The Grizzly is based on the a Patriot Grizzly Tank custom Spy Troops. Can be difficult to see possibilities due to the turret accessory.


At first we proceeded to remove the ammo box at the top of the turret in order to clean up the turret top. It was removed using a circular saw minidrill and going over the edges with sandpaper to remove burrs from the cut. I tested before this process to try to adapt the original piece to the turret and give it a slightly sci-fi look, but eventually discarded that idea in favor of leaving the flat turret on the top. The best ideas are not always the first!

The basis of the work throughout the custom relied on the dismantling of its different pieces and stripping elements that wouldn't be useful for the final idea (like the turret knobs, screws, studs, plastic, wires and gadgets).

The cleanup of the turret (to accommodate the crew and allow free 360 degree rotation of the turret) was performed, as indicated by measuring and marking parts that could be cut from the interior (taking into account that we should keep enough screws to ensure a strong union, yet removable when necessary. Also so we still have some access to the interior and to make future repairs or upgrades) and keep as much space as possible, both the turret and the base and pieces of lace. After that these areas were ready to start putting plastic and to reconstruct the interior.

I added a grid ("Bar-Armor") to simulate the shielding rear bar, in the access door is removable to allow for upload and download (it is done with a filter holder, I think so ...) To the turret was added one shortwave antenna taken from another vehicle, a periscope/snorkel and a satellite antenna (Pave ATHENA II). It also tweaked the tablets (cylinders on the side of the turret) of the antennas of self-protection system of the tank.

Primarily painted using airbrush colors from Vallejo Airbrush. We applied a sand base, a second coat of sand to finish while the base and then effects on black and gray with dark sand in the joints of the plates of the chassis and other parts (simulating gases, impacts of shock waves, accumulations of dirt, etc.). The decals were printed in tattoo paper (after several tests on normal paper to check the scale) and were self-designed adding some weathering effects. There were some effects of smoke (Vallejo airbrush dark grey / black) in the exhaust of the turbine and the barrel, and a slightly soiled sand (light sand color Vallejo) at the bottom of the chassis and bodywork. It also painted the inside of the tracks in sand.
Finally, I applied effects of friction and wear of the armor (a metallic aluminum base with brushed metal interior trim, and other metallic shades to a lesser extent) abroad in the most exposed areas (side sills, ledges of the tower, low etc). with the useful tips for newcomers. Besides the typical stain joined at sites where sand or mud builds up (rubbing, corners of the chassis, etc.). By droplets of brown earth (Vallejo), which stopped making the body run horizontally and are blended with sponge.

The gun was hinged at its base and cutting it by opening a hole to fit it and then articulate it. Articulated using a plastic pieces from Lego Bionicle (the original gun is fixed) to unmount the cannon and vehicles to facilitate saving the cabinet and shelves.

The tracks are painted with Humbrol matte black base (highly resistant to abrasion), with dry brush and brushed metal aluminum (Humbrol) and coarse washed sand or earth brown Vallejo). As you see, I did not do it too complicated.

Tunnel Rat
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