1/35 FJ43 with DShKM

[Frank3k]

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


Scalemates link

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).



I decided to go with the boxtop color:



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



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:



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



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


Technical Riders

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

[Old Wombat]

Build is looking very good, Frank! 

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

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

[apophenia]

Yes, this build is looking great so far, Frank 

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

[Frank3k]

I love the plastic (vs vinyl) tires in this kit, and you get a complete set of spares, since there are narrow (civilian) and wider (off road) tires and wheels.

@apophenia - maybe I'll pose Steve McQueen next to the vehicle...

[Buzzbomb]

Whizzing that together with usual grace and charm. Nice work

[arkon]

i think the box art worn leather seat is cool, but your bold move into plaid is top notch!

[Frank3k]

The Tartan design is the one on the boxtop (I scanned the illustration in the instruction manual).


The figures are kits in themselves. Each is taking about as long to paint as it did to build the Landcruiser. I'm trying the AK Quickgen acrylics, since they act as a wash of sorts.

Here's the DshKM gunner:



The skin looks dark in harsh sunlight (darker than under LED lights) but I think it works. I still have to fix a few spots and add the AK47.

[Frank3k]

I finished all the figures; they're OK-ish. Temporarily in position:



The driver and the boss seem tense, while the two goobers in the back are having a good time:



The figures still need some detailing and the vehicle some weathering.

[Old Wombat]

The driver and the boss seem tense, while the two goobers in the back are having a good time:

The driver & the Boss know where they're going.

The goobers in the back were too busy getting smashed on hash to bother attending the pre-mission briefing.

 

[Buzzbomb]

Nice target of opportunity there...

 

[Frank3k]

Brian - only one guy is really paying attention.

Almost done - just needs a few extra details:



I didn't weather the vehicle as much as I had in mind, but this looks OK: