CMP Ford F-AT Quad...help?

[DaveW]

Hello guys...let me introduce myself so you know I am on the level.
I design and build paper model kits.
I'm currently working on a 1/18 scale Ford F-AT (Quad) and I am looking for reference photos (as well as a few answers from those in the know.)

I like larger scale models of interesting vehicles...and I usually have little or no knowledge of these vehicles when I start.
In fact, they are usually inspired by some sort of personal history.

My big Centurion was first inspired the 1960s Dinky Toy which I owned.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/659362...57648042862522

My Saladin kit was also inspired by a Dinky or Corgi Toy.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/659362...57681055410226

My Autocar Armoured Car came about because I wanted something totally unique (as a model) and the Canadian connection intrigued me.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/659362...57652148291031

Originally, I met a guy in Ireland who restored a Morris C8, and I remembered the old Airfix kit I had, and that inspired me to do my own model of it. He supplied me with a full set of restoration photos. But after some research I realized that the Ford and Chevy Gun Tractors were of more interest to me and that became the subject of my current project.

Anyway... I am having difficulty finding a nice set of restoration photos. In fact, any photos that show me the frame and chassis and how it all goes together.

The body... I have sorted already...and I'll worry about specific exterior details later. Right now, I am starting at the ground, and building the frame and drivetrain.

I've noticed some possible differences between the Ford and Chevy chassis...
-slight differences in frame cross members to accommodate different different transmission, etc
-different engine and transmission (Ford flathead V8 vs Chevy inline 6)
-different axles/diffs. (housings are definitely different!)
Since I am focused on a Ford, I want to see more photos of these (Ford) things.
...can anyone help?

Oh...and a question...can anyone help me understand how the beetleback body sits on the frame...or more accurately, above the frame. In some photos there appears to be solid mounting rails/blocks between the body floor and the frame rails. In other underside photos, i see nothing but some elevated brackets supporting the body (6-8") above the frame rails.

I'd also like to nail down a specific and accurate Canadian Ford F-AT (paint colour, markings, etc) for my first kit. I'm hoping to also create a British version...maybe a Australian one too.

Okay...I'm not always super accurate...and I take some artistic license when trying to design something in paper. But I like to reference the real and accurate thing in the beginning, and not just make stuff up.

Any help you guys can give me is mucho appreciated!!

If you have any interest in the paper model project, I'll gladly post its progress here for you to see.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Hallo Dave,

Welcome here on MLU. I am truly amazed by your paper models and I hope to see a CMP "in the paper" sometime.

Hanno

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Hi Dave, great work, I would love to see the progress photos of a build.
Rich.

[Niels V]

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/se...earchid=761216 have a look at Sylvains post he has restored at FGT cab 12

[DaveW]

Originally Posted by Niels V

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/se...earchid=761216 have a look at Sylvains post he has restored at FGT cab 12

The link doesn't work for me.
And I tried searching the forum for "FGT cab 12" and got "nothing found".

[DaveW]

I will gladly post some build reports.

I started to assemble the Frame last night.
Basically the first draft

...this is how I work.
I design (the parts and assemblies) in my head and on the computer.
I will usually test build an uncoloured version to check fit, sizes, etc.
And then make necessary adjustments.
And then build it again, if needed.

Paper does not allow for compound curves and certain complicated shapes.
And unlike plastic model construction, you have to form and assemble the individual parts, before those can be fitted together to form larger assemblies and parts.
And the smaller things get, the more difficult all that becomes.

So, its all about stylizing objects and using artwork and surface details in place of molded features.
I also have to think about how another builder will assemble my model,
and I have to design with "kit" in mind.


Frame and Drivetrain (in paper) of Little Willie WW1 Tank


...
I generally research on the fly, thats why I get very demanding about finding the necessary research material as quickly as possible.
I hate to stop my design work...and I don't always have the option of working on a different area.

For example, right now, I want to complete the frame design and move on to the Axles, Diffs and Engine and Transmission.
But the frame cross members are a big question mark.
And I have been searching the web looking for photos of exposed chassis and frames.
Its tough wading through photos of Chevys, Fords and Morris' and trying to determine which is which! lol
Theres a definite difference between their components.

Anyway, I'll keep working at it, and post some pics when I have something to show.
Thanks for showing some interest.

[Niels V]

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...t=24736&page=2 this might work then, ans then look at his other threads