Rik Thistle Posted March 20 Share #1 Posted March 20 (edited) Hi all, This is my build of the Chevrolet based K51 radio truck model made by MiniArt .... https://miniart-models.com/product/35418-us-army-k-51-radio-truck-with-k-52-trailer-interior-kit/ The blurb on the MiniArt radio truck page says... "HIGHLY DETAILED PLASTIC MODEL KIT, PHOTO-ETCHED PARTS INCLUDED, CLEAR PLASTIC PARTS INCLUDED,DECAL SHEET FOR 5 OPTIONS, K-52 TRAILER WITH POWER UNIT PE-95 ARE INCLUDED,RADIO SET SCR-299 INCLUDED, DOORS CAN BE ASSEMBLED IN OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, HIGHLY DETAILED ENGINE COMPARTMENT, TRANSMISSION, BRAKE, STEERING SYSTEMS ,HIGHLY DETAILED PLASTIC MODEL KIT"... OK, fine 😉 Reliable radio communication was arguably the most important technology used in WWII. And, as usual with war technologies, the science was forced to move forwards quickly. First a couple of pics of the box art. Below is the truck plus it's generator trailer. There were a number of countries using the radio truck. Those countries were.... British Forces Radio Station, 8th army sector, Italy, October 1944, Corps Signals Unit, 2nd Polish Corps, Italy 1944/1945, 1st Armored Division, 829th Signal Battalion, North Africa, Spring, 1943, 102nd Infantry Division, ETO, Autumn 1944, US Marine Corps, 4th Marine Division, Pacific, 1944/1945. Below, the large stack of parts that make up the model. Finally, a couple of pages from the rather thick manual. The red box on the second page indicates the meaningful part of the mobile unit, the radio equipments. I'm off now to do a lot more reading up on war comms and how and where the K51 was used. Back soon'ish. Richard Edited March 20 by Rik Thistle Javlin, mtaylor, ccoyle and 12 others 15 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted March 27 Author Share #2 Posted March 27 (edited) Hi all, A (very) brief update follows - I've been working on other things for the past week but am trying to keep to a one-post-per-week schedule on the Radio Truck. The vehicle frame is the first part described in the instructions. It is made of many small parts and alignment is done mainly by eye. Some of the parts are not quite as accurately made as, say, Tamiya ones but will no doubt lead to something that does look like the K51 Truck 🙂 Below, the basic parts that form the structure of the fame are removed from the sprue and filed smooth. The kit also comes with a photo-etch sprue. I haven't use PE before so was on a learning curve. I used CA glue to attach the PE parts. Below is the plastic former that part PE1 (x2) is shaped on. A close up of the former in action. Finally, on to the axles. I should make a bit more progress for the next post ...it feels like I have hardly moved forward at all in this post 😉 Anyway, some more info on the radio Transmitter and Receiver from Wiki etc.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCR-299 "The SCR-299 was a U.S. Signal Corps mobile military communications unit used during World War II. The SCR-299 "mobile communications unit" was developed to provide long-range communications during World War II. The US Military sought improvements of range, flexibility and durability over its existing SCR-197 and SCR-597 transmitters. In 1942, Hallicrafters Standard HT-4 was selected as the SCR-299's transmitter, known subsequently by its military designation as the BC-610. " There are a couple of good B&W videos of Hallicrafters ruggedising their SCR-299 Transmitter for military use .. The Voice of Victory Part I https://archive.org/details/VoiceofV1944 - Part II here https://archive.org/details/VoiceofV1944_2 Below, the Transmitters being assembled on the production line. The Receivers were BC-312's ...more here....http://www.armyradio.ch/radio-e/us-bc312-e.htm "The receiver BC-312 has been built by several contractors in the U.S. for the US Signal Corps in World War II and has been used as receiver in several wireless stations. The Swiss Army used this receiver in their Funkstation SE-402 / SM 46, an American SCR-499/A bought as war surplus." The 3rd part of the radio system and, arguably, the most