Marvel's Hydra coupe 1/12 scale full scratch build

[François]

Ok so the base is painted, I raise the car a full inche for a better view of the underside and I but in a grayish floor (a bit like in the bentley's display).  And, I don't like it. I don't like it for a 3 reasons.  First,  it's too big, second, it's too big and third, it's too big. I'm a 'builds first and ask questions later' kinda guy, and the first question I asked myself after completing the didplay was 'where am I going to put this thing'. I didn't have an answer.  So in comes plan B. I'll redo the base but much narrower, it has to fit on a 12 inche deep shelf.  Instead of overhead lighting,  l'll install 4 spot lights on the floor.  The grayish cardboard floor will be replaced by a mini graveled surface,  I might even try to make some tire tracks in the gravel. Red Skull will still be at the controls, and lastly,  there will be no cover as the glare in the plexiglass really bothers me. I wanted to display the car in 'Marvelesque' environment but I think I went overboard with the idea. 

Here's the completed display case (the too big one).  I'll try to find a place for it somewhere,  a lot of work went into it and it would be a shame to get rid of it.

And here's the proposed plan B

Edited July 3 by François

[meechum68]

The engineering in this is .. awestruck amazing! 

Thank you for sharing!!

[89AKurt]

I must have been under a rock.... missed this for the lack of three words.   Your last post is amazing, I will wander through your topic. 🙂  I have a modest Mercedes G4 custom that I'm stalled on.

[Unatural]

I like the idea of the low lights on the new design. What do you think about putting them on the other side of the car as well? That way if you ever take it to a show or have any kind of 360 degree visibility, it will be even all the way around. The best part about having the lighting inside of the plexiglass is that when the room around it is dark, then you won't see as much of a reflection.

[François]

So, the model is complete.  The base is done,  the lights are connected, all is well.

Yes, all is well... until it wasn't.  While trying to turn the motor, the crank broke... again. So now the car is in the repair shop. I removed the body, wheels, seats and anything else the is not glued. I temporarely modified the support rack to hold the car upside down and started to analyse the situation.  It's not good.  The crank shaft broke in 2 places. I'm not sure it's repaireble but I'll try. Best scenario is the I fix everything,  worst will be that I glue the broken parts in place and nothing move again.  The middle ground would be to link the remaining crank with the gear motor via a straight shaft (no pistons attached to this portion). This would permit rotation of 10 out of 16 pistons plus all of the valve train.  

I'll see what is possible but I'm not overly confident. I do have a video showing the motor running so at least I have that to prove I was able to pull it off.

Here's the situation as of today.

Body removed

whatever was removable removed

Car flip over on temporary cradle 

Broken crankshaft

wish me luck!!

[Unatural]

What resin are you using to print with? I've started using the Anycubic ABS like resin Pro 2 and it's much stronger than other resins I've worked with.

[François]

Unatural, I used anycubic's waterwash resin for the entire model. I probably should have used a stronger resin for the crank but it is what it is. The biggest error I did was the gearmotor location. My original design had the gearmotor located at the transmission and was to drive the ring gear which is attached to the crank and is a much sturdier area but it didn't fit. So that's when I decided to hide it in the blower and drive everything from the front on the crank. This brought on two problems, first I had a slight misaligment issue between the gearmotor and crank so I needed to put in a universal joint shaft. Second, all the torq needed to rotate everything was taken by front of the crank which was weaker than the rear. I tried to repair but wasn't able to so now the crank is glued in place.  But like I said in my previous post,  I have it on video. I've learned alot with this build,  if I ever do another motor, I won't make the same mistake.

[Codi]

Francois, that just sucks. 

However, at the same time, I applaud what you've created here all the same.  It doesn't take away from the car or your efforts and the fact that you're willing to acknowledge your mistake and move on is quite commendable.  I'm sure many others would have just ignored it, glued it together and presented it as is.  As you said, you learn as you go and you won't make that mistake again.  

I for one, will most certainly be looking in on your next creation as this one has been fascinating to watch. 

Cheers, Tim

[François]

Hi everyone, 

I've been busy over the last mounth getting ready for my very first model exposition/competition.  It's the Torcan model show near Toronto on septembre 13. I'll be presenting 3 models, the Hydra Coupe,  the Bentley blower and a 1/8 scale wooden kayak I scratch built a few years ago.

The kayak will naturally be presented in the boating section, but unfortunately,  the 2 cars will not be in the same category as I had wished. The bentley will be in the scratch-built section because it's over 75% scratch-built. The hydra being a fictional model, has to be presented in the fictional section,  even if it's 100% scratch-built.  I would have prefered having them side by side for easier explination if explinations are needed. I guess I'll be running around quite a bit from section to section. I printed 2 little booklet, one for each car with key features,  drawings and pictures. I also printed QR codes that will be next to each model. When scanned, these QR code will show either pictures or videos of the model. Lastly,  l made a transporter box for the hydra. The model and base being quite huge, I could not find a big enough box for it. I made one out of corrugated plastic,  complete with padded forms to secure the model in place. Hopefully,  everything will still be in place after the 6hrs or so of travel.

I have no expectations whatsoever but hopefully,  some will show some interest. 

Boxed up bentley 

Boxed up hydra

Booklets and QR code 

The kayak

Edited Saturday at 06:28 PM by François

[Big John]

Beautifully detailed  boat,too! Thanks for adding. Sorry I can't make the show sounds exciting.

Edited Saturday at 06:34 PM by Big John

[BK9300]

Good luck with your showings.  Should do very well!

[Unatural]

Good luck! Im sure you will have quite a bit of interest. 

[NOBLNG]

Spectacular work all around Francois!👍😎 I’m certain there will be PLENTY of interest.  If there is no resin sturdy enough for the crankshaft, you could possibly print it with a hollow void that you could fill with epoxy and a piece of metal angle or bar stock that could withstand the torque?

[Spex84]

Absolutely spectacular. The new display is very effective! Shame about the crankshaft, but live and learn...

I hope you enjoy the show, and that the show-goers appreciates what a monumental project they're looking at!

[Kenmojr]

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby would be impressed...

[Mattilacken]

So good! hope you the best with traveling with them and in the show!