Scale Cars

[losiXXXman]

I find it odd that there is very little activity in RC cars devoted to scale modeling. I used to be into racing, and strictly interested in performance, but as I've gotten older, had kids, and pretty much lost all funding for high priced items, I've gotten away form that. In planes and Boats, significant interest exists in scale modeling. Anyone share my interest?

by the way a project I'm thinking of undertaking is a homemade body and modified chassis to make my M03 look like this:

[skylineTT]

sweet project..take it on! i love scale build-ups. on Rccrawler they do a lot of scale trucks and stuff. awesome looking. they use leaf-springs and all

[losiXXXman]

Here are some preliminaries. Definately going to have to add some wheelbase to the chassis. Some width also, width in the form of TA02 arms that I have lying around. Not sure if rear motor is going to work, it looks like the rear overhang is going to be too short to accomodate a reversed M03 drivetrain.

[CarterTG]

It would seem to me that an ambitious project where ANY kind of money is being spent, the front-drive Tamiya M-03 chassis is totally wrong for any Mercedes SLK.

In the early nineties, Tamiya released the first-gen SLK (& Boxster) with a rear-drive M-02L chassis.

The M-03 and M-03L variant being front-drives, has it's bulk above the front wheels. Not at all compatible with the sleek, low hood of the SLK.. including the latest gen. The M-03L sports a 239mm wheelbase which should be a close 1/10th scale match to the real thing, BUT being front drive defeats the effort of a "scale" project.

Tamiya's M-04L chassis ought to be the proper starting point. It's got the correct 239mm wheelbase, is rear-wheel drive, AND most importantly has a low chassis profile. This is why Tamiya used it for their Honda S2000 and BMW M roadster kits. Even the first-gen SLK bodyshell (Tamiya #50756) fits perfectly onto an M-04L chassis... all wheelwells and bodyholes line up. Photos proving this are still in the Electric On-Road's M04L thread (http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=110098)

I don't think the stock 174mm track width of the M-04L needs altering to match the scale width of a real-life current-gen SLK.

Once the chassis is taken care of, the REAL work will be in fabricating a McLaren-style SLK bodyshell.

Since my first posts on RC Zone, I've learned a LOT about making stuff with different techniques. In the past decade, many "industry" tools have trickled down to where consumers can finally do interesting things. (homebrew resin molding, 3D rapid prototyping, CNC, etc)

Unfortunately, high-detail polycarbonate vaccuum-forming isn't one of them. The home-brew bodyshells I've seen so far have been good efforts, but it's still a far cry from the shells being churned out by the big boys.

Someone please prove me very wrong on this, but a homebrew polycarbonate bodyshell of a current-model Mercedes SLK isn't going to be winning any "scale" contests and won't be much better than the slab-sided attempts back when Parma made bodyshells.

If a scale modeller had some mad-carving skills, I suppose the first step would be to make a mold-plug out of wood or maybe clay or even modelling wax. For the less-skilled but cash-rich, a feasable alternative would be:

Download a 3D program like the working evaluation version of Rhino3D (http://www.rhino3d.com) and pray that someone out in cyberspace has uploaded a free 3D model file of the Mercedes SLK in question.

If neither 3D SLK model exists and one's own 3D skills don't exist, then a program like Image Modeller from RealViz is one possibility. Image Modeller can use several reference photos to create a 3D model file. To see this process, look 20 minutes into Episode 44 of DigitalLifeTV (http://gearlog.com/blogs/digitallifetv/archive/2006/01/26/8028.aspx).

Once a 3D model is in a program like Rhino3D, scale it up/down to match the target wheelbase, track, and chassis-height. Save the revised 3D model file. Upload the file to a "rapid-prototyping" service bureau (http://wohlersassociates.com/service-providers.html). Preferably one that has a 3D printer or CNC mill. They'll ship back a perfect model.

With a mold model in hand (whether done via 3D or hand-carved), one of the more do-able ways would be to make a 2-piece negative mold (left/right halves) and use THAT to do a thin-cloth fiberglass bodyshell. A resin molding kit can then be employed for side-mirrors, windshield wiper arms, rearview mirror, etc.

Would I wanna tangle with a streetcurb at 1/4 throttle in a fiberglass bodyshell? No, but it should make for a pretty detailed scale model.

I'll rant at another time to speculate why companies like HPI aren't using this process to better their bodyshell detail.

Good luck & keep us posted on the progress!

[Vato Loco]

you need to talk to mikevillena: http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=214548 He might point you in the right way to go being he's some kind of scale guru.