important are the transmit and receive antennas...more in a later post. A screen grab from 'The Voice of Victory Part II' showing how the radio truck took messages from General HQ and transmitted that info to the battlefield, and then received information back from the soldiers in the field. Having watched the short 'Voice of Victory' videos it is really quite amazing that commercial equipment could be sufficiently ruggedised to allow it to be carried in the back of a truck across battlefields. Although the glass radio valves were now firmly held by clips, and the electrical modules held in retaining slots, it was still quite an achievement. More soon, Richard Edited March 27 by Rik Thistle king derelict, kgstakes, GrandpaPhil and 8 others 11 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDW Posted March 27 Share #3 Posted March 27 Very interesting subject matter. Following along with your build, Rick. mtaylor, Rik Thistle, Canute and 2 others 5 Quote Completed Projects: USS Fletcher 1:144 Scharnhorst 1:350 USS Independence LCS-2 1:350 1:32 J7W1 Shinden Interceptor/Fighter Fairey Swordfish Mk. II 1:48 Harbor Tug Box Scale Albatros D.V 1:32 Ala-Kart 1:25 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder 1:24 S-100 Schnellboot 1:72 Mercury Capsule and Atlas Booster BR-52 Steam Locomotive 1:35 Triumph 3 HW Motorcycle 1:9 Scale F-16XL-2 Experimental Fighter Bomber 1:48 Rafale 1:48 F-15E Strike Eagle 1:48 Petlyakov PE-2 Soviet Dive Bomber 1:48 TBM3 Avenger 1:32 1931 Cadillac 1:25 Scammell Pioneer SV2S Heavy Breakdown Tractor 1:35 M-50 Israeli Sherman 1:35 Military Wrecker 1:32 Delahaye 135 1:24 Toyota Sard Supra GT 1:24 Enzo Ferrari 1:24 1970 Baldwin Motion Camaro 1:25 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Stock Car 1:25 American LaFrance Eagle Fire Pumper 1:25 1940 Ford Standard Coupe 1:25 VolksWagen Dragster/Dune Buggy/Street Rod 1:25 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon 1:12 Porsche GT-1 Evo 1:24 Scharnhorst 1940 1:700 IJN Akitsushima Seaplane Tender 1:700 HMS Hood 1941 1:700 Prinz Eugen 1942 1:700 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted March 27 Author Share #4 Posted March 27 CDW, Welcome on board the truck...space is slightly limited but an extra pair of ears is always welcome 😉 Richard Javlin, mtaylor, Egilman and 6 others 4 5 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadwijm6 Posted April 8 Share #5 Posted April 8 I'll follow along too please Rick. Interested to see what the mini art kit is like and your thoughts. They have a few models that have caught my eye but I've never tried one. mtaylor, Canute, Old Collingwood and 3 others 6 Quote Cheers, James. Current Builds Microaces Scrappee Liaison Radio Controlled Occre Polaris 1/50 Hong Kong Models 1/32 B25 J Mitchell Completed Airfix Westland Sea King HU.5 1/48 Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc 1/24 Airfix Avro Lancaster B.III (SPECIAL) 'THE DAMBUSTERS' 1/72 Airfix Titanic 1/400 Airfix King Tiger 1/35 In the hangar, dockyard or factory Airfix Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4 1/48, Airfix North American P-51D, Mustang 1/48, Airfix Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XIV 1/48, Airfix MGB 1/32, ICM Gloster Gladiator 1/32, 5 Airfix Tanks, Airfix Blackburn Buccaneer S.2 C/D 1/48, Artesania Latina Zuiderzee Botter 1912 1/50, Airfix WWII British Army 30-cwt 4x2 GS Truck 1/35 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted April 8 Author Share #6 Posted April 8 Hi James, This is my 3rd 1/35 scale vehicle...the other two were Tamiya. There are an awful lot of small, fiddly parts in this kit, with a fair bit of flash and ejector pin remnants on a lot of those parts. Also, the part to part location spots are a bit indistinct at times. However, I find the subject matter interesting and important - that's mainly why I chose it. Building up the chassis is taking a while...a bit longer than I had anticipated. And then there will be the 'when to paint' question ie paint sub-assembllies or wait till the whole model is finished..... I'll probably go with sub-assemblies. I might (...very small might) add some interior LED type lighting) but will likely position the truck in a scenario eg top of a small rise for better radio coverage. But I'm a long ways from all that at the moment. And Spring has arrived, the grass needs cutting, the garden shed/workshop has been re-roofed. etc..so a number of other 'attractions' are vying for attention. Thanks for dropping in 🙂 Richard Canute, Old Collingwood, Jack12477 and 5 others 8 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted April 11 Author Share #7 Posted April 11 To help make better bends etc in the PhotoEtch that was supplied with the kit, I have bought a small bending tool from Amazon .... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DNT298P?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details ..... the price seems to have gone up a bit since I bought it, IIRC. It is made of metal and seems reasonably well made. Brief usage instructions are printed on the underside of the box. Richard mtaylor, chadwijm6, Old Collingwood and 4 others 7 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canute Posted April 11 Share #8 Posted April 11 Good purchase. Getting those 90 degree bends is easier with this tool. You may want to scrounge some short lengths of dowels/tubing to use as mandrels for your curved railings amd other rounded metal pieces. 👍 Rik Thistle, Egilman, CDW and 3 others 6 Quote Ken Started: MS Bounty Longboat, On Hold: Heinkel USS Choctaw paper Down the road: Shipyard HMC Alert 1/96 paper, Mamoli Constitution Cross, MS USN Picket Boat #1 Scratchbuild: Echo Cross Section Member Nautical Research Guild Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDW Posted April 11 Share #9 Posted April 11 (edited) After many years messing around with photo etch parts, these two tools from Tamiya are by far the most often ones used from my tool chest to bend photo etch parts: Amazon.com: TAMIYA America, Inc Bending Pliers-Photo Etched Parts, TAM74067 : Arts, Crafts & Sewing Amazon.com: TAMIYA America, Inc Mini Bending Pliers for PE Part, TAM74084 : Arts, Crafts & Sewing The small set being the most frequently used and the large set second most. These particular tools might be found elsewhere for less cost, I just used these links with photos to show exactly the tools spoken of. When you have long photo etch pieces to bend, longer than the largest Tamiya set can handle, then I use a tool similar to the one you own, only it's larger/longer than yours. I've seen other modelers simply use a metal ruler and single edge razor blade to bend photo etch as well. That's the low-cost economy model right there. You are right, the prices on these items have gone up since I bought them last. 🙂 PS: If you can find a 12" x 12" or similar size piece of black acrylic sheet, it's perfectly flat and a huge help when cutting or bending photo etch. The black background makes it much easier to see what you're doing, particularly when cutting photo etch from the frets. Edited April 11 by CDW Canute, Old Collingwood, Egilman and 2 others 5 Quote Completed Projects: USS Fletcher 1:144 Scharnhorst 1:350 USS Independence LCS-2 1:350 1:32 J7W1 Shinden Interceptor/Fighter Fairey Swordfish Mk. II 1:48 Harbor Tug Box Scale Albatros D.V 1:32 Ala-Kart 1:25 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder 1:24 S-100 Schnellboot 1:72 Mercury Capsule and Atlas Booster BR-52 Steam Locomotive 1:35 Triumph 3 HW Motorcycle 1:9 Scale F-16XL-2 Experimental Fighter Bomber 1:48 Rafale 1:48 F-15E Strike Eagle 1:48 Petlyakov PE-2 Soviet Dive Bomber 1:48 TBM3 Avenger 1:32 1931 Cadillac 1:25 Scammell Pioneer SV2S Heavy Breakdown Tractor 1:35 M-50 Israeli Sherman 1:35 Military Wrecker 1:32 Delahaye 135 1:24 Toyota Sard Supra GT 1:24 Enzo Ferrari 1:24 1970 Baldwin Motion Camaro 1:25 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Stock Car 1:25 American LaFrance Eagle Fire Pumper 1:25 1940 Ford Standard Coupe 1:25 VolksWagen Dragster/Dune Buggy/Street Rod 1:25 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon 1:12 Porsche GT-1 Evo 1:24 Scharnhorst 1940 1:700 IJN Akitsushima Seaplane Tender 1:700 