Author Topic: 1/35 Luchs/MLRS kit bash (Read 10467 times)

Ramba · « **on:** January 17, 2019, 11:28:41 AM »

Working on another Dragon 1/35 M270 MLRS but this time kit bashed with the Revell SPz Luchs 8x8.

Not sure which way to put the MLRS front cab though. It looks too high when it sits on top. I am leaning more towards the cab in front of the wheels. Looks more streamlined.
Which version do you like better?

I was going for something similar to this. I would need to build the rear cabin area and will probably use the MLRS rocket housing for the top and sides.

elmayerle · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2019, 11:56:37 AM »

Cab in front of the wheels with adequate support structure and closeout structure. Something like moving the cab in the RL picture forward, with all that is underneath it, until the back of the cab is in front of the front wheels.

Kerick · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2019, 12:09:26 PM »

Definitely go with the lower version. Could the corner of the cab be notched out to allow it to be moved back further?

Old Wombat · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2019, 04:22:47 PM »

Quote from: kerick on January 17, 2019, 12:09:26 PM

Definitely go with the lower version. Could the corner of the cab be notched out to allow it to be moved back further?

My thinking, too!

As you say, the cab sitting on top looks way too high but the cab all forward of the wheels looks way over-extended at the front.

Ramba · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2019, 10:00:31 PM »

Thanks! Yes, I thought it stuck out too far forward a bit as well and I might be able to notch the cab a bit where it wouldn't interfere with the seats. Only thing is, if I notch the cab to go back a bit further it might interfere with the wheels.

Here are some other photos I looked at with the cab in front of the wheels. The HEMTT isn't too far forward but the other two go pretty far.

Gingie · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2019, 01:53:24 AM »

The cab up top gives it a very amphibious ops look. Out in front, its is more traditional as per HEMMT etc

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2019, 02:20:45 AM »

Interesting

Ramba · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2019, 02:24:10 AM »

Thanks all!

The Luchs had an amphibious role but I removed the rear section where the props attach to.

Here are the two different options with the rear area shown. It actually doesn't look too top heavy with the rear section on. In the first photo I want to make the top of the cab level with the rear section so I have to lower the cab a bit. In the second photo I would need to extend the rear area to fill in the rest and I also have to lower the rear section to make level with the top of the cab.

Which looks better?

Jeffry Fontaine · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2019, 03:50:42 AM »

That Luchs/MLRS Cab combination right now looks like the perfect combination for a logistics vehicle.

Gingie · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2019, 04:30:04 AM »

I kinda like the high mount version, its so different. It reminds me a bit of an alvis something-or-other?? Stalwart?

Frank3k · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2019, 05:29:03 AM »

The low cab version would have an easier time going under bridges, etc. while also providing a lower profile.
Guy - you're right; The high cab version looks like an Alvis Stalwart, plus it provides a higher profile/better target. Ramba's vehicle looks larger than the Stalwart and taller.

apophenia · « **Reply #11 on:** January 18, 2019, 06:59:33 AM »

Quote from: Frank3k on January 18, 2019, 05:29:03 AM

The low cab version would have an easier time going under bridges, etc. while also providing a lower profile... The high cab version looks like an Alvis Stalwart, plus it provides a higher profile/better target. ...

All true but the higher cab would provide much better protection from IED, mines, etc. So decisions, decisions ... cool-looking or survivable

Buzzbomb · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2019, 06:27:06 PM »

Well, I have a like for all them, but leaning for the higher, more Stalwart type

Kerick · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2019, 11:38:47 PM »

I think both would work. I’m leaning towards the higher version as it fits the length better. The lower would work if you could not have the cab and move it further back.

Ramba · « **Reply #14 on:** January 19, 2019, 12:07:34 AM »

So I am going with the cab in front of the wheels because, I got a Hobby Boss ZTL-11 which looked fine if you just looked at the top of the box. Once you turn the box over, it was crushed. You can actually see a foot print on the box. YUP! Someone stepped on it. Anyway, after opening the box, the upper hull was completely snapped off and the lower hull was also broken but not completely off. I contacted the seller for replacement parts or kit and still waiting for a reply. I am going to put the upper hull on top of the bed and try to fit the turret so it is more centered on the back.

Photos of the box and broken parts.

Test fitting to see how to fit the upper hull and turret. If I put the rear end towards the cab, the turret sits too far back. In the second photo I have to trim the front broken part off at the line just in front of the turret. That might put the turret too far forward though. Going to trim the front part off now and test fit it again.

