Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Land => Topic started by: Frank3k on March 18, 2026, 05:56:55 AM

Title: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
Post by: Frank3k on March 18, 2026, 05:56:55 AM

This is AK Interactive's second kit of the Toyota Landcruiser/FJ43:

(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/9/4/6/1423946-129919-41-1080.jpg)
Scalemates link (https://www.scalemates.com/kits/ak-interactive-ak35002-fj43-pickup--1423946)

It's such a nice, trouble free kit that I breezed through the main build in a couple of days. No issues at all with the kit (only one self-inflicted mistake). The instructions are great, with only a minor issue with the hinges for the spare tire (the kit doesn't use the mount, but the part is in the kit).

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55152654567_c0804e85f4_b.jpg)

I decided to go with the boxtop color:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55153920060_4dd3535211_b.jpg)

Some minor repair needed but I'll fix it during weathering.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55153783619_5082518b53_b.jpg)

The plaid pattern is illustrated in the instruction booklet. I scanned it in and cloned it to cover the plastic seats, then printed out the decal:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55152654532_eb3ee102f4_b.jpg)

The DshKM is very detailed. I painted a tracer round every three on the ammo belt, but the tips are hard to see:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55152654527_8495d007b7_b.jpg)

I'm also adding these guys, on their way to Disneyland:

(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/7/5/7/1490757-129919-74-1080.jpg)
Technical Riders (https://www.scalemates.com/kits/ak-interactive-ak35017-technical-riders--1490757)

It's hard to get the machine gunner to fit just right:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55153783604_9c52f4f73f_b.jpg)

Title: Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
Post by: Old Wombat on March 18, 2026, 09:45:16 AM

Build is looking very good, Frank!  8)

Good to hear the FJ43s are an easy build - I have several of them in various flavours.  :smiley:

What is it with the "pointy guy" in so many of these figure kits?  ???

Title: Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
Post by: apophenia on March 18, 2026, 10:02:08 AM

Yes, this build is looking great so far, Frank  :smiley:

But, gotta say, I love your MacQueen of Skye tartan seat cover decals  :-*