This is a little side project I have wanted to attempt for a while. I wanted to build the 5-ton M1095 FMTVT (trailer) to go along w/an M1083 FMTV 5-ton truck.
Trumpeter makes a kit of the 2 1/2 ton M1082 LMTVT which is a lighter-weight trailer with a single axle.
I had the idea to take some parts from the M1082 and a left over 5-ton FMTV frame (left over as extra from the M142 HIMARS kit), and left over FMTV bed to make an M1095.
I cut the frame to the appropriate length and added the M1082 trailer parts to it. As with the actual FMTV vehicles, they all use most of the same parts, as do the trailers. To build teh dual rear wheels, I 3D printed the springs and shocks, and made teh axles and smaller parts from styrene shapes.
Thanks gents. I have built an M1083 already, but not for this trailer. I have another in the box though. I haven’t decided on a color yet. It may be NATO camo.
I finished up the M1095 FMTVT today. I painted it overall NATO Green and lightly weathered it with some sandy colors. I added 3D printed air line connectors and hoses for the brakes, and safety chains w/3D printed hooks on them.
I loaded it up with various gear and stuff in the back. All of it is also 3D printed with the exception of the hand truck. Not sure where I got it. The cargo includes dented up 55 gal drums, an oil can, a spare tire, a couple dirty drip pans, a couple pallets, and a small generator.
That turned out really nice. What I especially like is all the stuff you loaded in the back. The dented drums, dirty drip pans, pallets, generator and everything else make it look like a working vehicle rather than just a model sitting on display.
The 3D-printed parts are also really interesting to me. I keep seeing people use 3D printing to make exactly the kinds of little details that can really bring a model to life, and I continue to be tempted by the idea. One of these days I may finally have to pull the trigger and get a printer so I can start doing things like this myself.
Thanks Gents. I really like how it turned out as well.
Scott, I say pull the trigger on the 3D printer. It is amazing what you can make with it. I have been able to find files for just about anything as well, eithert free or pretty cheap. I am getting to the point now where I can design my own parts as well. I love it.
Being able to find inexpensive files for almost anything is appealing enough, but designing my own parts is really what interests me. There are always little details or pieces I wish I had for a particular build, and being able to just make them myself would open up a whole new world.
I’m afraid it’s probably a question of when, not if, at this point. I just know very little about 3D printing right now—not even enough to know what I should or shouldn’t be looking for in a printer.
I was the same way when I started looking. I had no clue at all. I asked a few people on the different forums which one to get. I settled on an Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra as the best choice for me. It is easy to use, comes with its own software for making and modifying files, etc. I love it and am extremely satisfied. You will also need a UV curing station as well. I found a combo dryer/UV curing station by Sunlu that works great as well. I also prefer water-soluable resin for easy cleanup and use.
Thanks! That really helps. I honestly had no idea what a curing station even was, so you’ve given me a good place to start looking and learning about all of this.
Yes by then thanks to your help and my additional research I might have a good handle on what actually to purchase . One question, does it need dedicated venting or could it sit in my hobby space? I see a lot of people put these in the garage.
It can be smelly. I don’t notice an odor, but my wife smells it sometimes. Mine is in the garage because I had no room in my hobby room. I am in FL as well, so it never really gets too cold or anything like that. It actually seems to do better the warmer it is. The printed has a heater built into it to warm up the resin to the best working temp as well.
Well drat that means I’ll have to organize my garage too. I have room out there I just need to put things away.
You just gave me a way to sell the idea to my wife. If I get the garage cleaned, then she will have no problem with that thing showing up in the house.
