by Brian Eberle

Brian Eberle Tackles the AFV Club Husky Mk III, Part 1

Part 2 begins with Steps 6 through 13. The kit instructions were straightforward and went together without issue.

Starting with step 14 the kit begins to add the numerous hydraulic and power lines. AFV Club kit does a better than average job of including the essential hydraulic power lines in their design. The kit includes a set of flexible, yet fragile, vinyl parts (tree “DA”) complete with mounting points for attaching to the vehicle.

Step 14 depicts part DA1 running along the left side of the hull.

NOTE: Carefully examine the instructions for placement of all the vinyl hoses. The instructions are vague in describing the routing of the hoses and their connections points. A helpful tip is to trace and mark in color the instructions lines before attempting placement. The instructions use faded lines to illustrate when a line passes behind another part of the model.

This part was longer than needed yet the instructions does not mention a need to trim to fit.
After multiple test fits, I glued the center of DA1 to the hull along the hull ledge, below the operators left window. I then test fit the right end of DA1 to its terminal point (part F25) and trimmed DA1 to fit.

The opposite side of part DA1 includes three separate lines, each with its own connection fitting. Study the lines in step 14 carefully. I colored highlighted the route of each line to better depict where they go.

These three lines run along the “V” shaped hull bottom, passing between the hull and the fold down detection panel (assembled in step 12), through the horizontal frame and outward to the end of the panels. Tweezers are an essential tool for this step and all others involving the hydraulic / power lines.

The routing of part DA6 confused me for a while. Where did the three end connectors go and how do they route? Not shown in the instructions for step 14 at all. The “Ah Ha” moment came while looking ahead to step 18, where I found the DA6 end connectors pictured next to the right side detection panel. The DA6 lines originate on the left side of the “V” shaped hull, pass under the hull, and connect to the detection panel on the opposite (right) side.

Once the routing is understood, and manipulated into place, the vinyl line connectors fit well into their intended slots and were secured with Testors cement. CA glue was not needed in most cases.

Steps 15 through 18. The kit instructions were straightforward and went together without issues.

NOTE: In steps 15-18, the side mirrors parts (F38, 39, 40 and F41) were built and set them aside for later.

NOTE: In step 17, the antenna mount was set aside until after painting and weathering was finished

Drivetrain and Suspension.

Steps 20 – 22 The kit instructions for were straightforward and went together without issues.

CAUTION: For parts D7 in step 20, ensure the square nubs point outward during assembly – these are the connectors to the Husky frame (part B39) later in step 21.

At Steps 23 and 24, I removed the molded light and reflectors from parts B3, B4, B24, and B25, replacing them with the PE parts from the Lenses and Taillights set.

During step 24, I scratch-built a platform made from sheet styrene and photo-etch scraps. This platform is for the Husky’s marking fluid container which is not provided in the kit. I placed the platform on the chassis frame between the second and third cross frame for the marker fluid container.

The marking fluid container was scratch-built from clear sprue with a curved upper portion to depict a semi-clear jug.

I added a round styrene disc to depict a screw on lid.

I hollowed out the bottom and painted the inside insignia red to depict fluid inside.

I added shoulder retaining straps painted in black and painted the lid in dirty white. This would be glued onto the platform after final weathering.

Step 25. Assembled per the kit instructions without issue.

In Part 3, we’ll pick up with the addition of the axles and wheels.