Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) to Recreational Vehicle (RV)?

[SteelWolf]

I want to buy a wheeled AFV (Armored Fighting Vehicle) model kit soon, but I'm not sure which one to get. I need one with a good amount of interior space. Either the:

Boxer

Stryker

LAV-25

I realise there's numerous versions of anti-tank, ambulance, recon, NBC, anti-air, etc., etc., etc. for each one. All I want is just the "basic" unit so to speak. Is anybody familiar with the REAL vehicles and can tell me how much interior space the Boxer, Stryker, and the LAV-25 has? From what I have seen on the Net so far, I am temporarily leaning toward getting a Stryker model kit. But whatever I end up getting, I know I’ll have my hands full doing a lot of scratchbuilding.

I want to convert/whiff this:

http://www.modelcars.com/model-kit/academy-models-m1126-stryker-ground-vehicle.jpg

………into something fun and crazy like this. :)

http://www.invisiblethemepark.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Pickup-Truck-Camper-Cutaway-1967.jpg

http://www.roamingtimes.com/rvreports/1/images/oregon-truck-camper-interior-1.jpg

Edited December 17, 2014 by SteelWolf

[Grey Ghost 531]

I saw some pictures of a BRDM converted into a sort of super-hummer on the web a while back. They went the luxo-limo route instead of camper. Maybe one of the MRAPs?

[Don]

Since you won't be needing any armament for your what-if build, I would aim for a Stryker M1133 MEV (Medical Evacuation Vehicle).

http://static.hlj.com/images/trp/trp01559_0.jpg

Being designed from the outset as an ambulance version of the Stryker, it has more interior space in the rear for patients, medics/Doctors/nurses then most of the Stryker variants. With no turrets to worry about, conversion of the upper surfaces shouldn't be a big problem.

Another option is the Stryker Mortar Carrier M1129:

http://www.boathousecollectables.co.nz/assets/Products/M1129-Stryker-Mortar-Carrier-Vehicle-MC-B-1-35-2239.jpg

Those big open upper doors are begging to be converted to a sun/moon roof !

The above models are 1/35 though. The model you linked to was 1/72. Not sure if scale matters to you but 1/72 is a tight fit. 1/35 gives you more elbow room.

Good luck and hope this helps.

Regards,

Don.

[Finn]

If you want an older 'RV", this has the space:

http://d13z1xw8270sfc.cloudfront.net/origin/123184/aec_dorchester_acv.jpg

edit: here is a look at the instructions showing what you get:

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10207041

Jari

Edited December 17, 2014 by Finn

[SteelWolf]

The above models are 1/35 though. The model you linked to was 1/72. Not sure if scale matters to you but 1/72 is a tight fit. 1/35 gives you more elbow room.

1/35 scale is what I definately want to build.

@Finn: I'll stick with a modern wheeled AFV, thank you.

Anybody have ideas for building/detailing the interior to look more like a camper? I don't think I've seen any 1/35 accessory sets of stoves, fridges, tables, chairs, etc., etc. to use.

[Don]

Anybody have ideas for building/detailing the interior to look more like a camper? I don't think I've seen any 1/35 accessory sets of stoves, fridges, tables, chairs, etc., etc. to use.

Try the larger scale model railroader shops. I model in N Scale for my model railroading which is far too small for your needs. G scale is about 1:22 and change (call it 1:24 for simplicity). Some of the materials may work for your project. Also there are 1/35 accessory sets in plastic, resin, and PE. Tables, chairs, cans, bottles, plates, etc etc. Poke around online. I bet you can find something that will fit your needs or something that you could convert fairly easily. Scratch building is an option for bunks and things. Evergreen plastic has all kinds of shapes that could be made into whatever you put your mind to.

Good luck!

[Tank]

What about 3d printed parts?

http://www.shapeways.com/model/573371/metal-folding-chair-1-35-scale-unfolded-set-of-fiv.html

Lots of parts to look for on there that might work.

I know you said wheeled but what about the Tamiya M577?

https://www.scalemates.com/products/product.php?id=132521