BTR Arctic Explorer

[Buzzbomb]

If I get the okey dokey from the Moderator, that I can use this as a basis for a build... then maybe I will be in for this GB


It used to be this, previous Whiffer build, but did not survive my last move, plus I have used the radar array elsewhere


A few ideas, Fire Tender, Arctic Tourist transport, Snow Clearing (which might be wheels to tracks  ).. who knows once I get it on the bench and start.

[Story]

I'm getting an ICM Chernobyl vibe from this baseline vehicle.
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Solar-tracker-mounted-surface-radiation-sensors-in-Tiksi-Russia-Shortwave-3_fig2_236514169

Something to accompany this or the like

[LemonJello]

You are cleared to join the Group Build!

[raafif]

Simple modification to a fly swatter ... but how big is the fly ?

[GTX_Admin]

 

[Jeffry Fontaine]

BTR Pick-Up truck/Ute?  Instead of a tailgate you have two side-gates. 




***Edit to correct spelling error.  TWO, not TO--jjf

[Kerick]

This will be interesting!

[Buzzbomb]

So, we are off.
Decided on an Arctic Circle Expedition Vehicle for tourists.
Possibly not the best vehicle for this, but maybe the operators came across some cheap BT-70/80 hulls that offered some decent off road capability, with some vestige of amphibious capability still intact.
To create a more comfortable passenger space, the hull was modified with an larger space with windows and better environmental systems.

I think I will try this build using 3D printed bits and pieces to see how that compares to my normal uber scratchbuilding methods

So to start, some chunkier wheels, based on tractor tyres and roughed out passenger space.


Of course this could all change if the mojo changes 

[Kerick]

Looking great!
A replacement for the tourist DUKWs?

[raafif]

Yes !, Soviet Arctic vehicles are generally red, orange or yellow.

[Kerick]

Those vehicles look totally different from the military versions. I like how they cut windows into the drivers area. Looking forward to more of this build.

[Buzzbomb]

Yes !, Soviet Arctic vehicles are generally red, orange or yellow.

Pretty much on the same page, I am doing Orange

So, some construction work and really pretty much, this is about it. Some more greeblies perhaps

[finsrin]

Good concept and build 

[Old Wombat]

"Less is more", more or less.

[Frank3k]

Looks great! Where did you get those wheels?

[perttime]

I was thinking that paying tourists might appreciate a good sized door and some stairs or a ladder for getting on and off.

[LemonJello]

Progress! This is coming together quite nicely.

[Buzzbomb]

I was thinking that paying tourists might appreciate a good sized door and some stairs or a ladder for getting on and off.

As do I after seeing the examples provided by Kerick Raafif. That and looking at the model some more... this will be rectified

Looks great! Where did you get those wheels?

Designed them up using a Tractor Tyre base and adding the rest, happy to send you the STL if you want.

[Kerick]

Our good man raafif provided the red and orange photos and I agree about the ladders and railings.

[apophenia]

This is looking very serious - A Tundra Bus for when armour protection is really needed 

... and I agree about the ladders and railings.

Maybe semi-retractable ladders ... with mechanisms just complicated enough to befuddle a hungry polar bear 

[Frank3k]

Designed them up using a Tractor Tyre base and adding the rest, happy to send you the STL if you want.

Yes please!

[Buzzbomb]

Designed them up using a Tractor Tyre base and adding the rest, happy to send you the STL if you want.

Yes please!

PM Inbound

First cut at the painting

[Kerick]

That looks great!

[Frank3k]

That's going to be hard to miss against the snow and ice!

[LemonJello]

I don't like the colors...I love them!

[Buzzbomb]

Thanks gang.

Almost there, coming together surprising quickly, although I have not too far down the ultra smooth finish for the 3D print parts path.
Added in a ramp of sorts, looking for a couple of decals for that in my decal rummage box today.



Bit of a base to set the scene and some light ice build up on the vehicle to suit.
More pix (and better lit) when finished

[Old Wombat]

Ah, yes! Now it's coming together!

[Claymore]

Loving it! Great idea and, as always, great work! 

[Buzzbomb]

Thanks team,

gone together reasonably well
So here it pretty much is





Not a custom base for this model, it was borrowed from a Finnish T-72 build, which is kind of appropriate.

[The Big Gimper]

This would be a great ride for Captain Scarlet!

Awesome work.

[perttime]

Hmmm.... has the URL on it existed at some point, or did you make it up?

[LemonJello]

Too cool!

[Robomog]

Definitely a Thunderbirds vibe, nice work   

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Buzzbomb]

Hmmm.... has the URL on it existed at some point, or did you make it up?

Could be real, I just put Arctic Tours into a translator English to Finnish and used that.
 What it really says in Finnish or if the url is even correct, no idea 

[Kerick]

This really came out well.
What did you use for the snow?

[finsrin]

This really came out well.
What did you use for the snow?

Same as what Kerick said.

[perttime]

Hmmm.... has the URL on it existed at some point, or did you make it up?

Could be real, I just put Arctic Tours into a translator English to Finnish and used that.
 What it really says in Finnish or if the url is even correct, no idea 

The URL makes perfect sense in Finnish: arctictours or arctictravels. Currently, it doesn't open any real life page.

[Buzzbomb]

This really came out well.
What did you use for the snow?

Same as what Kerick said.

Thanks for the kind words.

For snow I use salt. Ordinary table salt is a bit coarse for 1/35 so I grind down using a mortar and pestle as best as possible.
Salt I find, being a crystal shape will sometimes give that glint real snow does, given my very limited exposure to Snow in Australia, which is not much

[apophenia]

Ooo ... that is nice! With that bubble dome on top (and maybe without the Finnish url), that could easily pass for an off-world transporter 

[Kerick]

This really came out well.
What did you use for the snow?

Same as what Kerick said.

Thanks for the kind words.

For snow I use salt. Ordinary table salt is a bit coarse for 1/35 so I grind down using a mortar and pestle as best as possible.
Salt I find, being a crystal shape will sometimes give that glint real snow does, given my very limited exposure to Snow in Australia, which is not much

Salt sounds like great idea. I’ve heard of using baking soda. Anything as long as ants won’t eat it.

[Frank3k]

That came out great, and the snow looks realistic (from a Los Angeles perspective). This vehicle might also work on Mars with some mods.

[perttime]

All snow isn't the same. There's two or three dozen Finnish words for specific kinds of snow. I'm sure that this fits one or another... 

[Buzzbomb]

That came out great, and the snow looks realistic (from a Los Angeles perspective). This vehicle might also work on Mars with some mods.

Ooo ... that is nice! With that bubble dome on top (and maybe without the Finnish url), that could easily pass for an off-world transporter 

Fully agree, some more de BTR ing around the engine deck and it could really be a Sci Fi Traveller style ATV.

[Claymore]

Stunning! I concur with the Captain Scarlet/Thunderbirds-esque look and what a beautiful result.  Could easily be a RW vehicle - awesome!