Save from the Scrap Pile
 

I recently acquired this HL 1/16 Bulldog from a kid on CL for $30. It was trashed to say the least. If it was not for the metal tracks,gears and sprockets, I would have passed it up. Every thing you could think of on this tank was either missing or broke off. The muzzel was broke off 3" exposing only the aluminum tube (now how in the hell do you do that?) the main hatch was missing,headlight guard (1) was gone,all the grab handles except for maybe 1 were missing, mg gone,comannder gone,all lift hooks gone,pioneer rack with all tools gone,jerry cans missing,1 tailight bezel missing, hitch broke off...like I said ... Now I just decided I would give it a shot and try to rebuild the damage and mind you...its not totally acurate so dont blast me with all the comments but I think I saved it from the spare parts bin. Everything has been built from scratch except for the commander. Surprisingly enough the tanks runs really well and all works but the smoker (big deal huh) I just put the finishing touches on the paint. Not a bad investment for $30 and some time.

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

That looks fantastic, the varying angles really show off the green well, I wish I could paint half this well!

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

Looks like you did a good job to me..and a heck of a good buy.

Nice work Mr. Rat ;);)

BIGMIG ;)

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

Hi rat now
Good score, pity you didn't take a 'before' pic. Good job on resurecting it.

Mal

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

Hey thanks guys...Ive been on vaca this week so Im spending time with my tanks:) Here are some of the lastest pics. Im still needing a MG and some tools but thats the easy stuff! I made the muzzel out of some brass tubing I had for another project, then I just soldered it together. Gun still fires too!

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

Hi rat now
If you want to add a bore evacuator to the barrel/tube - http://hobbyhavoc.com/forum/index.php?topic=264.0

Mal

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

Nice salvage job!
Great work on both Bulldogs!

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

I'll probably just leave the camo wrapped around it for now.. LOL Im too lazy to do that right now...maybe later. Nice site though, very informative.

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

Hey thanks Buckeye, of coarse you got a sneak preview.....:) I havent found a box yet...got back from the Dr later than expected. Will do tomorow.

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

No problem, I'm working the same issue...:)</p>

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

Hell of a save and great work on the fix. The tank looks better than new to me! I like the weathering work alot too.

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

I think it looks darn good. Much more character than a new tank for sure.

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

You guys are just too kind...but thanks for the compliments. I just didnt want to see this thing end up in a pile somewhere. Iv never tackled replacing parts from scratch on these tanks. I give praise to all the pros out there!! I couldnt imagine building one from scratch. My problem is I keep adding stuff....but thats what makes it fun!

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

looks good to me  id take ti out to battle

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

looking good!

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

Very nice, I like the weathering. Did you use pastels/chalk or ink for that?

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

Rat now your paint jobs have come a long way from the first ones you painted looks great that's a nice tank

RE: Save from the Scrap Pile
 

I used Testors OD for the main color and I got a kit of powders that the railroad guys use. It was a 5 pack of different shades. I like it because you can blend colors together easier (for me anyway) then I hit it with some Testors Dull Coat. As for the tracks, I soaked them for an hour in vinegar and did not see any change other than they got brighter (I guess your not suppose to use distilled vinegar). ...so I dusted them with some flat black followed by a dusting with red primer. After they dried I lightly sanded them with sand paper and run them on the driveway for awhile to highlight the right spots. Hey thanks Airbrusher, that means a lot coming from you:D You guys on here have taught me alot on the dos and donts. I look at my first Bulldog next to it and I have to say this one looks alot better. Heres a pic of my first paint job.