Volkswagen Schwimmwagen

1
July 14, 2022
Step 1: The instructions provided to assemble the front suspension.
2
July 14, 2022
Parts provided (X1 x 2+L L2+L R2+MA7+MA8+MA4 x 2+23 x 2+M20+MA2+K4) to assemble the front suspension.
3
July 14, 2022
Parts provided (L L2+L R2+MA7+MA8+MA4 x 2)to assemble the wheel hubs. After cleaning up the ejector pin marks on the wheel hubs, part LL2 and LR2, attach, part MA7 and MA8 using the two screws, part MA4. At the bottom is the completed wheel hubs. Secure the screws with a dab of super glue.
4
July 14, 2022
The front wheel hubs (L L2+L R2+MA4+MA7+MA8) attached to the wheels (X1 x 2). The front wheel hub’s retaining nubs needed considerable trimming to fit the rims and allow itself again to be disassembled for painting. At the bottom is the rims (X1) with the hubs inserted. Do not use glue to secure the hubs to the rims. I also encircled damage done by heat to the wheels while the model has been in storage for about fifteen years. This damage will be repaired later on.
5
July 14, 2022
Wheel hubs secured to the front suspension (K4). Note that the mounting points for the tie-rod is on the top.
6
July 14, 2022
Fitting the tie-rod to the suspension require part MA2 and two retaining "nuts", part M22 and M23. These retaining parts (M23) for the tie rod (MA2) is secured in place using a dab of super-glue.
7
July 14, 2022
The rack part of the rack and pinion mechanism (M20) was clipped in place on the flat part of the tie rod (MA2). No glue has been used securing the steering rack.
8
July 14, 2022
Step 2: The instructions provided for seating front suspension and back suspension.
9
July 14, 2022
The parts provided (A+X2 x 2+MA1+16 x 2+L L1+L R1) to assemble the back suspension.
10
July 14, 2022
Using the actual metal axel (MA1) provided with the kit, dry fitting the parts. Note the spacer (part of part 16) that is merely there to ensure maintaining a uniform distance from the body tub. It was sawed off after the swing arms set in place. On the right-hand side both the swing arms after being glued in place. Tacked into place using tape. Note, there is no locating tabs or guidance other than a blurry and partial photograph showing the location of the parts. Using the bottom of the tub, swing arms, wheel hubs, axel and using your eyes is the only way I could find to orientate the parts.
11
July 14, 2022
The axel (MA1) and wheel hubs (L L1+L R1) dry fitted.
12
July 14, 2022
Parts provided (C+Step 1) to attach the front suspension to the tub.
13
July 14, 2022
To attach the front suspension at the proper height, first glue the suspension assembly to the front protection plate (C). The large locating stubs (yellow arrow) were very loose fitting in the body tub (A). This was done by using this locating holes and pins (orange arrows).
14
July 14, 2022
Pre-shading done with NATO black and IJN grey.
15
July 14, 2022
Front suspension glued into place.
16
July 14, 2022
Step 3: The instructions provided to assemble the interior of the body tub.
17
July 14, 2022
Parts provided (T+Z+B) to build up the interior panels and basic fittings. The plastic representation of the wooden floorboarding (B) in the floorplan will be replaced with real wood.
18
July 14, 2022
Locating pins and holes in the body tub (A) and at the bottom of the bottom panel at the back of the cabin (T).
19
July 14, 2022
Dry fitting the bottom panel (T) of the back bulkhead into the body tub (A).
20
July 14, 2022
Securing the photo etch grill (MA6) with super-glue to the frame (45).
21
July 14, 2022
The rear bulkhead (Z+45+MA6) in position on the back seat platform (T). Epoxy was used to secure the grill on the rear bulkhead to the floor section of the back seat platform. All the major components being dry fitted. Note the locating holes for the backseats indicated with the orange circles.
22
July 14, 2022
After hacking off the simulated wooden floorboard panels using a chisel blade, the side walls and centre console of the floor pan was cleaned up. The sides of the original floor pan (B) with glue into place in an effort accurately lay the centre gear tunnel down. The locating positions were crudely removed. Plastic tubing is used to re-create locating positions (orange ellipse). Dry fitting the centre console. Now the fabrication of the wooden floor boards can start. There is no turning back now.
