Here is some progress shots from what will be a good summer build. This is the Coyote Light Armored Vehicle that Canada has been using in Afghanistan and before that Bosnia. They also use the newer LAV III which is similar to the Stryker, but uses a turret like that on the Coyote and they carry all kind of items on the exterior.
I'm using the AEF conversion which in retrospect was not the best use of my money. I've already gotten replacement parts which were still problematic...as example look at the picture of the resin external fuel tanks (two sets) I'll be fixing them. Other pictures where you see white or gray plastic I've already done some of the corrections required or replacement of poor resin parts.
These vehicles go out on patrol days at a time so go out carrying all kinds of gear so there is lots of mounts/brackets the AEF conversion didn't catch. Coyote use bigger tires than the US LAV-25 and are covered in ceramic armor. With the available references (lots of great shots online) I've been able to do several fixes, but won't be able to correct all the failings like the vehicle rear which should come to a point on top vs have a filler cap like the LAV-25.
Stay tuned...Tony
I always thought these vehicles were cool. Looking forward to watching this build.
Bill L.
Well I've been busy on the Coyote cutting styrene and using my Waldron set. This beast is starting to take shape. I've picked up some great shots from the Canadian Armour Forum to use as my guide...I'm doing some items by eye so the size may be off a bit, but it nevertheless is looking like a Coyote. In a couple of shots included you see the other AEF top half (I received a spare since the castings were poor) to compare the simplifications they did. I could not find any in that config....it must have been only a partial conversion. The turret will get side bustles (I think they are called) so much work there to be done on that part. I did manage to mate the turret ring from the LAV-25 to the resin part...wow what a dusty mess that was. On the side opposite the exhaust just after the hatch is the mount where the pioneer tools go and has a mesh basket to go over it...that will be fun to make. Towards the back you can see where I made a new small hatch to access the radio equipment. Good thing for my moto-tool a good challenge to recess the parts in the resin piece. That is all for now...
regards,
So, in order to show these pics. are you building two at the same tIME/// one OOB AND ONE 'CUSTOMIZED'??
they look great!! More progress, More pics!!!!
Can't wait to see tit next week on the 19th.
Bill L.
No I'm just making the one...I don't have all the parts for a second one though quite a few of the parts. I got the replacement after the turret on mine was badly cast around one of the large sights. The casting quality is far from what I have seen others do...very low quality control. After this one is done the next vehicle would be the LAV-III (think stryker with a turret on top and lots of external gear) and I'll use the new Trumpeter LAV-III kit after it is released though I hope the price won't be too scary...the Australian LAV (ASLAV) is $34 vs ~$20 for the LAV-25.
I'll likely have the last stowage mount on and the drive train in by next week.
regards
That looks really nice Tony. What kind of finish/paint scheme will it have?
Only two choices for the Coyote... A NATO green color or a Desert Tan (more current ones in theater). I'm leaning to the Tan color, but of course these vehicles get pretty dusty and dirty too. I put on some grab handles today and was doing some prep work on the upper hull where the headlights will go. Of course it uses different headlights than the Lav-25, but I was able to scrounge some up from my spare parts bin off an old Leopard kit.
Folks keep some of those sprues with various little parts even if the rest of the kit is a dud. You never know when you might find a use for the piece on another project.
regards,
Actually there is one more color used at times and it is the UN marked White vehicles typically of peacekeepers. Most in theater were Green or Tan.
regards,
Here are a few more pictures of that Wiley Coyote build this time some serious scratch build progress. First we have the driver's hatch where you can see mine and the real one in the background. I have few more little tweaks to it as I finish applying it's armor. Note this is a different opening mechanism than a normal LAV-25. The mount lets the hatch swing right out of the way when open. The second picture is of the turret baskets where in the shot you can see the AEF resin ones and the replacements I made. No matter what I could not clean those resin ones enough to pass. Bending the wire for the ones I made was no picnic especially to get them aligned, but I'm pleased with their look. All they now need are the diamond mesh and little wire tie downs.
Great level of detail.
Bill L.
Here is some new progress pictures of the Coyote. The mesh used for the baskets is from one of those grease splatter screens available cheap in Walmart .... easy to work with.
Here is a couple of new pictures of the Coyote. The tie downs are made with strands of wire from an old computer mouse cable. I made the jig to bend them and then I superglue them on. The Coyote as you can well imagine has alot of tie down points for gear etc.
Here is a couple more pictures before I add the brush guards near the headlights. A few more touch ups here and there still needed as well as all the view ports and sights then on to weathering.
Outstanding build Tony! Now weather that puppy up for some Afghanistan Special Ops :D Throw some Canuck Special Forces figures on it and stuff ;D
Here is a current progress shot for the Coyote...working on stowage then on to sights then to weathering...any suggestions on weathering approaches from being in Afghanistan.
thanks
Tony
That's lookin' good!
Ben
Here is a couple more pictures next is the weathering...Hope to have it done for the weekend.
Man, the detail!! Looks good Tony. Looked good and dirty at the show. Like!
Bill L.
This model won a special award for most detailed model at Fayetteville. Congratulations, Tony!
Lee K
Quote from: Lee_K on Sun 11/08/09 10:20 AM
This model won a special award for most detailed model at Fayetteville. Congratulations, Tony!
Lee K
Congrats.
Thanks guys. I'm really happy with the build and the weathering. Here is a shot from the gallery of it on the table at the R12 regional.