HMS Hood 1941 1:700 Prinz Eugen 1942 1:700 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king derelict Posted April 11 Share #10 Posted April 11 17 minutes ago, CDW said: PS: If you can find a 12" x 12" or similar size piece of black acrylic sheet, it's perfectly flat and a huge help when cutting or bending photo etch. The black background makes it much easier to see what you're doing, particularly when cutting photo etch from the frets. Unless you are silly enough to use black primer on the fret first! Just did that. I now have a scrap piece of clear acrylic used with a sheet of white paper for future silliness. The black acrylic square is a great base for cutting PE and I use a similar bending tool. I find it easier to line up the folds exactly. I have the pliers but on my set the jaws don’t line up perfectly. Not sure if that’s my fault. I think we all develop our preferences for handling PE. I have the former for circular bending which works well with a selection of drill bits. Alan Old Collingwood, Rik Thistle, CDW and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDW Posted April 11 Share #11 Posted April 11 17 minutes ago, king derelict said: Unless you are silly enough to use black primer on the fret first! Just did that. I now have a scrap piece of clear acrylic used with a sheet of white paper for future silliness. The black acrylic square is a great base for cutting PE and I use a similar bending tool. I find it easier to line up the folds exactly. I have the pliers but on my set the jaws don’t line up perfectly. Not sure if that’s my fault. I think we all develop our preferences for handling PE. I have the former for circular bending which works well with a selection of drill bits. Alan Get a bottle of Mr. Metal Primer. It's clear, self-leveling, dries quickly and can be brushed on photo etch. A bottle of it will seem to last forever. I've used the same bottle for 10 years and it's still half full. mtaylor, Old Collingwood, Rik Thistle and 2 others 5 Quote Completed Projects: USS Fletcher 1:144 Scharnhorst 1:350 USS Independence LCS-2 1:350 1:32 J7W1 Shinden Interceptor/Fighter Fairey Swordfish Mk. II 1:48 Harbor Tug Box Scale Albatros D.V 1:32 Ala-Kart 1:25 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder 1:24 S-100 Schnellboot 1:72 Mercury Capsule and Atlas Booster BR-52 Steam Locomotive 1:35 Triumph 3 HW Motorcycle 1:9 Scale F-16XL-2 Experimental Fighter Bomber 1:48 Rafale 1:48 F-15E Strike Eagle 1:48 Petlyakov PE-2 Soviet Dive Bomber 1:48 TBM3 Avenger 1:32 1931 Cadillac 1:25 Scammell Pioneer SV2S Heavy Breakdown Tractor 1:35 M-50 Israeli Sherman 1:35 Military Wrecker 1:32 Delahaye 135 1:24 Toyota Sard Supra GT 1:24 Enzo Ferrari 1:24 1970 Baldwin Motion Camaro 1:25 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Stock Car 1:25 American LaFrance Eagle Fire Pumper 1:25 1940 Ford Standard Coupe 1:25 VolksWagen Dragster/Dune Buggy/Street Rod 1:25 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon 1:12 Porsche GT-1 Evo 1:24 Scharnhorst 1940 1:700 IJN Akitsushima Seaplane Tender 1:700 HMS Hood 1941 1:700 Prinz Eugen 1942 1:700 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted April 11 Author Share #12 Posted April 11 Ken, CDW, Alan, Thanks for the feedback. I'm slowly finding my way in the Plastic modelling world...so had started PE bending by using small, needle nose pliers with smooth inside faces, straight pieces of metal etc. But these PE parts are so small, compared to what I'm used to I ended up with bend lines that I am not completely happy with. I had had an earlier look at the two pliers you linked to CDW (...maybe I had seen them being used in one of your builds?) and almost pressed the Buy button but ended up, for whatever reason, going with the Bending Tool. I'll let you know/see how I get on. As for the K51 build, I'm distracted by other things at the moment but am trying to slowly trudge my way though the chassis/frame build. I think once I get through that section my posts will become more regular again. Thanks again, Richard Egilman, mtaylor, chadwijm6 and 3 others 6 