This is probably not something that will be appearing in Russ's mag anytime soon..... ;D ;D ;D ;D
This is a "recast" kit that I picked up on ebay, from a guy I was ordering a bunch of 1/35 parts from. I bought it because I have always thought it was a neat kit, and it would be a quick, and fun build.........but I should have known better.....I had no idea I was buying a recast....nor the issues that came with it.
The Whole top was out of whack...about 2.5mm higher on the left than the right....and about the same front to back.....so the first step was to get the top paralell to the bottom. I fastened the body onto the mill bed from below, and then milled the top down.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_TACO_1.jpg&hash=de6113509370289f9ebafa33b75c6ec0221f75b7)
I felt the part was still too heavy for what I planned, so I also hollowed out much of the interior (thus reducing the weight by about 1/3) and then did a quick brush paint of the inside with some Floquil "Weathered Black". The interior will not be seen, and the hollow depthe will also help with the eventual commanders figure.
The surfaces of all the pieces were quite uneven. I cleaned up and smoothed them out as best I could, and then decided that the finish would be really well suited for a "cast iron" look. Using a cut-down brush, Mr. Surfacer was stippled onto the surfaces. Once dry, #'0000' steel wool and a fiberglass pencil were used to soften the texture, and create wear areas.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_3.jpg&hash=5243cdc5547758022cc467f8a2bb9bb9f4221323)
Because there was a lot of textured surface to be done, I decided to intersperse the task by starting to play around with the legs.
This is one of the original resin leg castings (not cleaned-up) lightly tacked together.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_2a.jpg&hash=f944a152ad9f81fdd324cb293cf66c5e4438c284)
...I wasn't really thrilled with the kit legs....so I have decided to build my own. A total of two pair are needed. Below is a prelim test mock-up in progress. I wanted it to be fully artulated (which it is), so that I can better pose it in the final lanscape/dio. The gray parts are all heavily modified bits and pieces from my scrap boxes. (most are parts from the Dragon Models Pz-1A, while the others are from Dragon Models Pz-IV).
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_2.jpg&hash=4bd6735fd32612e3359b58c9165fddff5b889da9)
Marc
Just to confuse you guys some more about what the heck this build is.........once I get there,....I am thinking of a paint/color scheme & pattern something along these lines.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.btinternet.com%2F%7Elee_mail%2FBf109-4.jpg&hash=0834adf982af694306b7c4401cffe1aac0435b6a)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hyperscale.com%2Fgalleries%2Fimages%2Fbf109wlf_1.jpg&hash=26a058f1973e44794a91dfafdd7cadf780ffe286)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clavework-graphics.co.uk%2Faircraft%2Fmesserschmitt_bf109%2FBf109F2_JG2_2.png&hash=284e8b823644415a53a93ddc999ce66e0cf0a192)
MR
Darn, I was really hoping this thread was going to be about scale model food. :D
OK... I give up.... wtf is it? First Taco with legs I see, I'm gettin out of Taco Bell and not going back... ;D
Paul
Marc, I think you need to start taking your Lithium again .... -- Russ
He is on to one of those SciFi robo things again......... :o
That is promising as it will have much surface treatement, a lot of painting techniques. But with the anticipated color scheme's it could be just a plain aircraft..........Anyway there will be some nice modelling coming ;D
Jacq
....ahh the mystery ;) ;D ;D.
Yes...it will definitely be a painting and finishing challenge. The dio will be a first for me as well......snow.
Here is where I am on the roughing out of the main body. It's still missing several large detail parts (stowage bin, infrared searchlight, armament)...and lots of little detail pieces. The new cupola is modified from a Trumpeter T-52 kit, antenna base is a shock buffer from a Tristar 'Luchs", Brass 2-meter antenna is from Armorscale, exhaust is modified from a Tamiya Pz.-IV, dark grey parts are from a 1/48 Tamiya 'Tiger'.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_4.jpg&hash=c7c7a10a3b2d82ebab19519e47e9d72c47820e35)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_4a.jpg&hash=62cc5987f72eb91037fd73d8d3d0b30218c16321)
MR
Looks like R2D2 in need of a shave. Lord preserve us from what comes next! -- Russ
I like it so far . . . couldn't you get it painted during the Super Bowl? ;D
And here I thought it was going to be a model of the early 1980's singer of "Puttin' On The Ritz" fame. ;)
Interesting build so far, Marc!
....ahh the mystery .
Yes...it will definitely be a painting and finishing challenge. The dio will be a first for me as well......snow.
"THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX"
Jerry
It looks like the sprinkler head assembly where we repaired a broken pipe on a hillside. Will you add calcification deposits, grime, and rust? Is that a webcam protruding above the hatch? Will the snow be real or a 7-Up snowcone, or will it be cocaine? I hardly can wait. Oh, the anticipation! -- Russ
More, more, more!
Geez Marc! you even have Damm Cranky excited! :o :o :o
I know what it is! I'am just not saying, cause I dont want to spoil the fun. ;) ;D
Gil
"I didn't want to ruin my record, so I figured why not enter another build/challenge that I probably won't finish."
Sound familiar Marc???
Another interesting start to a project. Regardless of whether it gets finished or not, its always good to see some of your ideas unfold. When's that deadline due?
Dan
Oh man, Dan.....that's just cold! ;) ;D (True...but Cold ;) ;D)
Ice, Water & Snow Contest:
Deadline is end of April. All subject matter is welcome (armor, cars, planes, ships, sci-fi, trains...whatever)
You have to do an SBS.
First place is 200 Euros worth of your choice of MIG products.
Moderator is Per Olav Lund.
Almost done with the main body (working on stowage basket and some small details).....sort of procrastinating doing all the Sculpey weld seams, and making the tarp. The legs will take a bit...just very labor intensive, and then I need to cast some of the parts in resin. Last thing will be the gun....deciding between 20mm cannon or XM mini-gun....leaning towards the XM.
Have in the meantime made some rock castings out of hydrocal, to experiment with some painting techniques for the base.
MR
Marc,
It does sound like a good challenge. Can't cheat on the weld seems and use the Archer decals can you? Mini-gun for sure...more barrels always looks more painful! I look forward to the progress.
If time gets pressed, could you change subjects and bury that "sands of time" (MAK suit was it?) dude that was dead in the desert (project from a while back that might have stalled because of lack of a skeleton was it?), up to his neck in snow instead?
Cheers,
Dan
Hi Marc,
interesting ! I sure am curious to see some SBS pics on the base and aspecially the way you are gooing to tackle the snow and ice theme.
Cheers,
Marc B
Hey Marc Can I play in the snow too!?!?
I threw this together (obviously) from used office supplies.
The only non office supply is the sprinkler head (from Unc's comment)
The right hand started as a clip-on pen and i thought "that would make a cool...."
I wish I had more time/desire to mess with this but thought it would be fun!
Back to the trains......
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi263.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fii121%2Flab-dad-jones%2Frobotman2.jpg&hash=673e16f6e6bf8b9418d6db9b26ff80b2245e2c87)
Marty,
don't make it too difficult for him......... ;) ;D ;D
Jacq
MARTY!...thats GREAT!....I know you're tryin to be wise-ass....but I think you should continue with it and finish it. :)
Since you guys are insisting on giving me a hard time......here is an update.
Some more work done on the leg design:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FLeg_3.jpg&hash=50c25b40e23b0be8f7ec627ae55c8412acdef4dc)
And the main body as it stands.....pretty much finished at this point except for a number of weld fillets/seams and some wiring. The tarp is made from Magic Sculpt...the figure (my first ever) is still in progress, it has been assembled from hacked up parts from various Dragon Models figure sets.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_7.jpg&hash=186e331e5b7f0686bca90e547ffc9bb1110d71ef)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_8.jpg&hash=9959d4715016ea4678ad7ebbf482ed00deced73c)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_9.jpg&hash=f950f0f9f3df87cf858e32b5ab4e877bae83c768)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_10.jpg&hash=704bd581dc2cb5a3faaed21be587466d6c42f1cb)
The stowage bin was made by heat forming a piece of .001" sheet styrene, over a milled form, then attachning a CAD drawing of the hole pattern over the formed sheet, and clamping the whole thing (form & sheet) into a drill-press with an x/y table attached.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_5.jpg&hash=4482672cb8a9348d11beecab8976dfe930a8229b)
After the holes were drilled the bin was cut from the sheet, and the CAD drawing/paper removed.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_6.jpg&hash=1a90ebe442657681eccdd566e5af55166a370a11)
Marc
Thanks Marc, yes I was being a smart ass!
Yours is looking cool! I have to comment; the stowage bin looks like a K-Mart shopping cart.
I think you can come up with something more industrial/military.
Cant wait to see it in paint!
-Marty
Very cool! But what does TACO stand for? I've tried looking it up on google, no luck. Wikipedia has nine different meanings for it, but none fit what you're building.
Ray,
The full name is "TACO-34 Beetle", it's from the Japanese model series Junk Tank Rock.
Marc
Marc,
I like the taco.
