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Hi all,

Looooooong time since I last posted. Life finds a way... to get in the way.

As such, the hobby has been put aside for a couple years. However, I’m jumping back in with both feet for a HUGE project. And it’s already started.

I’m calling it DEAD RECKONING. It’s based off of Tamiya’s DRAGON WAGON set - something I’ve been meaning to put together for years. I finally took the plunge to buy it (along with several other kits) in order to make my dream conversion - a huge 40k vehicle transporter measuring approx 20 INCHES in length. It will be hauling TWO tanks and will feature as much detail as I dare.

So far, extensive work has been done to convert the cab:



There’s still lots to be done, but this is the main structure.

I added a whole new platform to the roof, adding depth where possible:



The rear of the tractor unit will featured dual tank tracks (instead of wheels), so I spent a lot of time converting the axle and driveshafts to suit:\



I did a dry test today - and I’m pleased with the current progress - which is all major structural progress. So all fine detail will follow in subsequent passes.

Smaller tracks will be added to the rear of the trailer in due course - meaning the only tires will be on the front axle.

It’s going to be a BEAST!



I update my blog in my sig below more often, but I wanted to post here too - as I’ve done with my dioramas I’ve made.

More soon!

Quick update with some progress.











I’ve still got a long way to go yet. Notably, the transported tanks have yet to arrive in the mail. Small tracks are to added at the rear, the trailer needs to be completed, including the loading ramps and the front bay. I would estimate this being around 60% complete, so far. It is, by far, the most detailed model I’ve created to date.

This is a fantastic build- congratulations on getting the gumption and wherewithal together at the same time to get moving on it. The level of detail is incredible- the care that you've placed rivets, grab handles, towing shackles- you must have very steady hands to get everything into place.

This is going to be fun to follow as you complete your build out and get going on painting.

 Meer_Cat wrote:
This is a fantastic build- congratulations on getting the gumption and wherewithal together at the same time to get moving on it. The level of detail is incredible- the care that you've placed rivets, grab handles, towing shackles- you must have very steady hands to get everything into place.

This is going to be fun to follow as you complete your build out and get going on painting.

Thank you for your kind words. Hugely excited about this project, it really has been on the boil for a long time.

Many, many more details to come. I actually think the real art is knowing when to stop.

Just ordered a bunch of new paints for when I’m finished with the modeling stage. More soon!

Rusty Robot,

Your title intrigued me and I am glad I visited. Fantastic work so far. It could serve as a wonderful terrain piece as well as model in a scenario.

Cheers,

CB

 Captain Brown wrote:
Rusty Robot,

Your title intrigued me and I am glad I visited. Fantastic work so far. It could serve as a wonderful terrain piece as well as model in a scenario.

Cheers,

CB

Thanks Captain! The intention is to have this as a display only vehicle. I’m actually thinking of featuring it on a small diorama/detailed base. I’ve got a few more updates coming soon!

Small update as I haven't had an awful lot of time lately. Tanks are almost done and I thought the latest dry fit worth sharing!

Cool supermassive tank hauler.

Jiminey that's great! Giving me flashbacks to chaining tracks down on railroad cars to head off to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. Really splendid. If your display base was a little longer, you could add a Taurox or better yey, those Elysian dine buggies as convoy lead and chase vehicles- something that massive would need 'em!

This is incredible, I wish I had the commitment to convert something that large. Would you like to convert me a massive horse trailer

Warboss_Waaazag wrote:Cool supermassive tank hauler.

I keep adding to it. At some point soon I will have to stop and paint the damn thing!

Meer_Cat wrote:Jiminey that's great! Giving me flashbacks to chaining tracks down on railroad cars to head off to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. Really splendid. If your display base was a little longer, you could add a Taurox or better yey, those Elysian dine buggies as convoy lead and chase vehicles- something that massive would need 'em!

Oh man, that's actually a really cool idea... damn, now I need to extend the base Seriously, I'm considering it now haha!

Minigiant wrote:This is incredible, I wish I had the commitment to convert something that large. Would you like to convert me a massive horse trailer

I think it would be easier to convert a horse trailer at this rate. Watch this space. Thanks!

An alternative to lengthening the base and adding convoy escort vehicles might be to widen the base a bit, and in the middle have road guards blocking an 'intersection' whilst your massive armoured Dragon Wagon rumbles past!

Or do both!

 Meer_Cat wrote:
An alternative to lengthening the base and adding convoy escort vehicles might be to widen the base a bit, and in the middle have road guards blocking an 'intersection' whilst your massive armoured Dragon Wagon rumbles past!

Or do both!

I’ve actually decided to make more of a base out of it (scrapping the one already made). A road intersection is very much on the cards

Oh - and I have plans for a lead vehicle too...

That looks awesome. Not just the transporter, but the conversion work done to the tank itself. If I was more proactive and handy with plasticard I would 100% steal that.

Can't wait to see what else you've got planned for it and to see a splash of paint.

Looks great! Looking forward to the base.

That's going to be awesome! Road guards right and left- POST!

The base you made is very nice though- now you need another project to fill it with!