The level of detail on this kit is amazing and at the same time frustrating. The engine alone is comprised of 14 pieces not including the four parts that go to make up the transmission.
This engine screams for detailing with plug wires, battery cables and a throttle linkage. First point of frustration for me as I planned on building this with the hood closed.
The frame assembly is nicely detailed as well requiring the next 6 steps in the instructions. Also an option for the WC52 is included which is the winch and modified front bumper.
The next 6 steps cover the cab assembly. I dry fitted all the cab walls and doghouse sides before committing to cement to make sure I totally understood how these parts went together and make the assembly as trouble free as I could for myself.
This is where the Beep sets. I did drop 3 small items during assembly thus far.
Tow hook which is mounted to front bumper. (Found)
Front turn signal indicator light (found)
Latch for hood. Think these are used to secure the windshield in the folded position. (Found)
I could not believe that I found all three items. The lesson for me is to keep my work area tidy it will pay dividends when a search and rescue becomes necessary. My wife reminds me of this every day.
Now I know why.
Thanks for looking and happy modeling
Mobious
The build itself really hasn’t been frustrating. The losing of very small parts and the recovery efforts have been a major frustration.
Thanks for looking…
That was my toughest call. I had already attached the sides of the hood securely in the previous step. The instructions called out not to glue the top section in place. If I were to build this kit again I would leave one of the doghouse side panels off and attach it after the corresponding opened top section of the hood is attached. As I had planned to build this with windshield folded down to turn back at this point would have caused more damage than I was willing to work thru. So be aware this hood opens like a model T hood being hinged at the center and at the sides, if there is a Beep in your future…
Portugeejn, I hope to get more bench time this evening. The bed assembly is up after the windshield assembly. I plan on leaving the windshield off and painting separately.
Thanks for looking and Happy Modeling…
Mobious
RBaer: The 3 parts that I had lost track of were all tiny and all highly visible being on the front of the vehicle. Two of the parts had made it to the floor. The tow hook being the largest was relatively an easy find. I had knocked off the T latch and knew just about where it fell so it didn’t take long to locate. The turn signal indicator is about a third the size of a sesame seed and took the most time to locate. It does slow progress but the rescue efforts are worth the time spent IMO.
Finished up a pair of fuel cans and all of the tires and wheel hubs which are assembled with poly caps.
