Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Other Hobbies and Interests => Topic started by: kpnuts on January 06, 2017, 11:58:38 am

Title: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 06, 2017, 11:58:38 am
Hi all well ive made a start on this mamoth project, unfortunately no pics yet as no internet or phone, and it sounds like we wont be getting it back any time soon, i will post pics as soon as we can borrow someones internet.
This is going to be the polar opposite of my last build and will be blinged up to the max, the engine will be pristine and shiny with some mild suping up (thanks to roy fitzimonds lovely 1/8 twin choke webber carbs) i was going to use all three but can't figure out how to realistically modify the manifold so will just be using one of them, i also have a set of his dunlop racing wheels for it. The body will also be ultra shiney, still unsure whether to sort of hot rod it and leave the front wings off or not, will have to give that some serious thought. In tandem with this im also building monograms 1/8 65 corvette stingray, i may do opening doors like roys or not, not sure if i want all the extra work. Anyways i hope to post some pics soon.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on January 06, 2017, 08:44:40 pm
Good show Ken. I look forward to seeing the work progress. regards Hotrods, we know you can do some splendid motifs such as those dragons and landscapes.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 06, 2017, 10:02:22 pm
Sorry mate no dragons (pretty crap at that sort of stuff) but it will have a trick paint job.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 07, 2017, 03:22:43 pm
Hi all a few pics of this monster kit.

(http://i66.tinypic.com/9sv383.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/mv3v50.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/j9bqqs.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2gub6gj.jpg)

This engine is almost as big as the monster in the stingray

(http://i66.tinypic.com/27xe6p0.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on January 07, 2017, 04:53:51 pm
It has a bloomin big block though  :-)) You can see the development from monoliths to more compact design ideas for engines. Imagine if the Stingray engine was an inline!
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 11, 2017, 07:32:41 pm
Woo hoo we have our Internet and phone back (only been off since the 23rd of december)
Here are some update pics

(http://i64.tinypic.com/14vnqma.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/1zd9n4o.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/i3cmpv.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/f2qx51.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/25sa7wm.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on January 11, 2017, 09:43:39 pm
I remember your last engine being nice and busy looking. Keep up the good work.

Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: mrzippy on January 12, 2017, 09:58:49 am
Another fascinating build to watch KP, great stuff !

My ears pricked up when you mentioned Webers and Dunlop racing wheels,
wondering where we find roy fitzimonds ? does he have a website etc ??
tried a quick Google with no luck to date.

many thanks Paul
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 12, 2017, 10:18:06 am
Check on ebay, he has a few things on there .
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 15, 2017, 07:55:49 pm

Hi all well I've glued some of the body together as I need to figure out what portion of and how I'm going to cut the roof off (that's a 1/24 mustang on the roof just to show how big this thing is)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/34t60d1.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/24wrrx4.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/nvr3uo.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on January 15, 2017, 09:09:25 pm
It's a bloomin monster!
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 17, 2017, 08:45:09 pm

Hi all here is another update the engine cradle is sprayed what the main body colour will be.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/14c8nm0.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2q0vu3s.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/20qcge9.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/w0l151.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/14dq520.jpg)

Added the rear wings to the body
(http://i64.tinypic.com/4k8lyc.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on January 17, 2017, 10:25:21 pm
It is a nicely fine kit. It helps with being in a large scale making the parts thinner in proportion to their size.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 18, 2017, 08:09:10 pm
Hi all here is the next update.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/oqgje1.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/hv9rgy.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/2zzp92p.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/ezo7j7.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2mr5mvt.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 19, 2017, 08:34:41 pm
Hi all here is the next update, put the beading round the rear wheel arches, couldn't then resist seeing what the colour would look like so gave it a quick coat.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2cglycn.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1hsdg0.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2nriyrd.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/1zld2ts.jpg)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/21czhmv.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/xogspf.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/28h3j1i.jpg)
I have to say I think my other build was more interesting to look at, the weathering and oil staining give something more to look at, I think I will post some of the similar build pics together as this progresses to show what I mean.
(http://i.imgur.com/oJsK3wG.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/J50Hmvl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/s01PKnj.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/9QcjwCk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/iuXEfoD.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 21, 2017, 06:29:59 pm

