HMMWV Tank Simulator - 1/35 diorama

[Kurnas]

This is a diorama i'm currently working on, started approximately 3 weeks ago after several years of wanting to do it.

The HMMWV Tank simulator is a vehicle used by the IDF for Tactical training of Tank crew members without needing to use the actual tanks (which probably cost a lot more thank the HMMWV)



[youtube]FydS7fRMD_0[/youtube]

[Kurnas]

Since there isn't a kit for the HMMWV tank simulator (at least non that i know of) i decided to use Italeri #249 as the base for the tank simulator and scratch building the tank "costume" on top of it.





first placement on the wooden base:

the figures are from Aurora model:

and the dogs are from Nemrod #NMA004

[Kurnas]

to start planning the scratch building i downloaded from https://grabcad.com/ a 3d model of the HMMWV:

Using Solidworks i edited the 3d model to 1:35 scale and created a model of the tank costume on top of that:

i spent a lot of time thinking how to create the "tank's turret", these are the ways i thought about:
1. buying a tank kit just for the turret.
2. carving.
3. Vacuum forming.
4. 3d printing.

3d printing seemed like the easiest way and this is the result:
3d model:
printed model:

to build the frame holding the turret i used the spare sprue parts from the HMMWV kit.
using a small candle i slowly heated the sprue and bent it to the desired angles:

[Kurnas]

to build the back "fuel tanks" i used left over barrels from an old Tamiya kit #186:




to make something that looks like the night vision and targeting system installed on the tank simulator i used one of the radio models from Verlinden:

[Kurnas]

to build the back panels of the tank "costume" i used the 3d model i made to create drawing of the needed panels: (dimension in mm)

i than used Evergreen Styrene sheets to cut the shapes of the panels and carefully glued them together:




same method was used for the front panels:






that is it so far. hopefully i'll have time during the weekend to start detailing the turret and maybe start with the painting.

[Kurnas]

I just read about the homeland GB in this forum.
figured this diorama could be great for that competition since i've never seen these HMMWV tank simulators used by any other country but here.
sadly after a short research turns out the tank simulators unit was established in 2001 so it can't get in that GB
i guess i'll have to wait for the next one.

[Tiger131]

Wow great scratch building second to none and I think this is the first time a 3D printer has been used on this site works a treat...look forward to seeing more

[Kurnas]

I had a lot less time to work on the model during the weekend than i thought i will but i did manage to make some progress with detailing the turret:

[trekfanj]

Truly spectacular work, Kurnas!

[Coen]

I just stumbled acrossed your build bud... Holy crow dude! That's marvellous scratching. 3d printing and all.
Wow Kurnas!
Can't wait to see this build up.

[TheWeasel]

This is awesome! Love the idea and your scratchbuilding. KUTGW bud!

.... plus your name and avatar makes me want to press on with my kurnass....

[Kurnas]

made some more progress with the detailing:



i've tried building the "cage" surrounding the lamps without much of a success:


anyone has an idea? a tutorial? a relevant link?

thank you everyone for your comments they sure help me to keep going

[kryspacz]

Hi, just found this topic, great work. Any progress on the project?

[digger303]

A interesting subject and some great scratch building skills to boot what a good combination for the viewer...

[Donkeywalloper]

Superb job on a really interesting subject.
DW

[LWWales]

I'm not an armour builder, but love seeing them come together! Also love a diorama. Excellent work mate!