like the new decals!

The excavator is done, except for weathering.  I rerouted the hydraulic lines so they would be more accurate than they were.  I added a few pieces of tubing to complete them as well.  I made all the markings and decals for it myself by copying images off the net and printing them on computer decal paper.  I think it came out nicely.

I fully detailed the cabin as well with extra levers and a small instrument panel, placards, etc.  It is hard to see, but it is all there.

I found a CAT image on the net that replaced the "A" with a girl bending over.  Knowing soldiers, that is exactly what one would put on his vehicle.  So I added some overspray around it and tagged the excavator.

The truck and trailer also have been base coated.  I need to camo them and they will be ready for decals and weathering as well.  More to come soon since I plan on working on it a lot and finishing it up soon during the Covid-19 Apocalypse lock-down.

I figured an engineer vehicle was more appropriate since the truck/trailer are used by engineer units pretty much exclusively.  I had also seen quite a few w/M9 Aces on them and wanted something more interesting.  When I saw the excavator, it looked like it would fit the bill perfectly.

Well there you go. I couldn't think of a better choice of load than that. In the realm of the Gods because it'll kill at shows and is so much better than something with a gun. Thats what military transport does. If I ever see another Panther G model on a truck, I'd puke.

Thanks Pawel.  It is a "tracked" excavator though. 

Gino - lookin' good!

I didn't expect the excavator - but I guess a tracked vehicle would be too obvious, wouldn't it? Good luck with your build and have a nice day

Paweł

Thanks Gamera.  I hope to get more done over the weekend.

The trailer looks good! 

And looking forward to seeing the excavator re-painted and assembled. 

I am still chugging away on this.  I got a chance to take some pics of the progress.  I have completed the M870A1 trailer by Trumpeter.  It went together well, straight out of the box; no issues.  It is a really nice kit.

Here is the die-cast excavator that will go on the trailer.  It was listed as 1/40 scale, but when I measured it, it was closer to 1/36 and fits perfectly on the trailer.  

So far I have it all disassembled and have added some details and filled in some attachment screw holes.

It will be close to this when done.

Thanks guys.  It has been a fun build so far.

Yeah, that's some nice work inside the cab and the engine looks fantastic! I can almost smell the oil and diesel fuel... 

I knew you could do it... Outstanding!!

Super!