Mid-Engine Killer VW Bus Motorcycle Hauler

[Lobo2me]

While sitting in my doctor’s office waiting to have my head examined, I was daydreaming about building a wild VW Bus. I envisioned a setup with a mid-ship 911 Carrera 3.2 engine, Porsche front and rear suspensions, and the ability to haul a motorcycle.

But once again, my creative ambitions outpaced my skill set. I enjoyed the challenge, but please don’t scrutinize too closely!

Donor kits included Revell’s 1:24 scale VW T1, Samba Bus, and Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Coupe.

Body mods include cutting off the roof and parts of the sides, installing rear fenders from a ‘32 Ford up front, and rear fenders from Lindberg’s ’38 Custom Ford Van in back. I crafted side breather scoops and a diamond plate bed with stowable motorcycle ramps. The engine is fully detailed. A competition gas cap was located on the driver's side, the doors were hinged (replacing the kit’s fragile plastic pins with piano wire), storage bins flank the bed, the exhaust exits above the rear bumper, and it got a sunroof. 

Paints include Tamiya, Corral Blue TS-41, Pure White TS-26, and Pearl White TS-45 for the exterior. The stripes are Brilliant Orange TS-56 and 1/64^th black chart tape. The undercarriage is Semi-Gloss Black TS-29, with suspension components in Semi-Gloss Bright Gun Metal TS-100, Titanium Silver TS-88, Titanium Gold TS-87, and Gun Metal TS-38. Highlights are achieved with various Testors paints, Tamiya Panel Line Accent, Revell Chrome, Molotow Chrome pen, finished with two coats of Pearl Clear and three coats of TS-13 Clear. 

Full disclosure, I couldn't find an appropriate 1:24 scale motorcycle kit, so I resorted to a ‘store-bought' fully assembled model. But I did alter the color scheme to match. 

Thanks for looking, enjoy!