Even though these are so very tiny, you breath so much life into them with all of the detail that you put into them!This one is no exception!
My mini models
- Thread starter mikezax
- Start date
Thanks 
I'm slowly approaching the final...I didn't choose sand for the mat this time (like I did with the previous Fiat). Making such a sand base is quite simple - you make tracks in the sand, paint it with yellow paint and use fine sand as a sprinkle, the car settles into the tracks and it's done... This time I made a base based on the following picture, where I liked the position of the Hummer when overcoming the terrain:
I made the terrain irregularities by gluing several layers of 1mm cardboard:
Finally, I painted the whole thing with wood putty:
In addition, I added a few details on the Hummer:
But let's get back to the base that I painted with acrylic paints, I decided to add a small stream:
I modeled the water using transparent putty (of course it can be done differently, but this is a quite acceptable option for doing it at this scale)
I added a few stones and a sprinkle that looks like fine clay:
finally static grass was added, applied only in a few places with tweezers:
and this is how it currently looks:
I'm slowly approaching the final...I didn't choose sand for the mat this time (like I did with the previous Fiat). Making such a sand base is quite simple - you make tracks in the sand, paint it with yellow paint and use fine sand as a sprinkle, the car settles into the tracks and it's done... This time I made a base based on the following picture, where I liked the position of the Hummer when overcoming the terrain:
I made the terrain irregularities by gluing several layers of 1mm cardboard:
Finally, I painted the whole thing with wood putty:
In addition, I added a few details on the Hummer:
But let's get back to the base that I painted with acrylic paints, I decided to add a small stream:
I modeled the water using transparent putty (of course it can be done differently, but this is a quite acceptable option for doing it at this scale)
I added a few stones and a sprinkle that looks like fine clay:
finally static grass was added, applied only in a few places with tweezers:
and this is how it currently looks:
Thanks
So here we have the finale, it's time to finish the last details... hopefully I won't forget anything:
-finished snorkel for the front hood
-finished wipers and rearview mirrors (I used aluminum foil tape, which mimics a mirror quite well)
-finished details for the trunk
-cut out all the indicators, lights, cranks and glued them where they were just drawn (this is not normally very visible, but when it gets dusty you can see it)
-made plastic cover for the cabin, here I spent a long time looking for black semi-transparent plastic, finally I used a piece of plastic packaging:
I also finished the rivets there like on the real car:
-finally it was time for dusting, here I have been using the weathering set from Revell for a long time (you have to apply it carefully with a brush), if you don't have it, you can grate it on a fine dry pastel (I used it this way myself)
And here is the finished model, it took a little longer than I expected, partly because of making more detailed report, but on the other hand I did some details that I probably wouldn't normally do, so I managed to build probably one of the best Dakar mini models (of those I've built so far), a few photos:
So here we have the finale, it's time to finish the last details... hopefully I won't forget anything:
-finished snorkel for the front hood
-finished wipers and rearview mirrors (I used aluminum foil tape, which mimics a mirror quite well)
-finished details for the trunk
-cut out all the indicators, lights, cranks and glued them where they were just drawn (this is not normally very visible, but when it gets dusty you can see it)
-made plastic cover for the cabin, here I spent a long time looking for black semi-transparent plastic, finally I used a piece of plastic packaging:
I also finished the rivets there like on the real car:
-finally it was time for dusting, here I have been using the weathering set from Revell for a long time (you have to apply it carefully with a brush), if you don't have it, you can grate it on a fine dry pastel (I used it this way myself)
And here is the finished model, it took a little longer than I expected, partly because of making more detailed report, but on the other hand I did some details that I probably wouldn't normally do, so I managed to build probably one of the best Dakar mini models (of those I've built so far), a few photos:
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! You have outdone yourself, Mike!!! Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to show us your work. It is highly appreciated!!!
I have always liked working on tiny models (mostly because of how challenging they can be, especially with adding details and greebling).
Your work had continued to inspire me to work on small models, and this piece is not exception!
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!
Your work had continued to inspire me to work on small models, and this piece is not exception!
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!
Fan-Fraking-Tastic! This is extreme small artworks. The base looks great! and the model is weathered to perfection.
I use the Tamiya weathering sets, dust and mud, soot and ash, and snow...
I use the Tamiya weathering sets, dust and mud, soot and ash, and snow...
Thank you, also thanks to your comments and opinions during construction, I managed to assemble the model as you see it in the photos. 
Benny (Dakar 2025)
Scale : 1:100
Author : Milan Weiner
Source : ABC 5/2025
A few words about the original:
Bohouš is a racing special from the company MM Technology (Iveco engine, power 1050 hp), which specializes in the development, construction and operation of Dakar trucks. This year's specification is called EVO4. The crew of Martin Macík Jr., František Tomášek and David Švanda won the truck category this year with this car.
My edits:
This "box" came out in the last ABC, I built it almost without modifications, I just shortened the cabin part to the door, the body to the rear fender and from the rear optional part I left only the tire arches. If you don't want to spend a lot of time on it, even in this condition it's a pretty nice result. Some time ago I glued another "box" and it was one of the first miniboxes in ABC, Liazka from Dakar, so I'm also giving a photo for comparison.
I'll try to modify this model a bit and see what I can do...
Scale : 1:100
Author : Milan Weiner
Source : ABC 5/2025
A few words about the original:
Bohouš is a racing special from the company MM Technology (Iveco engine, power 1050 hp), which specializes in the development, construction and operation of Dakar trucks. This year's specification is called EVO4. The crew of Martin Macík Jr., František Tomášek and David Švanda won the truck category this year with this car.
