2023 Group Build - AMT 1/32 W900 Aerodyne

[Bronzekeg]

very nice detail work!

[leafsprings]

Excellent craftsmanship and ingenuity! Will save this as reference on how a 1/32 or 1/25 KW deserves to be built.

[J.B. Customs]

Every time I tune in to your build there’s always something new and amazing to learn great ingenuity 

[Rockford]

The KW hood from AMT in 1/32 and 1/25 is great on the outside where it matters, but is missing the inner mudguard which leaves the engine compartment exposed under the fender. It's not an extension of the hood sides, it's moulded into the arch itself and has a zig-zag shape to accommodate the front wheels steering I assume. 

I looked for something close to the radius of the arch and found a roll of tape close so used that to get my arc, then added a piece at front for the headlamp housing. Used this as a template. Also cut a rubber flap from electrical tape, I'll glue it on later. 

Cut a couple of 2.5mm strips and formed the brace across the rear of the hood. Ran a bead of cement around the joins to mimic the pieces being moulded in fibreglass. Adds a little detail...

[Bennyg]

Far out! Next level! Best project on here. Love checking in on it.

Ben

[J.B. Customs]

Another mind blowing ? detail can’t wait to see what you do next this is a remarkable build 

[Rockford]

Thanks gents, my stuff is tame in comparison to some of the jobs I see on here, wish I could build to their standard but I'm fairly happy with my work so far. Next step is the dreaded paint. I'm looking at so many pictures of W900s looking for something I like. 

[Pete68]

Nice updates insane work in 1/32 scale 

[Rockford]

On 8/3/2023 at 9:36 PM, Pete68 said:

Nice updates insane work in 1/32 scale 

Insanity is one of my better qualities Lee! 

Thanks for your kind words everyone. 

[Rockford]

I'm getting near to paint but I the weather is far too damp and I can't think of a paint scheme. 

In the meantime, I wondered if I could use the quarter fenders that come with the kit. For me they're far too big and crude looking, so I trimmed a piece off the bottom of the fender and the top flap. 

Then I filed away the three vertical braces and replaced them with 0.8mm aluminium wire, squashed flat at each end with pliers. Added a temporary mudflap on the top edge.

Fairly happy with the result but as I've already drilled the chassis for the previous set of fenders they sit a little low. I'll have to see what I can do about that. 

[Rockford]

I've decided on a colour scheme for the truck. It's going to have a Post Office Red chassis with white cab and I've drawn a stripe set up for it. 

I took a picture of the truck as side-on as I could and opened it in Paint®. I could then draw the stripes on the profile of the truck and have a fairly certain idea that they will fit ok. Once I've got the basic shape I can fill the colours in and then erase the truck from around them.

I lengthened the narrow ones to accommodate the curve of the sleeper front corner (I might print spare sections to use on the air filter housings), and then just copied and flipped the design for the other side. I'll have to do a few test prints on plain paper to determine the right size of print. Actually applying them is many moons away but the Pepsi® trailer has given me confidence. 

[Rockford]

Had a nice day so decided to paint the thing. Used Post Office Red left over from the flatbed I built and some Vauxhall Arctic White which must be 15 years old. Because I don't get many good paint days it had to be prime and paint same day. I just used a grey Scotchbrite on the primer which seems to have helped the topcoat. 

Now the long job of reassembly. 

[Pete68]

Nice I like those stripes 

[Gary Chastain]

Really nice detail, well done

[Rockford]

Of course, I've still got to paint the battery/tool boxes. I just thought I'd let the red cure a bit before I started masking up. 

[Rockford]

Brush painted the aluminium on the boxes, also masked and brush painted the tank straps. 

Printed my stripes on paper to determine the sizing, 17% seems right. The colours will be richer on the decal paper. Couldn't resist blacking the windscreen rubber and doing a quick mock up. 

Edited August 22, 2023 by Rockford
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[Gary Chastain]

That color scheme is going to look really good, well done

[Rockford]

It looks like a proper W900. Just hope I don't mess it up!

Edited August 22, 2023 by Rockford
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[Rockford]

15 minutes ago, Gary Chastain said:

That color scheme is going to look really good, well done

I made the three inclined lines match the three ridges on the Aerodyne cap. I can't deny being quite pleased with myself. 

[Rockford]

Fiddly day today. Fitted the engine and added the plumbing for the front brake chambers, water filter, power steering, fuel filter and heater. Painted and fitted the radiator. Gave the interior a quick splash of an oxblood red. The interior is dire but I'm not going to waste time on it because you won't see anything anyway. 

Fitted the wheels and rear hubs. Looks ok. 

Tried fitting the cab with the interior in and it sat pointing upwards at about 15 degrees, amazing what a few coats of paint will do! 

Edited August 26, 2023 by Rockford
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[Gary Chastain]

Great progress

[Bennyg]

Very nice!

[Rockford]

Things really starting to come together now. Applied some BMF, old stuff but went really well, I think it was the matt aluminium. Fitted the windscreens and visor. Added the indicator lamps I made and mudflaps to the hood. 

Cut the locating tab off the back of the sleeper, looks much better. Good alignment is still spot on. 

I'm so pleased with how things are working out. It looks like a W900!

[Rockford]

Gary and Benny, thanks for your kind comments. When I try to hit the thanks button, this is what I get. 

[Rockford]

Printed my stripes onto decal paper today and gave them two coats of lacquer. The colours look rich. Drew a few licence plates, a bingo plate some ICC permit numbers. I like to get most out of the sheet I'm using. Let them cure for a day or so while I get on with assembly.