Stokesy's Desert Dashers - 1/35 SAS Jeep & Command Car

[Stokesy44]

After failing for the best part of 2 weeks to pick a new subject, I have gone for something a bit chilled, something I can knock up quickly then have some fun with the painting.



The jeep is ancient, its got a 1974 copyright stamp on the box! The command car is from 2013. Thankfully its Tamiya so its still useable!

I've no idea why it shows up as green, its my darned iphone and the colour washout it does.







Then it was time to build up all the bits to pimp it out SAS style. He who dares Rodney!















Not a bad start. For a 50 year old kit it just fell together. I tiny bit of flash and some of the joins were a bit 'agricultural' but all in all, happy days.

Just a few bits left to do then I can start on the command car

[digger303]

[RangerNeil]

Nice choice I will be watching with interest.
You just need another two or three of the jeeps and you have the makings of an SAS/LRDG laager in the desert diorama.

[Stokesy44]

Nice choice I will be watching with interest.
You just need another two or three of the jeeps and you have the makings of an SAS/LRDG laager in the desert diorama.

Hmmmmm

[Stokesy44]

A confession and a correction to start.

This project just got a little bit bigger. I accidentally bought a picture frame for a diorama base and a stowage set for the command car. Not quite sure how it happened!

The correction is the age of the command car. 2013 is on the box but that's just the addition of the Masterbox figures. The actual base kit is from 1976! Maybe I am imagining it but the plastic does feel better than the jeep, 3 years is a lot of time for R&D

So, enough BS. Started on the command car with the chassis. No drama and the kit comes with rubber tires. There are resin replacements out there but on a cost / quality increase measure, they're not for me.





Then it was time for the cab and bodywork. The detail is really quite nice for the age of the kit.









Test fit - again, no drama, it just sits in place on the location pins









I also finished off the jeep, a few added bits and clean up of seams.







A few more bits to do on the front end then its time for the cargo box and all that lovely stowage on its way from Value Gear, courtesy of F.O.G Models.

[digger303]

[RangerNeil]

At least the jeeps (note use of the plural there!) get painted yellow - I've got their bigger, younger brother in the stash - and that's pink!!

[Stokesy44]

At least the jeeps (note use of the plural there!) get painted yellow - I've got their bigger, younger brother in the stash - and that's pink!!

You've got a pinky. How cool.

One of the colour call outs for the command car is a sand / light blue camo. Could be interesting.

[RangerNeil]

At least the jeeps (note use of the plural there!) get painted yellow - I've got their bigger, younger brother in the stash - and that's pink!!

You've got a pinky. How cool.

One of the colour call outs for the command car is a sand / light blue camo. Could be interesting.

It may yet turn into a green and blackie as used by 21 in BAOR....
The sand/blue scheme used by the LRDG was actually quite effective - the why of it escapes me right now though....

[aur0ra145]

Cool subjects, I'll have to keep an eye out for these kits.

[Stokesy44]

Cool subjects, I'll have to keep an eye out for these kits.

They're cheap as chips due to their age

[Stokesy44]

I managed a cheeky session after work yesterday. I put the cargo box together and added the Value Gear stowage which had turned up during the day.

It went together nicely and there's some cool detail, the radio box door is movable and the tailgate works too. Useful for the diorama me thinks







Then it was time to add the beautifully detailed stowage.













The load that fits directly the box is set because of the way the resin pieces fit together, there are still a few pieced to be added and I'm thinking of having the tailgate down and putting some bits on there. There's also the question of whether or not to mount the Lewis Gun in the box which means removing a piece of stowage and the resin wheel on top. Lots of things to consider so I plan to spend some time figuring out the dio once the vehicle is finished.

All good fun.

[RangerNeil]

Looking good so far. Not all the LRDG trucks were armed fore and aft, some dispensed with the rear mount to carry the supplies needed so you could get away with out it. Or, as this is a command car, add a second, ordinary, one to the dio - with the extra jeeps.......

