Airfix 1/35 FV622 Alvis Stalwart

[RangerNeil]

This is one of the latest releases from Airfix:


As I happen to be highly enamoured of Stollies - and the FV622 in particular 'cos I owned one once - its gone straight onto the build desk. The fact it takes up less room than an aircraft of similar scale is also a bonus!!
Brief history
The Stalwart first entered service with the British Army in 1964 with the designation FV620 or Stawart Mk 1. Based on the same chassis config as the FV601 Saladin and FV603 Saracen it was the Alvis answer to the Armys need for a High Mobility Load Carrier or HMLC that could keep up with armour. Todate the Stolly is the only wheeled vehicle to have earnt that designation. Fitted with a RR B81 engine of 6.5 litres and producing 220 BHP it was agile enough on or off road. Water propulsion was via Dowty jets driven by a PTO. Speed in water was around 6 knots. An interesting aside is a detachment were sent to Aden during the troubles there and provided a nasty surprise to the rebels. The hull design proved to be relatively mine proof, the permanent 6x6 drive meant it could lose 2 wheels on one side and keep going whilst the thickened steel snd glass of the cab designed to facilitate high speed entry to water also stopped the lead balls fired from their muskets!
In service a number of deficiencies were identified - main ones being each wheel.station required lubricating individually and poor vision through the cab windows of the area immediately around the front, It has to be said terrible rear vision from the mirrors was a trademark of all Stollies.
Alvis addressed these issues in the Mk 2 version, known as the FV622 which is the subject of this kit. Local vision was addressed by the adoption of the "tear drop" corner windows to the front and sides whikst the lube issue was addressed by fitting a centralized lubrication system. The FV622 was soon joined by the FV623 and FV624 artillery limber and REME vehicles that were fitted with an Atlas hydraulic crane. And by the RAF's Crash Tender Mk VI or Salmander.
Operational the average MPG was 2.5 (Alvis claimed 4 mpg but.... ) and the fuel tank capacity was 100 gallons. Load capacity was 5 tons or 40 fully equipped troops. Some Stollies were fitted with Unit Bulk Refuelling Equipment (UBRE) packs - which was, to say the least, hazardous as the main connectors had a habit of working loose and dripping volatile fuel onto the red hot exhaust manifold. With entitely predictable results!!!
The last Stollies left British service in 1993. Other users were Sweden, Germany, Austria (briefly) and Italy. They were also used in the Civilian market, notably by BP for oil field work.

The common hull platform may mean we can expect a Saracen, Saldin and Salamander to follow this release - perhaps even an FV620, FV623 and FV624. Here's hoping....

The kit
Instructions


























Decals


Sprues












Stay tuned for the build!!!!

[Stokesy44]

That's a really nice looking kit.

Looking forward to the build with your expert eye for the sunject matter

[digger303]

Clear parts look to be top grade.

[RangerNeil]

Build phase #1. This covers steps 1 through 4 of the instructions.
We start with the lower hull core, 1 hull side and the outlet clamshell for the Dowty water jet in step #1.






The hull side needed a 1mm dia hole drilled through at the back - position was marked on the inner face, at 90 deg to the face.
Theres a nice positive location of the side to the core so it can only go in the one way.

Step #2 is the opposite side of the hull and its Dowty clam shell.




Step #3 is the rear hull plate. This needed two holes dilled through at an angle of 40 seg to the surface. I'm not sure why Airfix chose not to mould the holes in situ rather than requiring them to be drilled out as they are common to all 3 versions of the Mk 2 Stolly... Like the hull sides the location was a nice, positive fit.


Step #4 is the front glacis plate. This had a very slight warp to it - hence the tape holding it in situ.


That ended construction for now. Every Stolly I ever drove had silver painted floor plates in the cab so thats how I've painted this one. Just needs dirtying a bit....


The engine bay was also painted silver - its a shame Airfix didn't include a B81 and transmission - the kit crys out for it so maybe in future someone will prduce a 3D printed one. We can but hope.... I also noticed 2 rather obvious ejector pin marks that may be visible once the cab is finished so I've filled them, the just need sanding back.


