«Tuna Boat» Tamiya 1/35 AAV7A1

Erik Torp
I guess this will be a small diorama, as most of my builds end up to be.

Bruce Huxtable
Hi Eric, does this have any interior? May I suggest that the external gear is stored above the water level? I'm looking forward to seeing how you incorporate this beast into a diorama scene.

Erik Torp
No, it comes without an interior. If it had all hatches would have been wide open😉 Regarding the stowage this was just a test fit. I´m not happy with it, but I have an idea about how to make it look better. However, that is for a future update.

Bruce Huxtable
Loving that camo net, Erik. Is it home made? May I ask the source of the Bergens?

Erik Torp
Yes, the net is home made. I start with a piece of brass wire of the desired length and basically wrap it in Cleenex tissue. One tissue is easily split into four sheets so I apply as many as needed. Each layer is soaked with diluted PVA glue. I then use tea leafs to sprinkle the net for texture. First layer is of a very fine Earl Grey tea. When dry I give it a coat of "spray can glue" and sprinkle some herbal tea leafs in a more modest pattern to not over do the texture. Then the net has to dry for several days due to the long drying time of the glue. Then I add a base coat of paint and super glue it to the vehicle. When dry the brass wire makes it easy to form the net to the vehicle. Add some straps and finished. It is a bit of a messy process but it is really easy to make.

The bergens are a mix of Real Model, Legend and Verlinden. They are all from my spare part box.

Bruce Huxtable
Many thanks, Erik - I'll give that method a try, and check out those suppliers.

gorby
Very nice work. The extra baggage looks particularly good.

Bruce Huxtable
Here, Here! I'm loving the salty rust streaks too - very subtle but effective 🙂

Erik Torp
Finished! This took a bit longer then planned, but it was fun. I don´t think any bits in this build is younger than 20 years, so they have been slumbering in the stash for a while. The figures from Dragon are a bit «blury» when it comes to casting, which makes them a bit hard to paint, but I´m happy about how they turned out. The AAV is showing its age compared to the newer ones from Hobbyboss, but IMHO it is still possible to make a nice model from an old kit.

Bruce Huxtable
Really liking this dramatic scene, Erik! Superb skills on show!

Erik Torp
Thanks, Bruce. I normally don't like making "combat scenes" but there was not much choise with these figures.

Spanjaard
excellent dio

Neuling
Same as Spanjaard.

Erik Torp
Thanks guys.

James C
Very nice work 👍

CaptGPF
Simply stunning Dio. Well done!

Desert Marlin
Looks great!

Mike Siemers
Great diorama, especially like the Dragon team.