Incidentally whilst nosing on evilbay for something else I had a look for LRDG and this kit is up there, as are a set of figures from Master Box that look exactly like the ones in the Tamiya kit!! As are some different, resin ones if you are interested? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126175085873 ... media=COPY

[Stokesy44]

Looking good so far. Not all the LRDG trucks were armed fore and aft, some dispensed with the rear mount to carry the supplies needed so you could get away with out it. Or, as this is a command car, add a second, ordinary, one to the dio - with the extra jeeps.......

Incidentally whilst nosing on evilbay for something else I had a look for LRDG and this kit is up there, as are a set of figures from Master Box that look exactly like the ones in the Tamiya kit!! As are some different, resin ones if you are interested? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126175085873 ... media=COPY

Thanks Neil.

The Master Box figures are the same set. Tamiya added them for the 2013 rebox.

Thanks for the advice about adding more vehicles! Two are enough for now. I might mount the Lewis on the passenger side foot plate, I've seen a pic of it I'm sure.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Great topics
Very nice looking kits from Tamiya
The Jeep is armed and fuels to the teeth and the truck is loaded to the gills!!!

[digger303]

I managed a cheeky session after work yesterday. I put the cargo box together and added the Value Gear stowage which had turned up during the day.

It went together nicely and there's some cool detail, the radio box door is movable and the tailgate works too. Useful for the diorama me thinks



The load that fits directly the box is set because of the way the resin pieces fit together, there are still a few pieced to be added and I'm thinking of having the tailgate down and putting some bits on there. There's also the question of whether or not to mount the Lewis Gun in the box which means removing a piece of stowage and the resin wheel on top. Lots of things to consider so I plan to spend some time figuring out the dio once the vehicle is finished.

All good fun.

Very nice build. I see Thunder Models has just come out with a LRDG truck too that looks very nice.

[Stokesy44]

Very nice build. I see Thunder Models has just come out with a LRDG truck too that looks very nice.

Looking good so far. Not all the LRDG trucks were armed fore and aft, some dispensed with the rear mount to carry the supplies needed so you could get away with out it. Or, as this is a command car, add a second, ordinary, one to the dio - with the extra jeeps.......

Will you two quit it already? I am not adding further kits to the build! I've already turned it into a dio and added the stowage, what more do you want from me?

[Stokesy44]

Just a little update. I decided to reposition the Lewis Gun and I added in the stored rifles in the cab. You cant say those desert boys didn't like their firepower!









That's the command car finished. There's a few bits to add to the side of the cargo box but I'm looking at replacing those with some of the stowage which look much better.

[RangerNeil]

Very nice build. I see Thunder Models has just come out with a LRDG truck too that looks very nice.

Looking good so far. Not all the LRDG trucks were armed fore and aft, some dispensed with the rear mount to carry the supplies needed so you could get away with out it. Or, as this is a command car, add a second, ordinary, one to the dio - with the extra jeeps.......

Will you two quit it already? I am not adding further kits to the build! I've already turned it into a dio and added the stowage, what more do you want from me?

Just encouraging you to expand your horizons....

(Just wait till we start on getting you to try an Amodel product.... )

[digger303]

And add some variety to the usual Tamiya line up setting it apart from the other Dio's
It does have a new level of detail...

[Stokesy44]

No update today, been working on the Master Box figures. I've been musing on the diorama, the figures from Master Box are 2 officer types, one with a map, one with a set of binoculars. I will have them away from the vehicles, looking off into the distance (one of them is actually pointing, which is great). The driver will be in the command car cab and his pose is looking over his shoulder down the right side of the vehicle to the rear. At the right rear I will position the remaining 2 figures, one, holding a length of paneling used for getting out of sand traps, the other with a shovel in a digging position. The guy with the shovel is the biggest problem because he's actually digging and I wanted to show the vehicle AFTER a repair was carried out and the boys are looking to be on their way again, happy to put some distance between themselves and their last contact with the enemy.

I don't want to show the vehicle stuck in the sand as there's only so much I can do with the base, equally I don't want to show it with a puncture as I don't have a jack!