Construction has to stop here as I thought I had some Deep Bronze Green for the cab interior and, needless to say, I hadn't! So thats been ordered and will be here in a few days. I did make a start on some on the detail painting - steering wheel, seat cushions, knobs on levers, disk brakes and the foot plates on the backs of the two out-board seats. Now - Arfix have dropped a bit of a clanger with these as, when not occupied, the seat backs lay flat acting as platforms to stand on. However Airfix have moulded them in the upright position so its going to need careful thought as to how to rectfy this.


Overall so far this is an impressive kit - quite possibly on a par with Tamiya in terms of the precision of the mouldings and parts fit. I hope this continues to be the case as the build progresses!!

[digger303]

When you mentioned the mistake Airfix made with the seats, my mind went straight to thinking about that video that was made about the making kits. It was emphasised strongly about quality control and yet this seems to be something that you would expect from 20yrs ago.
The molded on detail doesn't look bad at all and it is fitting well. Though I am wondering how well the suspension mimics real life now.

[Stokesy44]

Nice progress.

The plastic looks good, how old is the kit?

[RangerNeil]

When you mentioned the mistake Airfix made with the seats, my mind went straight to thinking about that video that was made about the making kits. It was emphasised strongly about quality control and yet this seems to be something that you would expect from 20yrs ago.
The molded on detail doesn't look bad at all and it is fitting well. Though I am wondering how well the suspension mimics real life now.

Patience grasshopper!! We get to the suspension in steps 39 to 65!! For now the seats are giving me a headache....

Nice progress.

The plastic looks good, how old is the kit?

2025 moulding - its absolutely brand new!! And in both fit and detail wise its a good omen for future Airfix releases. Thus far zero flash and mould lines to remove, just lots of injection "nubs" to trim off.

[Stokesy44]

Brand new tool from Airfix. NICE.

Good to see you spoiling yourself with some modern plastic

[RangerNeil]

Brand new tool from Airfix. NICE.

Good to see you spoiling yourself with some modern plastic

Makes a change from decades old plastic!!

The story continues - paints arrived from Hannants today. Can't complain about the service - ordered them Tuesday evening, arrived at 11:30 today!!


So work can progress. First job was the two water cans that go in the rear of the vehicle:


Again- not sure what Airfix used as a reference because on mine the were secured by a vertcal stretchable strap that was fixed to the tray that holds them and clipped to a bracket on the inside of the toolbox. As can be seen in the photo these cans have horizontal straps. I'm wondering if they took the mould designs from another kit?
Next job after that was adding the Bronze Green to the interior and NATO Green to the external faces of the front bulkhead:


Its worth pointing out here that there is another flaw in the moulding of the cab bulkhead - the all-important BV (Boiling Vessel for the uninitiated) has been moulded 90 deg out. Looking at the kit the bracket is on the side wall of the R/H alcove whereas it should be on the rear wall with the tap at the front accessible from the cab.


Once the rear cab bulkhead was finished the cab interior was added. Note the R/H seat has been "doctored" to have the seatback in the down position whilst the L/H one is yet to be done:






If you look closely you see Airfix have provided the decals for the fire extinguisher labels. Thats a nice touch! And I think it save to say a FV623/624 will be following as the load bed bulkhead has the positions marked to drill for the folding seats in the loadbed.

Lastly it was a case of test fitting the cab sides, front and roof:




This takes the build to step 23 completed of 100. Once the cab is on it will be up to step 27 of 100. So still quite a way to go.

[digger303]

[NoelSmith]

A good subject in 1/35th and long overdue.
I think that KFS did a resin kit in 1/24th.

It's not the first time Airfix did a Stalwart. They did one many years ago in 1/32nd scale that was more of a toy in bendy plastic like their 1/32nd scale figures were.

[RangerNeil]

Good news - and not so good news today.
Good news is the additional detailing Airfix missed out of the cab is now in after a few hours work.


Forward/Reverse selector and winch free-spool levers added to the right of the drivers seat.


Winch control levers and cable guide added - controls behind the drivers seat, cable guide on the floor in front of the drivers seat.


Now the not so good news - I don't know why but the fit of the cab parts is chronic!!! There will be a fair bit of filling and sanding to do once set. Everything lines up with the alignment tabs/slots but......