23
July 14, 2022
Before gluing the floor panels (B) to the tub, the side walls and centre gear tunnel was glued to the to the rear bulkhead (T+Z+45+MA6). This will eliminate gaps between the floor panels and rear bulkhead. For extra strength, epoxy was used.
24
July 14, 2022
The floorboards in a 1:1 which I will try to emulate by replacing the plastic version with a replacement made from wood.
25
July 14, 2022
Replacing the floorboards are taking shape.
26
July 14, 2022
The completed replacement floorboards.
27
July 14, 2022
The bottom of the floorboards, where the seats will be inserted were reinforced by gluing in the original plastic sections using epoxy.
28
July 14, 2022
I was not happy with my first attempt in scratch building the wooden floorboards. On the righthand side is my second attempt. I used pins to imitate the bolts.
29
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided to complete positioning the operating levers.
30
July 14, 2022
The foot pedals encircled.
31
July 14, 2022
The parts provided to assemble the pedals (1+12+29). Judging by its orientation, it is clear that the position of the brake and clutch pedals are not correct.
32
July 14, 2022
Positioning the clutch and brake pedals (1 x 2+12) horizontal. There are no locating holes/marks/indicators in the body tub (A).
33
July 14, 2022
The gear levers and handbrake encircled.
34
July 14, 2022
The parts provided for the gear levers (Y53+Y54+L4+Y58) and handbrake (L3). Y58 is erroneously indicated as 24 as on the instruction sheet.
35
July 14, 2022
Following the instructions had me attaching the handbrake (L3) in the wrong location. The obvious location hole in the floorboard (B) does not allow for the part to fit without modifying the part extensively. Replacing the plastic wooden boards provide the solution to relocate the handbrake.
36
July 14, 2022
To relocate the handbrake (L3) to a more realistic/accurate position, a small block was fabricated into which the handbrake can be glued.
37
July 14, 2022
38
July 14, 2022
The final result.
39
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided for building up the front and back seats.
40
July 14, 2022
Parts provided (71+73+W3 x 2+G x 2) to assemble the front seats.
41
July 14, 2022
There are no positive locating tabs to assemble the bottom (W3) and backrest (G) part of the seats. The seat supports (71/73) have positive tabs and location holes.
42
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided to assemble the steering mechanism.
43
July 14, 2022
Parts provided to build up the steering mechanism (49+51+S32+M19+L18). Part number “R” is an insert that will be inserted between the body tub (A) and the body top 👎.
44
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided. Note that part number “R” in the background appearing in place as if by magic.
45
July 14, 2022
The elusive part number “R” which is a spacer between the body tub (A) and the body top 👎. Note the ejection marks that had to be addressed.
46
July 14, 2022
The parts provided for the steering mechanism dry-fitted in place.
47
July 14, 2022
These two nubs (orange ellipse) prevent the engine bay to sit deep enough and have to be removed. Should it be an error, the two nubs can easily be replicated again.
48
July 14, 2022
Glued the engine bay (F) into position. No engine detail is provided. The boot/engine/bonnet (E) cover is dry fitted.
49
July 14, 2022
All interior parts primed and ready for paint.
50
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided to assemble the exterior of the body tub.
51
July 14, 2022
Parts provided (30+31+5 x 2+6 x 2+7 x 2) to assemble the exterior hooks and its brackets.
52
July 14, 2022
The sequence for assembling the exterior hooks and its brackets. By using glue to secure 5(5); 6(6) to 30/31 only, the hooks will be left to swivel freely. Both the hook assemblies completed and ready for installation on the lower tub.
53
July 14, 2022
This reference photograph shows that the pins, part 5 and 6 are not flush with the brackets part 30 and 31.
54
July 14, 2022
There are no location tabs/holes. Use eyeball mark 1 and reference pictures to glue the parts in their respective locations.
