Hello- Here’s some pictures of the 1/25 Wrangler I’m working on. I’ve owned Jeeps for years and I’ve always wanted to do a ‘dream jeep’ project- all the things I’d do if I could afford them.
I believe this kit is a re-release of the Tomb Raider version- either way I won’t be using many of the decals and I’m leaving off a lot of parts.
Here is a picture of my inspiration- my Jeep.
This is the body ater a few coats of primer/sanding/filling unused holes
after 1000 grit wetsanding and tamiya primer…
I painted the underside flat black(tamiya) then slathered on a mix of colored pastels, white glue, water, and dirt stuck to my boots. Then came silver dry-brushing.
This is my first time simulating dirt and mud so please any honest advice is welcome- also I realize the ‘mud’ looks a little red in these pictures, not sure why. In the real world is is a dark brown.
The mud treatment looks fine to me, JT. I think the gloss on the body is ok as is, especially if you’re going to dirty it up like the chassis; Jeeps aren’t overly glossy anyways, unless they’re never taken off-road.
I shortened the front and rear bumpers to give the front tires more ground clearance. Then I removed the moldings for the ugly kit-supplied winch.
I painted with Testors enamels- semi gloss black.
I “scratchbuilt” the rollcage using a combination of the kit part and heated sprue bent to shape.
I threw a ton of mud at the body- using mostly actual mud. I mixed dirt from the riverbed behind my house with some pastels, white glue and water and went to town. I caked it up in the wheel wells and around the fenders-- just like mine does in mud season.
I applied the mud with old paintbrushes and a toothbrush flicked with my finger to give it a spray pattern- let me know what you think.
I’ve always wanted to do a project like this too, but unfortunately no one’s made a Cherokee kit yet. Pretty bad when the only offroad stuff you can afford is the stuff for the model and not the real thing LOL.
I know nothing about Jeep Cherokees even though I’ve been assigned one both times I’ve been stationed at Fort Knox to use to inspect training and visit tank ranges.
I bought a Tamiya Jeep Cherokee kit many years ago as part of my collection of vehicles I’ve been assigned or crewed throughout my career.
I believe this is a photo I found on eBay of the kit I bought many years ago. I don’t know if Tamiya made more than one version. I thought my kit box art was a gold colored vehicle, not black.
Thanks, everyone. Viejo- honestly, since I’m displaying it on a shelf close to the ceiling I just ignored it. I was hoping the kit would have a fifth tire to cover it up but no luck.
Also- the display base will have to wait for spring. I live in northern New England and the ground here is frozen solid. Not worth the trouble- plenty of other kits to work on. Thanks again for all the positive feedback. Criticism is always welcomed, too.