Hi all I remember on the last build putting the driveshafts in at the allocated time was a real pain so I decided to do them now (I'm hoping that choice doesn't bite me in the tender area later.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/315e4cw.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/nleu0p.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/30agr9x.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/11w4qi1.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 22, 2017, 08:06:33 pm

Hi all, well I've done it, the roofs gone (hope I can make the canvas roof for it.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/wlrkt5.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/15we551.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/1zgb0yf.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2hi5f09.jpg)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2uogwlz.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/voaj37.jpg)
I'm going to use the cut out roof as a template for making the ribs for the canvas part.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on January 22, 2017, 10:38:19 pm
That is a good idea regards using the roof piece. as a jig. She's coming along well. I am impressed with the drive train both on a historical level and how you have made it. Ok, so it isn't as filfy as your first one, but the detail and the fact you are adding the cables makes it impressive in other ways Ken. Are you going to use cloth or paper for the canopy?

Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 25, 2017, 08:37:12 pm

Hi all here is the framework for the canvas roof (the nuts and bolts won't stay the final version will have a plastic pin) I may try a version using piano wire as the copper wire is very soft, it may stiffen up a bit when the canvas is stitched to it (that I think is going to be a nightmare, not known for my sewing skills)
Need to make a couple of of ribs for the middle section.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/303jy20.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/256woz6.jpg)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2rz8aww.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on January 25, 2017, 10:36:36 pm
Copper can be 'pre stressed' by sticking one end of the wire in a vice and pulling the other end with pliers. You will feel it give a bit as you tug and this is the wire being work hardened. The wire will now be straight, less prone to bending though slightly harder to bend and you will have fewer chances to rebend it before it snaps. Do not pull too hard or you will break the wire.

The framework looks brilliant, and as usual, it looks very realisitc.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 26, 2017, 08:15:41 pm

Hi all here is another update on this.
From my experience of building this kit before it is critical that this piece is glued totally square and true if you don't want bonnet fitting problems.
As you can see from the pics with a little effort you can get a perfect fit.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/210aq85.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/2d0xs07.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/2uepvm8.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/96i1hl.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/bhbmmb.jpg)

On my first build this part was out only by about a half a mill and when I fitted the bonnet there was a 5 mil gap at the top which I could not get rid of, after days of investigation scratching my head and swearing it turned out this was the problem, of course I had got a lot further on in the build and it caused me a lot of problems to sort it out.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 28, 2017, 07:32:52 pm

Hi all another update, I've made the carpets out of wet and dry then the driving mat out of couser sand paper.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/33425ht.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/14kwf3d.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/20ii49h.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/2ywbkub.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/ae43m0.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 29, 2017, 05:56:00 pm

Hi all here is the next update
(http://i67.tinypic.com/aw6tt1.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/8wl2rl.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/307x64z.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2uglwjs.jpg)

I think gold and purple are a great mix sooo,
Chrome
(http://i67.tinypic.com/nx9p2w.jpg)

Some of this through the ab
(http://i66.tinypic.com/246th5e.jpg)

And you end up with gold
(http://i66.tinypic.com/23l1r2e.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on January 29, 2017, 07:43:57 pm
The mat and carpet look great. I have used wet and dry for making roofing felt on various models but never though to use it for carpet.

What does the spring do on the piece you were making fit squarely?
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 29, 2017, 08:04:32 pm
It's the clutch return spring, nothing to do with the squareness  it's the bulk head that needs to be square on all faces.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on January 31, 2017, 07:48:21 pm

Hi all got the fire wall on, then couldn't resist trying the body on.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2dhsbxu.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/261n9ds.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/14e77mf.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on January 31, 2017, 08:10:01 pm
I can't get over how large the engine is compared with the car as a whole. I have to hand it to Citroen as even the firewall is sleek!