55
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided to show the drainage pipes.
56
July 14, 2022
The parts (23 x 2) provided and the location for the drainage pipes.
57
July 14, 2022
Using a toothpick, I held the drain pipe in place until the glue has set.
58
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided to assemble the propeller.
59
July 14, 2022
The real item. I saw this lifting hook on several reference photographs. This is nowhere to be observed in the instructions. The closest I could find in the box was part number 72. The sprue map also does not indicate part 72 as superfluous.
60
July 14, 2022
The parts (8+17+26+28+41+50+65 x 6+68+69+75+M19) provided to assemble the propeller system.
61
July 14, 2022
Part M19, not indicate on the instructions.
62
July 14, 2022
Using a pin-vice, I drilled out holes where the cover (8) is attached to the shroud (50) to insert the bolt heads (65 x 6) provided. The position as indicated on the instructions are wrong. Again, there was no indication for the location and I had to revert to the instructions.
63
July 14, 2022
The propeller mounting (26) sat very loose in the swivel mountings (67). Using plastic card, I glued in a shim to improve the fit.
64
July 14, 2022
The propeller (41) sat too deep in the mechanism (17+28). I decided to take a piece of sprue to fabricate an extension to the propeller shaft.
65
July 14, 2022
In placing this backplate (75), I was guided mostly by eyeball mark one and the basic shape of the part. The is no locating marks/pins provided. The swivel mounting (66) for the propeller can be identified by its larger locating nub. The locating hole (see orange circle) for the other swivel mounting (67) is notably smaller.
66
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided.
67
July 14, 2022
The parts (5+6+7) provided to assemble the front tow hook.
68
July 14, 2022
The same process was followed as with the hooks at the back. Also note that I have maintained a slight gap between the hinge and the body tub as taken from the reference photograph used for the hooks at the back of the tub.
69
July 14, 2022
The exterior of the tub primed, ready for pre-shading and painting.
70
July 14, 2022
The propeller assembly primed and ready for painting.
71
July 14, 2022
Step 4: The instructions provided to assemble the interior of the body top, fuel tanks with plumbing, the instrument cluster and toolkit.
72
July 14, 2022
The parts (N+10+15+74+76+82+83+84+85) required to assemble the interior of the top.
73
July 14, 2022
The top showing the attachment points for the fuel cells and the instrument panel.
74
July 14, 2022
The right-hand fuel tank.
75
July 14, 2022
76
July 14, 2022
The left-hand fuel tank.
77
July 14, 2022
78
July 14, 2022
79
July 14, 2022
Fuel tanks and pipes installed.
80
July 14, 2022
The instrument panel (76).
81
July 14, 2022
This container’s (74) purpose is not known. Perhaps a first-aid kit or a toolkit. Note the location tabs (orange circles).
82
July 14, 2022
The interior completed.
83
July 14, 2022
The interior primed and ready for paint.
84
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided to attach the parts to the top of the body.
85
July 14, 2022
86
July 14, 2022
A line drawing that will also be used as a reference. Research material is indispensable, especially when instructions are vague or not complete.
87
July 14, 2022
Parts provided (9+18+19+20+21 x 2+22 x 2+27+35+40+42+55 x 2+56 x 2+59+ 61 x 2+64 x 2+66+67+78 x 2+A3+A4 x 2+A6+J3 x 2+L5+L10+L11+L12+L19+L20+M11+W2) for the exterior on the forward part of the top of the body. Lots and lots of clean-up required. Some flash, a lot of seamlines, ejection pin marks, large sprue gates/attachment points and in general crude parts due to scale had to be addressed. Also note that part 9 on the sprue is mis numbered in the instructions. In all cases I have used the sprue numbering as the true standard.
88
July 14, 2022
Hollowed out the exhaust ends using a pin-vice and progressively larger drill bits. On the right is the “before” and on the left is the “after”.
89
July 14, 2022
Cleaned up and subassemblies completed. The tool hinges were left operable. The fit in general is good.
