Hello modelers, first post here.
I had the pleasure to test build this AM-Works conversion last week. Here I’d like to show the build, hope you like it. My thanks to AM-Works for providing the sample. My understanding is this conversion will be up for pre-order today and shipped within 1 month time.
This conversions requires Dragon’s 88 flak37 and Tamiya’s famo 18t kits to complete. The build is straight forward and requires the minimum amount of preparations. Took me one night to build the Famo chassis, one night for the 88, and on the 3rd day I was able to complete the bed.
In fact, I built 2 beds, one super-glued, and the other welded. The superglued bed isn’t installed and you can see how this thing was pieced up together.
This is the last stage of prototype. My suggestions were to raise the front shield and back wall by a little and reduce height and width of the bed by approximately 1mm. These should be easy fixes and the manufacturer had confirmed on implementation of these changes.
The build was straight forward and the fittings were excellent. I tried the ammo box with Tamiya rounds and Dragon’s brass rounds. The later fit and the tamiya one wouldn’t go in, I guess the tamiya rounds are a little oversized. Shield was not installed, (I didn’t use enough references when building that gun and some configurations are wrong. The chains for locking up cruciform legs should be removed among other things) but the shield measures 70mm closed which is well within width of the truck bed.
It is also to my understanding that a pair of inner doors for the ammo box are provided and was not mailed to me. I do see the position for fitting those hinges on the ammo box siding.
Photo etch movable hinges for the doors are provided in the set but the model looked more accurate with the resin hinges. Since it isn’t shown in the photos, I’d like to make clear that the set includes full cabin interior. Shape and dimensions of the engine cover vents are excellent and they can be left open. I was quite impressed with precision of the parts, very enjoyable.
Forgot to mention. AM-Works website is www.am-works.com and there might be more information on this conversion set there.
WOW! I’d love to build this kit- The PE looks extensive, but pretty simple. For me, though, paying $125-$150 for a conversion set, then buying the Dragon Flak 88 and the Tamiya Famo might be a little pricey. That’s $200 if you’re lucky. But it is a very cool vehicle.
The hardest parts for me were the movable hinges for the ammo box. Had to make 4 of them and they are pretty small. I was going to make the door hinges too, those ammo box hinges changed my mind. Compared to photo references, the resin rendition is more accurate anyway.
The joints for the sidings are all constructed with a 0.5mm plastic rod, melt its two ends to seal it in between two sides of the hinge.
Here’re the reference photos I had, some provided by the manufacturer. I can’t source them, some look like ebay photos. The inside ammo box doors are made of thick brass, they forgot to sent me with the test materials. It’s visible on the photos. There’s also a pair of resin tire stoppers, I lost one of them so they weren’t pictured.
Arondite,
Interesting conversion. Agreed the total cost is high considering the kits, resin & PE. Are you building the prototype conversion before production? Regardless excellent assembly so far, looking forward to the paint![Y]
Definitely not something you see every day! Very cool subject and nice work on all that PE! [;)]
thank you wbill.
SuuppressionFire,
I imagine this is the production prototype and should be very close to the final released version. As mentioned, I supplied my suggestions and they said the changes will be implemented. I didn’t have to do any adjustments when building this prototype, There is a set of PE lamp mounts, larger than the resin option. I think there might be some other options I missed.
Other than that, I didn’t have an instruction. That’s probably the last piece they are working on. But the build was pretty straight forward regardless.
I didn’t pay for the conversion, but I did buy my own FAMO and 88, ouch on that.
Compared to voyagermodel’s BR52 detail set, or lionroar’s s100 set (on my wish list), I would say this conversion is modestly priced.
I found this picture on another forum, this is a late version with the same gun conversion. Hope I’ll get to build this sometime soon.
I just saw this post on PMMS http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/newkitnews/tigermodels.html
(I don’t know if it’s ok to link other website. If it’s Moderator please delete the link if it’s against forum rules)
TMD is working on the same subject, and they are using the all resin approach. Their retail price is $135, I think in a way supports my opinion that the price range will be around there. This is a larger conversion after all and production cost probably isn’t an small amount.
I’m surprised that we have actually a competition on this subject, it has been missing from the market for so long. TMD had stated they will only produce 150 sets, not a very large market they are aiming at. I would of thought there are a lot more modelers interested in this subject than 150. And tbh, I don’t think this will be available in plastic any time soon. Dragon’s success with 8.8 and the high production cost of Tamiya’s FAMO leads me to believe that that possibility of either company to do the other half is unlikely. Tamiya could modify their old flak 36 mold. Quality of that gun doesn’t stand up to the Dragon one.
That reminded me of another thing. This building process was pleasant also because both donor kits are the best quality available in 1:35. Superb fit and good details The equilibrators of the Dragon 8.8 and the front suspension of the Tamiya FAMO are absolutely ingeniously designed.