I'll see if I can get creative with shovel man and come up with something different.

[Stokesy44]

Ok, a slight correction from the previous post. The driver is looking forward, not back.

Some seam removal still to do and some filler required but the basic builds are done. I solved my shovel problem too. Instead of shoveling away, he's now manhandling a damaged wheel after its been replaced!

The tire actually comes with a spare type wheel, its has holes instead of nuts and a an open central section so it looks like a proper detached wheel.







And this guy is just loving life, he's got his beany hat and his runway planking and he's happy as a clam!



Once I add the hub this guy should be sorted.



Rupert number 1, complete with etchasketch!



Number 2, he has a set of binoculars for his left hand, he's the guy in charge although he reckons they missed the McDonalds drive-through a ways back!



And the driver,





This is just so I can get them all in the frame. I'm still working on positioning for the base and how the base itself will look.

[digger303]

Nice work.
I don't know why , but my eye keeps going to the brackets on the mud guard.
Creating the soft sand base is going to be educational for me.

[Stokesy44]

Nice work.
I don't know why , but my eye keeps going to the brackets on the mud guard.
Creating the soft sand base is going to be educational for me.

The brackets are for the torpedoes. As for the base, me too mate! Its gonna be educational. I've got a plan....

[RangerNeil]

Ok, a slight correction from the previous post. The driver is looking forward, not back.

Some seam removal still to do and some filler required but the basic builds are done. I solved my shovel problem too. Instead of shoveling away, he's now manhandling a damaged wheel after its been replaced!

The tire actually comes with a spare type wheel, its has holes instead of nuts and a an open central section so it looks like a proper detached wheel.







And this guy is just loving life, he's got his beany hat and his runway planking and he's happy as a clam!



Once I add the hub this guy should be sorted.



Rupert number 1, complete with etchasketch!



Number 2, he has a set of binoculars for his left hand, he's the guy in charge although he reckons they missed the McDonalds drive-through a ways back!



And the driver,





This is just so I can get them all in the frame. I'm still working on positioning for the base and how the base itself will look.

Hmm... - "runway planking" - more commonly refererred to as "PSP" or, in those days, "sand channels".
If you have an officer holding a map the expressions on the NCO's/OR's faces should be that of profound dismay/distrust. NEVER trust an officer with a map!!!

Like Digger - I am extremely interested in how the soft sand will be created. Have you considered copying one of the iconic photos from the desert war where the vehicles are parked between a pair of dunes with a sand sprinkle tarp streched over them, anchored to the top or sides of the dunes??

[DRUMS01]

Hey Neil, I saw a kit of what your describing for the diorama on Ali-Express, it is exactly like your just explained. You may want to go there and check it out as that would be perfect to finish it off.

The runway planking was known as Marson Mat (also known as Marsdon matting).

[Phillip1]

Stokesy44-You have done very nice assembly work. I will be watching how you bring the groundwork together.

Phillip1

[Tomcat64]

Now this is right up my street - love a diorama with loads of figures

And great to see those vintage Tamiya kits still surviving the test of time

Really looking forward to seeing how you pull this all together for the final scene

[RangerNeil]

Not a recomnendation for another kit - but - have you seen the 1/35 Dragon release of the Jeep? I saw an advert for it today from, I think Jadlam's. Its described as "SAS Commanders Jeep" and seems to come with a figure of what looks like David Stirling.

[Twokidsnosleep]

What a great set of figures
Everyone unique and interesting with great expressions
Can't wait to see what you make of 'em

[Stokesy44]

Got started on the base.

I'm going for a basic road with textured ground either side. I've got a good mix of lichen like mossy material for ground flora but the first bit is to lay the texture either side of the road using filler then lay down glue for the road gravel.

Here's the plan



Here's the basic texturing laid down. You cant see it but the road edges are built up then tapered off, it will show once the levels are augmented and painted (I hope ).

I got my angles slightly wrong so I will narrow the road slightly on the lower left edge.









So far it looks pretty average but once I start on the second level of texture either side of the road, I should, hopefully, create some nice desert scrubland.