90
July 14, 2022
Working from the front towards the rear of the Schwimmer. The instructions are very vague and the placement of certain parts are not called for but can be identified in photographs. I therefore eliminate parts from the sprue trees as I move along add/relocate additional parts.
91
July 14, 2022
A dab of silver paint to the inside of the light (L10+L11). I agree that not much will be visible through the slits once the lenses will be painted, but full steam ahead!
92
July 14, 2022
No need to address the ejection marks/stubs because they are on the inside and the lenses (J3 x 2) will be painted.
93
July 14, 2022
Copper wire is inserted to simulate the actual wiring. The hooter (L5) had a void at its back. A superfluous part (L15) which was sanded to fit was glued into the back to cover the hole and make it a little more visually pleasing.
94
July 14, 2022
Ensuring that the headlights do not sit too deep, the hight was adjusted using plastic sheet.
95
July 14, 2022
On my references (see the line drawing), a NOTEK lamp can be seen. It is however omitted on the instructions. I found a NOTAK light (L7+L8) on a sprue. I think that this model shares sprues with Dragon’s scale 1:6 Kubelwagen.
96
July 14, 2022
Rather than scratch building a post for the NOTAK light, a suitable part (62) was found on the sprue tree amongst the superfluous parts.
97
July 14, 2022
There are no locating holes or marks for the bumper 👍. Holes were drilled into the mudguards using the bumper in combination of reference photographs.
98
July 14, 2022
Concentrating now on the centre section of the body top.
99
July 14, 2022
The parts provided (18+36 x 2+37+39 x 2+40+42+46+47+48 x 2+55 x 2+56 x 2+61 x 2+N5) to install in the centre section/waist.
100
July 14, 2022
Lots of seamlines had to be addressed. The roof tent frame was assembled (36 x 2+37+46+47+48 x 2) and two side bars (33+38 that will be installed between the front and back mudguard.
101
July 14, 2022
The parts provided (55 x 2+56 x 2+61 x 2) allows for assembling two workable tool clamps.
102
July 14, 2022
The parts provided (55+56+61+M11+N5) allows for assembling the tool clamp for the spade.
103
July 14, 2022
A reference photograph that provides guidance with regards to the placing of the tool clamps for the spade. There are no location marks/tabs.
104
July 14, 2022
A pilot hole has been drilled for the spade holder (M11). This hole will be slowly enlarged to accept the tab.
105
July 14, 2022
There are no locating holes/marks for the tool clamps (56 x 2) and spade holder (M11). There are locating holes for the side bar (33/38), however the tabs can fit only one hole and you are left to drill out a second hole. The furthermost tool clamp on the left has been positioned after fitting the spade into part M11. The same goes for the tool clamp on the right was glued into position after the rowing paddle was fitted into part 42.
106
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided.
107
July 14, 2022
The area at the back.
108
July 14, 2022
The parts provided (19+20+27+35+40+42+M1 x 2+M2 x 2+MA5 x 2) for building up the components. The exhaust has been painted with burnt exhaust.
109
July 14, 2022
Securing the engine grills (MA5 x 2) in place using two-part clear epoxy.
110
July 14, 2022
A piece of reinforcing was removed from the back side of the back light/number plate holder (42). In its place I will simulating the wiring to the brake light.
111
July 14, 2022
All the parts fitted.
112
July 14, 2022
Part 27, that is some sort antenna or light machine gun mounting, has been carefully drilled out to add some realism.
113
July 14, 2022
A detail omitted from the model is the loops through which the canvas roof is secured to the body. On the M sprue 13 x loops (M21) have been identified. The parts are shown as superfluous.
114
July 14, 2022
The parts were interspaced at measured intervals.
115
July 14, 2022
The instructions provided to assemble the engine bonnet.
116
July 14, 2022
Assembling the hinges for the engine bonnet (M1 x 2+M2 x 2+MA3 x 2). Not using glue allow for the hinges to be fully functional.
117
July 14, 2022
The hinges glued to the bonnet.
118
July 14, 2022
The latches x 4 is made up by the following parts (70 x 4+77 x 4+79 x 4+81 x 4) which are provided.