[NotWalkinBlind]

Yeah, Mike's got mad skills... and make sure you notice that thread is 10 pages long... lots of good stuff there.

[losiXXXman]

I popped over to that thread briefly, but will definately be checking it out cover to cover....glued up a foam blank for body sculpting today...stay tuned..

[losiXXXman]

Carter - The reason I'm starting with th eM03 is, that is what I have. Sure I caould go buy a M04 to work with, but why do so when I have a chassis that is not seeing much use anyway. As a bonus, 75% of my enjoyment of RC comes from building and tinkering with the things. It'll be more fun to make my M03 sleek and low (and rwd) to fit under this body. Here's the latest for those who are watching.....

Well, it would be my luck. After taking the time to sketch that profile guess what I find in the brochure from the dealership? A profile shot @ virtually the right scale...Also got a good front end view. The blank is ready for shaping will get started this weekend hopefully. The new profile I'll be working from is slightly smaller than my drawing and rounds out to a model of about 1:9.4 scale. Wheelbase is ~228mm and width ~170mm. If it works out this way, this body could ride on a M04M box stock. If you like the way mine turns out Carter, I may be convinced to make another to sell you for your M04...

[QSL]

1/4 Scale used to be all about the scale look. Sadly it went away. Here is the most scale car I own. It was a one off prototype from one of the old manufacturers.
http://www.quarterscalelegends.com/daytona005.jpg
http://www.quarterscalelegends.com/daytona010.jpg
http://www.quarterscalelegends.com/daytona003.jpg
http://www.quarterscalelegends.com/daytona014.jpg

[NotWalkinBlind]

Suhhhhhweet, QSL. A classic. Ever run it much? I don't mean competitively... I mean have you just put her on the track and let her stretch her legs a little?

[QSL]

Nope, it will never be driven. The cost of such a model is so great that insurance will not cover the model unless it is not used. It is in a display case. It is the very last car produced by this manufacturer, very rare, and very desireable.

[z-man280]

:eek: :eek: :eek: WOW! that is beautiful!!!

[QSL]

The body is built to exact scale. The chassis uses the same size tubing as the full size car scaled down and the placement is exact. Even the leaf spring suspension is to scale. There was a ton of research done to build this car. Even original blue prints from pete brock were obtained for the build and measurements taken off the real car. This is a very difficult task since these full size cars are ultra rare and are valued at nearly 4 million dollars each.

[SS Pede]

I really like scale R/C stuff. I don't own anything yet, but I'm definitely tempted to buy the new Tamiya F-350 Hi-Lift that's coming out. It's pretty darn scale, at least for a production kit. I would love to do some scale off-roading with it. I would also like to own some scale construction equipment, but the kits are extremely expensive!! Like...$5000 for a complete working R/C model of a loader or dump truck. They are ultra-scale and realistic with hydraulics and everything, but I don't have that kind of dough. I wish there were a cheaper (but still decent) alternative.

[desfjr1300]

Yeah, aside from a few Tamiya's-the tanks and big rigs come to mind-we're pretty much stuck with generic blobs. It's probably a matter of form over function-The manufacturer's expect us to run them after all, and a shapeless lexan blob will certainly stand more abuse than a hand laid fiberglass work of art complete with functioning headlight wipers.
That Shelby's a perfect example-No question it's gorgeous, but it's also completely useless as anything other than a conversation piece. A radio controlled car is meant to be controlled by radio (duh) ie-DRIVEN. I personally can't fathom spending that kind of money on something that's just going to sit there looking pretty....That's what plastic models are for :D
I would like a LITTLE more detail though so I can certainly understand where LosiXXXman is coming from. Tamiya currently makes the best shells-they're probably our best hope for out-of-the-box detail....and just think of the loot they could rake in selling replacement headlight wiper nozzles!

[Tig]

:eek: QSL, I am one jealous MoFo. That is incredible, do you have a pics of the motor.

The only "scale" model I have is a 427 Cobra from the Franklin Mint, only 1000 were made. Oh yeah its made of pewter to.

Later

[TRXrevoRacerOS18]

Nope, it will never be driven. The cost of such a model is so great that insurance will not cover the model unless it is not used. It is in a display case. It is the very last car produced by this manufacturer, very rare, and very desireable.
that is a sweeeeet car, what is that thing worth that you need insurance on it

[z-man280]

DO NOT let what happen to Mazz happen to you!!!!......read your home owners close, or supplement a policy on that thing!!!! Mazz lost a $1600 1/8 buggy to some low-life the police in his town wont even pursue, ............