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #15 on:** January 19, 2019, 05:08:51 AM »

That's some mighty fine thinking and a nice save on the tank hull!

Brian da Basher

apophenia · « **Reply #16 on:** January 19, 2019, 07:04:59 AM »

Quote from: Brian da Basher on January 19, 2019, 05:08:51 AM

That's some mighty fine thinking and a nice save on the tank hull!

Indeed it is. Interested to see how this proceeds ... and here's hoping that you get a bonus replacement kit outta the deal too

Ramba · « **Reply #17 on:** January 19, 2019, 07:16:34 AM »

I contacted the seller last week but still waiting to hear what they are going to do about replacing the kit or the broken parts.

OK! Here is where I am at the moment. I cleaned up the front of the broken upper hull on the ZTL-11. I will fill in the gap between the rear of the cab and the ZTL hull with plastic card. The holes on the sides will all also get filled in. The turret looks like it sits a little further forward than I like but I aligned it with the Luchs crew access door so it will have to stay. The gun barrel might go past the front of the cab though.

finsrin · « **Reply #18 on:** January 19, 2019, 07:35:49 AM »

One fine concept.

On track, keep going as is.

Kerick · « **Reply #19 on:** January 19, 2019, 12:50:05 PM »

Of course if you were to add a third axle in the rear it would solve much of the length problem. I’m not helping, am I?

Old Wombat · « **Reply #20 on:** January 20, 2019, 09:34:18 PM »

Do you need all of the engine deck at the back? If not you could trim it back a bit.

I play that game sometimes, you can end up with some very complicated cuts to keep the bits you really want to keep but the final result can look very good.

Or you could fit it as per the first variant you showed & have all the mechanicals between the cab & the fighting compartment.

Ramba · « **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2019, 11:18:24 PM »

Thanks again for the comments.

Good news, the seller is replacing the ZTL-11 upper and lower hull. Bad news is that I have to put the ZTL turret back onto the ZTL-11 kit so the what if MLRS/Luchs needs a new turret. I really like the look of the PLA ZTL-11 so keeping it as is.

I do have a Revell SPz Puma I am thinking of using the turret from that. The Puma wasn't high on my list of kits to do and the turret is more futuristic looking than the ZTL turret so maybe the Puma turret will be of some use now. I also have the Trumpeter Type 87 Recon Vehicle. This also was not high on my to do list so I could also use the turret from that but it is similar to the ZTL turret but with a 25mm gun instead of the 105mm. The Puma I think is a 30mm gun. Unfortunately I don't have the Puma or Type 87 on me at the moment. They are in NJ at my sister's house so I have to go pick them up. That is a 4 hour drive though so not sure when I am heading back that way. I moved from NJ to PA a few years ago but left some boxes at my sister's house and never bothered to pick them back up and now regretting it hahahaha! I also have a bunch of Model Master enamels sitting there too which I need to get as well. Anyway, I think the Puma turret will look good on the MLRS/Luchs what if.

elmayerle · « **Reply #22 on:** January 20, 2019, 11:20:30 PM »

Yes, the Puma turret would look quite the trick, there. I suspect it also has the advantage of not sticking out beyond the cab.

Ramba · « **Reply #23 on:** January 29, 2019, 12:41:41 AM »

So I went and picked up the Revell Puma from my sister's house and started the turret over the weekend. After fiddling with the location, I think I will settle for where it is shown in the photos below. Not too far forward where the barrel sticks out past the roof and I might still be able to add a secondary M240 by the passenger side hatch on the cab. The rear will be filled in with plastic card.

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #24 on:** January 29, 2019, 06:25:35 AM »

That's looking great!

I think you positioned the turret quite nicely.

Brian da Basher

elmayerle · « **Reply #25 on:** January 29, 2019, 10:29:55 AM »

That's looking real nice and the turret placement seems functional. This is going to look mean when finished.

Frank3k · « **Reply #26 on:** January 29, 2019, 12:33:59 PM »

It looks good. I'm sure the crew is happy that the cab is armored; the blast from the 30mm is probably going to leave a mark at low elevations.

What are you going to place in the rear?

Ramba · « **Reply #27 on:** January 29, 2019, 09:43:30 PM »

Thanks for the comments.