119
July 14, 2022
The hooks (79 x 4) for the latches glued into position.
120
July 14, 2022
The part of the hinges (77 x 2) which is attached to the body tub (A) is encircled. There is no location holes or marks. The hinges were assembled and hung from the part 79 which then allowed for accurately placing and gluing 77 x 2 to the body tub.
121
July 14, 2022
The part of the hinges (77 x 2) which is attached to the body top 👎 is encircled. There is no location holes or marks. The hinges were assembled and hung from the part 79 which then allowed for accurately placing and gluing 77 x 2 to the body top.
122
July 14, 2022
The bonnet lifting handle and buckle for the propeller retaining strap. There are no locating holes or marks for these parts.
123
August 19, 2022
The interior parts painted after consulting reference photographs.
124
August 19, 2022
The interior of the body top painted although not much will be seen after the two halves will be glued together.
125
September 13, 2022
A base coat of German grey has been applied to cover the primer coat.
126
September 13, 2022
A base coat of Neutral grey has been applied to cover the base coat of German gey. A coat of Sky grey will follow as soon as all the imperfections have been addressed.
127
September 26, 2022
Using a reference photograph, I have added some details to an otherwise blank canvas.
128
September 26, 2022
Step 5: The instructions provided to identify the difference between the different wheels.
129
September 26, 2022
Front wheels X1 x 2. It has a larger cone on the hub.
130
September 26, 2022
Back wheels X2 x 2. It has a smaller cone on the hub.
131
September 26, 2022
Spare wheel X3 x 1. The rim has two locating pins to attach the wheel to the body.
132
September 26, 2022
There was a chemical reaction between the rubber and the plastic used in the rims. This effected only certain parts of the plastic and not the rubber at all. The affected areas never solidified and retained a putty-like character.
133
September 26, 2022
I first tried clamps to return the rubber tyres to its original shape.
134
September 26, 2022
Using a chisel, removed the affected areas in totality.
135
September 26, 2022
Using sheet styrene and plastic rod the rims were restored.
136
September 26, 2022
I primed the rims and rubber in an effort to prevent decay.
137
September 26, 2022
Base coat applied.
138
September 26, 2022
Clear coat applied.
139
September 26, 2022
Dust coat applied.
140
September 26, 2022
Clamping the body top to the tub.
141
September 28, 2022
While fitting the interior parts, I realized that the steering wheel is way too close to the driver's seat back and would not allow the driver to sit on the driver's seat. I removed 30mm off the steering column, and it now seems to be more realistic.
142
October 11, 2022
Painting and assembly completed. Thankfully all the parts were still there. Now for weathering and completing the tools.
143
October 11, 2022
144
October 11, 2022
145
October 11, 2022
146
October 11, 2022
147
October 11, 2022
148
October 11, 2022
149
October 11, 2022
Step 6: Pioneer tools supplied with the kit. A shovel and an aor. The plan is to replace both with scratch build items.
150
October 11, 2022
I traced the shovel’s head in case I damage the plastic item.
151
October 11, 2022
Removed the shaft of the shovel, hollowing out the socket and thinning the plastic drastically.
152
October 11, 2022
The replacement shaft fashioned from a wooden del.
153
October 31, 2022
I used Tamiya NATO black as a primer and Black Gloss as a base coat.
154
October 31, 2022
Shovel completed.
155
November 25, 2022
The numberplate was repainted to be more accurate to have black letters/numbers on a white background. A numberplate for the front of the vehicle was scratch build. Front and back numbers and letters supplied with the kit were used. This number was taken from a vehicle used by the Commander and Chief of the 17th Army Headquarters.
156
December 3, 2022
The oar was painted a base coat of Tamiya Dark Yellow XF60. This will be painted over with oils to simulate the wood grain.
157
December 3, 2022
A layer of oil paint.
158
December 3, 2022
Using a piece of sponge, I “drew” the wood grain.

