FV107 Scimitar (British)

thingiverse

This is a 1:76 scale replica of the FV107 Scimitar reconnaissance and patrol vehicle. Lava808 has previously created an excellent series of models for the FV100 range at a smaller size, which bigwig_mark adapted for use as Battlefront models. I approached this project differently by starting from a 3D model of the vehicle shared by several contributors to the SketchUp library, including dino and PAV. I extend my gratitude to all for their contributions and inspiration. The process followed was standard; SketchUp is used to separate the initial .skp model into logical sections, and Microsoft 3D Builder is then utilized to modify and improve the models, as well as partition them for printing. I appreciate Autodesk and Microsoft for these tools. The models required considerable work, especially the suspension and tracks. The former was reinforced to make it printable and less fragile, and the latter were extensively remodeled to capture the feel of the actual vehicle, as a true-to-scale representation did not print properly (see photos; both versions of the files are provided; the S9 variants are the sturdier ones). Various elements, such as smoke grenade dischargers, needed more solid supports to ensure that they printed and could be separated from supports. I experimented with different methods of splitting the model to obtain the best prints, and I share the results for general interest. The hull top seems to print best when split vertically, and then each half printed on its side. My opinion is that the turret prints best as one piece. I struggle with two pieces in achieving a good join; I may be using too much glue (this has volume) - advice welcome. I included alignment holes for dowels, but these are not entirely satisfactory with 3D printing, as holes do not always print round. The Scimitar had a counterpart, the Sabre, which used the Fox's turret on ex-Scorpion hulls (the 76mm gun became unacceptable on H&S grounds, as well as over-age ammunition), so I included a variant of my earlier Fox turret to create this variant (different size spigot on turret...). I am uncertain that this model will print well in smaller scales; let me know if it does, or if there are any specific problems. I hope to model other variants of the FV100 series now that I have completed the work on the suspension/tracks, but I will probably make these available on the MAFVA site, as I am keen to encourage membership of this association as a means of fostering the hobby.