In a bulk lot of preloved models I acquired a few months ago was this very sorry looking Airfix Matador. Looking to build up my mid to late war Brits of late I decided to fix it up.
Airfix 88mm Gun wheels had been used to replace the originals, and while it was probably better than nothing I thought it looked naff. Also the radiator was missing as well, and I think the fuel tank in on the wrong side.
First up I ripped off the wheels and axles. I have spare wheels from an old Airfix Scammell trailer, and these look about the right size, and nice and meaty to boot.
Radiator hash built from an GMC duce and a half, with a radiator cap from a sprue end. I did have another radiator type lined up, but about 20 seconds away from gluing I dropped it down the stairs, and that was the end of that...I was a little grumpy at the time believe you me, and I still cannot find it.
Leaf springs from another 88mm gun set I think.
Axle cut from sprue, along with some plastic on the rear springs to build the area up.
Wheels attached and a axle guard hashed into place. I also added some linkage rods to make it look a little less naked.
Some wire attached to the front, along with a headlamp next to the radiator.
I added a new end tarp, so it looked like it was hanging down flapping. I then filled the gaps with putty.
This looks much better I think, although it looks rather a lot more like the post war AEC Hippo. Whatever the case it will do me nicely. Next up painting.
Nice work mate, good to have transports for the Brits, be nice to be able to mount a couple of battalions
ReplyDeletehi Paul,
ReplyDeleteMore will wait with interest because my favorite model...
Thats the plan Al, we need to get into NW Europe for a game mate.
ReplyDeleteHi Erhntly, I am glad you like it.
ReplyDeleteCheers Paul
A free lorry! Never a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to see how it looks painted. I have one underway at the moment, but with a simple tray body, no canvas. I tried something different and went for a black undercoat. It was promising and covered up all the old paint etc, but I'm not sure if I like the finished result yet - mainly I was dissapointed with the shade of green I was using. I'm held up on the basing.
ReplyDeleteWell resurrected Paul!
ReplyDeleteVery true Tim, all I need is seven or eight more!
ReplyDeleteSounds allright Sun of York, I might have a few ideas for you. I finished it this morning, so look out for a post of the results tonight.
ReplyDeleteCheers Paul
Thanks Geordie.
ReplyDeleteRe. the radiator; I've done that...it's so annoying, and you spend the next half hour on your hands and knees thinking "but it's a completely different colour to the carpet/floor, where is it hiding, it can't have gone far"
ReplyDelete18 months later it turns up 12 feet away (where it bounced!) and seemingly much smaller than the piece you thought you were looking for!!
Hay Ho! Replacement looks good though, like the rear flap.
Hi Hugh, the stairs and model room are unforgivably unkind on lost parts.
ReplyDeleteI did have a little luck a month ago when search for another piece I lost, I came across a Matchbox Humber turret which had been MIA for about two years.
I held a parade in its honour. Good times.
Looking at the photo from the rear with the flap down, its a dead ringer for a NZ Service UNIMOG.
Regards Paul