Commentaires

81 30 August 2021, 11:08

Villiers de Vos
This is the first time that I see instructions in a plastic kit that consists of photographs. The instructions are leaving a lot to be desired for. I can see a lot of trial and error on my side🙂

30 August 2021, 13:19

David Taylor
Watching this one.could'nt find an Eduard 1/16 so got a Torro one and aded detail and crew.

31 August 2021, 20:56

Mark K
I just had a look at the instructions online and I see what you mean. I certainly don't envy you the task of deciphering them!

1 September 2021, 01:37

Villiers de Vos
It is indeed a challenge. There are only these partial "glimpses" to work from and no locating tabs.

1 September 2021, 07:10

David Taylor
Instructions seem vague.

1 September 2021, 14:28

Villiers de Vos
The only way to make sense of the instructions is to work through small portions of each step in the instructions at a time.

6 September 2021, 04:23

Pepe
I love this gadget .... In its day I started modifying the one from 21st Century Toys, and then Dragon brought out this marvel

14 September 2021, 15:02

David Taylor
Got to be one of my fav soft skinned vehicles.

14 September 2021, 17:38

Villiers de Vos
@Pepe, your scratch building work is truly inspirational. Masterful.
@David, I have to agree with you. Except for a few scale 1/12 classic car models this is the only larger than 1/35 military model that I plan to build.

22 September 2021, 08:12

Pepe
I don't do anything that no one can do, thanks anyway ...
I'm dying to see this finished schwim

1/6 to power !!!!....... Jejejeje

22 September 2021, 14:03

Michael Osadciw
I wish there were more of these left. I SO want to drive one around especially when I live so close to a canal. 🙂 But a running one in seaworthy condition I believe costs almost as much as my house. 🙂

14 December 2021, 17:43

David Taylor
Last one I heard of that sold went for £110,000.I would also love one.I will just have to settle for the one I swim in the pond.

14 December 2021, 17:53

bughunter
Are you sure with the position of the peddles? Looks strange, see pic 68 for reference. How to brake with a foot now?

14 December 2021, 17:59

Villiers de Vos
@Michael and David, and to think the surviving vehicles were used as target practice after the war.

@Bughunter, the position of the handbrake is also wrong as indicated in the instructions. I found a build report that addresses many of these inaccuracies.

14 December 2021, 19:06

Pepe
I want that report !!!!

14 December 2021, 20:20

Ron Kok
That's not a little boy you're dealing with 🙂 Got this one in 1/16 of Eduard a little more manageable LOL and still need to dig up some good info.

20 December 2021, 10:01

Pepe
Thanks for the link

20 December 2021, 16:06

Jv
Yes I was thinking the same bughunter
Looks like the pedels are upside down
Interesting model
And looking like a challenge whed not much help from instructions

28 January 2022, 02:36

Ben M
Watching this. Makes me miss my type 1!

5 June 2022, 23:32

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Good to see you're back at the bench, mate.
Looking forward to your progress, Villiers. 🙂

6 June 2022, 07:09

Villiers de Vos
Thank you Ben and Robin.

7 June 2022, 02:29

Jan Peters
Following this with interest, like Ben I used to drive a Beetle too, so these machines always have a special place in my heart. Good to see a large scale type 166 being build, even if it is a hard job Villiers👍🏻

7 June 2022, 02:47

David Taylor
Got to get one.