The rear of the ZTL upper hull will be extended with plastic card. It will be the same height and width to match the rest of the upper hull. The two cutouts on the right side of the ZTL upper hull will also get filled in with plastic card. Hobby Boss has PE for those two sections but seeing I am getting the replacement upper and lower hull parts for the Hobby Boss ZTL kit I will do the ZTL OOB once the replacement parts arrive. Well, my plan is to do it OOB hahahaha! I have a few ideas kicking about with a few other Hobby Boss PLA kits like the PTL-02, ZBD-04 and ZBL-09.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #28 on:** January 30, 2019, 12:36:16 AM »

Looking good

finsrin · « **Reply #29 on:** January 30, 2019, 05:15:48 AM »

Concept of configuration of models and parts is tops.

tankmodeler · « **Reply #30 on:** January 30, 2019, 11:35:16 PM »

This is looking very cool.

One comment, it does have the look of a lot of the low-cab, heavy-crane chassis out there or that cool look of an aircraft tow vehicle, but with the cab so far forward and so low, the ability to climb an obstacle or handle rough terrain will be severely limited. Maybe move the cab back by cutting back the area behind the doors?

Just some thoughts from the engineering side of the house.

In looks, it's really cool, it just suffers, as ,many cool looking things do, from a bit of impracticality. Just throwing it out there.

Still, it does have a serious Gerry Anderson look going for it...

Paul

Ramba · « **Reply #31 on:** January 31, 2019, 01:38:30 AM »

Thanks again for the comments.

I tried different locations for the cab. If I put it on top it is too high and looks top heavy. It will more than likely topple over. Having it forward and lower is the best position I came up with plus it has a lower center of gravity. Unfortunately I can't cut much from the cab itself as it will interfere with the seats. I am however notching the lower corners of cab 45 degrees by the front wheels to give it more clearance.

Kerick · « **Reply #32 on:** January 31, 2019, 10:35:07 AM »

I think that will look cool. Carry on!

Ramba · « **Reply #33 on:** February 05, 2019, 11:45:47 AM »

I think I like the AFV M1128 MGS 105mm turret better than the Revell SPz Puma 30mm turret.

Here is the SPz Puma turret.

Here is the M1128 MGS turret.

finsrin · « **Reply #34 on:** February 05, 2019, 11:53:34 AM »

Nice example of plastic card stock work. Like whole concept of this build.

Keep going.

Old Wombat · « **Reply #35 on:** February 05, 2019, 06:06:07 PM »

Either/or, they both look good.

tankmodeler · « **Reply #36 on:** February 06, 2019, 12:39:18 AM »

Yep, they both look like viable options on that hull.

Mind, that IFV turret may imply that the vehicle is more of an infantry vehicle that could then use firing ports and squad egress ramps to really sell the idea, otherwise it's a lot of vehicle for that turret.

The larger gun turret works as is, the vehicle being about the right size for just that gun system. Or an equivalent manned turret, like the Centauro or AMX-10RC, etc.

If you like the IFV turret (and I do a bit more than the MGS turret) then perhaps a bit more scratchbuilding of retracted masts with sensors can sell it as a dedicated electronics surveillance/recce asset. Then the hull size makes perfect sense with the turret for self defence only. The two notches in the starboard side hull would make good places for the retracted sensor masts. It could also simplify fairing in that starboard side to the MLRS cab.

Just some thoughts...

Paul

Ramba · « **Reply #37 on:** February 06, 2019, 01:32:52 AM »

Quote from: finsrin on February 05, 2019, 11:53:34 AM

Nice example of plastic card stock work. Like whole concept of this build.
Keep going.

Thanks! It's still pretty rough. I have to trim, fill and sand the plastic card. I haven't done that yet as I still need to add more plastic card in a few areas and I have to build the bottom of the cab and blend into the lower hull/frame. Once I get the final layout (which right now will be the MGS turret) I will start doing more scratch building with the plastic card.

Ramba · « **Reply #38 on:** February 06, 2019, 01:33:31 AM »

Quote from: Old Wombat on February 05, 2019, 06:06:07 PM

Either/or, they both look good.

Thanks! I am going with the MGS turret.

Ramba · « **Reply #39 on:** February 06, 2019, 01:44:17 AM »

Quote from: tankmodeler on February 06, 2019, 12:39:18 AM

Yep, they both look like viable options on that hull.

Mind, that IFV turret may imply that the vehicle is more of an infantry vehicle that could then use firing ports and squad egress ramps to really sell the idea, otherwise it's a lot of vehicle for that turret.

