Challenger ARRV

[Isitme]

Next build is the Challenger ARRV offering from Accurate Armour. For those that are not familiar, these are basically all resin kits/conversion models where you use a donor kit mainly for the lower hull/running gear. I believe the earlier models were in a grey/green resin and later went over to the light grey. Plus you get an etch brass fret for items like side skirts etc. The instructions do leave a lot to be desired, and what I did was to scan each page and then resize it to A4 size for printing which does help. I will be using a set of Fruil tracks for a Mk 1 Challenger as these fit in with the period I am modelling.
So on with the build, the main component is the hull top,


When you first get these resin kits it is a good idea to make sure they are sitting square on all four corners. It is no hardship the level the moulded hull top, just let it sit in hot water, I use hot water and with washing up liquid in it to wash the moulded part(s) as well. Once the hull is softened then stand it on a flat surface with enough weight on top to level and then allow to cool either by pouring cold water over the hull top or allow to air dry. Other items can be warmed with a hair dryer to achieve the same result.
And onto this you add the rear end,

With first a sligh sanding on the mating surfaces for a good joint. then c/a'd together. and put aside to dry. I give this joint a good dose of the c/a and then put it aside to cure.
While this is going through the hardening process I then prepare the lower hull, in this case from a Challenger 1 as the final drive is different from a Challenger 2.

As you can see the idler wheel mounts are in place plus a suspension arm on all four corners ready for when the model is on a base and all the wheels can then be made to touch where they should.
I also have a box of spare parts from the donor kit...

And a stack of Challenger 2 etch brass if I need extra.

So the next thing to do is to get on with the build.
Cheers,
Mike.

 

[Jakko]

I believe the earlier models were in a grey/green resin

That’s correct, either that or (if I’m not mistaken) the yellow colour Verlinden also used. I have a couple of unbuilt AA kits on the shelf (M114 and FV 432) in that strange shade of green, however, just checking my old photos, a built one (Strv 103) that I bought 20 years ago was in grey much like yours. Seems they changed a few times.

The instructions do leave a lot to be desired, and what I did was to scan each page and then resize it to A4 size for printing which does help.

I just checked their site to see if they maybe have PDFs of their instructions, but they don’t seem to. Having something like that would make it much easier, but without, scanning and printing sounds like a good solution.

I also have a box of spare parts from the donor kit...

You could make a bogged-down tank from that, for a diorama with the ARRV next to it …

 

[JR]

2nd in, front row seat. I'll make the tea.

 

[adt70hk]

2nd in, front row seat. I'll make the tea.

I'll provide the cake........

 

[JR]

I'll provide the cake........

Let's not give anyone the cake Andrew !

 

[Mark1]

Looks interesting

 

[JR]

Looks interesting

Mark , what tea and cake or the model !
Think Andrew will share the cake !

 

[Mark1]

Mark , what tea and cake or the model !
Think Andrew will share the cake !

The model and 1 sugar tor me ta

 

[papa 695]

Just pulled up my chair next to the rabble.

 

[Isitme]

Good Grief, one mention of cake and the rabble arrive.....
Welcome.

 

[Isitme]

Update,
Work has now started seriously. The open areas above the tracks have now been filled in with sheet plastic card and c/a'd into place. Not a lot of them will be seen once the running gear and side plates are in place.


I have test fitted the beam over the engine deck to see if all is well - jury are still out on the pistons as they are not quite round, more egg shaped, so i think they will be going.

But the stowage boxes/cages are going to be rebuilt from this....


To this...


And that is where I am today, more tomorrow,
Mike.

 

[adt70hk]

Good Grief, one mention of cake and the rabble arrive.....
Welcome.

Sorry..... That's my fault.....

 

[adt70hk]

Coming on nicely.

 

[Steve Jones]

Big fan of Accurate Armour. Looking forward to seeing how the build goes together. I have my shades ready for all that bling. Good luck my friend

 

[Jim R]

Hi Mike
Watching with interest from a chair away from the rabble. I just couldn't concentrate on the build with cake crumbs and icing flying about.
Jim

 

[therapy]

Tagging along in the hope of some skills rubbing off on me. Not to mention my need for cake - that remains constant...

Nick

 

[scottie3158]

Mike,
I am definitely in.

 

[Graeme C.]

I remember when we were building these at Barnbow, they needed a few modifications from the way Vickers Newcastle had designed them...
I'm in Mike.

 

[BattleshipBob]

That looks a challenging kit Mike, count me in!

Now who said cake

 

[papa 695]

Nice start