9 June 2022, 18:56

David Pearson
Looking good, love the detail

20 June 2022, 16:59

Björn Svedberg
Following this with interest. The schwimmwagen is such a cool vehicle! Very nice build log! 👍

20 June 2022, 17:11

Villiers de Vos
A lot of progress has been made behind the scenes. The construction process has been completed and I can now concentrate on detailing little bits and bobs as well as my nemeses the airbrush. I modeller who like a "shake and bake" model will find building this model difficult and I hope will find this log helpful. A considerable lot of part hunting is required. Apart from the parts required to build up the Schwimmer, there are several parts clearly belonging to the Kubelwagen. Using reference photographs enabled me to use some of the parts.
The model is not as detailed as would be expected at this scale. It however allows for the experienced modellers to ply their skills to various degrees. Although the model is not overly complicated with a relatively low part count, it is poorly designed insofar as positioning parts (lack of locating pins and holes).
The instructions can be described as being rudimentary at best. It consists of a small number of photographs which can be used in the construction. There are fortunately many photographs available online. I followed a process of eliminating parts from the actual sprue trees.
There are no online building logs available online and therefore it was the aim to leave a complete as possible building log on record. The process will be broken down into 1) Front suspension; 2) Seating front suspension and back suspension; 3) Body tub; 4) Body top; 5) Repairing the wheels, and; 6) Painting. The visitor will notice that each step is isolated as not to overwhelm the builder.
On 14 December 2021 @bughunter made a comment that the position of the brake and clutch pedals not correct. That is indeed correct. There is no location marks and the instructions is no help at all. Using reference pictures, the pedals have been relocated and I believe that it is right now.
Coming back to my nemeses, the airbrush. I have mixed results with VALLEJO acrylic-polyurethane surface primer. It tends to turn into sludge in the bottom of the cup. The amount of paint and duration of paint sessions are now reduced. The pace should pick up as soon as I do some pre-shading and the action painting phase.

14 July 2022, 17:12

Ben M
Have you tried diluting with the Vallejo "airbrush thinner" ? Their retarder product is some kind of gel and I think is only useful for brush painting and not airbrushing.

14 July 2022, 18:26

Villiers de Vos
Ben, it is worth investigating. Thank you. One YouTube source used Future floor polish to dilute the primer.

14 July 2022, 18:39

Villiers de Vos
A short update. Me and my nemeses, the airbrush, is getting along better. The problem with the VALLEJO acrylic-polyurethane surface primer is partially solved by using higher pressure and often cleaning the needle.

19 August 2022, 06:19

Dariusz Swiderski
This is quite an undertaking. Anxious to see it done 🙂

29 August 2022, 12:45

Paulo
Nice!... and big as I like... watching... 🙂

13 September 2022, 12:08

Villiers de Vos
Thank you Dariusz and Paulo. The Schwimmwagen is one of my all time favourite vehicles. I had several setbacks with the paint which I have been possible to repair. In the background I have completed the repair, painting and weathering of the wheels. As soon as I am happy with the final outcome of the paintwork, it will be down to final assembly.

13 September 2022, 15:33

Paulo
I tried the Vallejo primer but didnt liked at all, mainly because it doesnt allow proper sanding. Insted I use One shot from Mig, thats the same of Badger Stinylrez. Pretty good finish and allows proper sanding if needed. Sometimes I had problems with thr CR plus and 0.5 even with some flow improver. Now to prime especially big areas I use a simple blower from Badger that I had from when I Started moddeling. Easier and almost no problems painting its as a bigger bottle and more convenient to this big kits.
Cheers

13 September 2022, 16:00

Villiers de Vos
Thank you Paulo for the sound advice. I tried the One Shot primer on the rims of the Schwimmer and like it.

14 September 2022, 06:20

Villiers de Vos
The Shwimmer is on its own wheels. Next is fitting all the small parts, followed by a blending coat and finally to weathering and modifying the pioneer tools.

26 September 2022, 10:42

David Taylor
Really coming together Villiers.

26 September 2022, 14:08

Paulo
The wheels are sweet!

26 September 2022, 16:09

Villiers de Vos
Gentlemen, thank you for your kind words.
One of life's mysteries remain what caused chemical reaction between the rubber tyres and plastic rims.

26 September 2022, 16:53

Paulo
Unpainted styrene in contact with the vinyl tyres melt them with time. Musta always be painted and Never let them in contact with unpainted styrene!

26 September 2022, 18:41

David Taylor
A trick the rc guys do is to let thin cyano run around the rim to seal the tyres.

