TeeELL’s Tank transporter - AIRFIX 1:76

[RWG686 37,798]

All of that work takes the subject to a totally new level..great work.

[TeeELL 601]

Putting things together

Edited August 11 by TeeELL

[TeeELL 601]

I’m not sure I am going to be able to compare this with ‘MOLLY’ as there has been an axle failure

[TeeELL 601]

The original Airfix rear axle had ‘expired’ on MOLLY so I will need to do some careful repairs before I can do a side by side comparison.  MOLLY has suffered from being stuck to and removed from a base, had the original wheels prised off and replaced, the ‘walking beams’ replaced etc, so the plastic axle has been somewhat stressed,

[TeeELL 601]

When I checked the track of the rear wheels I found them to be 2mm too close.  For the build I added a 1mm spacer to the end of the ‘brake drums’.  I then went and added the same to the CAD for printing.  However, looking at plans and a photo of an upside down TRMU, I am going to have to modify the V part of the walking beams to allow them to sit 1mm further out on the axle; it will make modifying the rear axle simpler.  I must remember to remove the extra depth of the drums.

It is a state of continued refinement.

I had 15 mins this morning waiting for a shower to pass before taking the dogs out for their morning walk, in that time I was able to roll back the walking beam drawing find the earlier ‘V’ and reinstate it.  I was then able to find the update and delete it.  So all done and dusted, print it tomorrow.

Edited August 13 by TeeELL

[Sprocket 10,049]

exciting build, three D printing is another example how model making has been enhanced in recent years, things can only get better, I also

like how 3d printing can help bring older issue model kits up to modern standards, a combination of Nostalgia and tech, watching with keen interest.

[TeeELL 601]

I’ve managed to effect a repair on ‘MOLLY’ sufficient for a photo shoot of sorts:

‘MOLLY’  is mostly original Airfix in terms of upper work - cab, bonnet, slightly modified roof, rear end, fuel tank and so forth.  The model has an improved front axle, walking beams and wheels.

At center is the Airfix kit with 3D printed corrections.  Honestly, there are still parts of the Airfix kit remaining.  This model has ‘civvy tread’ front tyres.  Possibly a noticeable difference with the cab is the size of the drivers/co-drivers access doors.

The right hand model is the completely new designed TRMU-20 model in 1:76. - There are some detail parts that are wrong and the designer is aware.

The 2 latter models would benefit from losing the screen pillars and cross bars, as I have done with ‘MOLLY’.

 

 

 

From the rear view you can see that ‘MOLLY’ needs to go in for major maintenance of the rear axle and walking beams - they are a bit splayed!

[TeeELL 601]

I would add that there are no common parts shared with between ‘my’ enhanced parts and those of the TRMU-20.

[Gorby 20,040]

Fantastic work. I'm just about to start building IBG Models 1/72 Scammell tank transporter which I would like to thing is a bit better than the original Airfix offering.

[TeeELL 601]

3 hours ago, Gorby said:

Fantastic work. I'm just about to start building IBG Models 1/72 Scammell tank transporter which I would like to thing is a bit better than the original Airfix offering.

Well,  given that it is supposed to be a TRMU-30, why are all the tractor wheels/tyres the same size?  I suspect, because they have used the same components as their Pioneer?  Iirc, I tried some correctly sized wheel/tyres and the ‘walking beams’ are too short.  I re-scaled some of my walking beams to 1:72 as I have that kit.

[Gorby 20,040]

36 minutes ago, TeeELL said:

Well,  given that it is supposed to be a TRMU-30, why are all the tractor wheels/tyres the same size?

That's not something I care about.

Maybe I should have said the IBG kit would be an interesting comparison to the Airfix kit.

[TeeELL 601]

I am going to be doing a build of the Airfix Scammell with my enhancement parts.  With the additional steps to ‘host before I post’ photos on here, I will only be recording the build on UAMF - here is the link:  https://uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=24591

[TeeELL 601]

In fairness, I shall pop some of the construction on here but not all the descriptions:

I’ve not done a great deal to the interior because once the cab is buttoned up there isn’t much visible.  An etched steering wheel with thinned PVA layers applied to the rim for depth, the seat backs improved slightly and some seat squabs added.  Paint is Hu102 ‘Army Green’ for the interior.

 

A test fit of the roof - 0.75mm too long at the rear.

Drawing adjusted and re-printed:  no idea why I sometimes get the holes in the prints.  But nothing a tiny spot of PPP cannot fix.

Note the absence of rivets!

 

This model will become ‘MOLLY’ so is finished in Light Stone, mixed iaw Mike Starmer’s recipe.  However, the trailer will be a 3D printer early style 30-ton trailer as seen in photos of ‘MOLLY’ and in keeping with the time period of 1942 - early 1943. 

Edited September 18 by TeeELL
Added text

[TeeELL 601]

I am angling toward the removal of the windscreen framework.  I think painting the framework onto the acetate ‘glass’ or using strips of painted decal paper looks better.

[Gorby 20,040]

1 hour ago, TeeELL said:

I am angling toward the removal of the windscreen framework.  I think painting the framework onto the acetate ‘glass’ or using strips of painted decal paper looks better.

I was considering doing that on my IBG kit. It is very noticeable if the window is open, not so much when they are closed the framework is well over scale which isn't surprising in 1/76 or 1/72:

When I did the Airfix recovery set recently I painted the framework on the 'glass' of the Thornycroft Amazon crane, which has a very similar windscreen, and it did work very well. This is the link if you're interested (for some reason the link isn't going to the relevant section - the build is on page four): 

 

 

[TeeELL 601]

Gorby,

 thanks for that.  I used that technique on ‘MOLLY’.

[TeeELL 601]

I need to show some progress shots!  
I have a film clip of a Scammell and it is ‘MOLLY’.  In the first few seconds of the clip, on the off side can be seen the AoS board with what appears to be a ‘Desert Rat’ in the upper segment, I’ve not been able to find any further information though.  Although a bit difficult, I am ‘frame grabbing’  to get details, especially for the trailer.  It also looks to me as though ‘MOLLY’s’ headboard is slightly off center.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vis3f_vlgIc

I am guessing that the chaps in the jeep are carrying the grenades used to simulate the ‘under attack’ - note them throwing the grenades from the far side of the Scammell at 1min 28sec.

Edited Saturday at 02:14 PM by TeeELL
Added text

[TeeELL 601]

I realised that I do have an update:

’MOLLY’ has received the aerial recognition saltire and the correct vehicle number H4611614.  I need to add some ‘stuff’ in the chain locker and fit the grill.  The windscreen(s) have been created - have you noticed that finding clear plastic (lids etc) is becoming increasingly difficult!?  The central pillar has been created as part of the lower fixed portion of the windscreen.

 

[TeeELL 601]

The transfer for the saltire is home brew a white cross from white decal paper and the edges printed on clear.  The roof was coated with Klear otherwise the transfer wouldn’t manoeuvre!.  Since that photo I have used ammonia to remove the excess Klear.

[Gorby 20,040]

7 hours ago, TeeELL said:

It also looks to me as though ‘MOLLY’s’ headboard is slightly off center.

It is definitely off centre. Thanks for the video - that helps with my build.