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On summer 2008
Gamla Model Makers was approached by US Army
Materiel Command (AMC). Attracted by our
expertise in creating
marketing models of military
vehicles and aircraft, representatives of AMC
were interested in acquiring 4 feet long 1:4
scale custom made model of up-armored HMMWV (Humvee)
for exhibiting at trade shows. The model should
be based on M1151 version and be equipped with
up-armor kit, the latest version of Picatinny-designed
Objective Gunner Protection Kit (OGPK) armed
with M2 50cal machine gun, “Rhino” unit and
heavy duty front bumper with ramming frame, in
order to illustrate services offered by AMC. The
requirements included opening doors and detailed
interior.
The timeframe was
tight as AMC planned to exhibit the model at
September 2008 Association of US Army (AUSA)
trade show in Washington, DC.
Three month later
the model was completed and delivered, on time
and in compliance with requirements.
As per
requirements a set of photorealistic digital
product
renderings were created and submitted
for approval.
Upon approval of
the renderings the actual fabrication has
started.
The hull was
created out of custom cut plastic sheets, frame
and chassis – out of composites, green tinted
acrylic sheets were used for windows to imitate
an armored glass blocks. All exterior surfaces
were textured to imitate armor. The model was
detailed at museum level as for exterior and
interior. A great deal of time and effort was
spent on creating highly realistic wheels. We
knew from experience that inaccurate
representation of wheels and tires or use of
some off-shelf fit-to-size garden cart’s wheels
might kill a realistic look of otherwise great
model, especially of military vehicle, therefore
we knew the utmost importance of this part of
the model. The
interior was also highly
detailed, including dashboard, controls,
air-conditioning unit, com unit and interior
part of turret’s mechanism. The seats were
upholstered with the very fabric that is used
for real combat Humvee’s seats upholstery.
The model
consumed about 700 screws of different types and
sizes.
The model was
accompanied by wheeled
transit case designed
specifically for it.
As planned, the
model was exhibited in Washington, DC at
September 2008 AUSA show and rightfully became a
star, constantly bringing excited visitors to
the AMC booth as high quality scale model is a
most powerful marketing tool.
The model and its
impact on marketing and promotion of AMC
services was highly evaluated and appreciated by
US Army Materiel Command.
A success of the
model demonstrated again a spectacular
effectiveness of
marketing scale model
and lead to creating even more beautiful and
sophisticated
1:5 scale model of
MaxxPro Dash International
and other military models. |
