those little 'wiggly eyes' from craft stores make great rivets when theyre painted over.

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I'll look into that- I'd need them to be like a 32nd of an inch.

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Hey, if you're looking to make rivets of variable sizes, you might want to try "liquid dots for scrap-booking" (just a generic reference). It comes in a squeezable tube, allowing you a good command of the flow amount.

What is most remarkable, perhaps, is the way in which it beads onto the surface that it's applied to-- forms a perfect little "rivet" shape, and dries rather promptly to a consistency that I'd compare to rubber, or perhaps hot glue at room temperature.

While I've only used it a few times myself, I can remember being surprised with how well it worked (I used it for rivets on that customized RHINO for the XENO team, actually-- LOL), but I cannot recall the brand, and do not have any at hand.

It should be fairly easily found in a search query, or at any decent craft department where scrap-booking supplies are sold.


I really dig you for making this, my brother, and it's none too soon! With regard to what I know to be your style, I would wager that this is a project you've wanted to do for quite some time now, isn't it?

...Undisputed "Rock King" of customs scratched.

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Another five hours and I got the roof done. Had to order more plastic to do the gun, computer area and finish off the outer dressings. Spent $30.00.

Still cutting and sanding to do . . .

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This is turning out great, John. I hope your kids realize how much time and money went into it and to treat it gently!

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Oh, they won't appreciate that. lol

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Here's the outside basically done, except for the rear gun and one pull handle. This was another 5 hours on the roof.

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Way to go, JFAK! I love to see these big scratchbuild projects. You're doing a great job, and I'm sure you'll love the end product.

One question for you, though. How dedicated are you to making the APC as accurate as possible to the movie vehicle? Are you taking liberties with size, scale, and proportion? It really doesn't matter, since the project is looking so great, but I was wondering how much you've felt the need to modify or change.

I tried to stay as close as I could. It's wider then the movie version: mainly because I wanted room inside. I figured as long as I kept key elements of the movie version this would/could work.

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Wow John that is a true labor of love right there my man, no Critiques here.

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Now you need some fancy final showcase photos!

If I can nit pic a little, I think the vehicle would greatly benefit from some dry brushing, perhaps a light wipe of gun-metal around some corners that may see lots of wear and tear?

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The final color is going to be green (like the front gun). I do plan on weathering it once it gets the final coat. I went with black for the base color.

Thanks for all the great feedback. I'm now looking into lighting for it too.

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From my bowels I hate you, John. LOL...Seriously, if you ever want me to be your friend again you'll mail this to me for something like... $21.

You know, it's just insane how good you are, man. No, you didn't stick precisely to the source mats, you improved them! You took one of the coolest sci-fic vehicles in history, and you made it better, brother.

So you're positively disgusting, man, and I want to burgle your garage for every last tool and component that you have-- just so you cannot continue to make stuff that I need, and not give it to me.


Way to reign, brother, way to reign...

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I went back and checked some photos from the movie, and man when you get the rear gun on there it's going to really bring this thing home. Hard to believe the rear gun is that important. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

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