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Academy Grant

Posted: 16 Jan 2023, 07:42
by Vincent Power
I picked this kit up many years ago and it languished in my stash, patiently waiting for me. However, with my self-imposed ban on anything Russian, limiting the kits available to build, the Grant finally had its turn. :) This version has the corrected suspension although Academy provides both in the box, along with a number of different styles of road wheels. This is also an interior kit, though it lacks the accuracy and quality of Miniarts newer offering. Anyway, here is the Box.
1 Box Top.JPG
1 Box Top.JPG (105.02 KiB) Viewed 4041 times
Originally I was going to do this Grant as a burned-out vehicle in North Africa. Unfortunately, the skeleton tracks I wanted are obscenely expensive and that idea quickly went the way of the Dodo. :roll:
While I contemplated what to do I started on the interior. This is built upon a platform which is then placed into the lower hull. My sample was a little warped and needed some encouragement to fit correctly.
2 interior tub and hull.JPG
2 interior tub and hull.JPG (40.95 KiB) Viewed 4041 times
3 interior tub installed.JPG
3 interior tub installed.JPG (41.89 KiB) Viewed 4041 times
Believe it or not, this is the complete interior supplied in the box. Some of the component placements are a little vague so I cheated and looked at Miniarts instructions. That was when I realised how much was missing but to be fair not much is actually visible so I plowed on. :?
4 interior assembled.JPG
4 interior assembled.JPG (43.86 KiB) Viewed 4041 times
Next, I turned my attention to the upper hull. It's constructed of several pieces which are glued together to create complicated angles. I was worried about how this would go together but surprisingly it worked out nicely. Only a small amount of putty was needed and that could have been my fault anyway.
5 upper hull and front fenders.JPG
5 upper hull and front fenders.JPG (33.83 KiB) Viewed 4041 times
My references showed some cast marks around the hull gun casement as well as attachment points for the optional dust cover. I made these from thin plastic.
6 upper hull mods.JPG
6 upper hull mods.JPG (35.86 KiB) Viewed 4041 times

Re: Academy Grant

Posted: 16 Jan 2023, 08:20
by Vincent Power
The upper hull interior has no detail so I decided to add some. To be fair to Academy once again, not much would be seen anyway.
7 upper hull interior add ons.JPG
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8 upper hull interior add ons 2.JPG
8 upper hull interior add ons 2.JPG (43 KiB) Viewed 4039 times
Next up is the turret which also has no interior detail at all. This is a shame because the Grant turret is full of gear. At this point, I would like to thank Philipp for providing me with some great reference pictures which gave me enough information to scratch the components. Thanks mate. :D
Academy provides the turret basket and this is detailed to a degree but the turret itself needed gear to fill the void.
9 turret components.JPG
9 turret components.JPG (35.86 KiB) Viewed 4039 times
10 turret interior view.JPG
10 turret interior view.JPG (33.4 KiB) Viewed 4039 times
The Grant turret was very roughly finished and while Academy's effort is good I decided to improve mine by smoothing some of the edges and adding more cast effect and gouging with my trusty Dremel. I followed reference pictures to get the finish I wanted.
11 turret.JPG
11 turret.JPG (29.5 KiB) Viewed 4039 times
12 turret rear.JPG
12 turret rear.JPG (28.09 KiB) Viewed 4039 times

Re: Academy Grant

Posted: 16 Jan 2023, 08:51
by Vincent Power
Before I could close up the lower and upper hulls I had to paint the interior. I used Vallejo Black Primer, then sprayed various grays, each lighter than the other, bottom to top. Finally, I used various white shades to highlight the areas next to hatches and doors to accentuate the shadows. This was done all in oils.
13 interior paint.JPG
13 interior paint.JPG (52.2 KiB) Viewed 4038 times
14 interior paint2.JPG
14 interior paint2.JPG (49.48 KiB) Viewed 4038 times
I was aiming for a dirty grimy appearance and I'm happy with it so far. :)
Academy provides rubber band tracks which are acceptable but I prefer to use something a little nicer.
15 Tracks.JPG
15 Tracks.JPG (88.94 KiB) Viewed 4038 times
I wanted a distressed look to my tracks, showing plenty of wear. I used my Dremel, a sharp blade, files, and sandpaper. This took a long time until I realised I only had to do the ones that show. :roll: Luckily the sand shields cover the upper run of the track as well.
Once this was done I had to think about the camo. Unfortunately, before I had a chance to decide my Compressor died.
A new one was ordered and that is where we are now. :roll:
Thanks for looking.

Cheers,
Vincent

Re: Academy Grant

Posted: 17 Jan 2023, 23:33
by Bryan Krueger
Nice looking build so far.

That is some retro 70s style box art.

Re: Academy Grant

Posted: 19 Jan 2023, 01:10
by Vincent Power
Thanks Bryan.
I'm glad that type of box art went out of style :lol:

Vincent

Re: Academy Grant

Posted: 19 Jan 2023, 20:49
by Philipp Gross
And there she is, at last :lol:

You didn't promise too much, you turned that mediocre kit into something very impressive! Let's hope the compressor gets to you soon and you can properly finish it :D

Philipp

Re: Academy Grant

Posted: 21 Jan 2023, 00:12
by Vincent Power
Thanks Philipp. Yes, I finally got the Grant here and I am looking forward to painting her. :)

Vincent

Re: Academy Grant

Posted: 23 May 2023, 14:58
by Vincent Power
The Grant has finally received the base coat. I'm sorry the pictures are a bit washed out but they could be authentic given it's supposed to be faded from the desert sun :lol:
16. Base coat.jpg
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17. Base coat.jpg
17. Base coat.jpg (59.27 KiB) Viewed 3660 times
18. Base coat.jpg
18. Base coat.jpg (64.89 KiB) Viewed 3660 times
Next up is some fun with complementary colours and chipping fluid to build some visual interest into the bland base coat.

Cheers,
Vincent