This is one of my older builds, but now that I finally finished a base for it, I can finally display it as a build feature here on Armorama.
The kit is Tamiya M1025 Humvee, which was bought along with number of Blast Models update sets to model a early OIF vehicle. I started detailing the interior by adding some PE parts from Eduard and building several details from scratch.
I really like working on vehicle interiors, adding stowage and various bits and pieces, always looking for reference photos to make it as realistic as possible. I used numerous items from my spares box and SINCGARS radio set from ProArt Models.
I have seen paracord stretched below the Humvee roof for hanging various things on. I tried replicating that, with some wiring and radio handset hanging.
I used Nemrod figures with the Humvee. I knew the company had quite a range of early OIF figures, but I didn't know much about them before ordering a set. Turned out these were quality figures which fit well to Tamiya model. I had fun painting camouflage patterns and added some Echelon patches (shoulder flags and 4th ID patches) provided by a friend.
The figures were fixed to their seats and some extra bits added to the interior. After a course of weathering I called the interior done!
I decided to do an early OIF vehicle and was looking forward to combining 3 color NATO camouflage and sand color add-on armor. I got Humvee OIF upgrade sets from Blast Models for the build, but then decided not to use aftermarket add-on armor, instead building my own from scratch. I added some rivets as well. The doors are from Blast Models.
I usually start the painting process by giving a black undercoat to the entire model.
As I wanted to paint the vehicle in 3 tonne NATO camouflage, I wondered what would be the best way to get the camo pattern as close to the real thing. I opted for J's work masks and those were great help, accurate and very easy to work with. I started by airbrushing Tamiya NATO Green, masked and painted Tamiya NATO Brown, masked again and finished with Tamiya NATO Black.
The finished camouflage looks really good.
The add-on armor was painted in sand color.
The suspension was finished and added to the model, but I left the wheels off for the painting. I built OIF weapons ring and smoke dischargers from Blast Models. After the gloss coat, Echelon decals were applied. I did a pin wash with MIG dark and brown washes.
Matt coat was applied and the entire model received a very subtle weathering (with some help from a friend). The DEF resin wheels were installed as well. DEF replacement wheels are a must whenever I'm building a wheeled vehicle... absolutely amazing quality and very realistic wheel sag.
The weapons are from Live Resin... absolutely amazing stuff. I added two smoke grenades tied to the Ma Deuce ammo box.
The weapons were added, as well as the stowage. The stowage is a combination of back shelf with fuel/water cans (I think from Calibre 35), backpacks from Legend and a spare tire from DEF.
My original plan was to add a figure manning a .50 cal to the weapons ring. But I finally decided to go with this one, also from Nemrod, but slightly converted to better fit the model.
And here's the finished model... The antenna is a wonderful offering from Adler's Nest.
I planned to make a simple base for the model, but never got around to do it. The Humvee was sitting in my glass cabinet on a simple wooden base for almost 5 years.
Fastforward to 2020... I was looking at the model and a decided to finish this one. It was a impulse decision and before I knew it, I was building a base. I started with an asphalt road, using styrene sheet, adding texture to it and scribing cracks in the asphalt.
Several layers of paint were applied to the road before I was happy with the result.
I used sponge to do the road markings.
I decided to use jersey barriers from Meng Model. I had fun painting and weathering these.
Fixed the barriers to the base.
After seeing a photo of iraqi street with barriers and election posters, I wanted to try replicating this scene. Here is how it turned out. I weathered the road using a ton of different pigments and some rubble.
I didn't really know what to do with the second part of the base. I tried using road guardrail, I tried some road blocks, but nothing seemed to work, as I felt it was taking the focus of the vehicle. Finally, I decided to do a simple setup with some trash and traffic cones... and a rat!
The leaflets were added as well. I tried getting the sense of wind turbulence (similar to the posters on the jersey barriers) to depict the vehicle passing by.
And here's the finished base. It is a rather small base, about 17 x 13 cm, as I wanted the vehicle to be a focal point of the vignette.
Finally, the model on the base.
It was a long road to get the model finished and even longer road to display it on the base. But now I can finally call this one done and display it in my glass cabinet.