Build Thread, 1/56 SWAT vehicle

[CompanyB]

Hubs and Tires, I usually use a computer and 3D printer.  But for this model I'll do them in plastic.  It's a bit complicated, and probably could be a build thread all by itself

[CompanyB]

New update:

Started on the running boards, and finished off the general shaping of the body panels.
Also added the gun port frames, and marked where to drill for the hand railings.



The Running boards are textured styrene.  One thing I do when I make master models is work in layers.  So rather than use 4mm thick styrene strip, I'll glue four  1mm strips on top of each other. I prefer this method as 1mm strip (or even thinner, .25 to .5) is easier to cut, and allows me to build in panels and other details into the model as I go along.  So the running board is .5mm textured sheet, with .25 regular strip below it.


For items like doors and such, I use the "board/wood" texture strip.  It's scored on one side in 2mm to 5mm spacing.  The back side is plain.  This sheeting is great, and if you cut along the scored edge lightly, it snaps in a perfect line.  the plain side is faced outward, and additional thickness can be added to the hidden (wood) side if needed.


The running board will most likely be cast in metal on the final model.  So here it's just lightly glued in place for finishing.

While buying materials for the wheels ay the hobby shop, I managed to find a couple of 1/53 police cars by Corgi!
  They are supposed to be 1/50 scale to go along with their US fire Engine line, but the measure out at about 1/53 to 1/55.  perfect!

Tonight I'll do the driver and passenger armored doors, and start on the wheels and tires.

[Slayer]

coming along nicely, humm think I'll need 1 of these

[Admiral Benbow]

Very interesting step-by-step, thanks for sharing it!

[CompanyB]

Thank you all for the comments..

Managed to spend a few more hours on this in between a few other projects.  I've added the doors, and started with some of the details (hand railings)  These are bend plastic rod.  They are inserted for the photos, but I'll removed them and glue them onto some spare sprue so they keep their shape for the metal casting.  The wheels are temporary, and not for this kit.  I'll start those tomorrow.


I've also added the doors, and started closing off the bottom areas and any "open" spaces.  I'll need to add plastic card to the inside portion of the windows. 



The next portion will be the front grill, head lights, light coverings, and siren/lights rack.  I'll also need to start the armored turret/roof access hatch.

[carlos marighela]

Wow!! Would probably make a nice Brinks security van for bank heist games. You are a true artist sir.

[CompanyB]

Built out the rear hub and a tires.  Still need to add the tread.



I'll post another thread on how the wheel and hub was built.  It' a pretty long step by step, but the actually build only took about 40 minutes.

[Jase]

Neat! Must have for my SWATs! At least two

[Darkoath]

This is a thing of beauty!   Thanks for pointing me to this thread Brent!

Darkoath

[CompanyB]

Another update:

Built out the Police lights, and started some of the smaller details.  I'm experimenting with the railings, making them from plastic to cast into metal.  They may be too small though, so I'll need to go up a size in thickness for metal casting.




As some folks may want this as a armored bank car, I'll make the turret and lights separate, and include an optional roof armor plate.  You can get a little dual use out of the model that way.


Next phase is the tire tread.  I've found the patterns I want in some good close ups of the truck.  I just need replicate it in miniature.

[CompanyB]

finished off the front bumper, grill and light guards.  Just some sanding and minor detailing left to do and this should be just about done.



The bumper, like the lights and sirens will be separate and cast in metal, allowing this to be used as an armored bank car or the SWAT transport.

[Jase]

 

[YIU]

As you have separate parts such as the bumper and the police light you might consider a kind of removable load with gas cans and baggages on the roof, and why not a grill on the wind screen for a post apocalypse version of this van.

[CompanyB]

Finally created a test mold, and a test cast of the parts in resin.  A little paint, and it seems to fit the part of a SWAT command vehicle:


I cheated a bit on this, as I did not test cast the wheels and hubs.  The ones I painted up are placeholder until I get production kits in stock.  I still need to make some scratch built rails and a roof rack.  The ones I made in the buld are already prepper for metal casting.


Shot with some Copplestone miniatures for scale:


Now we finally have a vehicle to go with our SWAT decals.  And I call this model done as fart as the master goes.

Next project?

I was going to build one for some left over FOA Toyota's I have.  But I kind of want a bigger pickup for a camper...

Brent
Company B

[Belgian]

The vehicle looks stunning! Also looking forward to see the camper!