Before I post my next update pics, a bit of background into the vehicle I am doing which will help explain why I am building it this way. In April 1995, my Battalion, 1 KORBR, moved from Londonderry to Catterick and began converting to the Armoured Infantry role. I was in the Anti-Tank Platoon, equipped with the MILAN wire guided missile system. We were supplied with a bunch of 432’s which had clearly seen better days. Even though I was not a qualified driver at the time, I along with a few other guys spent many hours getting the vehicles in reasonable condition. All of the hatch seals had corroded and it looked like the vehicles had been stored outside for some time. We never did quite eradicate the lovely aroma of odeur de stagnant oil and water. The vehicles seemed to have been a rag tag assortment equipped for various roles which meant we had to remove radio frames and various other bits of equipment.
So, when it comes to the kit, it provides the options i need, partly i think by error. The fit options and colours are based on the instructions, the few pics i could find and my 20+ year old memory (not the most reliable of sources). My understanding is that the forward compartment was always painted white with the rear in bare metal. This was painted white at a later date, probably during a base overhaul. But i am positive ours where still bare metal, so thats the option i went for. All paints are Tamiya acrylics.
Then the padding was painted, ours was in a por condition with holes and tears all over, but i decided not to replicate this. Then the floor was dirtied up useing AK's engine oil and engine grime mixed with some dark pigments.
I was really pleased with how that came out.
With the smaller parts painted, the interiour was fitted out. When i went to fit the drivers seat, i realised that the tillers were to far back. No major isue bending them forward a bit, but would recomend building the seat and dry fitting before adding the tillers.
The kit includes 3 battery boxes, but no radio fit in the rear of the vehicle (I have found pics of a 432 with a similar layout which may be the one they used). One of the battery boxes is a base and lid in one piece, this is intended to go under the commander’s seat. But i am positive our vehicles did not have these so I have used this to replace the main vehicle batteries. This goes to the right of the driver and the kit does not supply a lid, not a good idea when its right next to the drivers elbow. So I have modified the complete box but cutting and fitting the top of the batteries inside.
The 3rd battery box is in the rear on the left side under one of the bench seats. Again going from memory, i am sure our vehicles had this box but without batteries, so after drilling out the interiour i have fitted this.
The roof was finished off with lights and air ducting.
And the engine bulkhead and piano boards are done. The painting guide does not show some of the smaller details, such as the cap for the governor oil, botle for the washers and so on, but the few online pics are enough to provid this info.
And the drivers instruments along with aformentioned washer bottle.
And the interior almost completed.
I still have a little to do before i add the roof and front plate. A couple more small bits to fit, some small detail to paint. But mainly adding some wiring. I won't fit the complete wiring harness, but i need to add something as the inside will be very visible. Alos need to come up with some for the drivers seat harness.