After looking at Mike's (TFG) inspiring Dodge Deora entry for this campaign I started on my Jeep Surrey.

The Jeep Surrey (or Gala Jeep) was a variant of the DJ-3A Jeep, once started with the 'Breezemobiles' from the Las Brisas Holliday Resort.
More info on this Barbie colored Jeep remarkably background can be find on: Surrey Gala Jeeps at Las Brisas on The CJ3B Page and other sites.

The kit I used is the AMT's "Hogans Heroes" kit that can also be build as a Surrey variant. Although... that's what the box and the instructions make you believe!!! For some reasons these kits are incomplete, whatever variant you want to build! Luckely I bought 2 boxes, but even than some problems remain!

Like, there are only 4 tires in the box! No spare tire, although the instructions mention this one specific for the Hogan jeep.
For the Surrey variant you'll need the special chrome hubcaps on all the wheels. The instructions clearly show them to place them on all 4 wheels. So that makes 4 hubcabs, you guess. But the kit suplies....just 1!!



So, I have 2 hubcabs (because I had 2 kits) and I need 2 more!! I guess I have to cast them myself...
Some other things to scratch are the steps on either side of the jeep body.

The strange thing is that despite there are not enough of some parts you NEED, there are lots of parts you DON'T NEED for the Hogans Heroes jeep or the Surrey version!!! For instantce a complete recoilless gun and four -non fitting- chrome spiked rims...


I also have my doubt on the correctness of measures of the model. For instance the fenders does not look right (specially not for the military version).

OK, we'll just say these are all extra challenges... here's the picture of the kit full of mysteries from AMT:



The molds of the kit were bad; much cleaning up to do, but this is what I've done sofar:

The body. I need to scratch a canvas covered spare tire on the back.




Differences between civilian and millitary grille (left).




The chassis. Much of cleaning and filing. Because I builded the Hogan's Heroes jeep last year I had little trouble constructing the chassis as well as the body.






Dry fitting!!!




And the Barbie blue layer of paint!!!!!!
I had troubles with my AB today and the paint did not came on as good as I wanted.
I just wait and see how it dries up. I guess I have to redo the bonnet...





That's all for now!!

Paul

Paul!

All right!! Lookin' "gaudy" there! Not enough of one part, too many of others? Yikes! Sounds like it may be more of a challenge than my Deora.

Almost looks like the paint on the hood (bonnet) reacted to a release agent? Regardless, this should be an interesting vehicle build.

Mike

you do have a challenge is this build.

What you've got done looks quite good for now.

Need any help casting pieces or scratching pieces?

Interesting vehicle.
Not the Jeep- the surrey part.
Strange about a missing wheel/tire in 2 different kits, and only one hubcap.
Certainly doesn't instill a "lets run out and buy this kit" thought!

A shame about the paintjob Paul. Let's hope you only have to repaint the bonnet.

I'm pretty sure I have a canvas covered sparetire, from a Jeep, in my spareparts box. If I have, I could easily send it to you.

Thanks for the comments guys!

Yes, the paint looks like to react with the surface, although I cleaned it well. But I've cleaned it with handwarm water and dishwasher fluid to degrease it. Perhaps some remains of the fluid. same problem on the front, just before the window.
I'm planning to lightly sand te painted surface and try again.
If that does not work the model is gonna be stripped with oven-cleaner and I do it over.
So, let's hope it work

Jesper,thanks!!!
I'll keep you're offer in mind. I'll try to scratch it first. If this not work I'll come back to it.

Tonight I'll start making the molds for the hubcaps.

Paul

Resprayed the body and placed the enigine.
The engine is sprayed in a green colour. I've seen several pictures of green jeep engines.
Don't know if this was a standard colour, but I like the look of it.
Chassis is finnished with Pledge (in real less glossy as on the picture!).

Critics welcome!

Paul

The blue is very smooth and shiny. Are you going to with the hood down or up?

Looking good Paul. Nice and clean.

Thanks for the nice comments. I leave the hood closed, but so that it can be openen easy.
I think I buy a package of Bare Metal Foil to re-do some of the chrome parts and to cover the hub cabs I still need to mold. Does anyone know a tutorial somewhere on the internet on how to use the foil? I was wondering how I can use it on the round hubs and follow the surface without crancs and stuff...

Hi Paul

Theres a how to on BFM's website.
http://www.bare-metal.com/How-to-use-Bare-Metal-Foil.html

Theres a how to on the back of the BFM package as well.

Thanks Jesper!

Are you going with the 'dome' hub caps? If so the BMF (bare metal foil) shouldn't be too hard.

Real quick SBS
1. make a template out of thin paper, make sure its large enough to accomodate for bending and nooks and cranies.
2. lay template on the BMF sheet.
3. Use a NEW hobby blade and cut it out
4. BMF is self adhesive so gently start at the middle of the hub cap and gently smooth out with a blund tool or finger. Gently nudge the foil into the rim seam with a blunt toothpick
5. Once in position burnish (rub gently nd firmly) with a QTip or cotton swab.

Thanks Scott! The hubs are the dome shaped ones indeed.
I bought some BMF today and I plan to try it this weekend the way you described.
I'll be back