by VJM787

This is a 1:76 model of the FV107 Scimitar reconnaissance and patrol vehicle.
Lava808 has already created an excellent series of models for the FV100 range at a smaller scale, which bigwig_mark has adapted for use as Battlefront models.  I have taken a different approach and started from a 3D model of the vehicle, as shared by several contributors to the SketchUp library, such as dino and PAV.  My thanks to all for their contributions and inspiration.
The process I have followed has been as before; SketchUp is used to separate the initial .skp model into sensible sections, and Microsoft 3D Builder is then used to modify and improve the models, as well as to partition them for printing.  My thanks to Autodesk and Microsoft for these tools.
The models have required considerable work, especially the suspension and tracks.  The former has been beefed up to make it printable and less fragile, and the latter have been extensively remodelled 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 e.g. smoke grenade dischargers, have required more solid supports to ensure that they printed and could be separated from supports.
I have experimented with various ways 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 view is that the turret prints best as one piece.  I struggle with two pieces in obtaining a good join; I may be using too much glue (this has volume) - advice welcome.  I have included alignment holes for dowels, but these are not wholly satisfactory with 3D printing, as holes do not always print round.
The Scimitar had a counterpart, the Sabre, that 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 have included a variant of my earlier Fox turret to create this variant (different size spigot on turret...).
I am not sure 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 done the work on the suspension/tracks, but 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.
Enjoy!