ZLC2000 [C&C]

Construction starts with the wheels and suspension. This kit gives you the option to have the vehicle in "conveyance" (air drop) or "action" mode. In conveyance mode, all the axles are folded up. I want action! 

Drop shackles are provided for the conveyance mode, but I'm doing "action". It seems like the shackles need to be hanging down or absent, so some cutting is necessary or they stick out too straight. 

My reference photos don't show parts A24 anywhere (must be something used during the air drop), so I filled the holes for them, which are located behind the shackle brackets. 

Everything is lined-up to my satisfaction, now 🙂 

The box art and my reference photos show a large antenna on the right rear, but the kit doesn't have it. Drilled a hole and made an inner ring for underneath. 

Filled, sized, and smoothed around the hole. Scratch-built a base plate (to match the left side). 

Had to build-up the interior of the hole (left side). Compare that to the right side which was molded into the kit. 

The base plate sits at the bottom of the hole, so there has to be an interior wall around the depression made by the hole. 

Now it looks better. 

It's getting there... 

Wired the smoke dischargers 

Ready to paint. 

First base color is a mix of US Desert Sand and White, to give the Chinese pale sand color. 

I use "Silly Putty" for a mask, and added the Olive Drab color next. 

After the Olive Drab was dry, I added more putty and sprayed the final base color, mixed from "Deck Green" and "Medium Green". 

Gloss coated, decals applied, and pin-washed 

Next comes dry-brushing, painting/adding the details, mud, and tracks. 

Finished!