Kangaroo APC Turrets and Dozers: Conversion Guide
By Victoria Miniatures by Victoria Lamb | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to convert your Kangaroo APC with alternate turrets and dozer blades. Step-by-step tips for assembly, painting, and customization.
Quick Answer
To get the most from your Kangaroo APC, start by dry-fitting the alternate turrets and dozer blades before gluing, then paint sub-assemblies separately for easier access and cleaner results.
Why Alternate Turrets and Dozers Matter
Adding alternate turrets and dozer blades to your Kangaroo APC changes its silhouette and role on the tabletop, making each vehicle feel distinct. The dozer blade, for example, suggests a breakthrough or engineering role, while different turrets can indicate upgraded firepower or command variants. This visual variety helps your force stand out and supports storytelling in your games.
Before you start, consider how you want to use the vehicle. If you plan to swap configurations regularly, you might magnetize the turrets and dozers instead of gluing them. If the vehicle is a display piece or a dedicated loadout, permanent assembly is simpler and sturdier.
Trade-Offs: Gluing vs. Magnetizing
Gluing gives a solid, seamless finish but locks you into one configuration. Magnetizing offers flexibility but requires careful drilling and small magnets, which can be fiddly. For most hobbyists, a hybrid approach works well: glue the dozer blade for a fixed role and magnetize the turret so you can swap weapons between games.
Another trade-off is painting order. If you glue everything first, you may struggle to reach tight spots. Painting sub-assemblies before final assembly gives better access but requires more planning and handling of small parts.
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
- Dry-Fit All Parts: Before applying any glue, test-fit the alternate turrets and dozer blades on your Kangaroo APC. This lets you see how they align and whether any trimming is needed. Check that the turret sits flush and the dozer blade attaches cleanly. If a part wobbles, use a small amount of putty or shim to stabilize it before gluing.
- Prepare the Surfaces: Clean any mold lines or flash from the parts with a hobby knife and file. Wash the parts in warm soapy water to remove any release agent, then rinse and dry thoroughly. This ensures paint adheres properly. Skipping this step can cause paint to peel or chip later.
- Decide on Magnetizing or Gluing: If you want to swap configurations, drill small holes in the turret and hull to insert rare-earth magnets. If you prefer a fixed build, apply plastic glue to the contact points and hold firmly until set. For dozer blades, consider gluing for a solid attachment. Magnetizing requires a steady hand; test the polarity before gluing magnets in place.
- Paint Sub-Assemblies: Paint the turret, dozer blade, and hull separately before final assembly. This gives you easy access to all surfaces and helps you achieve a neat finish. Use a primer appropriate for the material, then apply your base colors and details. Handle painted parts by the edges to avoid smudging the paint.
- Final Assembly and Touch-Ups: After painting, glue or magnetize the sub-assemblies together. Use a small amount of superglue for metal or resin parts, and apply gentle pressure until set. Touch up any areas where glue may have smeared the paint. Check that moving parts, like a magnetized turret, still rotate freely after assembly.
Product Spotlight
- Kangaroo APC Turrets and Dozers: This set includes dozers and alternate turrets for the Kangaroo APC, sculpted by Victoria Lamb. You get multiple configuration options in one kit, so you can customize your vehicle without buying separate parts.
Kangaroo APC Turrets and Dozers
