Hi guys, I'm about 95% complete with the Dragon Jeep kit. I started working on this kit after I completed the schwimmwagen. Like the schwimmer I wanted a quick build and I built the model mostly out of the box. I did add to the model my Resin Pedestal mount and my Soft Skin MP-48 spring antenna base. I also replaced the very simplistic molded in tow hitch with one of my functional resin ones.
The kit itself is a very nice build with no real surprises. The one issue I had was I found a crack on the clear plastic wind shield. Rather than calling Dragon care I decided to cut out both window panes and I replaced them with clear lexan plastic.
Another Issue that I expected and encountered was the application of the hood star decal. The decals are very nice, but the star decal is too large to be easily applied. The decal crimples, rips, and snags too easily. So instead of using the decal I created a stencil and airbrushed the star onto the model. The decals were used for the rest of the markings and worked out just fine.
Resin Bolt heads were added to the rear bumpers.
I replaced the kit's tow hitch with one of my own functional resin versions. For the tow eyes I snipped off the kit supplied ones of the kit tow hitch and simply added them to mine. The tow hitch upgrade does improve the look of the model.
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I wanted to arm my jeep. To do this I used one of my resin M31C pedestal pintle mounts. I scratch built the support legs out of two lengths of plastic angle. The angles are glued together and the trimmed to shape. I still have to finish up the DML M2 HB, and the Travel lock brace.
I also like the look of The MP 48 spring antenna base and I wanted to add this to my model. I have seen jeeps with the 50.cal mg mount and the antenna base mounted, but with no radio hooked up. Since I don't have the radio mounted I will not be adding the antenna to the antenna base. The antenna base mount was fabricated out of sheet metal.
All I have left to add to the model is the tools, DML 50.cal HB, Jerry can, and tie down straps. Once complete I can then jump into my next olive.