I picked this kit up many years ago and it languished in my stash, patiently waiting for me. However, with my self-imposed ban on anything Russian, limiting the kits available to build, the Grant finally had its turn. This version has the corrected suspension although Academy provides both in the box, along with a number of different styles of road wheels. This is also an interior kit, though it lacks the accuracy and quality of Miniarts newer offering. Anyway, here is the Box.
While I contemplated what to do I started on the interior. This is built upon a platform which is then placed into the lower hull. My sample was a little warped and needed some encouragement to fit correctly.
Believe it or not, this is the complete interior supplied in the box. Some of the component placements are a little vague so I cheated and looked at Miniarts instructions. That was when I realised how much was missing but to be fair not much is actually visible so I plowed on.
Next, I turned my attention to the upper hull. It's constructed of several pieces which are glued together to create complicated angles. I was worried about how this would go together but surprisingly it worked out nicely. Only a small amount of putty was needed and that could have been my fault anyway.
My references showed some cast marks around the hull gun casement as well as attachment points for the optional dust cover. I made these from thin plastic.
Originally I was going to do this Grant as a burned-out vehicle in North Africa. Unfortunately, the skeleton tracks I wanted are obscenely expensive and that idea quickly went the way of the Dodo. Academy Grant
- Vincent Power
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Academy Grant
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- Vincent Power
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Re: Academy Grant
The upper hull interior has no detail so I decided to add some. To be fair to Academy once again, not much would be seen anyway.
Academy provides the turret basket and this is detailed to a degree but the turret itself needed gear to fill the void. The Grant turret was very roughly finished and while Academy's effort is good I decided to improve mine by smoothing some of the edges and adding more cast effect and gouging with my trusty Dremel. I followed reference pictures to get the finish I wanted.
Next up is the turret which also has no interior detail at all. This is a shame because the Grant turret is full of gear. At this point, I would like to thank Philipp for providing me with some great reference pictures which gave me enough information to scratch the components. Thanks mate. Academy provides the turret basket and this is detailed to a degree but the turret itself needed gear to fill the void. The Grant turret was very roughly finished and while Academy's effort is good I decided to improve mine by smoothing some of the edges and adding more cast effect and gouging with my trusty Dremel. I followed reference pictures to get the finish I wanted.
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Re: Academy Grant
Before I could close up the lower and upper hulls I had to paint the interior. I used Vallejo Black Primer, then sprayed various grays, each lighter than the other, bottom to top. Finally, I used various white shades to highlight the areas next to hatches and doors to accentuate the shadows. This was done all in oils.
Academy provides rubber band tracks which are acceptable but I prefer to use something a little nicer. I wanted a distressed look to my tracks, showing plenty of wear. I used my Dremel, a sharp blade, files, and sandpaper. This took a long time until I realised I only had to do the ones that show. Luckily the sand shields cover the upper run of the track as well.
Once this was done I had to think about the camo. Unfortunately, before I had a chance to decide my Compressor died.
A new one was ordered and that is where we are now.
Thanks for looking.
Cheers,
Vincent
I was aiming for a dirty grimy appearance and I'm happy with it so far. Academy provides rubber band tracks which are acceptable but I prefer to use something a little nicer. I wanted a distressed look to my tracks, showing plenty of wear. I used my Dremel, a sharp blade, files, and sandpaper. This took a long time until I realised I only had to do the ones that show. Luckily the sand shields cover the upper run of the track as well.
Once this was done I had to think about the camo. Unfortunately, before I had a chance to decide my Compressor died.
A new one was ordered and that is where we are now.
Thanks for looking.
Cheers,
Vincent
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- Bryan Krueger
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Re: Academy Grant
Nice looking build so far.
That is some retro 70s style box art.
That is some retro 70s style box art.
- Vincent Power
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- Joined: 31 Jul 2014, 23:49
- Location: Melbourne Australia
Re: Academy Grant
Thanks Bryan.
I'm glad that type of box art went out of style
Vincent
I'm glad that type of box art went out of style
Vincent
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- Philipp Gross
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Re: Academy Grant
And there she is, at last
You didn't promise too much, you turned that mediocre kit into something very impressive! Let's hope the compressor gets to you soon and you can properly finish it
Philipp
You didn't promise too much, you turned that mediocre kit into something very impressive! Let's hope the compressor gets to you soon and you can properly finish it
Philipp
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Re: Academy Grant
Thanks Philipp. Yes, I finally got the Grant here and I am looking forward to painting her.
Vincent
Vincent
Completed Campaigns:
- Vincent Power
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Re: Academy Grant
The Grant has finally received the base coat. I'm sorry the pictures are a bit washed out but they could be authentic given it's supposed to be faded from the desert sun
Cheers,
Vincent
Next up is some fun with complementary colours and chipping fluid to build some visual interest into the bland base coat.Cheers,
Vincent
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