Author Topic: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale  (Read 9280 times)

Offline Des

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CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« on: July 23, 2016, 01:44:37 PM »
A short history of the Autocarro Fiat 18 BL

At the beginning of the Great War FIAT built a new truck beside the 15 Ter, called the BL 18; She was a great success for military use.
In fact it was used in all stages of the war '15 -'18 for the transport of heavy materials in the rear, for example ammunition for artillery.
The contribution to the victory of this truck was remarkable in the counter-offensive of May 1916, which halted the Austrian advance (Strafexpedition) in Trentino.
The production (20,000 units) and continued interested in other versions such as: BLR 18 and 18P. In the 1st World War the FIAT 18 BL was supplied also to several foreign armies, including France and Russia.
In the 40s, in the African war the FIAT 18 BL truck was still in service with the only difference, wheel replacement tires filled with those discs and tires.

 Key features and benefits
• Engine: 4-cylinder, 5650 cm3
• Top speed .: 25 Km / h.

I will be doing a build log of this 1:35 scale CRI. EL. Model.  It is the Fiat 18 BL in resin and is in 1:35 scale.

The kit arrived in a very sturdy cardboard box with no evident damage during transport



There is a good array of parts with most showing good detail, there were two zip lock plastic bags which contained most of the smaller parts, no damage has occured to any of the parts.



These next photos show a close-up of some of the parts, as can be seen there is very little flash to be cleaned off, detail is quite good ona lot of the parts.







The instructions are printed on a single sheet of A4 paper then folded in half. There are no part numbers but the illustrations are quite clear and easy to understand, there are six steps in the construction of this model. There is only one colour call out - Military Green, no decals are included with the kit. A search on the net revealed some great photos and a walk-a-round of a museum example, this will be great reference material when building the kit.





The build will start soon.

Des.
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Offline Des

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2016, 07:43:52 PM »
I assembled the chassis and associated equipment, all the parts fitted extremely well with only minor clean-up required, the only issue at this point is slightly twisted chassis rails, these will straighten out when the cargo box is fitted. I am very happy with the way this kit is going together so far and the detail is quite good, the resin itself is of a high grade and strong.

Des.



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Offline RAGIII

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2016, 04:12:12 AM »
Nice start Des! I am looking forward to seeing you build and paint this one as always!
RAGIII
"A man has to know his limitations": Harry Callahan

"Don't slop it on" Lynda Geisler

Offline GAJouette

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2016, 12:12:06 PM »
 Des,
Outstanding my old friend. Your Fiat is the first I've seen under construction. The type has caught my eye so I'll be following very closely. With Richard and Ron's Ansaldo coming soon this little gem would certainly have Diorama possibility .
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
" What Me Worry"

Offline KitRookie37

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2016, 05:14:18 PM »
Hello ladies and gentlemen,
Yes, a new building !! It looks accurate and well-molded, isn't-it ?
Is will be great eyes-pleasure, sure.  :)
Best regards.
Alain.
Use the force, Luke.

Offline Borsos

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2016, 08:11:47 PM »
Very nice project! The chassis looks great!
Looks like you are addicted to resin kits now  ;)
Borsos
"Deux armées aux prises, c'est une grande armée qui se suicide."
Barbusse.
"Ein Berg in Deutschland kann doch einen Berg in Frankreich nicht beleidigen. Oder ein Fluß oder ein Wald oder ein Weizenfeld."
Remarque.

Offline Des

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2016, 08:45:57 PM »
Rick, Gregory, Alain and Borsos, thank you very much for your kind comments.

Des.
Late Founder of ww1aircraftmodels.com and forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

Offline Tony Haycock

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2016, 07:34:10 PM »
Quite a number of these big Fiats were sld new into Australia, and one or two in New Zealand. The Kiwi ones have vanished, but a guy i know in Queensland is restoring one, with the remains of two more.

Offline Des

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2016, 04:05:40 PM »
Thanks Tony for the info, I might get to see the one here in Australia one day.

I down loaded photos of the original truck in a museum and copied the dash panel. I made the two small instruments from brass tube and some instrument decals. The leather pouch on the left is a copy from the photo and is made from styrene sheet and painted a leather colour, I don't know what it is for, the pump is also copied and is made from various sizes of brass tube, the little brass box in the top right corner is again anyone's guess but it is in the original photo. The two small switches below the instruments are also on the original.  I still need to spray the panel with a satin clear.

Des.

Click any picture for a larger image.



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Offline Ernie

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #9 on: July 26, 2016, 06:15:24 PM »
Great start, Des!  The dash board looks great and your "home-made"
additions really help to bring it to life.  I look forward to the next updates.
  I haven't thought much about doing vehicles, but are much more
interested after seeing this, my friend. :D

Cheers,
Ernie :)
The new old guy, take two...

Offline Des

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #10 on: July 27, 2016, 10:00:55 AM »
Thanks very much Ernie for dropping by and leaving kind comments, they are much appreciated.

I added the steering wheel after adding the advance/retard lever, for a bit of luxury I gave it a wood steering wheel. I also fitted the folded up cabin canopy which is the kit supplied item, it needs to be sprayed with a satin clear, once the leather straps are dry I will clear coat the entire drivers tub. Hard to see in these photos but I fitted the three foot pedals. So far I have not encountered any issues with this kit and everything fits together very well.

Des.







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Offline gbrivio

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #11 on: July 27, 2016, 02:22:46 PM »
Hallo, I love for obvious reasons Italian subjects and this is going to be another wonderful
Model of yours. I will follow with great interest.
Giuseppe.

Offline Borsos

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #12 on: July 27, 2016, 09:58:31 PM »
What a wonderful model you make out of this kit. I am watching your progress with huge fascination. The dashboard is simply awesome.
Borsos
"Deux armées aux prises, c'est une grande armée qui se suicide."
Barbusse.
"Ein Berg in Deutschland kann doch einen Berg in Frankreich nicht beleidigen. Oder ein Fluß oder ein Wald oder ein Weizenfeld."
Remarque.

Offline Des

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #13 on: July 27, 2016, 10:36:12 PM »
Thank you Giuseppe and Borsos for your kind comments.

I have decided to add running boards to my truck, these are not included in the kit so I am in the process of making them, I have some good photos of an original truck with the running boards so it is just a matter of trying to copy them.

Des.
Late Founder of ww1aircraftmodels.com and forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

Offline RAGIII

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Re: CRI. EL. Model Autocarro Fiat 18 BL 1:35 scale
« Reply #14 on: July 27, 2016, 11:33:48 PM »
That panel work is really outstanding Des! Terrific progress all around!
RAGIII
"A man has to know his limitations": Harry Callahan

"Don't slop it on" Lynda Geisler