26 September 2022, 20:33

Villiers de Vos
The rubber tyres remain a challenge. Although sprayed with a primer coat, painting the tyres and covering it with pigments, it remains sticky on the sidewalls as well the contact surfaces of my cutting mat. The curing time between layers were approximately between two weeks and one month.

29 September 2022, 03:24

Rui S
Big machine, looking good 👍

1 October 2022, 11:53

Villiers de Vos
Save for the tools, painting and construction has been completed. Now for the weathering part.

11 October 2022, 08:40

Ben M
Looks good. Amazing how many parts look familiar to me from the 73 type 1 I used to drive. Things like the rims with those funky big openings.

11 October 2022, 12:08

bughunter
That's a big nice model! You tend to do the bigger ones? What about a stage coach in 1:10 as next project?

11 October 2022, 12:24

Villiers de Vos
Ben, thank you.
Bughunter, I do not intend to go bigger. The Schwimmwagen was and is always one of those iconic vehicles. I even entertained for a brief moment in space and time of owning one. I think within scale a size this will be the only one. On the other hand, I do have a scale 1:35 Dora gun lurking in the stash 🙂

11 October 2022, 16:55

Villiers de Vos
Rui, yes this bad boy takes up a lot of space.
Paulo and David, the whole surface of the rubber tyre remains tacky. Not only the portions touching the plastic rims. I may apply another layer of pigments.

11 October 2022, 17:21

Paulo
Probably when the chemical reaction starts it must be irreversible, but maybe several layers of varnish will prevent it from degrading further... I say...
Good luck!

11 October 2022, 17:26

Peter K.
Looking so good! The wooden floor is so realistic. I like your work very much!

18 November 2022, 10:53

Jv
So many challenges in that kit I was expecting dragon to have made it a bit easier definitely not a beginner kit
But it does look very nice whed all your modifications
Just about done now well done villiers looks fantastic

18 November 2022, 11:14

Jan Peters
Shouldn't those colours of the number plate be the other way round?

18 November 2022, 14:24

Villiers de Vos
Again thank you for the kind words gentlemen.
@Peter, I substituted the plastic kit part with wood, using the kit part as a guide. It took several tries, and I am happy with the outcome.
@Jv, it depends what your end goal is. The kit has a low part count and other than the lack of instructions is a quick build. For me it was a journey in which I intended explaining the process. In other words provide instructions. The other objective was to become familiar with the airbrush.
@Jan, you are correct. I used my artistic licence 🙂

18 November 2022, 16:14

Villiers de Vos
Thank you for your input Jan. The numberplate was repainted to be more accurate to have black letters/numbers on a white background.
A numberplate for the front of the vehicle was scratch build. Front and back numbers and letters supplied with the kit were used. This number was taken from a vehicle used by the Commander and Chief of the 17th Army Headquarters.

25 November 2022, 18:16

bughunter
What a huge model! Is the engine compartment empty?

25 November 2022, 18:24

Villiers de Vos
@Bughunter, unfortunately yes.

25 November 2022, 18:26

Jan Peters
Thanks Villiers, that will make me sleep at night 😄
Good work on the numberplates, and good to see you used an existing number.

25 November 2022, 19:00

Villiers de Vos
Jan, I am also sleeping much better 🙂
It is understood that the black plates with with white number and letters were used in Austria only?

25 November 2022, 19:25

Villiers de Vos
The oar was painted a base coat of Tamiya Dark Yellow XF60. This will be painted over with oils to simulate the wood grain. At some later opportunity I would like to carve a replacement oar from wood.

3 December 2022, 10:04

Jv
Always perfection

3 December 2022, 10:37

Project info

Volkswagen Schwimmwagen

158 images

1:6

En pause

1:6 Schwimmwagen Type 166 (Dragon 75013)

No Micro Kristal Klear (Microscale MI-9)

1:35 Numbers for WWII German Tanks (MIG Productions MW3-207)

1:35 German Panzer division marking (Print Scale 35-001)

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