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack12477 Posted April 11 Share #13 Posted April 11 That looks almost identical to the Hold and Fold tool produced by The Small Shop. The owners retired end of 2023 and closed up shop but some may be available on FleaBay. They also sold an 8×10 inch black plexiglass sheet. I used them a lot when I build my 1:350 plastic ships with add-on PE. The Bug (smallest of the set) The mid sized 5.5 inch Old Collingwood, _SalD_, Canute and 5 others 8 Quote Jack "No one is as smart as all of us" - Is ón cheann a thagann an cheird The craft comes from the head --------------------------------------------- Current build: US Constellation Non-ship builds: USCG UH-65A Dolphin M16 Multi-gun motor carriage diorama M4A3 Sherman Tanks dioramas 1936-1939 Mercedes Benz 540K 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II JSDF Light Armor Vehicle Figures: The Last Bridge: Raider Reaper Edge of Universe: Ianis The Last Bridge: Vadim with cart Completed build log(s): 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne, Willie L Bennett 1888 50 ft Gaff-rigged Ice Yacht Scratch Build The Sullivans (DD 537) Liberty Ship SS John W Brown USS England (DE 635), Artesania Latina Titanic Lifeboat Gallery: Swift , Armed Virginia Sloop, Santisima Trinidad Captain's Launch , 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne Other: Rhinebeck Aerodrome Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king derelict Posted April 11 Share #14 Posted April 11 15 minutes ago, Jack12477 said: The Bug (smallest of the set) Thats the one I have. I like it a lot and it looks like it will last forever. Shame the Small Shop has gone. Alan Egilman, Old Collingwood, Rik Thistle and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king derelict Posted April 11 Share #15 Posted April 11 3 hours ago, CDW said: Get a bottle of Mr. Metal Primer. I used the Mr Metal Primer spray and it really helped the paint stick without flaking. I have no idea what I was thinking putting the black primer over the top of it. Alan Old Collingwood, Egilman, Canute and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egilman Posted April 11 Share #16 Posted April 11 I have the Bug and the plate with the aluminum rods for bending curved pieces... (forgot what they called it) Just did a search of their vendors and most have little stock left and eBay has nothing listed in the US... The UK has a few available, but the prices are going thru the roof... The hardest one to get today is the 8" version, good for folding those long tank fenders but the price is over 100.00, there is one shop that still carries their long (4" + 8") blades for the larger hold & folds.... They won';t last long... It's a shame, they were the original, everyone else is a copy or a ripoff... A must have if you do a lot of PE.... Rik Thistle, Canute, mtaylor and 2 others 5 Quote Current Build: F-86F-30 Sabre by Egilman - Kinetic - 1/32nd scale In the Garage: East Bound & Down, Building a Smokey & the Bandit Kenworth Rig in 1/25th scale Completed: M8A1 HST 1930 Packard Boattail Speedster M1A1 75mm Pack Howitzer F-4J Phantom II Bell H-13's P-51B/C Temporary Suspension: USS Gwin DD-433 F-104C Starfighter "Blue Jay Four" 1/32nd Scale Terminated Build: F-104C Starfighter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote: "Relish Today, Ketchup Tomorrow" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted April 11 Author Share #17 Posted April 11 (edited) Jack, "...looks almost identical to the Hold and Fold tool produced by The Small Shop." It does. There seems to be a lot of look-alikes about. Did the Small Shop come up with original layout? If so, apologies to them for sending my money East. Richard Edit: Just read Egilman's post above.. Edited April 11 by Rik Thistle Old Collingwood, Egilman, mtaylor and 1 other 4 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack12477 Posted April 11 Share #18 Posted April 11 (edited) 30 minutes ago, Rik Thistle said: Did the Small Shop come up with original layout? Yes they did. They announced awhile back that they intended to retire the end of 2023 and were