So - at close of play today the cab is - sort of - on. The tool box pillar is done, the exhaust stack pillsr is a work in progress. The wheel hubs have a coat of Nato Green. The centres are painted white, idea being once its dry I can lay a thin strip of tape over them and give the exposed areas a coat of Nato Green thus creating the alignment stripes.

[digger303]

Airfix gotcha again.....damn. I really thought from what everyone was saying about the new Airfix kits that you were on a winner and this wold be a easy enjoyable build.
Great work in spotting and improving the detail in the cab.

[RangerNeil]

Latest update!
The cab has had the gaps filled and the first sanding is done. Still a few areas needing attention so filler has been added there and is drying.










The two rear pillars are added together with the load bed floor. After the issues with the cab these went together well, a pleasant surprise! The false bulkhead is in temporarily for now to make sure sure the pilllars are aligned correctly.



And - for Digger - here's the first of the suspension going on.

[digger303]

A load of filler and it's got me thinking about those cab panels.
Suspension ...yae and it looks like the wheels will all touch the ground and the steering to connect.

[RangerNeil]

A load of filler and it's got me thinking about those cab panels.
Suspension ...yae and it looks like the wheels will all touch the ground and the steering to connect.

Well - with all 6 wheel stations on it sits flat, no rocking so thats a good sign!

Todays work has taken us as far as section 70 out of 100 in the instructions. Both sides now have the suspension and steering on plus the tie-downs (6 a side).




Next step is the lower suspension arms and then the hull base to close it all up.






So - given a first coat of green. Next coat goes on with the airbrush. Also put a first coat on the areas with filler in to see how they look.


Meantime the plan for the alignment stripes in in progress. 1mm tape across the centres of the white painted wheel centres then a coat of NATO Green. The wheels have the red nuts added - worked quite well actually - they were high enough to dab with a fine brush.

[digger303]

Looks good and my interest in the suspension/steering system is sated very simple robust system.

[Stokesy44]

Looks good and my interest in the suspension/steering system is sated very simple robust system.

Unusual for British engineering

Good to see the vehicle sits properly on its hubs. Nothing screams 'Hey I'm plastic' like a kit that has no weight and can wave a wheel or two at you.

[RangerNeil]

Looks good and my interest in the suspension/steering system is sated very simple robust system.

Unusual for British engineering

Good to see the vehicle sits properly on its hubs. Nothing screams 'Hey I'm plastic' like a kit that has no weight and can wave a wheel or two at you.

Going to be interesting to see how Airfix handle the Limber/REME versions with the Atlas crane as they sit slightly nose down due to the weight of the crane.

A very minor update - I had a go at the brake disks last night


And a minor annoyance - I was watching Mos6510's video on YouTube yesteday where he reviews his build of the Airfix Stolly and he had some issues with the kit. Most I don't have but the one I do is an annoying one - part C15, one of the closed swimboard frames, was a short shot. I have the same problem!!


So I'm going to have to chase Airfix for a replacement...... Got to admit - for a new kit with new moulds this is inexcusable in terns of QC.

[Kevthemodeller]

Shame about the hull gaps looks like old Airfix engineering, well saved though.

[Stokesy44]

That short shot is a real PITA. It seems to be an issue with Airfix. Same thing occurred on their new Sea Fury and like you say, no excuse for that in the modern world.

They are improving in detail though. They've just released a new Spitfire in 1/48, the 2 seat trainer. Beautiful riveted surface detail, a real step up from their previous 1/48 Spits from only a few years back.

[digger303]

That short shot is a real PITA. It seems to be an issue with Airfix. Same thing occurred on their new Sea Fury and like you say, no excuse for that in the modern world.

They are improving in detail though. They've just released a new Spitfire in 1/48, the 2 seat trainer. Beautiful riveted surface detail, a real step up from their previous 1/48 Spits from only a few years back.

Do they do their own production runs in house or contract that work out to another, if so who is it ?

[Kevthemodeller]

Do they do their own production runs in house or contract that work out to another, if so who is it ?

