Can anyone tell me where I can find good reference material, especially photos, of the USMC LAV-R? I have the Trumpeter kit. I’ve googled photos online but what I have found so far isn’t adequate. I’d particularly like ‘walk around’ photos and closeups. Also, any references, online or in books that describe what colors were used would be nice. For example, the Trumpeter kit provides good color info of the camo but doesn’t really tell what colors were used on other parts of the vehicle, for example the suspension and underside of the vehicle. I would assume the color used on these areas was the same as the base color on the rest of the vehicle but would like to be absolutely sure. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
I notice so often that mfgs do not give good color info on anything other than largest exterior surfaces. That plus the instructions assembly order that do not allow for painting some parts leads me to believe mfgs do not believe most modelers paint their models- maybe only a handful and the mfgs won’t bother to accomodate a weird few
LAV-R stands for Light Armored Vehicle-Recovery. I agree. Many manufacturers leave a lot to be desired as far as the assembly and painting guidelines go. Some don’t even give any painting help other than to list the colors required. I’ve been building models for around 40 years and have built or at least attempted to build models from many different manufacturers. And, in my opinion, Tamiya is the best, hands down. Not only are their models of superior quality but the instructions are superbly detailed and offer, on most cases, more than adequate painting guidance. Some manufacturers may offer you more detail in their kits but I have yet to find any that match Tamiya kits as far as molding quality, and accurate fitting and assembly of the pieces. But, back to the LAV-R references, not only am I looking for good color references but also detail in general. I prefer my references in book form but will accept anything that helps me build a good accurate model. Thanks for your response, Don.
Prime Portal is saved to my favorites. I just can’t help wondering when I begin a new project if I have all the good reference material that there is to be had. I’m just trying to get what suggestions I can on here in case there is something I missed. I’ll probably refer mostly to Prime Portal for this build, though. It is a good site. Thanks for your response, stikpusher.
I have the same experience, sometimes. I usually try to acquire my reference material in book form and I have discovered other books that I didn’t know about after the model is complete. I normally strive for believability rather than authenticity.
I recently have built (and am currently building another) car kit from Mobius. Excellent painting instructions. A detailed list of parts and colors, plus comprehensive color photos of the model painted with those colors are printed right in the plans! Boy, sure wish other mfgs would do that.
I see a lot of other obviously incorrect color instructions in aircraft kits. Worst are engine painting instructions that suggest painting air-cooled radials a single color- often silver or aluminum.
What car are you building? I just ordered the ‘Batmobile’ from the Dark Knight movies also released by Moebius. It’ll be my first Moebius model that I’m aware of. I have collected so many kits now that I can’t remember everything I have. Anyway, it’s good to hear that Moebius has included good color guidelines and photos in your kit. That makes me all the more anxious to get my model. I wonder if it would make a difference if modelers around the world would contact the manufacturers and request them to take a little more time in trying to make their kits more accurate? I know part of the fun of modelling is making those kits more accurate yourself but it is nice to know a kit manufacturer put great effort into researching a kit and at least providing good color guide lines in their instructions.
I am building the Chrysler 300 Stock Car. Just finished the Hudson Hornet stock car. Both kits are terrific, for someone who started modeling cars in the fifties!
