Dodge Comando 100 Crew van build

Discussion in 'Workshop Benches' started by SBt, Sep 10, 2019.

  1. SBt

    SBt Full Member

    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    288
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2018
    When a kit is released I always build a display model which is usually made from the first set of castings that come out of the mould. It helps me identify how long the clean up will take and highlight any issues. Also it saves wastage.

    Here I'm building a 1/43rd scale Dodge 100 Comando which used the same BR Crew van as the Leyland Terrier I also produce.

    The parts are a mix of resin and 3d printed. All Chassis/Cab road vehicles follow the same basic design principal. That is a two part chassis with seperate springs, transmission and three part cab. The cabs are mated before finally packed to ensure they fit together correctly. 1st Pic shows the parts.

    The first stage is to join the chassis sections using Araldite. UHU RESIN MUST NOT BE USED ON ANY PART OF THE KIT. Then sundry items such as leaf springs etc. can be located using the holes provided. Some parts are best fitted after painting if wishing to pick out detail. In this case the wheels and transmission will not be black but coloured. 2nd pic. show's chassis.

    Then the two halves of the cab are fitted. Here the casting had failed so I patched it up with some Squadron Green filler and drilled out the floor pan to accept steering colom and gear stick. This is the 3rd pic.

    Once this is all dry it'll be primed and painted tomorrow.

    Dodge Commando Parts..jpg Comando 100 Construction 1.jpg Comando 100 Construction 2.jpg
     
  2. SBt

    SBt Full Member

    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    288
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2018
    Running out of Primer 5 mins after the shops shut last night has added 12 hours onto the build. However was able to pre-paint siome parts I sprayed last night such as the transmision pieces. I'm using Humbrol Gunmetal (53) to highlight the detail allthough most of it will be hidden. I also painted the first colour of the two-tone seating.

    Comando 100 Construction 3.jpg Comando 100 Construction 4.jpg
     
    jakesdad13 likes this.
  3. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    That primer looks a bit thick Steve.
     
  4. SBt

    SBt Full Member

    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    288
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2018
    And here's the first one packed and in store. :thumbs:

    Comando 100 Packet 1.jpg
     
    jakesdad13, Matt and Andy_Sollis like this.
  5. SBt

    SBt Full Member

    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    288
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2018
    Moving on the smaller parts have now been painted requiring only a bit of touching up later when fitted. Tonight I'll paint the chassis and body and hopefully all should be done before I go to bed tonight.

    Also finished the early version too as used in the Late 70's and early 80's.

    Comando 100 Construction 5.jpg Comando 100 Packet 2.jpg
     
    York Paul, jakesdad13 and Andy_Sollis like this.
  6. SBt

    SBt Full Member

    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    288
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2018
    Paint drying slowly today so this will now be finished tomorrow night. Chassis constructed less gearbox and propshaft and cab spray painted.

    Comando 100 Construction 6.jpg
     
    jakesdad13 and Toto like this.
  7. SBt

    SBt Full Member

    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    288
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2018
    Painting and lining is something I've always been toilet at but with the aid of a Gel pen I've managed to get a half decent outcome here.

    This is the later Cab and I've used Humbrol 85 Acrylic (Black) and 16 Enamal (Steel) for the rad casting and light recess. I'm going to use just a dab of Superglue for the lenses tomorrow.

    I need to do some more cleaning up too around the areas ringed. I'll be using Humbrol Clearfix to attache the glazing and the Gel pen again for the rubber gasket. Very confident with this.

    Comando 100 Construction 7.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2019
  8. SBt

    SBt Full Member

    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    288
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2018
    Went out last night so paying the price this motrning. The smell of Clearfix really does sort out a hangover but doesn't help one keep the camera steady. Here's the old type A van body I'll be using offered up on the chassis. Everything clears it seems!

    Comando 100 Construction 8.jpg
     
    jakesdad13 likes this.
  9. SBt

    SBt Full Member

    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    288
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2018
    Finshed at Last.

    The Crew van body requires the spare wheel to be located to the end and between the mainframes tucked in underneath.

    Official Pic 1.jpg Official Pic 3.jpg Official Pic 4.jpg Official Pic 5.jpg Official Pic 6.jpg
     
    jakesdad13 likes this.

Share This Page