not selling the business or their patents. Shame because they had a reasonable low price for a quality product and delivery in US was very quick. Can't speak for Canada or UK delivery. Update : I just checked Their site , it appears they might be reincarnated soon. See banner at top of their web page. Bookmark it if you want. Edited April 11 by Jack12477 king derelict, Canute, Egilman and 3 others 6 Quote Jack "No one is as smart as all of us" - Is ón cheann a thagann an cheird The craft comes from the head --------------------------------------------- Current build: US Constellation Non-ship builds: USCG UH-65A Dolphin M16 Multi-gun motor carriage diorama M4A3 Sherman Tanks dioramas 1936-1939 Mercedes Benz 540K 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II JSDF Light Armor Vehicle Figures: The Last Bridge: Raider Reaper Edge of Universe: Ianis The Last Bridge: Vadim with cart Completed build log(s): 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne, Willie L Bennett 1888 50 ft Gaff-rigged Ice Yacht Scratch Build The Sullivans (DD 537) Liberty Ship SS John W Brown USS England (DE 635), Artesania Latina Titanic Lifeboat Gallery: Swift , Armed Virginia Sloop, Santisima Trinidad Captain's Launch , 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne Other: Rhinebeck Aerodrome Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king derelict Posted April 11 Share #19 Posted April 11 That would be great. Their tool has a lot more options that the copies. Being able to fold past 90 degrees and create two 90 folds close together. All the different "fingers" mean I can usually find a way to do most folds. Alan Jack12477, Canute, Rik Thistle and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted April 11 Author Share #20 Posted April 11 It looks like the Small Shop has a UK distributor ... https://www.historexagents.com/# If I decide to later go for one of the larger Small Shop PE benders then I will buy from them, assuming the potentail new owers still use that distributor. Richard Canute, Egilman, mtaylor and 3 others 6 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack12477 Posted April 11 Share #21 Posted April 11 (edited) 21 minutes ago, Rik Thistle said: looks like the Small Shop has a UK distributor Yep , that's the tool, 2nd one in from left is The Bug, one on left is the Mini. Prices, even in British pounds, is close to what they cost in US. ($36 vs £37, close enough) Edited April 11 by Jack12477 Old Collingwood, Rik Thistle, Egilman and 2 others 5 Quote Jack "No one is as smart as all of us" - Is ón cheann a thagann an cheird The craft comes from the head --------------------------------------------- Current build: US Constellation Non-ship builds: USCG UH-65A Dolphin M16 Multi-gun motor carriage diorama M4A3 Sherman Tanks dioramas 1936-1939 Mercedes Benz 540K 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II JSDF Light Armor Vehicle Figures: The Last Bridge: Raider Reaper Edge of Universe: Ianis The Last Bridge: Vadim with cart Completed build log(s): 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne, Willie L Bennett 1888 50 ft Gaff-rigged Ice Yacht Scratch Build The Sullivans (DD 537) Liberty Ship SS John W Brown USS England (DE 635), Artesania Latina Titanic Lifeboat Gallery: Swift , Armed Virginia Sloop, Santisima Trinidad Captain's Launch , 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne Other: Rhinebeck Aerodrome Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king derelict Posted April 11 Share #22 Posted April 11 Gosh, I didn’t realize that Historex was still going. They were considered the ultimate model figure when I was a very young model maker over fifty years ago. They still look great. Another rabbit hole to dive into. Alan Canute, Rik Thistle, Egilman and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canute Posted April 12 Share #23 Posted April 12 Another maker/retailer of these kinds of tools is UMM-USA https://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=67a8726df77727687a7e33be11c6ecf1 That link takes you to their tool pages. The folding tools are mid page. CDW, Old