How does magic sculpt compared to milliput when making canvas? Same stuff?
thanks, Philip
Thanks Guys.
Philip: I have not tried the Miliput, though I have the "fine grain white" coming in a current supplies order, so I will be able to compare them. My Magic Sculp is a bit on the old/hard side, but I was able to pretty much roll it out to a very thin smooth sheet (thin enough that it was translucent)....but I had to use a LOT of talcum powder to keep it from sticking to the marble rolling surface and the delrin rod.
Marty: Yes, the basket is a bit small....and thanks to you I keep seeing as a little red basket now :( :-X ;).....but because of the shape and size of the body there really is not a lot of room for anything larger....the basket was really only intended to hold 4 ammo boxes...or ammo & tool boxes...as they would be the bulky and unwieldy items on such a "vehicle"...all the rest (food and water) would be internally stored...water in built-in bladders, food as gel packs, bars, or MRE's. I do have a spare water container that will hang from one of the lift rings. Fuel is Unobtanium...which would be replaced rarely and only during service.
Marc
Quote from: marc_reusser on February 17, 2010, 01:10:39 PM
Fuel is Unobtanium...which would be replaced rarely and only during service.
Marc
Unobtanium ??? ??? I'm going to have to look that one up in my Materials Annotonium...
Paul
Quote from: marc_reusser on February 17, 2010, 01:10:39 PM
Thanks Guys.
Philip: I have not tried the Miliput, though I have the "fine grain white" coming in a current supplies order, so I will be able to compare them. My Magic Sculp is a bit on the old/hard side, but I was able to pretty much roll it out to a very thin smooth sheet (thin enough that it was translucent)....but I had to use a LOT of talcum powder to keep it from sticking to the marble rolling surface and the delrin rod.
Marc
From bits pieces and clutter....Thought this might be of interest......while waiting for some stuff to dry, I decided to play around with some Milliput and try to make some draped fabric (rags, tarp).....now figure guys have been doing this forever...but this is my first time...thought I better get some practice since I will likely be needing some amongst and over the clutter.
Basically they are made of two compund Milliput rolled out on a glass plate. To keep it from sticking to the glass or the steel rod (roller), I used talcum powder.
Was this photo magic sculpt? I guess you mistakenly labels the caption milliput. I was wondering because I'm having lousy luck thinning milliput fine white. thanks, Philip
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=549.0;attach=3741;image)
Philip,
Ahh...crap...was some kind of a mental fart...sorry.....that was Magic Sculp.
Marc
Quote from: Roughboy on February 17, 2010, 02:40:48 PM
Quote from: marc_reusser on February 17, 2010, 01:10:39 PM
Fuel is Unobtanium...which would be replaced rarely and only during service.
Marc
Unobtanium ??? ??? I'm going to have to look that one up in my Materials Annotonium...
Paul
Yep....we used Unobtainium a lot in our designs, during my product and automotive design school days. ;D
MR
It's looking good, buddy. Keep it going. Feed us more eye candy. We are hungry. ;D
I agree with Marty on the "shopping basket". The 90's style is bothering me. The style doesn't match with the styling of the rest.
Quotethe basket was really only intended to hold 4 ammo boxes...or ammo & tool boxes
This type of storage is in general more open.
The machine and your set up is a very interesting composition, a machine with a human streak and for sure a weatherer's delight ;D ;D.
Jacq
Quote from: marc_reusser on February 17, 2010, 10:50:45 PM
Yep....we used Unobtainium a lot in our designs, during my product and automotive design school days. ;D
MR
Yes, as I recall Unobtainium is one of the most commonly used materials in design schools, often in direct proportion to the unbuildability factor...
Paul
Quote from: Roughboy on February 19, 2010, 06:18:58 PM
Quote from: marc_reusser on February 17, 2010, 10:50:45 PM
Yep....we used Unobtainium a lot in our designs, during my product and automotive design school days. ;D
MR
Yes, as I recall Unobtainium is one of the most commonly used materials in design schools, often in direct proportion to the unbuildability factor...
Paul
LOL!!!.....that's what designers have engineers for! ;D ;D ;D
Ray,
FWIW.....Here are a couple of photos of builds of TACO's by others......
