ModelKopia SS21 Tochka TEL (1:50 to 1:35 kitbash)

[Fishcarver]

Courtesy of a friend of mine that spent a couple of months in Europe recently, I acquired a couple of original ModelKopia 1:50 armour kits, now sadly out of print.

These kits are pretty basic: 2D black printing on green card. I have been looking for a 1:35 Tochka TEL for some time, so the chance to kitbash this one up to 1:35 came at just the right time! (Before I tackled the rescaled ModelCard SCUD)

The plan is to scan the kit, enlarge it to 1:35 ( 1.43%) from 1:50, detail it by replacing all 2D printed parts with 3D construction, and finally paint/detail the finished model to the standard of a decent 1:35 plastic model.

As we are just recovering from a retirement move to the West Coast, (making the precise location of my modeling tools into a treasure hunt), this thread may take awhile.
So be ye warned!

PS: Tractor Plant Humour will be minimized thruout this post, although figures may be incorporated . You (and they) know who they are.

Jim

 

[Fishcarver]

Sample Kit Page

Here is what we get to start with
Page 1 of 6 Including cover page and instructions (4 parts pages total)

 

[Texman]

I have done some research on these, and would love to get hold of some of these kits. Does anyone know where I might can find some of the Model Kopia?

Ray

 

[Fishcarver]

My buddy found these in a used book store in Brussels.

Jim

 

[Fishcarver]

Rescaling starts

The original kit has been scanned and rescaled. Instead of the original 4 pages of parts, I will have 16. Here is the first page, which is the upper hull:

 

[Fishcarver]

Here we Go!

I am starting with the lower portion of the 3-part hull. The main part has been printed on 110# bristol board and has been folded into shape. (yes, I forgot to select 8.5 x 14 on the first run thru the printer!!!)

 

[Fishcarver]

Axle Tubes

I have added axle tubes of rolled paper.

 

[Fishcarver]

Hull formers

...and hull formers are added.

 

[Fishcarver]

This is going to be a good-sized model!!

 

[Fishcarver]

"We will Brake, Shock, & Tire You"

We next build the wheels and tires.

As printed from the original kit, these are quite lame.

There are no printed outer parts for the tires (Treads) but there are patterns for the lugs (tread grips). The Russian Instructions say" Roll a piece of paper to the circumference of part #23"
OK.

 

[Fishcarver]

Having mostly scratchbuilt one wheel, we go on to the rest.

Hubs and wheel nuts will follow once I find my proper set of modeling tools).

(It is really amazing what can be done in this hobby with very few, and very basic, tools: I still haven't found all of my "stuff" yet!!)

 

[Fishcarver]

Horrible Thought Dept.

What might happen if BORAT took over as Manager of the Tractor Plant.....Och, we dinn'ae want tae go therrre, boys and girls.......

 

[Fishcarver]

Wheels and Tires Done...

so, on we go.

 

[Fishcarver]

"It appears that they fit the chassis, Comrade Lieutenant"

 

[Fishcarver]

Mid Hull Construction

Here is the cut-out of the middle portion of the hull.

 

[Fishcarver]

Detailing the mid-hull

We remove and replace the 2D details with 3d

 

[Fishcarver]

Quality Control Inspection!

The mid hull gets a quality cointrol inspection.....

 

[Fishcarver]

...and we scratchbuild a rudimentary interior.

So far, the fit has been pretty good. However, the hull parts are fairly large and will need careful alignment when they are joined together.

 

[Fishcarver]

Note my assistant, "Big Al".

 

[Fishcarver]

And so on....

Another upper hull shot.

The "Missile Bay" has been added...