Great progress Ken  :-))
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 01, 2017, 09:10:38 pm

Hi all did some more work on the engine bay, have I mentioned I love this kit, so much detail.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2rorw94.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2irkzmg.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/2hgd5xj.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/2ytxyex.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 04, 2017, 05:50:02 pm

Hi all whilst shopping in Dumfries today I came across this stuff, I've no idea if it will go through my ab but if it does I am going to change the original paint idea I had for the traction avant, if what I envisage works it should be fairly impressive, will try it on scrap plastic first.
Can't wait to get home and try it out.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/zisze0.jpg)

You are according to the instructions supposed to mix it with you're chosen paint colour.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on February 04, 2017, 09:34:41 pm
Surely a coarse needle and nozzle combination should allow it through?

Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: Stavros on February 04, 2017, 10:43:17 pm
Personally speaking I really don't think it will go through an airbrush....it is intended really for household paints....It could possibly go through a proffesional spray gun....why do I say this ...well the air pressure in a Pro gun is higher and they do a similar addative for car paints...I could be wrong in hat I am saying...try it and see




Dave
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: nivapilot on February 05, 2017, 09:04:41 am
I LOVE reading your postings and builds KP....cheers mate. :-))
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 08, 2017, 09:14:47 pm
Hi tried this through my ab, no go, good job I had my ultrasonic cleaner  (from my tattooing days) or I would never have cleaned it out
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 10, 2017, 10:10:19 pm

Hi all well i have the steering rack done.
[Img]http://i.imgur.com/88J1GOz.jpg

[Img]http://i.imgur.com/jhdG8kU.jpg
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 13, 2017, 08:43:12 pm

Hi all here is another update, I decided to give it a wood veneered dashboard
(https://www.imageupload.co.uk/images/2017/02/13/IMG_20170213_135801667251324.jpg)
Think it looks nicer than the bog standard dash
(http://i.imgur.com/fqJWZbd.jpgJust for added interest here is the new shiney chassis and engine bay.[IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/2ytxyex.jpg)
Just for interest here is a shot of the nice shiny chassis and engine

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2irkzmg.jpg)
And here is the old battered one
(http://i.imgur.com/njhR3Zh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/GHn6O4s.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/V3W4ZgJ.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on February 13, 2017, 10:01:52 pm
Your painting and weathering is astounding! I really could not tell that the engine and bay were not real, the colours and level of weathewring are just right.

As for the dashboard, sheer art!!!!  :-)) I thought for a moment you may have used stickyback plastic, but then realised that the pattern was too small to be on real S.B.P and lower edge was the same shape as on the original coloured one and so am amazed at it's realism. Did you use an airbrush or sponge techniques?

Wowsers:O)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 13, 2017, 10:23:42 pm
I'll come clean I printed it on paper stuck it on with super glue then varnished it.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on February 13, 2017, 10:29:00 pm
It still looks good and gives a good result Ken.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 14, 2017, 07:50:59 pm

Hi all finished the steering rack (still needs weathering) and installed the dashboard.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2qs8bpf.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/213hwfk.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/a3m360.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2zxmcuh.jpg)

Not sure what to do with the steering  wheel the interior seats and maybe the door panels (still not sure on them ) but definitely the seats will be cream leather as I think it will look really luxurious with the purple and gold, so should the steering wheel be white, cream, wood or black also should that be the whole steering wheel or just the rim. Baring in mind the paint work will be like the K1
[Img]http://i.imgur.com/K2JCAcR.jpg
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on February 14, 2017, 09:02:10 pm
I would do a Gloss black steering wheel rim and cream spokes to work with the upholstry. A wooden rim would disapear into the dashboard as would a cream rim would dissapear into the upholstry. It would have an Art deco look.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 16, 2017, 07:28:47 pm

