Repurposed Diecast Matchbox Superkings Scammell Contractor

A repurposed old diecast matchbox Scammell Contractor as a postwar British tank transporter.

I'd planned on doing this for some time after a wargame buddy of mine Iván gave me lovely old diecast model from the Matchbox Superking's range a couple of years ago. He knows I'm a sucker for these old toys, whatever condition they're in.

Made in England in 1971 .... and by the look of it, in that 52 year period the toy's obviously been through a lot ! 

Paint scratched, grille's disappeared, busted up at the bottom, and God only knows what happened to the wheels, looks like someone's been at it with pliers, or even the dog's had it. 

Definitely what some e-bay descriptions would class as "played with" condition.

This Superkings version originally had a trailer and carried two long construction pipes, and also there were some other versions, such as one without a trailer that was a wrecker too if I'm not mistaken.

I had a trailer in mind using a Chinese 4D Models KrAZ-260B Russian tractor / tank transporter that also donated replacement wheels.

Stripping off the 52 year old pink metallic paint before I gave it a new paintjob didn't go as well as I planned, the paint was pretty resistant and was certainly made to last.

Even though I left the paint remover on for 24 hours, it wasn't 100% successful. It did get quite a bit off but there was still a lot of paint left so I had to resort to using a little fine wet sandpaper to get most of the paint off the leading edges where the model will get the most handling. 

The remaining pink paint lost all its shine and went completely matt, so I did in the end have a decent base for the undercoat.

I used a matt black enamel spray undercoat. Nothing fancy, I've found that the cheapo enamel spray paint I can get from a local tat shop is pretty good strong resistant stuff, albeit very strong smelling - not something you can use in the house though.

I added the replacement wheels and an engine grille was made from a cut-down plastic window shutter I found in the spares box

Once undercoated, it was painted in an olive drab base colour and finished off with an amber beacon on the cabin roof made from a repainted diode.

I realise it won't get much use on the wargame table, but we can use it as clutter scenery for some kind of future game scenario.

Besides, it was an enjoyable process getting to grips with an old toy like this and trying to give it a new lease of life