[z-man280]

Nope, it will never be driven. The cost of such a model is so great that insurance will not cover the model unless it is not used. It is in a display case. It is the very last car produced by this manufacturer, very rare, and very desireable.
sorry, didnt read that, you obvioulsy have it insured. :p

[z-man280]

XXXman, got any updates???

[HPI_freak]

are you gonna use a vaccum form and make it out of lexan?

[TRXrevoRacerOS18]

id guess whats what hes doing, i cant wiat to see what his end result is going to be

[NotWalkinBlind]

QSL, is the body made of fiberglass? Was it a RTR, or did you build it? I love how the right side pipes are functional.

And the fact that it has IRS! :eek:

Who was the manufacturer?

[TRXrevoRacerOS18]

the irs is pretty sweet

[losiXXXman]

Can you believe I let the entire weekend slip by without taking any time for my project? Will post more pics of bodyshaping progress soon...

[losiXXXman]

I'm a busy father of two, so I hope you all don;t get frustrated with my slow pace. Anyway I had 45 minutes to sand so here's where I am now....

[losiXXXman]

and another...

[Tig]

Family comes first :D :) It looks great, keep up the good work.

[losiXXXman]

Been absent for awhile, but am working on this again. By the way carter, can you give me more info on resin molding kits, adding side view mirrors and wipers would be great. Will try to post some more pics of bodyshaping progress soon...

[CarterTG]

I'm surprised it hasn't been brought up more often. Back when there was still an annual hobby show in Chicago :rolleyes: , a Michigan company called Alumilite (http://www.alumilite.com/) demo'd their casting kit.

I bought their super kit and used it among various things to cast side mirrors for the HPI M3 shell. The RTV Silicone and hardener that comes in the kit (to make the negative mold) is convenient, but at the expense of shrinking the model about 5%. Non-shrinking silicone would otherwise require vulcanizing equipment or other periphernalia.

I carved my mirrors using modelling wax, poured the silicone mixture to make a reuseable 2-piece negative mold.. mixed the 2-part Alumilite resin together, poured into the silicone mold, waited 5 minutes and separated the silicone... BAM, instant resin custom-part. They sell coloring dyes for adding to the resin.

For wipers, you're better off buying sheets of styrene plastic with a bottle of Plasti-Weld and fabricate like scale guru Mike Villena does.

BMW M3 with its black resin side mirrors...

[losiXXXman]

As promised here are the latest photos of my ongoing project...

[losiXXXman]

and some more:

[losiXXXman]

Chassis details: made form 1/8 basswood. Vertical stringers on sides of battery seem to provide plenty of rigidity. M03 front end will mount to rear of chassis with motor hanging off the back. Plan is to use standard mini arms all around, but make oy own shocktowers F and R. Front will also require custom arm mount. Haven't yet comitted to a plan for the steering. What do you all think?

[losiXXXman]

Well, its official, I'm a hack. Broke out the jigsaw and the dremel and obliterated my M03 chassis. Now I have a free standing M03 tranny to bolt to my homebuilt chassis. Almost done with the design of shock towers (F&R), and front suspension arm mount. Will start fabrication soon. pictures to follow.....

[CarbonMadness]

I wouldn't want to know what will happen to that chassis when you hit a wall :eek:

[venom813]

Check out this companies products for casting stuff:

http://www.smooth-on.com/

[losiXXXman]

Been a while since I had time to work on the project. So long that I lost the post. Anyway, post resurrected, future progress to come....

[Vato Loco]

losiXXXman......Try Lexan as a chassis matterial! my chassis is close to what your design is!
http://www.ultimaterc.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-5779
Go to R C P i c s.com and type in rusty pede in the search box......more pic's of custom chassis!
These are some of my older designs:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f266/CMHCMH/100_1619.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f266/CMHCMH/100_0782.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f266/CMHCMH/100_0780.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f266/CMHCMH/100_0783.jpg

[QSL]

sorry about the delayed responce. It was made by QRS and you can see more info on them at www.quarterscalelegends.com

The body is fiberglass and it is multi piece.

[chills73]

This is a ''real'' scale-model :)

http://static.hugi.is/misc/movies/ferrari312.rm

[zepplin]

This is a ''real'' scale-model :)

http://static.hugi.is/misc/movies/ferrari312.rm

that is dedication. i wonder how much he would get if he wanted to sell it, especially to a hardcore ferrrari nut.

by the way, i like to see another custom build, looks incredible so far.