Scratch build wheels & tires?

[youngtiger1]

Hello Guys,

I have been trying to search the net for any article or blog that can share or explain how some have tackle such projects such as scratch building Tires & Wheels.

I tried the search function here but I am having quite a bit difficult. It does not matter what words I am seeing 35k plus hits. Now, this site if fun and dandy but good Lord this is crazy. I don’t think I can sit in front of the computer that long to view all those hits. 

So, would any of you be kind to share any tips, links, articles, or anything that can help a fellow modeler? I sure will appreciate all your help.

Now the reason for my search, I am starting a 1/16 M-ATV kit by Trumpeter and it has rubber tires. There is nothing wrong with the tires but I am not big fan of rubber tires. Especially, on military vehicles.
 

The kit wheel & tire…

If I was building this kit in 1/35 I would definitely use DEF model DW35054 Michelin XZL 16.00 x R20 that has sag created into them to represent weight of the vehicle. My personal opinion here, I believe this is one of the feature that enhances a model and brings it to life.

Def model wheel & tire

and how this feature complements a model…

photo credit: DEF Models

I sure will like to try and replicate this into 1/16. If a mustard seed can move a mountain, I can surely create these. Just need little guidance from folks that has been there done that. 

Thank you for your kind help.

Mike

PS: original post was modified after figuring out “how to add photo.” 

Edited September 13, 2022 by youngtiger1
Adding photos

[Straightliner59]

Go to your regular search engine, and type "site:modelcarsmag.com" (without the quotes) then enter the search terms. That'll work much better for you. Ace Garage Guy gets the credit for that method. In fact, it's in the thread directly above.

Edited September 12, 2022 by Straightliner59

[Fat Brian]

Are the kit tires correct and you just want them in a different material? If so, you could make a mold of one and cast a set in hard resin. 

[youngtiger1]

Straightliner59, thank you for the tip. I will try it. Hopefully it will yield a lot less hits. 
Fat Brian, the kit are correct but the military used newer tires later in service. Wait, I just figured out how to download photos from my phone gallery. Pretty cool and easy. So, I’ll edit my original post and add photos of what I will like to create. Standby.

 

 

[youngtiger1]

22 hours ago, Fat Brian said:

Are the kit tires correct and you just want them in a different material? If so, you could make a mold of one and cast a set in hard resin. 

Ok Brian, I could try and copy this in resin but I will still not able to replicate the ripple effect on the side wall as the rubber tires don’t have any. Here is a good photo or two of a dirty tire that shows what I am referring to. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

There are only two ways.

1) Old School: Machine basic blanks on a lathe, machine and add the details by hand. Very eye-hand-skill and time intensive, and you need a lathe.

2) New School: Design what you want in CAD, convert files to STL, 3D print the result. You need a CAD program, CAD skills, and 3D printing capability.

EDIT:  Once you have one master made by either process, you can make silicone molds and produce as many urethane resin copies as you want.

Edited September 13, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy
CLARITY

[Fat Brian]

Ok, I would start with contacting Def models and asking if they would consider producing the tires in 1/16 scale since it looks like they already have the 3d models made. If that doesn't work maybe you can find someone who can make a 3d Model of the tire for you to either print 4 or print 1 and make 4 copies.

[youngtiger1]

Brian, I have not emailed Def Models yet I guess I should have though about this…? we live and learn ?

I know 3D printing is becoming popular so I am hoping I can find someone that might find designing this tire to their linking and help a brother out. I know 1/16 scale is picking up trend among modelers so hopefully someone will create detail sets for these vehicles. I have a MaxxPro as well and it’s the same tires on it also. So, ??

[Oldmopars]

I have done 3D modeling and have designed a tire with that tread pattern or close. The issue I have is that I can't make them bulge. I wish I knew how, I love the look. 

Maybe blender?

[midlineqb]

I'm wanting to build wide rubber tires. I have sanded down 1 side of each rubber tire and an looking for some type of glue to use to attach the 2 sanded sides together to make 1 wide tire. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Jordan White]

On 9/14/2022 at 4:04 AM, youngtiger1 said:

Brian, I have not emailed Def Models yet I guess I should have though about this…? we live and learn ?

I know 3D printing is becoming popular so I am hoping I can find someone that might find designing this tire to their linking and help a brother out. I know 1/16 scale is picking up trend among modelers so hopefully someone will create detail sets for these vehicles. I have a MaxxPro as well and it’s the same tires on it also. So, ??

I find that depending on the product, contacting the person/company that has a similar product is a good place to start since most of the time, they are willing to give it a go to get a sale vs you going elsewhere. 

  

On 9/16/2022 at 4:28 AM, midlineqb said:

I'm wanting to build wide rubber tires. I have sanded down 1 side of each rubber tire and an looking for some type of glue to use to attach the 2 sanded sides together to make 1 wide tire. Any ideas would be appreciated.

It looks like your standard super glue will work for bonding rubber together. You may want to test it on some of the scrap pieces first to make sure it will hold correctly.

Edited September 17, 2022 by Jordan White

[midlineqb]

thanks Jordan.

[Oldmopars]

I have these tires. There is no markings, but they could be scaled to 1/16. I think they are Michelins, but not marked.

[youngtiger1]

It is nice to this thread catching the interest of few more modelers here.

Good to see your 3D work Oldmopers. Those 3D printed tires looks super and yes those look like Michelin tires.

I have seen photo of M-ATV MRAPs with Michelin XZL 16.00 x20 and 395/85 R 20. So, if you want to add additional detail to your wonderful tires you can go with any of these marking and still be correct. 

I will try to send you message about your tires soon. 

Edited September 19, 2022 by youngtiger1
Added more photos