Hi all been attaching some of the many wires and pipes to the engine and weathered the engine a bit more ( don't want it to look like it neglected but thought it looked too clean)

[/size](http://i68.tinypic.com/fn7ndc.jpg)[/color]

[/size](http://i64.tinypic.com/ejshv8.jpg)[/color]

[/size](http://i64.tinypic.com/2nv8hzc.jpg)[/color]

[/size](http://i67.tinypic.com/2vvqgxd.jpg)[/color]

[/size]​​​​​​​(http://i66.tinypic.com/25jwmyr.jpg)[/color]
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on February 16, 2017, 10:33:49 pm
You are lavishing effort on this lovely model Ken. I can imagine the petrol oily carbony smell of the engine comartment as I type.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 19, 2017, 08:15:42 pm

Hi all next update the rad is fitted, have I said I love this kit the rad is a 1/24 kit on its own, I'm developing a plan for another one anyway here is today's work.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/oayjyc.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/9a71ib.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/1e9r3k.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 22, 2017, 08:06:48 pm
Hi all here is today's update.

(http://i65.tinypic.com/20k7ns6.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/jucp53.jpg)

I'm really happy the way the chrome has golded  (is that a word)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2d13bc8.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/2mzxhj6.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/205b983.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/j7xabm.jpg)

I think the gold works incredibly well with the purple I realise the purple needs a few more coats, then I need to start the marbling effect, have I mentioned I love this kit.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on February 23, 2017, 08:38:33 pm
Yes you have and it shows. It looks a great kit and at that scale, the plastic is nearer scale thickness than say a 1:24th scale one so you can work on it knowing you don't have to thin edges etc.

I beleive the term is 'Guilded' (Puts nerd hat back on hook) and goes well with the purple. If you were to build a future Avant perhaps in a dystopian style, the radiator looks quite sinister and futurisitc with that slope and the interesting shaped header.

Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 24, 2017, 09:19:30 pm
Thanks mate, i have to say im mulling over doing another one but it will be a while as ive been told ( its my 60th this yr) i can have the kit ive always wanted a pocher so come october 26th i will have a 1/4 pocher ducati 1199.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on February 25, 2017, 08:57:23 pm
Quarter scale? Crikey, you could almost ride on it when built!!

I am looking forward to that already Ken :-))
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on February 26, 2017, 11:22:10 am

The Pocher car kits are reputed to be the best in the world.

I, myself, had the Rolls Royce many years ago and could not build it for fear of ruining it and eventually sold it on. This makers range of models are very high priced.  We would indeed be interested in any build pictures you may produce, and watch with interest.   :-))

Cheers,

ken
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on February 26, 2017, 06:49:22 pm

Hi all here is another update on the engine bay (there is soooooooooooo much detail in this kit, it's a superb model)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/343n6dv.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2s77via.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/wix0nr.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2ekndjl.jpg)

The engine bay is still not finished (by a long way)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on February 27, 2017, 12:08:14 am
That is understandable given the sheer amount of stuff going on. You could be there tinkering with detailing and weathering for days.

Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on March 05, 2017, 06:45:15 pm
 all here is another update, started the rear suspension
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2qmpyf7.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/flzkb6.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/sw5r1f.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/122j7ti.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on March 05, 2017, 08:28:07 pm
Torsion bar suspension Ken?
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on March 05, 2017, 09:17:37 pm
Yep and it's working, a truly impressive kit, I really am struggling to find extras to add
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on March 12, 2017, 08:17:11 pm

Hi all well I'm scrapping the marble effect idea (the gold pigment in the paint was too thin and would have required two coats to even start to cover which doesn't work with the marbling effect) (it's a one coat thing) not sure what I will do now, I'm thinking hard now.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/33589ki.jpg)

I've put the humbrol tin there to give an idea of the size of this beast.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/6zmscy.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on March 12, 2017, 08:55:13 pm
Its a nice purpley colour, would it not work as it is accepting the gold doesn't work?

