Well, I figured I’d rather attempt my first scratchbuild than shell out $90 for a resin 1/35 SADF (South African Defense Force) Buffel mine-resistant APC. It may not be complete scratchbuild, since if I can get my hands on Revell’s Unimog I will utilize the chassis. I’ve just ordered all the Evergreen Styrene sheets, rods and clear parts I’ll need, so it will be a week before I can start serious work on it. I’ll probably use some eduard photoetched mesh for the grills, and lead foil or PE strips for seatbelts. Other than that, it’s spare parts and sheet styrene. Just thought I’d post before I started in case anyone has ideas, or good references.
And last, a couple pictures for anyone not familiar with this vehicle.
At first, it did look like quite a challenge with such a weird shape, but th emore I look at it, it seems a good 1st attempt. Nearly NO curved edges. Plus, the troop compartment, cab and rear mounted box are all pretty basic shapes. The engine compartment to the right of the cab has a lot of detail though.
Here are afew more links for you to look at. If I can figure out how to do it, I have a CD with 50 or so pics on it, that came with the kit. Will make a copy for you. (Wife will probably have to.)
Thanks a ton SteelRudi, looks like there’s some good stuff there. Also–the CD you mentioned–I found a 40 picture Buffel Walkaround photo collection on Prime Portal By “Chrish Baxter” which I’m guessing is the same as what the kit CD had on it?
Nah, still looking on the unimog. I found one for $18 on a website, and sent an email asking to see if they had it in stock, since I can’t stand ordering it, waiting two weeks and then discovering they havent had one for 10 years. Anyone else know of a website with them listed? Or have one they would be willing to sell? My evergreen Styrene came today, I might start a bit of work on some little details just to inspire myself.
Well, my evergreen styrene came yesterday afternoon, and I ahd a strong urge to get some sort of start on the project, and decided to start on the rear hull/troop compartment, specifically for now the armor plates that fold down.
Pretty happy with how it came out so far seeing how it’s the only scratchbuilding I’ve ever attempted at all, although the “ladders” are a bit big and not wide enough on mine. Materials used so far: Sheet and rod styrene, but up photo etched brass fret and some thick wire.
Looks real good to me there kiddo! Kids got into the room and cant find any of my rulers, or measuring tapes! Rulers have proably made their way to school, and the tapes, God only knows! Working on it. Tapes are probably with my wallet that has 300.00+ in it somewhere in the 3 year olds secret stash spot. No one can find her place of secrets. Believe me we have all looked. Keep it up! Where are you getting the mesh for the kit? I need some for my Buffel.
Hehehe…[censored] kids…oh, wait…that’s me…Right, anyways, the mesh. I looked on Eduard Photoetch’s website and you can get all different patterns. it’s even cheaper on ebay. Search for eduard mesh.
Put this on the group build too. Your the only one with pic’s on there so far. My digi cam was stolen, so was my friends. Mine I know who got it, he has been removed from the house, and my friend we are not sure. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for looking bondoman…saw the ebay one but 65+20 shipping is way too much for just the chassis of something. Looks liek that’s gonna be a scratchbuild too. Still thinking how to do the tires.
Working on the tires for you. the Chassis, your on your own. Will let you know what I here. Might be able to get some pic’s of the kit chassis out too. Still working on the %&*# camera situation.
I found some nice shots of the chassis to one of the resin Unimogs. It was either Das Werks or Perfect Scale Modelbau or something. Anyway, I don’t think the chassis should be too hard. For tires, I’m thinking my best bet might be to find some simliar tires from a different vehicle, modify them as best as I think I can, and call it good enough. The rear tires and spare look quite similar to those on a russian BTR-152, as well as the “rims” (for lack of a more technical term).
