FV721 Fox Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Wheeled) CVR(W)

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Accurate Armor
Crewman: Warriors - Modern British Army Tank Crew

History:
FV721 Fox Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Wheeled) CVR(W) was a 4 × 4 armored car manufactured by The Royal Ordinance factory in Leeds, and deployed by the British Army as a replacement for the Ferret scout car and the Saladin armored car. The Fox was introduced into service with B Squadron, 1st Royal Tank Regiment (Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth) in 1975 and withdrawn from service 1993–94.

Build:
As with most older resin kits, this one is a fussy and complex build. It contains resin parts, white metal castings, and photoetch. The castings and details are quite nice, although a good deal of sanding and filing is required to get everything to fit properly. Super glue, white glue and use of solder are all required construction materials. Once assembled the model is an outstanding representation of the real vehicle.

The figure presented no production problems other than trying to accurately render DPM era camouflage and properly wiring the headset.

Painting and Weathering the Vehicle:

  • After thoroughly washing the kit in mild dishwashing detergent to remove any mold release from the surface of the resin, a coat of Tamiya Grey Primer was applied and then allowed to dry for several days.

  • Vallejo British Armor Green was then applied, in several coats, to the surface.

  • Kit decals were then applied, set with MicroSol, and sealed with Vallejo Gloss Varnish

  • Vallejo Black, disruptive camouflage stripes were applied freehand to the model, per reference photos

  • MIG oil-based Modern Armor Dark Wash was applied to all the various recesses, weld lines, and panel lines. The wash was carefully floated around 3 dimensional surface details, equipment contact points, wheel hubs, rims, and various nuts and bolts.

  • Vallejo Light Grey was added to the Vallejo British Armor Green and applied via dry brush around all the raised surfaces.

  • Vallejo Light Earth was “dusted“ across the lower surfaces of the kit. Details such as wheel hub components, panel lines and fittings were then carefully washed with Vallejo Oiled Earth using a very fine brush to pull up details.

  • Vallejo European Dust pigment was then applied (and fixed) to appropriate surfaces and nooks and crannies. Again Vallejo Oiled Earth Wash was sparingly applied, using a very fine brush to pull up details.

  • The finished piece was sealed with Vallejo Flat Varnish