Revell AG 1/24 Routemaster London Bus

[viperofoz]

I recently made a start on this excellent new kit from Revell. It's not the sort of subject that I would normally be interested in but its just such a new, well engineered kit that I couldn't resist it.

The AEC 6cyl engine received a bit of extra detail.







The mocked up bodywork posing with my other current Revell project.



I made a start on the interior painting tonight, still a long way to go though.







One of the few shortcomings of this kit was the molded-in grille detail.
I promptly cut this out and replaced it with some Photo-Etched diamond patterned mesh.

I also had to modify the radiator to look more prototypical now that it will be visible through the grille.



Regards, Dan

[BVC500]

Nice start and interesting subject! Are you going to weather the floorboards?

[corvettekid_7684]

Very interesting! That engine looks fantastic!

[DasWiesel]

Great start! That engine looks awesome!

[euro_z]

thats huge!, will look forward to the updates :-)

[Scharon]

That looks just amasing! Should be very very nice model!

[Finlir]

Off to a great start there. Bought that kit recently myself and was waiting for someone to start a thread somewhere. It's a motherload of plastic and i wanted to see how to go about building it.

How are you going to paint all the interior parts, I'm considering painting all parts while on the sprues then touching up where needed after cutting.

The engine looks sweet and the grille will really make the front end stand out, think i have to copy that.

Kris

[nugundam93]

nice engine detailing! it would be a shame to not show it off

the bus build sure isn't something you'd come across here that often. hope to see your next update(s)!

[drunken monkey]

are you going to make it smell like sweat, urine and vomit for that added bit of realism?

[viperofoz]

Thanks everyone for your interest, It always drives me on to maybe actually finish a model... who knows, this might be the one...lol

Originally Posted by BVC500

Nice start and interesting subject! Are you going to weather the floorboards?

Yes, definitely weathering the floor boards, and all of the interior for that matter. I have just sealed the paint with future in preparation for adding grunge, chewing gum, old newspapers etc..

Originally Posted by Finlir

Off to a great start there. Bought that kit recently myself and was waiting for someone to start a thread somewhere. It's a motherload of plastic and i wanted to see how to go about building it.

How are you going to paint all the interior parts, I'm considering painting all parts while on the sprues then touching up where needed after cutting.

The engine looks sweet and the grille will really make the front end stand out, think i have to copy that.

Kris

I'm really NOT a fan of painting parts on the sprue, too much chance of damaging the finish I think.
My plan of attack for the seats are as follows.

1. Mark the part number on the underside of each seat before removal from the sprues.
2. Remove all seat parts and clean up all attachment points and other flaws.
3. Paint the back panel of each seat grey, then mask off this panel once dry.
4. Paint the rest of the seat cushions in a custom mix red/burgundy colour with a gloss/semi gloss finish.
5. Apply the fabric decals using micro set and sol.
6. Airbrush matt clear over the decals to try to replicate the fabric finish, once dry, brush a little future over the ends of the seats where the decals dont cover to represent the leather of the originals.
7. Mount all seat frames in inconspicuous locations to toothpicks. ( I usually drill a minute hole somewhere underneath and insert the tip of a toothpick or super glue a toothpick underneath) .
8. Once they can be handled without fear of marring the paint Ill lay down a coat of Alclad II gloss black followed by their chrome.
9. Finally once everything is dried, Ill assemble each seat and give them a light wheathering using Tamiya powders. Ill try to add a bit of variation to each seat for realism..... and maybe some light stains and chewing gum...lol

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

are you going to make it smell like sweat, urine and vomit for that added bit of realism?

Does anyone have a good mixing ratio for this?.... or can I get some ready mixed from Zero Paint or something?.... Actually since I'll have to live with this model long after its completion I think I might skip this step...lol

Regards, Dan

[agamo]

Cool build!

I want this kit!. Subscribed!

[agamo]

And the engine is very well executed, great detail!

[auw12]

That's some kit that I dare not to tackle, will be watching this!

[viperofoz]

Just a small update.

The drivers cab is almost completed, I know it isn't correct but I used the fabric decals on the seat to help liven it up a bit.






I placed a few of my own photo reduced magazines under the seat, once they were suitably scrunched up and dog eared.





I'm still working on weathering the passenger compartments and I should have an update soon.

Regards, Dan

[nugundam93]

the magazines are a nice touch. like the overall look of the cockpit!