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TDR and Shapeways sure do wonderful work. I could not be happier than what I am with their new turbo. This is actually a "2.5inch" which I think suits the build really well. I will run a full 3inch exhaust from the outlet. Tested in the bay, it's still snug, but fits a lot better than the larger turbo I had originally. And I'm really hoping I can get away without the need for a hood "lump"......I will if it needs it, but indications are it will be fine. Front view. I hope to get onto the "down pipe" later today, so I can get the full exhaust done. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you all enjoy. Cheers Greg

Ok....so, the NEW turbo arrived from Tim and the lads @ TDR. Middle rear of this first pic. Also, this is what was to be, one of the most tedious jobs so far..... Tubular exhaust headers, easy, right??? Um, NO! First attempt I used 3.2mm solder, but could not get the bends tight enough.... Second go round, I used 3.2mm plastic rod. FAIL! Just couldn't get them all to the correct shape. So, I eventually weakened and tried an idea I saw many years ago, an idea very much like they build real race style headers...In sections! I heated some 3.2mm rod (running low on stock because of "throw aways") and bent numerous U's and half circles. From that, small sections were cut and tested, tested often, as I didn't want them fouling each other.... Some putty and some blending of the pipe work, it's getting close to what I wanted.... I cut and drilled a flange, ready to accept TDR's turbo as well.... Continues............

Hey, thanks Mike. But the swearing has been in scale too. Thank you too Justin, Joe, Bill and Dave. Well, after a fairly tumultuous few weeks ( I had a fortnight where I wasn't sure I still had a job, but that's now sorted..)..I'm still at the bench. This is a hefty update, so I'll spread it over a couple of posts. Working with the fuel system, I found that a "swirl pot, or tank" is an often fitted accessory with turbo cars. Not sure if it's really necessary, but thought I'd add one. I punched tiny black washers from thin black sheet stock to simulate the rubber bushes supporting the tank. Still needs all the lines fitted at this stage, and am anxiously awaiting an order from Robert @ RBMotion. Also made twin fuel filters for the rear. Simulated Holley units, they will mount to the modified tank. (please excuse the dust.... ) I got bored the other week (waiting for the new turbo ) so figured I'd make a start on the exhaust.... Constructed from 6.5mm tube, I knew this wasn't going to be easy to bend. I made a series of saw cuts at the bend locations, heated, bent, then glued to shape. Some putty was then used to help blend them back to correct shape. The rear muffler is a 1/10 R/C item from a "parts pack", the tip is approx 5inch in 1:1. But it kinda suits this build. Continues.......

Oh yes....I am so down for one or two of these..... I may have to wait for TDR to catch up though, as I will most likely need a 1/12 version....

Brodie, great to see some more of TDR parts getting used. That's a good point that Dave mentioned too, and something they may work on to help us "mate" them to factory kit parts. I am sure that you will get it seating correctly though with some careful manipulating.

AMAZING build. David, you are truly a THE Master when it comes to 1/12 Camaro's, beautifully built mate.

Hehehe, as Mark mentions above, "How can one not enjoy"..... Dave, I'm gonna book an airfare.....I wanna be there for this beasts first run. Can't wait to see what other plans you have up your sleeve mate....I just know this is NOT going to be your every day grocery getter.

Joe, SUPER work buddy. Your attention to the finer details leaves me breathless, much like Chris' (Mooneyes) work. Yeah, I managed to break one of my yokes during assembly. I know it would probably ADD to the cost of these parts, but maybe TDR could look at producing these more fragile components from one of the metals Shapeways have available??? Just a thought.

Dirk, this is shaping up as an impressive build mate. I too have held back from visiting your Fotki pages (even though I use them too) as I want to enjoy this as "it happens" so to speak. Looking forward to your next installment mate.

Steve, this is coming along in leaps and bounds.. Fantastic progress mate.

Woah! Mark, they both look awesome mate. Kudos on your decal making too. Complicated process but the results are pure magic. Beautiful work on two very clean builds. Oh, and welcome too.

Chris, while not exactly what you're looking for, maybe an alteration to this may work for you..? For one of my Datsuns, I needed plug boots with a flat lead outlet. Or relatively flat anyways... First, I punched out 6 discs from thin sheet (.5mm?) which yielded a dome shaped cap. I then glued some short lengths of tube, corresponding to the hole size of the plugs. Then, with each plug lead I made 90deg boots. These were then glued (very tight anyway..) into each plug cap. Maybe, by keeping the short part of the plug boot very short (recess it all the way into the cap) you could then glue (epoxy?) and blend the cap/boot?? Then touch it up with some semi-gloss black paint.. I know you won't let this get the better of you, and I look forward to seeing more of this inspirational build mate. Keep at it.

Hey, thanks Rom, Jared and Raees. Rom, cheers man, I got the medical tape sorted...it has a nice pattern which resembles seat belt webbing very closely...No pic of it yet. Well, the last week or so has been a little hectic, both with work and at the bench..... The turbo motor now has a nice set of custom aftermarket cam covers, and a brand new inlet plenum. The plenum I had made, has some new runners fitted. Oh yeah....I deleted the two oil hose fittings on the top...they were too high, and will now get some RBMotion fittings plumbed straight into the tops. New plenum taking shape, along with fitting an all new fuel rail and fittings.... Test fitting time..... The turbo I got from Tim and Tony. It's a little large for this build though, so a smaller one is about to get ordered. I think Raees has plans for this one. Also re-worked the fuel delivery system... An inline Holley style fuel filter and a Tomei style regulator were made and installed, along with a new fuel line with RBMotion fittings. The fuel return line was also extended and mated up to the new regulator... That wraps it up for this installment guys. Hope to get a little more done soon, and once the new turbo arrives, work will begin on the exhaust.... Thanks for stopping by, and hope you'll like it so far... cheers Greg

Tony, awesome stuff mate. Been eyeballing all the new stuff the last week or so, and pretty sure you guys are gonna cost me a wad of cash when I give in and place another order.... The detail on the 1/12 turbo I got just recently really blew my mind. TOP shelf work.

