The Last Crusade Tank in 1:18th

[Ford Prefect]

I've got a ways to go but thought I'd share this wip. At 1:18th scale she's 24 inches long. So far between just the one side and turret I've installed over 1000 rivets. Not looking forward to the rest. Construction is about 90% styrene and 10% MDF. My buddy Lowlight in there for size comparison. Out of curiosity is there a better looking replacement head for the Indy figure? I'm thinking of a static display piece with some figures posed in an action scene from the movie.

[Colonel Bludd]

What would be even more awesome is if you make a submarine. you look like you have the skills to carry it out.

[DarkHorse]

Your rivets are outstanding! ToD Indy has the best headsculpt by far.

[dpstro]

What would be even more awesome is if you make a submarine. you look like you have the skills to carry it out.

I vote for this. With a cut away section for playability of course. Keep up the great work.

[hahoo3]

I love old tanks, this is Awesome!

[r3v3n63]

Man! That is an amazing project! Looking forward to seeing this beast when it is done. What are you using for the rivets; cut rod or holepunch?

[Alyosha]

Speaking of rivets, in one of the hobby catalogs I saw some that were waterslide style a while back. That would certainly cut down on the terium of installing these by hand.

[jeffafa]

You sir, have talent. Thats three yes's, you're going to Vegas!

[freakintiger]

Excellent work! I feel your pain on the rivets, I've done 140 of 200 on my fanboat so far and it is just unnerving. I wish I could say I feel inspired, but really I can't stop wincing...

[ndb]

Very nice! The quality is astounding! Can't wait to see it finished!

[Zoomie2001]

This is boss, man. Keep it up!

[Ford Prefect]

Thanks Guys! For rivets it worked out for the scale to use sequin pins. Just drill and press, drill and press.

[freakintiger]

Thanks Guys! For rivets it worked out for the scale to use sequin pins. Just drill and press, drill and press.

Sounds a heck of a lot easier than what I'm doing. I guess you got them at a craft store, do you have a pic of some? I'd sure love to learn an easier way for future projects.

[gruppenfuhrer88]

Diggin' this!

[Ford Prefect]

Yeah any craft, fabric or Walmart will have them. They look like a regular straight pin just a tad finer and only 1/2" long. I use MEK as a glue on styrene projects (same plastic used on most Joe vehicles). I keep the holes as close to the pin size as possible but then run a brush of MEK over the finished rivets. It's just enough to soften the plastic and stick it to the metal pin.

Sounds a heck of a lot easier than what I'm doing. I guess you got them at a craft store, do you have a pic of some? I'd sure love to learn an easier way for future projects.

[freakintiger]

Yeah any craft, fabric or Walmart will have them. They look like a regular straight pin just a tad finer and only 1/2" long. I use MEK as a glue on styrene projects (same plastic used on most Joe vehicles). I keep the holes as close to the pin size as possible but then run a brush of MEK over the finished rivets. It's just enough to soften the plastic and stick it to the metal pin.

Okay, I know what you mean now, thanks! I'm gonna look for them the next time I'm at Walmart...

I have thought about using MEK as an alternative to Plastruct Bondene, do you get a nice weld bead from it (if you use sufficient amount)? I have a needle applicator for it and it sure is a lot cheaper...

[Starfighter]

Excellent job so far! Try not to get rushed. It may take another year, but you will be happier with the results as you know. Great craftsmanship and detail. Can't wait to see it finished down he road.

[Ford Prefect]

I've been using it for a while. A few years back most of the liquid model cements used MEK but they changed the laws on it's use. I like it because it's extremely hot so it evaporates very fast off the surface leaving less clean up time. It will leave a nice bead if you run a little extra along the seam. Best of all like you mention is price. When you pay the same for a small bottle of modeling glue vs half gallon of MEK why not lol.

I have thought about using MEK as an alternative to Plastruct Bondene, do you get a nice weld bead from it (if you use sufficient amount)? I have a needle applicator for it and it sure is a lot cheaper...

[freakintiger]

I've been using it for a while. A few years back most of the liquid model cements used MEK but they changed the laws on it's use. I like it because it's extremely hot so it evaporates very fast off the surface leaving less clean up time. It will leave a nice bead if you run a little extra along the seam. Best of all like you mention is price. When you pay the same for a small bottle of modeling glue vs half gallon of MEK why not lol.

Thanks Ford! Let me ask this as well: How quickly do you get a strong bond? I can get a workable bond from the Bondene in as little as a few minutes with full strength in 30, what is the MEK like?
Thanks for all your help!

[Ford Prefect]

NP, glad to help.

On .040 styrene it will tack up a seam in about 8 seconds, no joke lol. After 1 minute its still pliable but will hold just fine to continue building. Once set about 10 minutes its quite strong. I've gone back the next day to fix a mistake and had the plastic break off past the glue line.


Thanks Ford! Let me ask this as well: How quickly do you get a strong bond? I can get a workable bond from the Bondene in as little as a few minutes with full strength in 30, what is the MEK like?
Thanks for all your help!

[orezona]

Holy shiat!

Nice work on this. Can't wait to see what it looks like when it's finished.

I was thinking, "Wasn't this based on a real WWI tank?" and when I went to look it up, it turns out it was kind of "kitbashed" from several different models for the movie.

Still pretty friggin' awesome, though.

The level of detail is impressive.

[Ford Prefect]

Thanks! It was loosely based on the German Mk IV. It's still pretty cool that they built a full size functional tank for filming.

[Konigstiger]

Actually they slapped a turret on a replica Mk.VIII Liberty tank.

[Bionic Commando]

Wow This is Awesome!!I've always wanted one of these for my Indy display.Can't wait to see the finished product

[Dragasses]

good lord. that. is. rad.

[babylon]

Holy Crap! That is too awesome for words!

[07GT500 COBRA]

Awesome!

Are you going to do one of the sideguns/cannons with the shredded barrell after Indy jammed the rock in it?

[Ford Prefect]

Thanks!

Actually I typed too fast. It was based on the Mk VII. The whole tank was built by George Gibbs not just the turret. Quite a piece.


Actually they slapped a turret on a replica Mk.VIII Liberty tank.

[Dr. Vile]

Wicked, great work. I want to eventually make one, but my styrene skills are nowhere near this level.