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

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.

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? 

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 is absolutely fabulous, Gino.

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

Thanks Mike.  That is the plan on the chains.

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! 

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.  

      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.

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

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.

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

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

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

BK

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