Volvo GRM Transporter

Hi guys,

Dad was too tight to take me to last year's Bathurst 1000 races, went without me ... and instead brings me home some photos of the GRM transporter. Which I can't complain about. I was pretty excited about the idea of making the transporter, and with the photos, put me one step closer to this happening.

It was pretty slow work beginning this model. This is my first attempt at modifying a kit, but again keen for the challenge. As I haven't seen the actual transporter, I am going by what looks right in the photos and guessing the dimensions etc, while trying to keep it as realistic as possible.



The kit chassis was cut to allow for the KFS Volvo bogie rear end. Again the dimensions are an estimate. The tanks and brackets are from Auslowe.



Next on the agenda was the tanks. It took a bit to juggle the tanks into the space... lots of referencing to the photos to see how these would fit on. I decided on using two tank brackets for my tanks, although I am going to use four tank straps to look like the picture. While organizing the tanks, I needed to keep in mind where the guards would fit in conjunction to the tanks, juggling the spaces.



Once the tanks were sorted, it was onto the guards and the brackets. Again this took quite a bit of organizing. But got there in the end.



Next step, putting the cab together. Assembling as much as I can ready for priming and painting. I have attached all the pieces that I can and that are the cab colour to save time later in the build.





During the build I have put my build together (dry fit) to see that it all fits together and to see my progress, also just getting pretty keen to see what the final build will look like. This is what it looks like at the final stage before painting.

Nice work so far mate.

Nice work, Dads hey??

Looking great so far.

Looks great Ronnie, doing a killer job. Leaving the old boy for dead.

Off to a good start,was wonder what you next build was going to be.

Hi guys,

Just a quick update. I have begun work on my painting. First up priming all of my pieces.



Then I was finally able to play around with some colour. I was pretty happy to be able to see what the blue and silver/grey would look like. But first I test the colours on an old bonnet of dads.





So far so good. I am liking the colours. Now to add them to my model. First I started with the chassis in black, then the tanks and other parts in the grey and finally the cab in the blue.







Thanks for looking and thanks for the replies

Looking good so far.

Hi guys,

It's been a while since I last posted, so I thought that it would be a good time for an update on my model. I have slowly been making some progress. A little here and a little there, but I think it is coming together nicely. Although I still have a lot to do to get it done by the Wagga show. (We will see)

After the blue coat of paint I was able to pick out the black which gave it a bit of pop.



Then it was onto putting the cab pieces together to see how they would look.



After being able to put paint on the cab etc. I was able to start playing around with the decals.



During this process I also worked on finishing my tanks and gurads and preparing them to be attached to the chasis. I put the truck together to see how it all fit together and to get a clearer idea of the finished model and I have to say I am getting excited.



The interior for the truck is also done. I have gone with a very basic approach, with a simple design and colour scheme as I want the attention drawn to the exterior and I will also have the windows tinted so you won't see that much. But here is a peek preview anyway.



Finally, I have done some work on the decking plate. It really helps to tie the truck together.



I hope you all enjoy seeing my truck. I hope to have more photos soon. (Also hope to have it finished soon) So watch this space.

Whisper is that Garry and Barry Rogers both liked the progress photos of this jigger

Great job on it so far.

Great looking model

That's looking like a very sharp build, great work so far.

Hi guys,

Finally put the finishing touches on my model. Has been a long time coming and I am really happy with the results.

Here are the last few touches that I added to my truck in the days leading up to the Wagga show. I was happy to have it finished in time and be able to take it to the show.

I added blinker lights to the guards. I attached the back light bar and number plate.





I then put the finishing touches on the front, I added the windscreen wipers, attached the front bumper/ spoiler and side down mirror and the areals.


After organising all the little things I then focussed my energy onto the upright exhaust. With dad near by telling me how it was done, I slowly put it together.



With this done I was finally able to say that I had finished my model.

I owe many thanks to Dad who guided me through this model and put up with all my questions and interruptions during his model time. I had a good time building this model and can't wait to get started on the trailers to add to this. This is my first modified model and I am happy with the results and can't wait to do another modified truck, but the trailers for this truck come first and will be another first. So watch this space for the progress of my trailers.

For those that went to the Wagga show, they would have seen my completed model. I was really happy to enter my truck in modified bobtail and even happier that I placed second. I enjoyed talking to another couple of modelers and hearing their thoughts on my model. So many thanks to all who have commented, it has been great hearing your encouragement.

Here are a couple of pictures of my completed model.







Thanks for looking.  

That's turned out one very cool truck, Congratulations on the win   The only way to learning is by asking questions.

Good job

Good job Ronnie, your perseverance paid off. Have to hook in and get the trailers done now. Only too happy to help!

Hi everyone,

I have been thinking that it was time to get back into a bit more modelling and while I had a free afternoon I thought that there was no better time to start.

I sat down and dad assisted me with how I needed to approach the beginning of making my trailers. We discussed the different measurements that were needed and double checked things (because I didn't measure it correctly in the first place...)

Then it was down to drawing the trailer onto a piece of paper. I have the measurements all drawn out and am now ready to transfer this to plastic.







Hopefully I can keep finding time to work on my trailers. I'll keep you updated as I progress.

Cheers.

What about using a pan trailer as a starting point.?

Hi guys,

I have been able to make some progress in my trailers.
After what seems like hours if checking and double checking my measurements I have finally been able to draw up my trailers onto the plastic. I was finally happy with the results.
On the weekend mum helped me set up the jigsaw.  I then got to work cutting out the trailers. I was rather impressed with my effort. I only need to do a bit of filling and then I'm onto the next step.

You should be very pleased with your model , this is real nice , well done .