I have an old original issue "street Charger" awaiting a full rebuild one day.....plus an assortment of old 1/16 Revell F/car parts to mix'n'match with it. Centreline rims will most likely be my choice of rolling stock.....but it's some time off yet. Also have an old (I think it's original) DOH Charger. It is complete, but already pulled apart when I got it. Not sure what it will end up being built as... Good luck with your build when you get to it Kurt.

Ah...making room for the new 1:1 toy, hey Dave? Can't wait to see progress on that beast too.

Justin, that ended up just super mate. GREAT work! And yes...as David asked, some outdoor shots would be great to see how that awesome colour really looks. Well done man.

Ah Chris....Excellent stuff mate, that rear end looks so neat and well finished off....gonna be a shame to install it. Top shelf as usual mate. (two thumbs up ) And looking at those parts from Mark, he sure does some extra special work too.....very nice indeed.

Joe, this is looking so darn fabulous mate. Absolutely AWESOME actually.....The trans and associated hardware looks spot on, no wonder you're so pleased....as you are so well entitled to be mate. Great work.

Thank you so much Nicolas. Justin, thank you too mate, that idea for the seat belts is just what I've been wishing for man. I'll drop into my local Chemist/drug store tomorrow afternoon. I have some Sharpies. Ok, well this is kind of a special update for Rom. More work on the RB motor..... I figured, seeing as I'm working on 2 of these at present, with #3 lurking in the wings, I should keep all 3 in the same thread....no sense making duplicates. So yes, this new RB motor will be finding residence in the bay of the blue car, the original build. The motor is from a Fujimi 1/12 GTR, and while it does exhibit nice detail, it's not in the game compared to Tamiya. The twin turbo set up was discarded soon after I opened the box, that's how distraught I was when I laid eyes on it. So the plan was always going to be, BIG single...... Now, over the weekend a decision was also made to go the "not quite stock" route regarding the motor.... Found some great pics of race type set ups, which included some kool cam covers. So I'm making two single cam covers to replace the stock molded cover. While looking, I also found great reference for this next item...... Each cam gear is made of several pieces, mostly all the tiny sprocket teeth.....didn't count them, but it seemed like a lot..... The gray cam electronic component is from the kit. Also made modifications to a Revell (?) alternator, as the Fujimi piece looks absolutely horrible. I cut the fan/pulley from the front, detailed them a little, then reattached it with a bolt. New brackets (non-existent..) will also be made. Been working on the inlet plenum as well.....Here's a group shot of the weekends work. Not a whole lot I know, but there is a few hours tied up there....plus I was working in between watching the Bathurst 1000 on the telly. Hope to have a bit more for you all soon guys, thanks for watching. cheers Greg

Nice start on this one Jordan. Had one in my hands briefly, but decided to pass it on to someone who could possibly do it more justice. Justin, whilst these Japanese kits do offer a unique perspective on the American Auto market, sadly they do lack in some regards to accuracy. I have the Bandai 1/12 C3 (?) Vette, the 69 Stingray. The overall appearance will most certainly yield a nice, reasonably detailed kit (when I get to finishing it...) it also has many flaws. Apologies to Jordan for straying off topic then.

Echoing Gilberts thoughts Jay. May your troubles pass quickly mate, so you can get back to the bench.....we shall be waiting your return bud.

This is looking really great Justin. The effort you are putting forward into the finer details will really pay off in the end mate, excellent work. I'm kinda partial to that shade of green you used too, it seems to just suit so well. Keeping that in my think bank for later on. Thanks for sharing mate.

Thanks Bill. Yes, a break doesn't hurt none now and again I guess....think I'm here for a good while this time. Joe, it's been lurking in hibernation for a good while, so you have a good excuse. Rom, only an early mock up of the RB engine at this time....the turbo was a very early item from Tim @ TDR. It's a little on the large size, but was the smallest available at that time. Sitting on a custom fabricated tubular exhaust manifold, it sits way too high. A smaller, more to scale turbo will be on the way shortly. Will run a 3inch mandrel bent system from the turbo back. It should look right at home sitting in here..... Ok, well...with just having had a 3 day weekend, you may be excused for expecting more..... Amazing how "other" things always need to be taken care of, before modelling time... Anyways..... As this build is to be as close to "stock" as possible, keeping a few creature comforts was going to be a given. The basis for the interior will be from the ZG, mainly seats.....or seat. The Safari kit shares a good deal of interior pieces, but seating is not one of them. The passenger seat is the typical tilting/reclining bucket seat. Also required, was going to be a "stock" seat-belt arrangement....something not even supplied in either kit. So.....I made a pretty basic one from masking tape and painted it black. It is only a temporary thing, till I find something more suitable. I also started making the stalk to click the belt into, as well as the retractor unit for the belt. And a trial run, to see how things may look once painted and installed.... Also started on a basic 4/6 point cage. The car I'm basing the build on has a cage installed, otherwise I wouldn't bother.... Driver seat is from a GTR (doner for the RB26) and will have a full race style harness. This photo I borrowed from Speedhunters.com The guy that built this car was so generous and helpful with anything I asked of him. He sent some excellent in progress shots. Hence the reason for my change in direction.... Well, that's all for now guys.....stay tuned for a bit more soon....... Cheers Greg

Bill, that makes making those flares look a whole lot easier....GREAT work! Sure beats the balsa one's I tried making as a teen.... Before I knew of putty.