[digger303]

What material did you use for the road surface ?
Your not happy with the road surface? Would it or can the road surface be rolled to make it flatter ?

[Stokesy44]

What material did you use for the road surface ?
Your not happy with the road surface? Would it or can the road surface be rolled to make it flatter ?

The road surface is just from a tin of tiny gravel. I'm happy with the surface of the road, I just need to bring the curb in a little to correct the angle a bit.

[digger303]

What material did you use for the road surface ?
Your not happy with the road surface? Would it or can the road surface be rolled to make it flatter ?

The road surface is just from a tin of tiny gravel. I'm happy with the surface of the road, I just need to bring the curb in a little to correct the angle a bit.

Ah ok I get ya now.

[Tomcat64]

Great start to the dio - I really like the rough surface you've created there

Not a recomnendation for another kit - but - have you seen the 1/35 Dragon release of the Jeep? I saw an advert for it today from, I think Jadlam's. Its described as "SAS Commanders Jeep" and seems to come with a figure of what looks like David Stirling.

I might have tripped over an anniversary set from emodels that includes 3 jeeps and a collection of crew figures...

[Stokesy44]

Great start to the dio - I really like the rough surface you've created there

Not a recomnendation for another kit - but - have you seen the 1/35 Dragon release of the Jeep? I saw an advert for it today from, I think Jadlam's. Its described as "SAS Commanders Jeep" and seems to come with a figure of what looks like David Stirling.

I might have tripped over an anniversary set from emodels that includes 3 jeeps and a collection of crew figures...

Enablers. Both of you.

[RangerNeil]

Great start to the dio - I really like the rough surface you've created there

Not a recomnendation for another kit - but - have you seen the 1/35 Dragon release of the Jeep? I saw an advert for it today from, I think Jadlam's. Its described as "SAS Commanders Jeep" and seems to come with a figure of what looks like David Stirling.

I might have tripped over an anniversary set from emodels that includes 3 jeeps and a collection of crew figures...

Enablers. Both of you.

Encouragers, merely encouragers....

[Tomcat64]

[Stokesy44]

A bit more work on the base.

First thing was to fix the angle of the road where I had 'deviated' somewhat from the plan.

Straightened



Much better, at least I can convince someone its a road now!



Then it was time to build up the texturing







Once I had the ground at a level I liked I then started on the last but 1 application, its more filler but this time applied with a wet applicator so its easier to lay down and smooth over the rougher areas. Once the filler is down I then work with the applicator again keeping it wet. The idea is to smooth it down but still leave some texture.





The final application, hopefully tomorrow, will be watered down filler applied with a brush. The intent is not to destroy the texture but to even it out just slightly.

You may ask why so many levels? Its because I am using standard filler, not a bespoke product. If I laid it all down in one go it would just crack to bits as it dried and Stokesy44 would not be a happy bunny

[Nikola]

This gonna be gooood! Following...

[Tomcat64]

Nice work sorting out the roadway & adding the surroundings.

Just one more wafer thin layer monsieur?

[Stokesy44]

Nice work sorting out the roadway & adding the surroundings.

Just one more wafer thin layer monsieur?

I see what you're doing there.....

[Stokesy44]

After what seemed like an age I got some more work done on the base over the weekend and today.

I added some rocks and some ground clutter, nothing much, just some old pieces of wood. I then primed it using UMPs no longer issued Dunkelgelb. Figured it was the best primer for a desert base.





I then sprayed one of the Tamiya desert yellows. Not sure which but I'm happy with the colour.











Next up is priming the vehicles and figures. I need to finalise the stowage load out for the command car then I can prime everything

[Tomcat64]

Great looking texture & colour on the base mate

Do you have a rough plan of where the vehicles are going to end up?

[Stokesy44]

Great looking texture & colour on the base mate

Do you have a rough plan of where the vehicles are going to end up?

Thanks mate and yes, command car to the left, roughly in line with the road, jeep in front but at a jaunty angle to hint that it may have been reversed back when the car got a puncture.