In this "Making-of Oshkosh MK23 MTVR Cargo Truck" we will show how you this custom scale model will be achieved.

I will share my building skills through the photos with little notes guiding us in the construction process. Gradually it shows the making of a unique model by using the 3D printed Kit from ZEUS MODEL in 1:48th scale to create this Oshkosh MK23 MTVR Cargo Truck.

Enjoy reading & watching!

Wouter 

The Oshkosh MTVR or Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement is a purpose-designed military truck for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The MTVR entered production in 2005. It replaces the M939 and ageing M809 5-ton 6x6 trucks. The new MTVR truck offers greater mobility, payload and reliability. Over 11,000 of MTVR trucks were delivered by 2012. 

All versions of the MTVR use the same 6x6 all wheel drive configuration. The engine is located under a forward fiberglass bonnet. The roof of the cab with hinged aluminum windscreen and door frames can be folded down to reduce overall height.

The MTVR can carry a payload of seven tons or up to fifteen tons driving on smoother surfaces, while simultaneously being able to tow an eleven ton load. The MTVR is highly adaptable for any cargo hauling, carrying or winching. It's wide versatility makes the MTVR an integral part of the Marine Corps logistical backbone. This vehicle is the prime mover for the M777 howitzer, troops, fuel, water and a wide variety of other equipment.

The MTVR truck can be fitted with armor protection kit or armed with a 12.7-mm or 7.62-mm machine gun. Armament sit in a mounted position above the cab.

The Oshkosh MK23 MTVR is powered by the Caterpillar C12 ACERT 11.9-liter turbocharged diesel engine, developing 425 hp. It has a full-time all-wheel drive. Vehicle has an independent suspension and is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. This military truck has good cross-country performance. The MTVR uses some commercially available driveline components. Some versions of the MTVR are fitted with a 9-ton capacity winch. Vehicle can be airlifted by the C-130 Hercules aircraft (with some preparation), and CH-53 helicopter.

What preceded

I'm always looking for new PoweredbyCat scale models to add to my collection. The Oshkosh MTVR variants have also been on my wish list for a number of years because these trucks are powered 1:1 by a Caterpillar diesel engine.

I recently discovered a number of different Oshkosh MTVR variants in scale 1:144; 1:87 and 1:72th on Ebay at  NT2-model friends (seller qizin_9035) from China. They are printed as 3D Kits under the name ZEUS MODEL. When I asked the seller whether these 3D kits could also be printed in scale 1:48th, the answer was positive!  You can choose from different scales and different MTVR variants and order them directly on Ebay with free shipping from China.    

So no hesitation and I ordered the 3D kit of the Oshkosh MK23 MTVR Cargo Truck  in 1:48th scale. 

The Kickoff

Of course it took a few weeks before the 3D Kit was printed and arrived in the Netherlands from China. Despite the careful packaging, some of the very small and fragile parts such as the mirrors were damaged during transport. But this was handled very adequately by the seller and after a few emails back and forth I immediately received my second package with the requested parts at no cost. #superservice

To get straight to the point: I am extremely impressed with the quality of the ZEUS MODEL 3D printed parts. Very sharp parts and what an amount of (super) small details!!

No construction drawings or instructions are included with the ZEUS MODEL Kit. But with the help of public information such as photos of the Oshkosh MK23 MTVR in 1:1, spec sheet and brochures and, for example, the Trumpeter model construction kit in 1:35th scale, it should be possible to build this kit.

Now first carefully loosen all the individual parts one by one from the base plate and prepare them to start building.

Oshkosh MTVR | MK23 Standard Cargo Brochure