It was thesehttps://youtu.be/KGzXWzYo_xk?si=ykalNBVsUnJ4dpvb whether it still is I don't know.

[cor]

That cabin interior looks really well done. That short shot looks fixable if you really had to, but I'm sure airfix will help out, they really have to I suppose.

[RangerNeil]

That short shot is a real PITA. It seems to be an issue with Airfix. Same thing occurred on their new Sea Fury and like you say, no excuse for that in the modern world.

They are improving in detail though. They've just released a new Spitfire in 1/48, the 2 seat trainer. Beautiful riveted surface detail, a real step up from their previous 1/48 Spits from only a few years back.

Yes - that two seater is VERY tempting. I'm not a Spitfire builder but that one does indeed tempt me!!

Luckily for me part C15 is used for having the swim board in the open/deployed position. And on that note - here's todays progress.
The false bulkhead is now complete - I used 1mm tape for the securing straps. The one for the jack block on mine was a dark green stretchy material whilst the straps on the pickaxe helve and shovel were conventional webbing material.


The water jerry cans were added to their location beside the tool box. On mine these two were secured by dark green stretchy strap so 1mm tape was used here too.


The side and tail drop gates are on and the upper works have been sprayed..






Lastly the wheels are assembled - if you are planning on building this its worth noting that of the two tabs that align the tread one is fractionally larger than the other so it only goes one way. The folded swim board is done, just needs another boat of paint and the two rear mud flzps are done, ready to fit once the wheels are on.

[Stokesy44]

Nice work.

Its a fair old size when its all together.

[RangerNeil]

Nice work.

Its a fair old size when its all together.

Thanks
Indeed - they aren't exactly small full size!!
19 ET 90 - aka "Litte Maud" - sitting on an LET at Chelsea barracks in June 2007 for the pageant celebrating the move of the Household Cavalry museum from Windsor to Horseguards - in front of H.M. The Queen!


About to turn into Horseguards from Birdcage Walk - moments after I just missed squashing Prince Harry in his glass roofed RR.


Back to the build though..... Progress is slowing now - dictated by the speed paint drys!! However:

* Disruptive overlay is now on. Next job will be a coat of gloss varnish ready for the decals and fitting the headlight/searchlight bodys.
* Swimboard is ready to go on once decalled.
* Wheels are ready to go on - the alignment stripes seem to have worked quite well.
* Rear mudguards are ready to go on.
* Wiper arms and blade have been picked out on the windscreen - just need tidying up with a toothpick.

[digger303]

So close

[DRUMS01]

I remember I had one of these when I was very young as a matchbox toy. If I remember correctly it was white, it had green BP logo's on it too. It was always one of my favorite toy vehicles. Your is moving along nicely, despite the kits shortcomings.

[Stokesy44]

Coming along nicely and really cool photos too.

[RangerNeil]

Thanks guys!! Hopefully today I can get the decals on so its ready for the final matt clear coat. I did the wheels last night so they are ready to go on.

I remember I had one of these when I was very young as a matchbox toy. If I remember correctly it was white, it had green BP logo's on it too. It was always one of my favorite toy vehicles. Your is moving along nicely, despite the kits shortcomings.

I've got that one still Its an FV620 - the Mk1 Stolly. Interestingly all Airfix need to do is change the 3 cab panels and the glazing sprue to change it from a 622 to a 620. If they do - then I will build it in that livery.
I'm hoping they'll release the 623 - Limber - and 624 - REME - versions with the Atlas crane and differentcanopies.

[RangerNeil]

Latest update!
The decals went on tonight.






Upper works have had a coat of matt varnish (after the photos) which is now drying it will then get flipped and the underside will get a coat.
I'm not really using any of the 3 schemes Airfix provide, I'm aiming for a replica of 19 ET 90 - my old girl. So right now I need to come up with a way of recreating the reg plates. Measuring the decals they are 3.5mm high x 15.5mm long with a 2mm font so I'm now hunting the 2mm white font.
Nearly all the parts are on, really its only the glazing and light lenses that need to go in once the varnish dries. Then the hatches, wheels and mudguards can go on.
The load bed cover -for some reason, has the ends tied up slightly leaving gaps that wouldn't normally be there. Once its painted I'll try adding the side ropes in a way that leaves it removable still.






