1/35 FJ43 with DShKM

[frank2056]

This is AK Interactive's second kit of the Toyota Landcruiser/FJ43:


Scalemates link

It's such a nice, trouble free kit that I breezed through the main build in a couple of days. No issues at all with the kit (only one self-inflicted mistake). The instructions are great, with only a minor issue with the hinges for the spare tire (the kit doesn't use the mount, but the part is in the kit).



I decided to go with the boxtop color:



Some minor repair needed but I'll fix it during weathering.



The plaid pattern is illustrated in the instruction booklet. I scanned it in and cloned it to cover the plastic seats, then printed out the decal:



The DshKM is very detailed. I painted a tracer round every three on the ammo belt, but the tips are hard to see:



I'm also adding these guys, on their way to Disneyland:


Technical Riders

It's hard to get the machine gunner to fit just right:

[Old Wombat]

Build is looking very good, Frank! 

Good to hear the FJ43s are an easy build - I have several of them in various flavours. 

What is it with the "pointy guy" in so many of these figure kits? 

[Rick Lowe]

Looks good! 
Nice touch with the seat transfers.

[scooter]

What is it with the "pointy guy" in so many of these figure kits? 

"There!  Drive there!  The infidels are that way!  Imshee!  Imshee!

[zenrat]

What is it with the "pointy guy" in so many of these figure kits? 

"There!  Drive there!  The infidels are that way!  Imshee!  Imshee!

Seeing as they are riding Star Trek style (no seat belts) realistic poses would be to be holding on tight.   

Good job.  Love the upholstery.
 

[NARSES2]

Good job.  Love the upholstery.
 

As do I. Terrific job with the tartan   

[frank2056]

The wheels in this kit are plastic, not vinyl, which is a big plus. I've read that the cab versions of this kit have minor issues with the rear doors.

I've notices that most figure kits (and usually of WWII Germans) have at least one guy pointing. So I'm figuring that the pointing guy in this set is German.

The tartan decal was easier to attach than expected. Unfortunately the patterns will be  mostly hidden, but at least we know they're there.

[Captain Canada]

Nice work ! I like the seats as well. The figures will really bring this to life !

[NARSES2]

The tartan decal was easier to attach than expected. Unfortunately the patterns will be  mostly hidden, but at least we know they're there.

Do we know if it's a Clan Tartan or purely a generic one ?

[Old Wombat]

The tartan decal was easier to attach than expected. Unfortunately the patterns will be  mostly hidden, but at least we know they're there.

I'm guessing it's probably too late, but ... You could always leave out the Mr Pointy figure & leave the passenger's seat empty (or put a small organ transport cooler on the seat, instead    ).

[frank2056]

An armed organ transport? "Hey! we got a new heart for the Great Leader! YAY!" I have a more dramatic scene for these guys.

[su27rules]

    

[frank2056]

Chris - I asked the Googles and it said:

"The item is a Clan MacPherson Red and Blue Scottish Tartan design. It is part of a pattern often used for universal-fit car seat covers or custom-fit floor mats. "

The figures are kits in themselves. Each is taking about as long to paint as it did to build the Landcruiser. I'm trying the AK Quickgen acrylics, since they act as a wash of sorts.

Here's the DshKM gunner:



The skin looks dark in harsh sunlight (darker than under LED lights) but I think it works. I still have to fix a few spots and add the AK47.

[NARSES2]

Chris - I asked the Googles and it said:

"The item is a Clan MacPherson Red and Blue Scottish Tartan design. It is part of a pattern often used for universal-fit car seat covers or custom-fit floor mats. "

Ah, thanks Frank 

[frank2056]

I finished all the figures; they're OK-ish. Temporarily in position:



The driver and the boss seem tense, while the two goobers in the back are having a good time:



The figures still need some detailing and the vehicle some weathering.