Land Rover Forward Control GS/Gun Tractor - 3D print

[bootneck]

I like to build military softskin vehicles in 1:35 and 1:24 scale but some are not available in injection moulded plastic kits, such as the LR Forward Control gun tractor.  There are, or where, FCs produced in cast resin; however, prices for those are way out of my league.  An affordable solution for me is the fairly new medium of 3D printed kits, especially if they are produced as downloadable files for me to print myself.

 

Another feature of downloadable prints is that they can be rescaled to preferred requirements rather than just the set scale of a plastic or resin kit.  One such kit is the Land Rover Forward Control which is being produced by Pete Harvey of PHD-Designs.  The kit is scaled to 1:35 scale but it can easily be rescaled to other sizes within a 3D printers slicing software.

 

This kit has been sent to me by Pete in order that I can build it and advise him of any tweaks or adjustments that I come across.  I have decided to print the kit at 1:24 scale for the extra detail that a model of this size will give me.

 

Here is a view of some components that I've printed off.  Axles and shock absorbers have been dry-fitted to check for alignment etc.

 

This close in view of the dry fitted engine and gearbox shows plenty of detail and I am looking forward to painting it with various metallic colours.

 

 

Since I started this, Pete has further enhanced the front axle assembly with separated steerable components, in order to allow for the wheels to be orientated at various angles. This is a feature that would look good in any diorama.  The new axle and hub assemblies are shown at the centre front of this view.

 

That's it for now.  I am going to clean up all the components and get them ready for assembling.   I hope that this WiP will be of interest to anyone who might be considering building 3D printed models.

 

cheers,
Mike

[bootneck]

Oops!  I managed to break the steering arm whilst removing the supports.

 

A quick pop down to the shed, push a few buttons on the 3D printer and twenty minutes later I have a replacement part.  Can't do that with a broken plastic kit part.

 

I have removed the old axle set, which had the fixed front axle assembly, and now have the steerable set printed and ready for clean up and assembly.

 

cheers,

 

Mike

[Pete in Lincs]

Nice one Mike. I like the FC. Never did get to drive one though.

Speaking of printed models, You once included a printed Whirlwind in a box of bits that you sent to me.

It's now (at last) in build as a RAF SAR yellow peril. My No 3 Granddaughter, just 2 1/2 years old wants an 'Airrcopter' for her Bedroom  ceiling like her Sister has.

So thanks for that again. I may even do a RFI when it's done. All the best.

[bootneck]

It is beginning to come together now.

 

The chassis with engine, gearbox and axle assemblies have been completed.

 

Work is underway on the cab unit. 

 

Note on the chassis that the steering angle can be changed.

 

This underside view shows the steering linkeage with all those components moveable.

 

A bit heavy handed on the weathering but that will be toned down before the build is completed.

 

cheers,

Mike

[bootneck]

I think that this is about done now.  There are some minor fittings to be added, such as the wipers, pick-axe and headlight lenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flipped over to show the underside

 

I can't do any more though as the model has to be delivered to the Land Rover SIG chairman later this morning as he will be taking it to Telford.  I can't go this year so he is taking it up to be place on the SIG table.

 

cheers,

 

Mike

[Pete in Lincs]

Mike, you really were burning the midnight oil! But what a result! She's a little beauty. Well done 👍