Italeri 1/24 Range Rover - GARDA

[Modeller]

I started to build the ITALERI reboxing of the old ESCI kit... Range Rover Mk.1... middle of last year.  This is quite a simple kit as far as details go... I intend to open up the tailgate to reveal Traffic Cop equipment... and will be doing it as a fictional GARDA version (so will have to print my own decals)... In the kit is a solid moulded front grille... there is no engine in this kit but feel the front end needs some work so I sanded the plastic (from behind) to reveal the openings then strengthened behind with thin strips of plasticard and and rods... I then had to scratch a basic radiator behind.

I think it is 100x times better... also the wheels are prepared... next was to begin to assemble the chassis and convert it from 4-seater to a 2-seater interior by extending the rear loading bay, to add more traffic cop equipment.

I am building the Fiat Barchetta as a quick build but will jump back onto the Range Rover next.

[GeeBee]

Looking good, I've driven many early Range Rovers, including many from West Midlands police, the police versions had no power steering, and two 12 volt batteries with a twin charging system fitted. 

[Modeller]

Hi Geoff, It is such an iconic car, I almost feel bad for turning this into a 'What-If', the Garda never had Range Rovers back in the day... and I am proposing a modern colour scheme od White with day-glo yellow band. A period correct colour would be all over blue (similar to the Gendarmerie)... I did a test spray and didn't like it so decided as it is a what if anyway to go with a more modern scheme.

 

[Bainford]

Cool project, and interesting kit. I have a couple in the stash (though neither one this particular version) and curious how well they go together. Opening the grill makes a big improvement. 

[Modeller]

1 minute ago, Bainford said:

Cool project, and interesting kit. I have a couple in the stash (though neither one this particular version) and curious how well they go together. Opening the grill makes a big improvement. 

Hi Trevor,  It does indeed make a big difference to the whole look of the front end.... bit fiddly putting the chassis together needed reinforcing to keep square bot nothing too arduous. 

 

[mrmike]

I like this and it is looking good!  I have this kit and built it as the British Transport Police Range Rover and added a resin 2-way radio and a couple of antennas.  It was also shown in the latest issue of Contest Cars.  

[GeeBee]

13 hours ago, Modeller said:

Hi Trevor,  It does indeed make a big difference to the whole look of the front end.... bit fiddly putting the chassis together needed reinforcing to keep square bot nothing too arduous. 

 

I'll be pinching this idea for when I build the few Italeri Range Rovers I've got, looks so much better than how Italeri do the front grille. 

[Modeller]

41 minutes ago, mrmike said:

I like this and it is looking good!  I have this kit and built it as the British Transport Police Range Rover and added a resin 2-way radio and a couple of antennas.  It was also shown in the latest issue of Contest Cars.  

Beautiful build, it looks amazing. I do not know this publication but will check it out.

[Modeller]

1 hour ago, GeeBee said:

I'll be pinching this idea for when I build the few Italeri Range Rovers I've got, looks so much better than how Italeri do the front grille. 

Please do Geoff.... after all I got the idea from another modeller who did a similar thing sanding an dash to open up some moulded in vents.

 

[beeRS]

Nice work with opening up the front grill. It makes all the difference.