Perhaps a dark green to contrast with the Gold would work??
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on March 13, 2017, 08:24:16 pm

Hi all well I've attached the front wings (for anybody building this kit the wings and bonnet connections all need reinforcing)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/1p8hth.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/xdfate.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/20axvs0.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on March 20, 2017, 08:37:53 pm

Hi all well here's the next bit, I got some leather for the seats (thanks to Roy Fitzsimmons) and I decided to add wooden window sills to it.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ng7bci.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/5mg4cl.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2ec1xn7.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/rkwpix.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/wwkn7o.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/rixkyh.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/2yjq0ja.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/dpke28.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on March 21, 2017, 08:23:29 pm
Heller should be ashamed seeing how you are augmenting their kits, showing what can be done to an already good kit given their slow and reluctant treatment of you over the years. I love the interior, very luxurious.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on March 22, 2017, 08:05:40 pm

Hi all here is another update (the seats are just placed for now not actually fixed yet) in this kit the front seats are adjustable  (just like the real thing) they slide forwards and back.
This really is an amazing kit.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/nwijp1.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/2my99no.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/20p31gp.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2hdo4yc.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on March 27, 2017, 08:03:01 pm

Hi all here's the next update.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/4v5kw7.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/24l1tsp.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on March 27, 2017, 09:29:06 pm
Are those kit parts or did you add them yourself? Brilliant, you will be adding as much detail as that Japanese aircraft modeller does soon.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on March 27, 2017, 10:12:40 pm
The kit dose supply the break pipes but they are too short and keep coming off so these are a combination of the kit parts and electric cable.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on March 31, 2017, 07:57:33 pm

Hi all next update.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/wrdr88.jpg)

This also has working adjustable seats
(http://i67.tinypic.com/5xn39z.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2qbuerb.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/9ixpj7.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/ip09ro.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 03, 2017, 07:54:31 pm

Hi all here's the next bit I decided to do something really different with the paint job then couldn't resist trying it all together I need to add a lot of lacquer to it yet but I'm quite pleased with it so far.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2wdvmg2.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/2m64hmb.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/maceo9.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/b97mg0.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on April 03, 2017, 09:08:35 pm
Proper 'Bling' Ken!!! You are putting more time into this beauty than you are your diorama and that is saying something as the Route Master isn't an evening's build.

You have done some lovely work especially on the brakes and seat frames  :-)) What is the motif done with, is it a decal or a vinyl type product?
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 03, 2017, 09:53:44 pm
Do you remember defraction tape, it was a custom car body product in the 70s well this is defraction tape on a roll with that pattern stamped our on it, got if from the pound shop in a pack with three different patterns, it's actually silver but I sprayed it with candy orange to blend in with the gold chrome work.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 04, 2017, 07:48:49 pm

Hi all the next update.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/5po4cg.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/dh5rtg.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2pzxok8.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2mynh3m.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on April 04, 2017, 08:57:04 pm
This is the first time I have heard of defraction tape. You learn something new every day.S
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 09, 2017, 05:26:45 pm

Hi all another update, the canvas roof is causing me lots of problems, so much so it may end up with a non working roof and just have it displayed in the open position. The bonnet and wings are not fixed just positioned to see how much giggling I will need to do to get a good fit, the bonnet is supposed to be fitted with a piece of rubber on my first build it proved to be a very bad system which tended to come unglued after it had been opened a couple of times, I bought a piano hinge for that job instead, I'm having to keep shaving bits off the front grill to stop it fouling the grill (very slow job as I don't want to shave too much off and have a gap between the grill and the bonnet) with a little forethought I should have cut the hinge a little shorter.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2i73ccy.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/iw3loi.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/2qx6mph.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/2j674p4.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/1zf4qdj.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/35b71pd.jpg)