The larger gun turret works as is, the vehicle being about the right size for just that gun system. Or an equivalent manned turret, like the Centauro or AMX-10RC, etc.

If you like the IFV turret (and I do a bit more than the MGS turret) then perhaps a bit more scratchbuilding of retracted masts with sensors can sell it as a dedicated electronics surveillance/recce asset. Then the hull size makes perfect sense with the turret for self defence only. The two notches in the starboard side hull would make good places for the retracted sensor masts. It could also simplify fairing in that starboard side to the MLRS cab.

Just some thoughts...

Paul

Thanks Paul! I am going with the MGS turret. The SPz Puma turret is cool too but I think the MGS looks a little better. I do have a B1 Centauro I was looking to do a what if with as well. I was also looking at the AMX-10RCR Separ but don't have that kit. It does have a pretty cool turret though.

Those two rectangular areas on the starboard side are to be covered using PE grills but the seller is replacing the broken hull. I will be using the PE grills on the actual ZTL-11 kit once the replacement parts show up. I will fill in those two rectangular areas with some plastic card and probably make them into storage/tool lockers and make some latches and hinges.

elmayerle · « **Reply #40 on:** February 06, 2019, 10:53:00 AM »

I like the MGS installation better, it seems to fit the vehicle more properly. Too bad those rectangular areas can't be used to launch a vtol reconnaissance drone (CL-289 possibly, or an adaptation of modern hovering drones) to spot trouble and/or targets' say one for the launch and one for a deployable antenna.

Ramba · « **Reply #41 on:** February 08, 2019, 11:42:50 PM »

Quote from: elmayerle on February 06, 2019, 10:53:00 AM

I like the MGS installation better, it seems to fit the vehicle more properly. Too bad those rectangular areas can't be used to launch a vtol reconnaissance drone (CL-289 possibly, or an adaptation of modern hovering drones) to spot trouble and/or targets' say one for the launch and one for a deployable antenna.

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't have anything that could fit in those cutouts though. I will just fill them in with plastic card.

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #42 on:** February 09, 2019, 11:15:10 AM »

BFG for teh win!

Brian da Basher

elmayerle · « **Reply #43 on:** February 09, 2019, 01:01:32 PM »

Quote from: Ramba on February 08, 2019, 11:42:50 PM

Quote from: elmayerle on February 06, 2019, 10:53:00 AM
I like the MGS installation better, it seems to fit the vehicle more properly. Too bad those rectangular areas can't be used to launch a vtol reconnaissance drone (CL-289 possibly, or an adaptation of modern hovering drones) to spot trouble and/or targets' say one for the launch and one for a deployable antenna.

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't have anything that could fit in those cutouts though. I will just fill them in with plastic card.

I believe there's a set of 1/350 V-22s available. If those can be built in the stowed configuration, I suspect they would fit nicely as drones/UAVs to use.

Kerick · « **Reply #44 on:** February 09, 2019, 01:17:24 PM »

Quote from: elmayerle on February 09, 2019, 01:01:32 PM

Quote from: Ramba on February 08, 2019, 11:42:50 PM
Quote from: elmayerle on February 06, 2019, 10:53:00 AM
I like the MGS installation better, it seems to fit the vehicle more properly. Too bad those rectangular areas can't be used to launch a vtol reconnaissance drone (CL-289 possibly, or an adaptation of modern hovering drones) to spot trouble and/or targets' say one for the launch and one for a deployable antenna.

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't have anything that could fit in those cutouts though. I will just fill them in with plastic card.
I believe there's a set of 1/350 V-22s available. If those can be built in the stowed configuration, I suspect they would fit nicely as drones/UAVs to use.

Now there's an interesting idea!

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #45 on:** February 10, 2019, 12:19:42 PM »

Some 1/35 drone options:

Click on each image to get more details.

Ramba · « **Reply #46 on:** April 28, 2019, 08:14:08 PM »

I changed it once again. I have the end of the barrel extending over the cab now. Still a long way to go. I have to notch the bottom rear sections of the cab so the front wheels don't scrape on it. I also have to fill in the area between the cab and rear deck. I will use plastic card and hope to blend it in.

I am going by this sci fi image I found online which is what I am sort of basing mine off of.

Here is where I last left off.

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #47 on:** April 28, 2019, 10:10:21 PM »

I really like this change and that Big Friggin' Gun (BFG) has intimidation written all over it!

Brian da Basher


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Author Topic: 1/35 Luchs/MLRS kit bash (Read 10467 times)