Collingwood, Rik Thistle and 3 others 6 Quote Ken Started: MS Bounty Longboat, On Hold: Heinkel USS Choctaw paper Down the road: Shipyard HMC Alert 1/96 paper, Mamoli Constitution Cross, MS USN Picket Boat #1 Scratchbuild: Echo Cross Section Member Nautical Research Guild Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted April 21 Author Share #24 Posted April 21 Hi all, Thanks for all the feedback...appreciated as always. Another short update, whilst the garden etc currently dominates my time 🙂 Most of the following pics are related to the frame and the engine. Plus adding some Photo Etch. I was still using my flat pliers, rather than the new PE bending tool mentioned earlier. The engine block starts to get assembled And some parts being added to the block. Three of the sprues included in the kit...there are about x25 more sprues still to be used. This kit is way more detailed than I had imagined. A final close up of the finished engine, soon to be fitted to the chassis, then all the services, exhaust pipes etc. Sorry this is so short, but best I post something now or I will never be able to recollect what I was up to last time I posted. Once I get through the chassis build I should start to be adding some panel work etc. All for now, Richard Jack12477, realworkingsailor, Egilman and 8 others 11 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDW Posted April 21 Share #25 Posted April 21 Remarkable detail in this MiniArt kit. Super job on it, Richard. Rik Thistle, Old Collingwood, Egilman and 3 others 6 Quote Completed Projects: USS Fletcher 1:144 Scharnhorst 1:350 USS Independence LCS-2 1:350 1:32 J7W1 Shinden Interceptor/Fighter Fairey Swordfish Mk. II 1:48 Harbor Tug Box Scale Albatros D.V 1:32 Ala-Kart 1:25 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder 1:24 S-100 Schnellboot 1:72 Mercury Capsule and Atlas Booster BR-52 Steam Locomotive 1:35 Triumph 3 HW Motorcycle 1:9 Scale F-16XL-2 Experimental Fighter Bomber 1:48 Rafale 1:48 F-15E Strike Eagle 1:48 Petlyakov PE-2 Soviet Dive Bomber 1:48 TBM3 Avenger 1:32 1931 Cadillac 1:25 Scammell Pioneer SV2S Heavy Breakdown Tractor 1:35 M-50 Israeli Sherman 1:35 Military Wrecker 1:32 Delahaye 135 1:24 Toyota Sard Supra GT 1:24 Enzo Ferrari 1:24 1970 Baldwin Motion Camaro 1:25 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Stock Car 1:25 American LaFrance Eagle Fire Pumper 1:25 1940 Ford Standard Coupe 1:25 VolksWagen Dragster/Dune Buggy/Street Rod 1:25 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon 1:12 Porsche GT-1 Evo 1:24 Scharnhorst 1940 1:700 IJN Akitsushima Seaplane Tender 1:700 HMS Hood 1941 1:700 Prinz Eugen 1942 1:700 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted April 21 Author Share #26 Posted April 21 CDW, Thanks for that. It sure has a lot of detail...way more than I'd expected. I had hoped that I could have completed the kit in roughly the same timescale as the Churchill tank or Archer SPG, but I suspect it will take much longer than that ...I just hope I have the attention span to stay the course 😉 As an aside I don't have a spray gun...brushes only...and that wasn't too big an issue with the Churchill/Archer since there were no really large panels, and the tank/SPG were covered in mud (to some degree) anyway. But we'll get there....he says 🙂 Regards, Richard king derelict, Canute, Old Collingwood and 3 others 6 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egilman Posted April 21 Share #27 Posted April 21 Rik, that is an absolutely gorgeous engine, beautiful job... But I have a question that needs to be asked.... What civilian truck are you going to put it in? In a WWII military truck, everything is green, Olive Drab specifically, there are some peripheral details that are black or metal color, but they for the most part are buried in the overall OD Green... Being historically accurate that is... mtaylor, Rik Thistle, Old Collingwood and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: F-86F-30 Sabre by Egilman - Kinetic - 1/32nd scale In the Garage: East Bound & Down, Building a Smokey & the Bandit Kenworth Rig in 1/25th scale Completed: M8A1 HST 1930 Packard Boattail Speedster M1A1 75mm Pack Howitzer F-4J Phantom II Bell H-13's P-51B/C Temporary Suspension: USS Gwin DD-433 F-104C Starfighter "Blue Jay Four" 1/32nd Scale Terminated Build: F-104C Starfighter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote: "Relish Today, Ketchup Tomorrow" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egilman Posted April 21 Share #28 Posted April 21 5 hours ago, Rik Thistle said: I just hope I have the attention span to stay the course Of course you do brother, you build fine machinery out of metal, A plastic kit is a piece of cake... {chuckle} Old Collingwood, Rik Thistle, mtaylor and 2 others 3 2 Quote Current Build: F-86F-30 Sabre by Egilman - Kinetic - 1/32nd scale In the Garage: East Bound & Down, Building a Smokey & the Bandit Kenworth Rig in 1/25th scale Completed: M8A1 HST 1930 Packard Boattail Speedster M1A1 75mm Pack Howitzer F-4J Phantom II Bell H-13's P-51B/C Temporary Suspension: USS Gwin DD-433 F-104C Starfighter "Blue Jay Four" 1/32nd Scale Terminated Build: F-104C Starfighter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote: "Relish Today, Ketchup Tomorrow" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Thistle Posted April 21 Author Share #29 Posted April 21 Egilman, The truck was based on a Chevrolet .... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_G506 I don't have my notes at hand (...on a laptop at the moment) but that Chevy truck was appaently used (very successfully) in WWII in a lot of different permutations. There is also a generator trailer in the kit...that is a project in it's own right! And then there is the radio operator (squeezed inside the truck), and driver to make. I have a kit of British figures that might do ... the Brits did operate the K51. So plenty to yet plan for. Yes, just about everything will be drab Olive, apart from where there are small oil/grease leaks eg engine, prop shafts etc...and mud, dust and the like. Thanks, Richard Egilman, mtaylor and Canute 3 Quote Current build: U.S. Army K51 Radio Truck with K52 Trailer - 1944 - MiniArt - 1:35 Next build: PM Research Crank Shaper - late 1800s - 1:12 Part finished: HMS Flirt (MSE) - 1782 Vanguard Models - 1:64 Finished: Archer anti-tank gun Diorama - 1944 -Tamiya 1:35 : Churchill MkVII tank Diorama - Tamiya - 1:35 - 1944 : Sherman Firefly Tank Diorama - Revell - 1/76 - WWII : Humber MkII Scout Car Diorama - - Revell - 1:76 - WWII : PM Research Drill Press - 1895 - 1:12 : PM Research Milling Machine - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Engineering Lathe - late 1800s - 1:12 (est) : Stuart Beam model steam engine - 1770s onwards - 1:12 (est) : Stuart 10V model steam engine circa 1920s - 1:12 (est) : Lady Eleanor Fifie Circa 1900 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 : Dallas Cutter 1815 - Artesania Latina - 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egilman Posted April 21 Share #30 Posted April 21 Yep it's a member of the G506 family of Chevrolet 1.5 ton trucks.... It's specific designation was the G7105 K51 Panel Van (Radio) They made thousands of them but only a few hundred radio trucks... Mostly they were bomb or dump trucks.... Lots of variations to the line, it was a very successful medium duty truck.... Plain Panel Van.... G7107 Dump Truck & G7106 Cable service truck... And another... (don't know what specific model... Many many different flavors of the G506 family of trucks.... mtaylor, Jack12477, Rik Thistle and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: F-86F-30 Sabre by Egilman - Kinetic - 1/32nd scale In the Garage: East Bound & Down, Building a Smokey & the Bandit Kenworth Rig in 1/25th scale Completed: M8A1 HST 1930 Packard Boattail Speedster M1A1 75mm Pack Howitzer F-4J Phantom II Bell H-13's P-51B/C Temporary Suspension: USS Gwin DD-433 F-104C Starfighter "Blue Jay Four" 1/32nd Scale Terminated Build: F-104C Starfighter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote: "Relish Today, Ketchup Tomorrow" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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