Academy 1/72 Modified HEMTT With Custom Made Cargo and Tarp - By Evil Von Scary

Academy 1/72 Modified HEMTT with custom made cargo and tarp

Hi again folks.
My latest project for Twilight 2000 is a modified 1/72 scale HEMTT. Lots of attention gets paid to the frontline combat vehicles in modelling but just as important are the logistics vehicles that get the fuel, parts, ammunition, food and water to those units.

Academy has a good grip on quality control and so far Ive been really happy with their quality (in 1/72 scale) and the price is usually within most modellers budgets.

Now on to the model. Through and unfortunate incident involving house pets a BTR-70 was destroyed so I gathered the parts that I could find and those went into the extra box. The turret is from that incident.

Overall the model was easy to put together and the parts were well detailed and the instructions very straight forward. There was minimal fuss getting everything to fit together. I added some ad hoc armor using polystyrene (.040 thickness) and cut to shape.

 I tried something a bit different painting wise and started with a very darkish red/brown paint

as a base (instead of primer black). I wanted a very rusted out look with this one. Also wanted to try something with cargo and making a tarp.Mostly painted the base model with a very rusted out look then used a Tamiya olive drab paint over the model allowing the rust to show through. Inks and weathering for greater effect is helpful.

The cargo was from some oil drums I had in spare parts, modelling clay and an old usb stick cap. It rested on a piece of egg carton, measured and cut out before hand to ensure it would all fit into the truck bed. Also by doing this separately from the model it allows for other mods and makes sure all the gear fits comfortably. 

The modeling clay was put into a rough shape resembling a bundle of gear. The tarp was tissue paper (from an old gift bag), cut to shape then soaked in a 50/50 solution of white glue and warm water. Laid out onto wax paper, carefully smoothing out excess moisture and glue. Place over the cargo carefully while still most and allow to dry. My first attempt ripped but the second one worked out. Allow to dry. Then paint with a base darker green color and build up details with progressivly lighter greens and finally a dry brush with a darker yellow. Use inks to  highlight folds and creases and do a few dabs of weathering (mud, dust,etc) to make it stand out better.

The tarp and cargo for me stole the show on this build and was a first for me trying this tissue paper technique and Im pretty happy with the results and will be using this quite a bit in the future.

Thanks for tuning in!

I am Back!!!

Like Arnold here..I am back. So, the wedding went very well and was a enjoyable time had by all, including yours truly. Ceremony was nice, and the reception was a hoot, but I might be a bit biased..I am the husband, after all.

So, now that the wedding is out of the way, we have much to discuss!

First, Podcast at Ground Zero has done a new episode. This is always good news as we here at "500 Miles.." enjoy their work immensely. This is especially true when they've had Frank Frey on. But, much of their podcasts have been very good idea fodder for both the RPG and miniature gaming side.

Second, Butler Printed Models has released more vehicles to it's rapidly growing stable of 3-D printed kits. I like what they have, as it's very easy to put together, holds paint well and it's relatively cheap.  Among the new releases is a HMMWV with a Mk -19 AGL. Gee, when does that ever appear in a a Twilight: 2000 game?

Image taken from Butler's Printed Models

I do promise to get to a module review or two soon, as I am a busy man, what with a lot to catch up on both personal and professional. But that said, expect more time rolls on!

For right now, it's just good to be back.

ADDENDUM: I got some more pics from MacGal of the Guild forum. He has done some very nice inspirational work for Twilight: 2000 and I asked him if I could share it here. All the items are in 1/72 scale, as evidenced by the figures in the pictures shown for scale. MacGal was very gracious to allow me to share these here, so here they are for your enjoyment.

A guntruck done by MacGal, picture by him, taken from the Guild. Note the rustwork and the figure on the HMG up top. This is a conversion from a toy garbage truck. A little bit of plasticard and some planning can go a long, long way. 

The second of three guntrucks, work done by MacGal, picture from the Guild. Note the rustwork, the figure with HMG, and the body work. This is a converted ICM kit. 

The final guntruck done by MacGal, pictures by him and taken from the Guild. Note that he made the model so you can use it as either a guntruck, or a regular truck. Versatility in models. The original kit was by ICM, a Russian manufacturer. I'll be adding them to the plastic kit review page soon.

Still by MacGal, taken from the Guild Forum. He states that it was done in three hours from various parts from his bits box. It's a great example of what can be done with a decent bits box and some patience. I am going to do a future article on the importance of a good bitsbox for Twilight: 2000 miniature gaming.