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Author Topic: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM  (Read 560 times)

Offline Frank3k

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1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« on: March 18, 2026, 05:56:55 AM »
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:

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Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #1 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?  ???
« Last Edit: March 18, 2026, 09:48:44 AM by Old Wombat »
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Offline apophenia

  • Perversely enjoys removing backgrounds.
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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #2 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  :-*
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Offline Frank3k

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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2026, 12:05:41 AM »
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...
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Offline Buzzbomb

  • Low Concentration Span, oft wanders betwixt projects
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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2026, 07:44:13 AM »
Whizzing that together with usual grace and charm. Nice work
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Offline arkon

  • Paper Building Maestro
Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #5 on: March 20, 2026, 08:47:23 AM »
i think the box art worn leather seat is cool, but your bold move into plaid is top notch!
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Offline Frank3k

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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #6 on: March 20, 2026, 09:38:15 AM »
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.
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Offline Frank3k

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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2026, 10:08:39 AM »
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.
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Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
  • "Define 'interesting'?"
Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #8 on: March 21, 2026, 05:33:38 PM »
Quote from: Frank3k on March 21, 2026, 10:08:39 AM
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.

 ;D ;D ;)
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Offline Buzzbomb

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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #9 on: March 22, 2026, 06:30:42 AM »
Nice target of opportunity there...

 :smiley:
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Offline Frank3k

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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #10 on: March 22, 2026, 10:31:55 AM »
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:



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Offline Frank3k

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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #11 on: Yesterday at 10:51:09 AM »
I'm done with this one, and so are our happy friends, somewhere in Afro-Asia.

 I bent a strand of plastic fiber optic and attached it to the FPV drone and left fender. I tried a using a cat whisker shed by one of our cats, but it wasn't strong enough to hold up the drone:



With the fiber optic strand photoshopped out:





The commander/boss man spotted the drone - the driver just registered it in his peripheral vision. The goobers in back are blissfully unaware:





The FPV drone is 3D printed from  SPALAH "FPV drone Mark (7inch) with battery and suspension"



It's very detailed. I painted the batteries light blue, with black electrical tape holding it to the drone. The 3D print even has the camera in the nose. The mortar round is painted in some variant of Russian green:



Pretty tiny on my index finger.




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Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
  • "Define 'interesting'?"
Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #12 on: Yesterday at 04:50:13 PM »
Great finish, Frank!  :smiley: :smiley: 8)

Detail on that drone is exceptionally good!  :D :D
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Offline LemonJello

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Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #13 on: Yesterday at 08:52:37 PM »
Another excellent finished product from the Frank3K Labs! 
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Offline Story

  • Nicht mein Zirkus, nicht meine Affen...
Re: 1/35 FJ43 with DShKM
« Reply #14 on: Yesterday at 11:21:23 PM »
Related - The rarely seen Dildo of Consequences in its springtime mating finery



Quote from: apophenia on March 18, 2026, 10:02:08 AM
But, gotta say, I love your MacQueen of Skye tartan seat cover decals  :-*

Ditto to the max.

Once upon a time, I drew a Humvee and those seats are really really uncomfortable, so I added two NYC cabby style beaded seat covers with Siberian Snow Tiger slipovers.


This memory is meant to double-down on Frank's choice, since I can swear and/or affirm that tacky elements of style are very much a thing.

« Last Edit: Yesterday at 11:28:49 PM by Story »
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