Test

[Harry P.]

For a long time, one of my model building "gotta do it" bucket list items has been to scratchbuild a 1/8 scale woody. I intended to take a Pocher RR kit and convert it to a woody. I've had this idea in my head for years. In fact, way back in 2010 I bought a Pocher "Star of India" RR kit from forum member Tom Allen (AzTom). Remember, Tom? My intention was to convert this kit by scratchbuilding the body of real wood.

So why still no 1/8 woody? Well, I kept putting off the project because I wasn't sure that I could pull it off. And I didn't want to experiment on a complete, unbuilt Pocher kit and risk ruining the kit… so my 1/8 woody kept getting pushed into "some day" status.

Last month, I finally decided that it was high time I got to work on this project, but I still didn't want to dive into a Pocher kit without even knowing if I was able to do what I wanted to do… so my plan was to build a "test" woody first, in order to see if I could actually pull it off, work out the building sequence, deal with any potential problems along the way, etc. I bought a 1/16 scale Phantom III on ebay, and a bunch of basswood from Hobby Lobby, so that I could build my test model.

Well, ultimately I was pretty pleased with what I came up with. Yeah, I made mistakes, and there are some things I will definitely do differently on my Pocher woody, but all in all I learned a lot… the most important thing being that I can actually do this! I posted my "test" woody Under Glass yesterday.

So now I'm pumped to do this in 1/8 scale. Today I dragged out the old Pocher "Star of India" RR and laid everything out on the dining room table. Going through all the parts trees, the instruction book, just handling all the parts got me so revved up to do this thing! And the best part is, Tom had already built the wire wheels (the part of building a Pocher that I hate!). Thanks, Tom!

I just might have to re-think my summer vacation away from building...

[landman]

I thought you had other "stuff" to do.

[wayne swayze]

Go with your gut on this one Harry...maybe a start now, because you're pumped, then enjoy the summer a bit too.

[LaughingIndian]

You got a picnic table in the backyard? A couple of tiki torches and a bug zapper and you're dancin' ...

[bobthehobbyguy]

Hope you decide to work on this now. Your 1/16 version was outstanding.

[cobraman]

Go for it while the smaller version is still fresh in your mind. : )

[Harry P.]

Go for it while the smaller version is still fresh in your mind. : )

That's what I was thinking. Before I forget what worked well and what didn't.

[sjordan2]

What key items would you do differently?

Looks like you'll use wire wheels on the Pocher.

Edited June 7, 2015 by sjordan2

[Stray]

tickles?

[Harry P.]

What key items would you do differently?

Looks like you'll use wire wheels on the Pocher.

There are several things I'd do differently.

1. On my 1/16 woody I made the gap between the bottoms of the doors and the running boards too big. I was worried about the doors scraping on the running boards when opening and closing, but overcompensated. The gap should be half what it is, maybe even less than half.

2. I will re-think the gun locker. Positioned where it is, the gas tank intrudes into that space, making the space available for the guns very tight. As you saw, they did fit... barely. Next time I may keep that lower compartment as a tool storage area, and maybe build the gun locker into the inside of the main tailgate. I'm still unsure about the exact design of the rear end, but it will definitely change.

3. I want to make the windows in the rear doors sliders instead of roll-down. Because of the intrusion of the wheelwells, those windows could only be rolled down about half way, if that. May as well make them sliders.

4. There are various details in the construction of the body that aren't apparent when looking at the finished model, but can be improved for a simpler building sequence. I know that now, because of the sequence I went through. I know now what worked well, what didn't, what can be changed to make for a simpler/better process, etc.

I'm very happy with how my 1/16 woody turned out, especially since I've never done that before. But "knowing what I know now," I can make the 1/8 version a lot better.

The Pocher kit has those fantastic Pocher real wire wheels. They really are a thing of beauty. A shame to cover them up. But the kit also has full wheel covers, a look that I really like. I'm still not sure whether to go with the exposed wire wheels or the covers. Maybe I will go with the exposed wheels, just because I already have a RR woody with the wheel covers.

[AzTom]

Harry, I do remember it and often wondered if you were going to build it. I can't take credit for the wheels, they were done when I got it.

After watching you in action on the 1/16 model, I have no doubt that you can do it. I will be your biggest fan.

[bbowser]

Maybe save the wires for a future build? Write things down and enjoy the summer, they're too short!

[bobthehobbyguy]

Harry did you change your mind about starting this?

[Harry P.]

Harry did you change your mind about starting this?

Yes. I've already started on it. But I'm holding off starting the WIP until I have more progress to show. So far it's been mostly research and gathering of raw materials. But I have actually started on the building process... so maybe time I posted up the WIP.

[Chuck Most]

I opened this thread thinking you were doing a large scale figure of WWE wrestler Test. I am dissapoint.