Prior to posting the OP I'd been working on the chassis pretty much all week and I've gotta say that I am thoroughly impressed at all the detail in 1/35 scale. I managed to get all the rear suspension and exhaust work done (except for the tail pipe that I'll install later on to keep from snapping it off). I've also got the weathering done in the way of chipping and dirt effects. I tried as hard as I could to achieve the right balance but then again I'm no expert in the military vehicle field as far as WWII is concerned.

Looks great so far Joe. I learned how to drive in my brother's 1970 Beetle. Around 1973 I got to drive around the block my neighbor's 1953 split rear window bug. That was his daily driver but it looked brand new.

Looks really good. I am very interested in Ryefield, their stuff appears to be highly detailed on all the kits I've seen. This should be fun.

BK

Cool project.  Looks good 

Oh goodie, a bug build to watch.

If it were only being done by someone who knew something about building cars, though.

Ha ha.

This should be great fun to watch. I agree with greysnake, the bottom panel does look real.

What a terrific subject. Uber cool. Your initial work looks excellent. I'm really looking forward to your progress on the Bug.

And don't forget, I have access to an endless amount of reference.

Do'er justice my friend.

That junkyard pic reminds me, I saw a pristine VW Microbus parked at the grocery the other day. I don't know what there is about those things, I just wanted to take it home with me.

<----- I know, couldn't resist.

Ok....I'm back. And thank you guys for the comments and input. Joe....thank you for the reference offers buddy. Work has been totally kicking my a$$ as of late. Too far behind on work, not enough people to do the job with and now we're working over time just to not get any further behind. That being said I've been pretty tired and haven't felt much like sitting in front of a computer in what little time that I do have off these days. I did get today off so I figured I'd catch up on the rest of the forum and then here in this thread.

Even though I've been working like a dog I have NOT given up my benchtime. I managed to build the engine and install and start work on the interior.

The engine originally had 11 parts to it but in typical fashion I added the spark plug wires, fuel line from the pump to the carburetor and installed the circuits leading to the generator. I would've posted progress sooner but I took Macro shots and spotted more boo-boo's than I could count so I made all the corrections and now have a presentable bit of progress. If anyone is thinking about getting this kit...I HIGHLY recommend it. Plenty of detail and goes together very well.

That's sure looking good. I'm crazy about the engine. It looks great.

What's with the brown strips? Are they wood? They sure look like wood. Are they the floor of the car?

Yeah that engine looks like the real deal!!! 

It must be a bit harder though. In car scale - 1/24th-1/25th is small but a VW in armour scale- 1/35th is friggin' tiny!

Gamera

It must be a bit harder though. In car scale - 1/24th-1/25th is small but a VW in armour scale- 1/35th is friggin' tiny!

Never even noticed the 1/35th scale. You're right, it must be!

Thank you guys for all the kind comments. Yeah.....this is ALOT smaller than what I'm normally used to working with in 1/25--1/24 scale. 

This doesn't look like it but there's been a ton of work done to this thing since the last update. Shift, throttle/ clutch/ brake pedal trio and actuating levers installed, seats painted & installed (obviously) and a newspaper on the front seat. Miled weathering adorns the entire floor and rear shelf area as well. The paint job on the seats took two tries before I was happy with the look of them. Stay tuned.....more AM details coming for the interior.

That looks really good, Joe.

Wow looking good .. I guess black would be a good color?

Everything looks sharp Joe. Painting is nicely done.

That looks really good, love the seats.

Thanks fellas!! 

Added a few more details this morning. Eyeglasses on the newspaper up front (to include glass inside the frames), helmet and folded map on the rear package tray. I've also got a leather map case that I'll be painting up and putting in the back. I'm still debating on whether or not to throw an MP40 back there too but wondering just how realistic that'll be. Not many soldiers just leave their weapons laying around you know. 

Love the details. Those are great. Agreed, you need to add the map case. Still think the Luger would be nice.

Looking fantastic Joe! Love the glasses with the newspaper, great touch. I normally wouldn't recomend using a weapon without and obvious owner, but in this case I agree with the use of a Luger. You are modelling an iconic vehicle and the Luger is an iconic firearm. It would look great with the newspaper and glasses.

Greg

I don't know what there is about those things, I just wanted to take it home with me.

It's like a boat, the ideal captures the imagination and engages the emotions.

It's only later when the realities of not having air conditioning or changing the oil or the like does the ugliness of reality set in

Two happiest days are similar, too:  Date bought and date sold

crown r n7

Wow looking good .. I guess black would be a good color?

All the refernce photos I've seen show black seats with a leather-like appearance.  Those wod slats are dead on for color, too.

Nice work on the interior. Those extra bits really make it look the part.

BK

CapnMac82

 

 

Greg

I don't know what there is about those things, I just wanted to take it home with me.

 

 

It's like a boat, the ideal captures the imagination and engages the emotions.

It's only later when the realities of not having air conditioning or changing the oil or the like does the ugliness of reality set in

Two happiest days are similar, too:  Date bought and date sold

 

Good observations.

Reminds me of the famous Spock line about having being a less powerful emotion than wanting. Was that Amok Time maybe?

I've been drooling over boats for a few years, I should bookmark this page and refer to your comments often.

That looks good!!! Love the lived-in look that the papers, map, etc give her! 

Thanks fellas. I'm having alot of fun with this one.I decided not to go with any weapons but I did put alot of goodies on the rear package tray and behind the rear seat. Stuff like binoculars, map case and bread pouch. I'm now done with this part and will be moving on to the dash, steering column and steering wheel.

. 

Now you need a half-empty bottle of schnapps...  

Gamera

Now you need a half-empty bottle of schnapps...  

Or some French brandy . . .