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Nigel Chapman
Been pondering over this one for a few months.
Original idea was to use the running gear from the 1980 Dodge Ramcharger but the chassis is too big and needed some major surgery to fit.
Found another Aoshima lifted Hilux kit at Model World Telford which looks the better choice as the chassis is narrower and I already have a moulded in engine so less work (famous last words🤪) it can easily be shortened to fit the VW.
Been watching SEMA 2024 videos this week so I'm considering a blinged up chassis.

Bozzer
Was this a recent eBay purchase, Nigel?

Nigel Chapman
Yes got it earlier this week. Engine and suspension built, the rest is mint and unbuilt.
Moulded in a bronze colour that I have never seen before. The sprues seemed to be quite brittle and easily snapped.

Bozzer
If it's the one that I was looking at, the moulding is broken, on the cab, where the windscreen meets the firewall?
I have always wanted this kit, and have been teased by a friend in the USA, who had a sealed one. That's now sold, so when I saw that one come up, I nearly bought it. I'm glad now, that I didn't, because we would've been bidding against eachother. I wouldn't do that, to anyone I know. However, this kit is available in a few guises.
I like it, because of the mini Peterbilt front end. It's a cool little thing, and the quirkyness appeals to me. I was actually thinking about getting the Midnight Cowboy kit, and just swapping out the back, for a 5th wheel? Anyway, I look forward to seeing the build progress on this. Great purchase mate, well done 👍

Nigel Chapman
Yes my cab has that break as well but should be easily rectified..
Wierdly I was not a fan of the Midnight Cowboy kit, I prefer this one and it goes nicely with the Brute Force Chevy van.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Christian for the thumbs up. Your right, brilliant model just dodgy parts and fitment issues. I also forgot to widen the rear wheel arches before painting, so it will not take much to get it back on track.

Bozzer
It's ball busting Bozzer again.
I'm curious to know how you got on with this? I have two of these, and my plan was to build both versions. However, seeing this, I'm tempted to leave the standard version, for a more worthy kit, and go nuts, with one of these kits?
Any thoughts are appreciated mate?

Nigel Chapman
Always up for a challenge I've been having a go at making my own custom gasser headers as the engine kit headers were not suitable.
I've used Evergreen 223 tube with 1 mm metal rod and bent to shape. This is rhe second attempt.

Nigel Chapman
Rather pleased with headers, they look good with the engine and fit just nicely with the chassis.
Test fit of body, chassis and engine and everything fits apart from the flip up front so the firewall is going to need some adjustment.

Nigel Chapman
Engine now 99% complete. There were some fiddly bits - issues with fitting the air intake, having to modify parts to fit. The drive shafts should have been attached from underneath once engine was fitted in the bay, you live and learn.
The kit distributor was removed and replaced with a pre wired aluminium one from Hiroboy.
It is a nice little engine that fits well in the Subaru engine bay.

Nigel Chapman
At last ready for another paint job!
New rear lights fabricated from clear sprue with red car headlamp tint stuck to the rear.
Thin strips of styrene glued to the bumpers to give a more defined profile.
Additional styrene strip added around the internal edges to give better edging and to hide the warped interior tub sides.
The roof hoop has also been reinforced with styrene to give a better definition.
New cockpit rear panel fitted and strengthened which also hides the rough edges of the wood bed.
Lastly repainted the interior parts with Humbrol Matt white to get a clean look - I couldn't believe how dirty the white parts actually were.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Chaps. That's VW Urano Grey with with Matt lacquer and all bright work Matt black.
It does look sinister. Ideal Halloween transport 🎃

Bob Hall
Slap a Jack Skeleton on the door and coffin hanging out the back window and.......... BOOO-YA, ya got yourself a stabbin wagin 🚙 !

Nigel Chapman
My holy grail of model kits! Although the first £60 kit I have bought, it's a bargain.

Bozzer
A bloody good bargain! These sell for £200+!!!
Nice work Nigel 🙂
Whilst I'm here, you won't believe what I recently picked up?
Take a look at my latest purchase..

Nigel Chapman
My first Revell van for a great price

Nigel Chapman
Another bucket list kit for a good price and my first £60 kit

Bozzer
I saw one of those going down the M6, near Keele Services. It sounded awesome!

Nigel Chapman
Yeah, there are quite a few old and new T-cabs about the UK - can't beat the that Scania v8 sound

Bill Newcomer
Well done my friend. I have been following for quite some time. I am impressed with all the effort you have given it. You have way more imagination than I have.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Bill

Nigel Chapman
Another bucket list kit - all original and complete with just the engine block glued together .

Nigel Chapman
My first ever £50 kit for my birthday. Original unbuilt condition apart from one assembled wheel. What a bargain!

Carlos Proença
Very good ideas!!!!! Well done Nigel.

Nigel Chapman
Thankyou

Jv
Looking great love your light
Fantastic with your bed that lifts up
Plenty of space there

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Jv

Bozzer
I always fancied the tanker, from this kit, for a future build I have. Keen to see how this one builds up, Nigel.

Nigel Chapman
Hey Bozzer, these are really nice kits, well packaged with highly detailed parts . I would say they are on par with Meng for quality.
I got both of mine for good prices though I have seen them anywhere between £30-50.
You should know me by now it's never going to be box stock! Plans are in the pipeline.

Bozzer
I know you well enough, to look out for your future builds!
I'm still trying to find a balance between my spare time and modelling. There's so much to do, but no time to get it done? Hence why I'm trying to get my incomplete builds finished. I've condensed a lot of boxes, but there's still a shed load more.