CrewDawg's Tiny Tuner Turbo Tut

[CrewDawg15]

I wrote this tutorial a while back for another forum, and thought I'd like to share the method I use to make my own turbo's. I whipped this one up for beginners so they can get the basic turbo shape. Of course there are a few more things you can add to make one of these a real stunner

First off, you need some basic supplies:

Some two part epoxy putty (Tamiya, Milliput, or whatever else you can scrounge up ) a ruler (preferably a clear one), your rod stock, a knife, some super glue (CA), a file or sandpaper (your choice), and some elbow grease and patience

Go ahead, and mix the two parts of the epoxy putty together. After it is mixed good, rub a length of putty between your fingers to make a snake like shape:

Now get your ruler, or any other hard object, and roll out the putty to get an even shape. I like to use a transparent ruler, so I can see how the putty looks.

As you know, turbo compressors, and turbines are not uniform in shape. They start off with a narrow end, and taper out to form a cone. Use the ruler to help shape the putty into a cone. Cut out a small length of putty once you get the desired shape and thickness:

Now, take the putty, and very carefully wrap it around a rod of your desired size. Here, I used 3mm rod for mine. Be careful, as the putty is still soft. It is very easy to stretch, or mis-shape it. If you do, just pull it off and reshape as described above

Do the same for your turbine section. Real turbo wrappings aren't centered on each other, there is a little bit of an off set (look at the pic, and hopefully you'll see what I mean) At this point, configuration and orientation of each part doesn't matter, it'll be changed later

I reached my pic limits on this post, so look below for the second part

[CrewDawg15]

Part 2

Now, you have to wait for the putty to set up A good idea here is to make more than you need...it will allow you to have reserve spares so you can make more turbo's later, and not have to wait. After the putty sets up, slide the compressor, and turbine off of the rod (if you used styrene, it should slide off really easy)

Slice off the ends of the winding that you do not want. Now, take a short piece of rod, or tubing a little bit bigger that the diameter of the compressor:

Use the superglue, and glue it to the wide end of the compressor. Congratulations...you have just fabricated the compressor section of your new turbo

Take a scrap piece of styrene, and make a rectangular shape. Once you get it cut out, glue it to the wide end of the turbine. This will be your exhaust manifold flange:

Now, the rest is up to you. Slide both the compressor, and turbine back onto the rod. A good suggestion is to position them first how you want, and then use a drop of superglue to permanently set them in place.

While this method is a little time consuming, I feel that it is worth it. I know that the shape is uniform, and I dont have to deal with lighters, and heat to get the shape I want...no uneven globs of burnt plastic With a little bit of practice, you to can produce realistic turbo's that you'll definitely be proud of

Good Luck!!!

Jimmy

[Scalper]

cool.. very neat.

[Bill Eh?]

That is an excellent, easy to understand tutorial. Your supporting images top it off. I really like the idea of using two part putty instead of heated/shaped sprue. Many thanks Jimmy.

[whale392]

Nice down and dirty quick turbo tutorial there Jimmy. Thanks for sharing that (I will have to keep that in mind when I go to do the turbo for the SVO I have waiting in the wings.

[CrewDawg15]

Thanks Guys.

I know a lot of people like to use solder or heated plastic to make turbo compressors and turbines. They look nice, but the correct taper is hard to achieve using that method. This is a way I came up with that produces that taper, and doesn't take a lot of effort to do. As the saying goes: "There is more than one way to skin a cat." I'm always looking for that other way

[Jantrix]

Great tutorial. It's doesn't get any easier than that.

[Brutalform]

Very...very nice!! Alot of talented and skilled model crafters on here!!!