My edits:
This "box" came out in the last ABC, I built it almost without modifications, I just shortened the cabin part to the door, the body to the rear fender and from the rear optional part I left only the tire arches. If you don't want to spend a lot of time on it, even in this condition it's a pretty nice result. Some time ago I glued another "box" and it was one of the first miniboxes in ABC, Liazka from Dakar, so I'm also giving a photo for comparison.
I'll try to modify this model a bit and see what I can do...
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Thanx
Scale: 1:100
Author: Milan Weiner
Publisher: ABC 5/2025
As I mentioned, I will try to improve Bohouš a bit in the box version. I cut out all the parts, with windows cut out in the cabin, since there will also be a simple interior, engine ventilation cut out of the front hood, especially the side sections were a pain... Lights cut out of the chassis part (will be recessed) and fender edges (will protrude slightly), wheels (will be replaced by the chassis and model wheels), spare wheels cut out of the body (will be replaced by the model version) and air cut out next to the cables that hold the upper tarpaulin.
I will also show this in the photos, as I myself wondered if it would be possible to do it, but in the end I used a procedure that worked quite well...First I used a cornice of the appropriate size, which made a round hole, which was then easily cut to the correct shape with a scalpel (you can see in the picture that it worked well and I didn't cut a single rope).
Finally, I tried to make one wheel, I took the pattern from the front photo of the truck (I only found a suitable photo of a truck from the last Dakar (Macík's orange special)), suitably edited in Photoshop and applied to the peripheral part of the wheel, grooved the pattern, slightly modified the disc, I also tried to dovetail the side of the tire, not much yet, I'll see how it goes with the other wheels...
Now I'll glue the parts, the other wheels, start thinking about the chassis and the interior of the cabin (there would need more detailed photos of the interior, because I haven't found many of them yet)...
Benny-model version
Scale: 1:100
Author: Milan Weiner
Publisher: ABC 5/2025
As I mentioned, I will try to improve Bohouš a bit in the box version. I cut out all the parts, with windows cut out in the cabin, since there will also be a simple interior, engine ventilation cut out of the front hood, especially the side sections were a pain... Lights cut out of the chassis part (will be recessed) and fender edges (will protrude slightly), wheels (will be replaced by the chassis and model wheels), spare wheels cut out of the body (will be replaced by the model version) and air cut out next to the cables that hold the upper tarpaulin.
I will also show this in the photos, as I myself wondered if it would be possible to do it, but in the end I used a procedure that worked quite well...First I used a cornice of the appropriate size, which made a round hole, which was then easily cut to the correct shape with a scalpel (you can see in the picture that it worked well and I didn't cut a single rope).
Finally, I tried to make one wheel, I took the pattern from the front photo of the truck (I only found a suitable photo of a truck from the last Dakar (Macík's orange special)), suitably edited in Photoshop and applied to the peripheral part of the wheel, grooved the pattern, slightly modified the disc, I also tried to dovetail the side of the tire, not much yet, I'll see how it goes with the other wheels...
Now I'll glue the parts, the other wheels, start thinking about the chassis and the interior of the cabin (there would need more detailed photos of the interior, because I haven't found many of them yet)...
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So I'm slowly continuing...I glued the wheels, each wheel consists of 7 parts, I grooved the tread and at least symbolically domed the side of the tire and finally dusted it...
I have glued all the units, I have glued the recessed lights and holes on the hood, the cabin is glazed and added nets for the windows...now I'll finally move on to the interior and chassis...
I have glued all the units, I have glued the recessed lights and holes on the hood, the cabin is glazed and added nets for the windows...now I'll finally move on to the interior and chassis...
I continued with the cabin interior and crew...I already had to customize 2 figures because I'm kind of running out of seated figures...but at least they're unique pieces...I painted the figures with acrylic paints, framed the cabin and added a few accessories...now I'll make the chassis...
Thanks
I finally managed to put Benny on wheels. I made the chassis based on a few photos where I saw something, so it probably won't be very accurate... I added the tanks and also the shock absorbers, which were originally supposed to be a little visible, in the end when I made the protruding fenders you can hardly see anything, but they are there... I will add the external details and I am slowly working on a small dio pad... a few photos:
I finally managed to put Benny on wheels. I made the chassis based on a few photos where I saw something, so it probably won't be very accurate... I added the tanks and also the shock absorbers, which were originally supposed to be a little visible, in the end when I made the protruding fenders you can hardly see anything, but they are there... I will add the external details and I am slowly working on a small dio pad... a few photos:
Thanx
So I'm done...at the end I added the surface details: sunroof, spoilers for the body, door frames, rear. mirrors, wipers, aprons...I pulled the sun visor with LED into the space a little, the taillights and signs...
When creating the base I was based on a photo from the Maroco rally (which Benny also won) in which car jumps over old ruts, it reminded me a bit of the old days when DAF specials flew like this on Dakar. Finally, a few final photos:
So I'm done...at the end I added the surface details: sunroof, spoilers for the body, door frames, rear. mirrors, wipers, aprons...I pulled the sun visor with LED into the space a little, the taillights and signs...
When creating the base I was based on a photo from the Maroco rally (which Benny also won) in which car jumps over old ruts, it reminded me a bit of the old days when DAF specials flew like this on Dakar. Finally, a few final photos: