Beans

I haven't done this personally but I would imagine that 3d scanning each parts tree then using CAD to clean up or adjust the scan as necessary then simply importing it to the slicer and 3d printing at the best quality (smallest layer setting) possible, would get you exactly what you are talking about. Personally I never made progress with my 3d printing as I had a resin tub catastrophe that ate my printer. What I did learn was that finding the right settings for the right resin is key to getting quality prints. Also, in my limited experience, failed prints and warpage happen. Nothing comes out perfect the first time. But others with more experience can give you a better idea.

My thoughts as well. If you are scaling them yourself, scale them to the exact size you want vs. just scaling them to a % of a %.

Sand and polish. Repaint if necessary, and avoid CA glue on painted kits. It always turns out bad. (at least for me)

Been wondering about something like this for a while now. With the 3d printed water slide seatbelts, louvers and rivets, the tech is there.

Having a daughter that is just reaching driving age I can tell you that these i-phone generation kids are more interested in the tech features than anything. There was a time when people wanted cars that had some smart phone type features. Now people want smart phones that they can also drive places. Very few kids grew up like most of us older folks. Watching (and probably helping) dad fix the car, change the oil, or even do basic maintenance. The idea of "I can make that" or "I can fix that" turned into, "there's an app for that".

Hard to build it without opening it...just sayin.

I've been wanting this forever. My first car was an orange Maverick and I can't wait to build a replica. Stock works just fine for me. I can always get duplicates to turn into whatever I want.

Been intrigued by this kit. Yours turned out great!

Love that color. The customizations came out great.

That's what is great about this hobby. I love looking at your builds and the time and attention you put into each aspect. I like that on those rare occasions when I do decide to go full out on the details I have something to aspire to.

That varnish is something I usually see used on wargaming and model figures. I've never used it myself but that is where I hear "varnish" being used most. I have no experience with the Mr. Color clear. Tamiya is good. I tend to always use clear from the same company that made the paint I used on the model. Testors extreme or whatever they call it now, is ok. It doesn't spray as fine at the Tamiya and I find that I have to move the can faster to get more even coats.

I like it. Great work.

I like that the 78 chevy truck and trailer box art focuses on the grand prix car. It's like, oh, by the way there's a truck in there too. 😄

This is so cool! Loved watching the hydro races as a kid. Funny part is I grew up in Kent and never went to this museum. Awesome job on this build!!!

Thank you for the update. I'll end up with a mustang, corvette and lambo probably in the end. Although I would have preferred a higher parts count on the mustang.

I've kind of decided to go down this same road. Unless there is something special about the engine, or it is visible I am not detailing it out as much as I used to. The deciding factor for me was when I was re-looking at my build dispaly shelf and had no idea which of the models I built had a detailed engine. Had to re look under the hood of each. Basically, if I'm never looking then nobody else is ever looking.

Looks great! I don't have a lathe but I'm sure I can come up with some way to make a form. Great idea. Time to experiment.

Thanks Carl.

More inspiration...

That is kind of what I have been doing lately with the kits that I haven't been sure what to do with. This particular kit is pretty easy to convert into a race car. I should have re-engined it but didn't feel like getting that much into the detail and kind of rushed it along to get to the decaling.

That is really cool! Great idea, and very well done.

Love the "cut away" idea. Amazing work!!

Thank you. I can't take all the creative credit though. I found some inspiration from this one

Came in the mail this weekend.

Is it an original???