Here's my first build of this at a similar stage.
[Img]http://i.imgur.com/rfNHLZv.jpg

[Img]http://i.imgur.com/jFRc7sm.jpg

[Img]http://i.imgur.com/OPT5Bzy.jpg[/size]

[Img]http://i.imgur.com/KriADth.jpg[/size]
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 13, 2017, 07:31:39 pm

Hi all here is the next update.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2148ec4.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/11bjiva.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/35iyhbq.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/2hpj3x4.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2cpc70x.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on April 13, 2017, 09:00:19 pm
Will your next example of this model be recreated in metals and have a full working drivetrain?

I love the idea of using a real piano hinge to make the bonnet work. It makes sense especially as you don't ant to hide the work you have done on the engine.

What ails the roof? Is it too stif to work, or is the plastic too weak to allow you to make it work reliably?
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 13, 2017, 09:49:45 pm
Hi mate I think it's the choice of material, and of course my abysmal sewing
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 14, 2017, 08:18:36 pm

Hi all got the doors on and made some door pockets for them, still have to do the catches to keep the doors shut but liking it so far.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2h6sx87.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/k3kpd0.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/2uhoher.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on April 15, 2017, 08:23:56 pm
That is a very luxurious design of car what with fold down arms rests and plush door pockets.

Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 17, 2017, 04:58:48 pm
Hi all here   another update (I'm afraid I've given up on a working hood so it will be fixed in this position in the finished thing
[/size](http://i68.tinypic.com/34rc2ud.jpg)[size=0px](http://i64.tinypic.com/301jygo.jpg)[/size](http://i68.tinypic.com/2u8dkes.jpg)(http://i68.tinypic.com/wwcenm.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: ballastanksian on April 17, 2017, 09:22:40 pm
Well at least you gave it a go Ken. If you do another soft top, you will have learnt loads from the excercise.
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 18, 2017, 07:56:33 pm

Hi all here is the next update.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/24e8fv6.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/rizu6d.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/r9n97n.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/mikva0.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: Stavros on April 18, 2017, 09:36:38 pm
Thats really Awsome cracking work there




Dave
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 19, 2017, 08:05:34 pm

Hi all, next update, nearing the end now.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/zlagb8.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/30vktg0.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/11c78sp.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2cwperk.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 20, 2017, 08:24:23 pm

Hi all nearly at the end now, there are so many more things I could add to this but I think I will just finish it as it is, I must say I much preferred the first build of it and I think it's more interesting to look at when I build the next one it will be in more of a state than the first one.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2qmp308.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/2ur4806.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2yngfew.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2n89f12.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/2qlwy8j.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/122kj2x.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/333vhi9.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 22, 2017, 05:58:25 pm

HI all well it's finally done I've posted some pics of the first build just to show the complete difference between them.
Personally I think the more interesting build is the first one (it's by far and away the one I enjoyed the most)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/ak7rz8.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/2n8c4gp.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/aw6w6h.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/dzglet.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/346m4io.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2dqmueu.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2cnjhuq.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/oky911.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/wan97n.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/1zwp860.jpg)

(http://i65.tinypic.com/mc3gat.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ikzg2d.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ymblmt.jpg)

And it's final resting place.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/wqotmv.jpg)
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 27, 2017, 09:44:24 pm
Hi all well after someone on you tube stole one of my wip builds and posted it as their own I decided to beat them all to it and post all my builds on there first so this is my first (thanks iceman on how to do it) obviously I'm new to this and this is my first post on there, here is a link to it
www.youtube.com/edit?video_id=aYkHn64LODU
Title: Re: Hellers 1/8 traction avant cabriolet conversion
Post by: kpnuts on April 28, 2017, 11:16:03 am
Sorry that link didn't work, here's the right one
https://youtu.be/aYkHn64LODU