That will leave the exhaust guard - and this, frankly is giving me nightmares. The real thing looks different to the solid item Airfix provides and to me both this part and the cab grilles are crying out for PE replacements. Currently I'm debating whether to drill the indents out or just try dry brushing the raised surfaces. Opinions would be welcomed.

[digger303]

I would drill the guard, but that's me and I don't always do the smart thing.

I was looking at the tarp cover and to put it mildly it surprised me, it honestly looks like the front and rear view from the 50"s and the top view more like now. There is something about this kit which seems both of the past and also the current era.

I know my Walrus has a tonne of ejector pin marks inside the fuselage that's really surprising.

[Stokesy44]

I would have to go with Digger. If you've got some decent tiny drill bits I would go for the drill out option.

Nice to see the decals on, especially the old Union Jack, God save The King!

[Stokesy44]

Check this out. It may have come too late for your build, or maybe not?

https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheArmour

[RangerNeil]

Check this out. It may have come too late for your build, or maybe not?

https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheArmour

EXCELLENT!!!
Thank you for that - I've ordered the exterior kit, the brush guards and exhaust guard alone are worth the £15 (they do list them as seperate items but not on the price list). If they bring out the 623/624 as hoped I'll spring for the interior kit too.

[Stokesy44]

Check this out. It may have come too late for your build, or maybe not?

https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheArmour

EXCELLENT!!!
Thank you for that - I've ordered the exterior kit, the brush guards and exhaust guard alone are worth the £15 (they do list them as seperate items but not on the price list). If they bring out the 623/624 as hoped I'll spring for the interior kit too.

Superb, glad I could help. It was weird, I was surfing FB just after I read your thread and it was like BINGO, I know who would fancy that!

[RangerNeil]

OK - this will be the last update until the upgrade kit arrives. The cab glazing and lights are installed. Hthe wheels, rear mud guards and swimboard is on. I also had a go at the fuel filler cap. All thats left to add are the roof hatches, exhaust guard and headlamp brush guards - these will come with the kit. The load bed cover has had a first coat of paint, second will go on by airbrush. For the time being I'm looking at ways of making up the winch cable and the two towing strops. I've got some 1/35 eyes and shackles from various tank build in the spares boxes so its just the cables themselves that are needed.
Oh yes - and I need to create the number plates for 19 ET 90.
Anyways - heres the pics of the work to date:

[DRUMS01]

Lookin good Neil, I really like the extra details.

[digger303]

Looking good and I noticed the front steering looks so good and airfix supplied decals for the extinguisher...great to see.

[Stokesy44]

Looking good, something very British and of its time about the kit and the colours. Good stuff

[RangerNeil]

Upgrade kit from insidethearmour.com arrived today - wasn't expecting it for a week or more. I am VERY impressed with the exhaust cage and the headlamp brushguards. A million times better than the solid offerings that came with the kit!!

[Stokesy44]

Very nice stuff

[RangerNeil]

Very nice stuff

Just need to get the parts out of the cage and washed without damaging any of them!!

[Kevthemodeller]

Looking good

[RangerNeil]

Having finally finished the twoTR4's attention goes back to the Stolly. Spent over an hour tonight trying to remove the various printed parts from the cradle. Not very successfully.
* The detailed hatches seemingly have their front edges buried into the base of the cradle so its impossible to cut them off cleanly - hence the filler in the photos.
* The exhaust cage is cracked both side but - hopefully - that won't notice once its on.
* Worst case are the headlamp brushguards - one completely shattered just as I snipped the last of the supports. So I've got to contact the manufacturer and see if I can buy a single to replace the shattered one or whether I have to get a complete set....

[digger303]

With your experiences I reckon you can patch it successfully.

[RangerNeil]

With your experiences I reckon you can patch it successfully.

If you mean the headlamp brush guard mate - not a chance in hell. Its in over 20 tiny little pieces.
The exhaust guard and hatches are in the process of being fixed though.

[RangerNeil]

Quick update - just heard back from the manufacturer. Apparently there was a faulty batch that should not have gone out so they are replacing the entire pack free of charge.