1980 Ford Bronco 85-7214 with s/b Overlander Camper 1:24 Project Review

RoR Step-by-Step Project  20120312* – 1980 Ford Bronco with s/b Overlander Camper 1:24 85-7214 Review
Click Here to Buy This Kit (camper NOT included)

A Step-by-Step Project by Tom Schaefer    

A while back I did a review of Revell’s newly re-issued Ford Bronco 2-n-1 kit (click here for the Step-by-Step Review). For being an older kit it built up quite nicely. Other than some simplified assemblies, you wouldn’t have known that this was a 30 yr. old tooling.  In the review I mentioned how the Bronco could be built up in a number of ways: A police vehicle, a EMS/Rescue first responder truck, Beach Patrol, Mud Bogger, etc.  So, I decided to make another Bronco and build it into one of these special variations, giving me “artistic license” to do what I wanted. My original thought was to build an MSP Upper Peninsula patrol vehicle suited for the harsh elements that they see there year round. After some research I changed course and decided to build an overlanding camper. Overlanding, is not new to the off road community, but it has come to light as of late.  It’s all about getting out and getting away from it all. Most overlanding vehicles are basically stock with simple modifications to strengthen them as needed. They are loaded with basic necessities to support the drivers for as many days as needed. The trucks are kept low for stability and as light as possible. Chevy actually came up with a camper similar to this for the K5 Blazer back in the 80’s, it was sold as an option, known as the “Blazer Chalet”.

 

 

(fig 1)  The Bronco model I used for this build was a re-issue from 2000, and it is not as nice as the current re-issue. The decals were not as detailed, the wheels had major sink marks in them, and the back top was warped.  Fortunately, all those issues are taken care of in the 2011 release. 

 

 

(fig 2) The model itself is basically box stock. I added tires from American SATCO

 

 

(fig 3-5) I scratch built front bumpers.

 

 (fig 4-6) I did the same for the rear bumpers as well from assorted styrene.

  

(fig 7) The off road lights and winches come from some AMT ’84 Chevy truck kits.

  

(fig 8) - I made the camper door window from some packaging I had laying around, door handle was styrene, vents are from a Nascar model decal sheet. Lights are from a semi model. The roof rack and ladder are from a Truck Accessories by Italeri
  

(fig 9) the gas cans, toolbox, and 5 gallon bucket come from my parts box.

 

 (fig 10 &11) The Camper shell is based on a 4×4 off road camper that The Wescott’s use on their “Turtle Expedition” trucks. (www.turtleexpedition.com). I have followed the travels of the Turtle Expedition for years, it’s amazing. I started the basic shell by taking measurements and drawing basic pieces out on a sheet of Evergreen Scale Models White Sheet .020 x 6 x 12 (3). I then cut them out and used some square stock in the corners to help strengthen the whole assembly.

  

(fig 12) The “pop up” section was built separately, so when it was painted I could add some painted medical tape around the perimeter to simulate fabric.

  

(fig 14) The snorkel is made from tube styrene, heated and flattened at one end.  The intake on top is from a 1/32 scale big rig air intake.

  

(fig 15) If you’re going to take on a scratchbuilding project like this, just remember to take a lot of measurements, and do a lot of research. Sketch out a few things first to give you a visual of what you are shooting for. I actually had built another camper for this project, but poor planning made it look awkward when it was on the back of the truck, so it was back to the drawing board. I hope this build will inspire you to step out of the norm and do something different.

  

999

 

 

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