These two by a Polish modeler, from the MIG Forum:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi221.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd119%2Fmodo24%2F5-41.jpg&hash=712e5b862c45034023ba2e5ecea602c949c9a442)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi221.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd119%2Fmodo24%2F2-66.jpg&hash=63da900a5b65651ccb0004c44356a483a6828eb1)
This one by Fabrizio De Petrillo from the MaK Forum:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg118.imageshack.us%2Fimg118%2F1391%2Ftaco3402gb3.jpg&hash=c4558c2354f595865b94484cde06f756c6fcfb77)
This one by Michael Fitchenmayer from fitchenfoo.com:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffichtenfoo.net%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F02%2Ffichtenfoo-beetle-11.jpg&hash=aaab4fbb7134f38ad76c55cd04ff97927ac52412)
This one by Bryan Krueger from the MaK Forum:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmaschinenkrueger.com%2Fimages%2Fjtr%2Fjtr24.jpg&hash=9e671d7cdb090d0f418dc73d54af3f7d15b33dd1)
Marc
I am rendered speechless. -- Russ
Wow, some great kits to work with out there to begin with! Thanks for sharing these.
I like the one with the AA cannons.
Those feet seem a little dainty for all that armor. What keeps it from sinking into the sand or mud? And where's the lettuice and tomato and shredded cheese ???
Guns of the patriots MGS-4 ish....
I'm sure your version will kick ass!
I like the gatlin mount in the belly. very easy to re-arm
Philip
Quote from: Philip Smith on February 20, 2010, 03:31:47 PM
I like the gatlin mount in the belly.
Sure gets a guy's attention having that aimed at his crotch!
Quote from: Philip Smith on February 20, 2010, 03:31:47 PM
Guns of the patriots MGS-4 ish....
I'm sure your version will kick ass!
I like the gatlin mount in the belly. very easy to re-arm
Philip
...yep..I like the min-gun as well....am curently working on mine (will probably be a three barrel....around maybe 20mm or a 50-cal)...but trying to decide weather to do external integral ammo box...something along this line.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fas.org%2Fman%2Fdod-101%2Fsys%2Fac%2Fequip%2Fm134-xm27e1.jpg&hash=47660786bb55704f750bbc29620937529b41faea)
...or do it belt fed like this, out of some slot in the hull side or underside,..along this line.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.174ahc.org%2Fimages%2Fmini-big.jpg&hash=2aae6f3c7ddcc715a5dd5bd1e5192c55ef359dc6)
...as the gun will not have a horizontal pivot arc of more than 30-degrees, and a vertical pivot arc of only about 45-degrees...both would work...though the ammo box could be a bit of an issue on the vertical pivot. Since this is to be a "light recon" unit, I feel there would not be a big deal with having externally replaceable/loadable ammo boxes (since it should see minimal combat, and would need them in a purely defensive manner. Internal storage (belted ammmo version), creates a bit of a locistical problem, insofar that there is not really any space for bulky ammo boxes...and one also would not really want another "opening" in the shell/armor if not necessary......the wuser would be only marginally safer, as he would still have to open the hatch to discard the old box, and then grab a new one out of the rack in the rear.
....possibly I'm getting to anal and wrapped up in this ::)......I better go find my meds. :-X
MR
With the gun(s) ( L+R ?) on side pods, the belts can come out of ammo boxes in the "shopping cart" on the back.
Jacq
I rsure like the gatling gun idea
Maybe a suggestion on the gatling gun and amunition feed set-up.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fighterjetz.com%2Fd%2F470-2%2Fgau8a-avenger-armament-system.jpg&hash=49cc50a51884aa62de9f2083410c37741017afdf)
The image is from the A-10 Warthog 30!! mm gatling gun.
For some inspiration see: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/403875/a_10_thunderbolt/
While I had the airbrush out I figured I would start on this as well.
Pre shading done using Tamiya "Sea Blue" (XF-17).....as I wanted a "cool" feel to the model/final colors.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_12.jpg&hash=c0426045efcb961ee8475387fc269c4876a2b99e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_13.jpg&hash=bde0cb9ac36e74c9495e6f872880f5910fb9ebd5)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_14.jpg&hash=93f93d280ab8acb573ca08b897475b0badd3ccb0)
The lower leg plate areas will be chipped using the Hairspray method, so a mix of Tamiya "Hull Red" XF-9, "Flat Black" XF-1, and a touch of "Flat Yellow" XF-3, was used as a base color.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbadesign.net%2FTERRAPIN%2FReusser%2FMR_Taco%2FMR_Taco_11.jpg&hash=b477265a449b67a02b0b1e19f628d8c28b940383)
MR
That fall with your bike, had some very positive side effects................... ::) ::)
You are in the finishing stages of THREE (3) projects.. ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D Unbelievable. ;D ;D
Jacq
You have clearly lost your mind but at least your talent is intact. -- Russ
Looking good Marc, did you spray the Tamiyas right on the bare parts without any sort of primer coat?
Thanks, Tom