My modern armor builds

[g33man21]

Is this a kit in 1:35??? Looks great as do the rest of your models... thanks

[tiking]

Hi Graham. thanks for the comments. No, The basis for the model is a 1/32 toy-like remote control from NewRay (never heard of them before) Naturally, there were many mistakes and inaccuracies on this vehicle when I bought it. Quite understandable as it wasn't meant to be a a collectible item but merely a simple toy for kids around the age of 5-7 years of age. My interest was to build a wheel loader after seeing Mig's version but didn't want to spend the amount they were asking for the model(yes, I know...cheap person )

Anyhow, I wasn't too fond of the look of Mig's version, as I wanted something more

heavy-looking. Since there weren't anything in kit form, especially in 1/35 scale, I decided to look at other alternatives. So I was out grocery shopping and spotted this toy-like wheel loader. I stopped and looked at it and my mind started as usual sketching out the design aspects. I noticed it was not much of a model with not detailing what-so-ever, and a remote control toy at that. So I forgot about it, although I took noticed of the name of this particular model brand and decided I'll do a search on the net, just for the hell of it.

Doing an INTERNET search for this particular vehicle brand version I noticed I would have to do an extreme modification of the toy wheel loader if I wanted a nice representation of the real wheel loader. So after many days of contemplation and preparation I decided to buy the toy and go to work on it. Like I mentioned before, I did a reasonable amount of re-construction and refurbishing to get it to look like a descent enough model to be displayed. I had to remove all the remote devices and spokes motors and what-nots from within the toy loader. All sealed-up

openings had to be cut out as well as other areas had to be cut out like on the real vehicle. Some parts were removed and new scratch built pieces were used in it's place. It was a good bit of work but the results was all worth it.

All grab-irons, hydraulic hoses, pipings, antennae, wipers, support window braces, hinges, side view mirrors support braces, air intake, step grills, mud guards, rear view mirror and a drag hook were all scratch built.

Since I wanted a military version look I decided to paint it green and added all the necessary details like the strobe light and antennae. I think the end result really stands out than the original toy-like wheel loader. Now, this particular model is the L220E Wheel Loader manufacture by Volvo. I personally have no idea if this particular model exist in military colors but regardless if one exist or not, it does look good wearing the military color scheme, for sure.

This is the 1/32 scale Volvo L220E Wheel loader. Took me 6 days to get the results you see in the pics. I later sold it to a collector.

The original Front loader:

Edited May 3, 2012 by tiking

[Chillyb1]

Sensory overload!! There is way too much here to take in in just one sitting. I have recently accumulated several military kits and photoetch sets so I can attempt some of this kind of work. I really love looking at these kinds of realistically weathered models. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Harry P.]

Outstanding conversion of the toy frontloader into a highly accurate and detailed scale model.

[Speedster]

NICE!

[tiking]

Sensory overload!! There is way too much here to take in in just one sitting. I have recently accumulated several military kits and photoetch sets so I can attempt some of this kind of work. I really love looking at these kinds of realistically weathered models. Thanks for the inspiration.

I am only and humbly happy to have inspired someone. Thank you for you uplifting comments.

Outstanding conversion of the toy frontloader into a highly accurate and detailed scale model.

Thank you. I also did another conversion of a child's toy, but it was a compact roller; see here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44322&hl=&fromsearch=1

[modelmike]

WOW! thats all just WOW!

[sports850]

I've only just found this thread , absolutely amazing work . If it wasn't for the timber bases I wouldn't know whether they were full sized or models for the most part .

[tiking]

Thanks guys. Appreciate you took the time to view this thread.

[Brizio]

Great stuff man!

[tiking]

Thanks Fabrizio. Glad you approve.

[tiking]

This is the LAV III that was previously posted at the beginning of this thread. It is now decommissioned as you can see for obvious reasons:

[Dr. Cranky]

Another round of beautiful models. I love this last one. Then again, I love RUST and burnt out vehicles. Thank you.

[tiking]

Thanks Virgil

[bigphoto]

Wow, most excellent!!!

[tiking]

Thanks Tim. glad you enjoyed the pics.

[tiking]

My latest addition. It is a 1/72 scale Fennek. As a matter of fact it is my very first small scale model after 1/35. I have great respect for those who model this scale as a norm. I do not think I will do another one but you never know. This was just a test, to see if I could achieve the level of excellence those 1/72 hobbyist achieve in their builds. I personally think it is nowhere near it but I am satisfied as a first timer.

[DanielG]

Great work as always. Funny, but now, after having a friend do two tours in Afganistan, every time I see a picture of a shot up vehicle my first thought is 'How many died in that?'

[tiking]

Many thanks Daniel.

Edited September 10, 2012 by tiking