British Forces Land Rover Patrol

What to do while the Jackal’s glue cures? Make a start on its Operation Herrick “brother”, the Land Rover of course! 

The parts for the Land Rover come on just 2 runners, so one less than the Jackal but this ‘… Patrol’ gift set is supplied with a number of British troops attached to a very distinctive brown plastic runner.  I’ve not yet had chance to look at them close up yet, but it will be very interesting to see what Airfix have provided, it being a long time since they’ve done anything new with figures. 

I hadn’t intended motoring so far ahead with this build but as I started  on the front area, I couldn’t help thinking I needed to press on at at least attach the screen, wings and grill else I’d never get any of these parts to line up with each other later. I’m finding the fit and moulding of this Land Rover to be far less positive and well fitting as the Jackal.  I do, however, think they will make a nice pair when complete. 

To me it’s hard to believe this Land Rover came from the same 2012 stable as the Supercat Jackal, but I am being hypocritical as the Jackal’s moulding is sublimely brilliant. 

When fitting the final walls and doors to this kit, I had to use a little tape to straighten the panels and prevent it looking like a cut and shunt insurance write off!

I thought I’d try a bit of camo netting on this as it seems to have been a regular feature from the archive photos I’ve seen. I still have quite a bit of work to do to make it look a little more convincing and obviously the all important doors and glazing to fit too. 

It should also start to look more the part once I get out the weathering powders as it’s looking far to factory fresh at the moment. 

I wasn't 100% happy with the camo netting feeling it needed the rags adding ... I may have over done it, but after spending 2 hours painting, cutting and applying little bits of masking tape, I'm preferring the look.

After this, I added a little light weathering and painted up a few of the supplied figures and for me, that's it done.

Although a bit raw in places, this kit does have a few nice touches ... for instance, mesh decals for the side windows and the drop down front armoured and grilled windscreen which I did attempt to attach but it would not fit over the wiper blades, so I left it in the down position.