FROG 3/4 Tactical Missile Tracked TEL in 1:35

[Fishcarver]

The next "Red Banner Tractor Plant" project will be a kitbash of a FROG ("Luna M") missile tracked TEL vehicle. For this project, the TP Boyz are going to use a rescaled Czech ABC 1:44 model, plus parts from a rescaled Answer PT76-B; with the whole project being built up in 1:35 scale, and detailed as much as possible......we hope.

 

[josve]

Interesting project!
And you have to really like small parts
1:35 is really small for adult fingers....

 

[Fishcarver]

Hull Construction

We have started with the hull of the scaled-up ABC model, laminating it to 0.5 mm stock.

 

[Fishcarver]

Here's another view:

 

[Amazyah]

Clothes pins

Hey, you like clothespins too eh!

I found these miniture ones at a hobby shop. I got a pack of 100 for about $2
They really come in handy for the small stuff.

Shown with the end of a cigarette for scale purposes.

 

[Stev0]

Wow!

I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with the sudden increase in military building the 'Ruskies' are up to.

 

[Amazyah]

As long as everything is made from paper, I think it will be OK! :twisted:

 

[Fishcarver]

Test of Strength Dept.

See below! (Here, we are pressing the lower hull while the reinforcing ribs and the sponson laminations dry. The small anvil weighs about 10 lb (5kg) )

The fit (so far) of the ABC model looks pretty good, even scaled up. More to come shortly......
Jim

 

[Bluenoser]

Maybe its paper on the outside.....but that's some pretty heavy duty armor thats going to be hiding on the inside.:razz:

 

[Amazyah]

Now that Gentlemen, is how you press a part! :twisted:

 

[Fishcarver]

The Customer is always Right.....

....especially if he happens to be a Big Man from Moscow. Sergei and the Senior Sgt. listen up, while the Sr. Sgt consults the big book.......

 

[Fishcarver]

"The Factory Floor"

Here is an aerial view of "The Tractor Plant". It has actually been messier......

 

[Fishcarver]

Never too early to start those details!

My plan is to install working hatches and to replace all details printed on the model in 2D with 3D parts. Here, I am using fibreglass insect screening to make the grille over the engine compartment. It does a great job of this in 1:35 scale. It would probably be useful for non-skid matting in 1:25 as well!

 

[Fishcarver]

Mounting holes for various mechanical bits are drilled using a small rotary tool.

 

[Fishcarver]

Spray Coating

Everything gets a first coat of clear matte spray. I am experimenting with Krylon low odour matte. We'll see how it works!

 

[Fishcarver]

Inside Job!

This model has no interior, so I use matte black paint to darken the interior that might be visible fthrough the open hatches. I also install 5/16" balsa blocks along the attachment point of the suspension.

 

[Fishcarver]

here is a view of the rear of the vehicle, showing the engine grille and the location of the water jets for amphibious operation. These were carried over from the PT76 tank on which this TEL was based.

 

[Fishcarver]

Here, we are starting work on the superstructure. First, the deck. I have used my pyrographic pen to score a piece of card to simulate non-skid matting. Locations for rivets have been marked. These will be added later (using Grandt Line rivets)

 

[Fishcarver]

Here is the start of the housing for the erector-launcher mechanism. The fit of these ABC models is excellent!!

More to come!
Jim

 

[Fishcarver]

The superstructure has been attached to the hull.