Micro Bus, the final Convoy build

[Jürgen M.]

Hello everyone,

After having 'cheated' on the Big Rigs section to build the Chevy Task Force I'm back with a new build.

It's not really a big rig but more than an SUV or pick-up!

It's the micro bus from Convoy:

My absolutely last and final Convoy build! 

I got a link to a 3D file from 3D cults of a similar bus when I was building the Chevy Task Force. Thanks Michael F.

It is similar but still has to be changed here and there.

These are some pics of the files contained in the download:

And the changes I've made:

Of course I'll have to print them as single parts since it would be too big in one piece.

Besides that, the mirrors will be cut off and replaced by smaller round ones.

All parts had/have to be changed in size. The downloads are too small. 

I will not put an engine inside since the hood doesn't open.

The chassis I will take over from the Jeep TJ I had built last year and lengthen it. Axles and other parts I may need will either be box parts or self designed and printed! 

Wheels are designed because I didn't have any tires matching in size.

Hope you enjoy the build! 

Edited October 25 by Jürgen M.

[Biggu]

Let me be the first to comment ……….. VERY COOL!! There are some really great skills involved here …. design skills, re-designing, computer, printing, engineering, problem solving , scratch building and then basic model building.  All that and a really cool subject. Will be watching this…..

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks Pal!

I do have to say in advance though that I will put most effort in the exterior painting which will be a real challenge since not all details are visible in the movie. I'll see what I can do.

The editing of the downloaded files was tough enough having a computer which is technically absolutely not fit for that kind of task

I still hope the main impression will be achieved.

[Jürgen M.]

Wheels and the front are printed:

The bumper broke off while removing the support structure. But it didn't break.

[Kanada Kustoms]

Great project... Looking forward to progress!

[Gary Chastain]

Now…this is a cool project to build, watching. 

[Rockford]

This is going to be good to watch. Quite a close match to the film unit, certainly in the cowl but looks like a different manufacturer for the body. Will be a challenge on the exterior decoration for you. Wheels and tyres look great. Are you using a different printer? The parts appear very smooth. 

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks Steve!

There are quite some changes to be done on this. 

Since my computer hasn't got enough power it takes very long to save changes. Very annoying.

I'm using the same printer as always but at the time it seems the nozzle is clogged up. Hope I can save it. It's the best one I've got.

Means a longer break though. Hope I can get it running soon again. 

I do have the suspicion that the white filament has something to do with it. I've never had these problems using black. It's strange since I'm using the same quality from the same manufacturer. 

If I don't get this working I might have to print the rest in black. I'll primer them anyway so it wouldn't matter!

[Bren]

What program are you using to edit the .stl files Jurgen? The work looks great so far! Excited to see where you take this. 

[Jürgen M.]

I edited them in Fusion 360. Worked out pretty well. 

Hope to get the printer working again though. Otherwise I'll have to take a longer break.

[BK9300]

Great start on the digital model, Jurgen!  It’s interesting to see your adjustments and how you fit them to the original file - fun to watch!

[gotnitro?]

Interesting build to follow ! Buses are a unique challenge

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks!

Yes, If you're used to building trucks a bus is a bit of a challenge.

But I will keep it simple meaning no engine, no steering and very basic execution of the chassis and suspension.

Since my printer still isn't working right I can't print too big things. The support structure always comes loose and destroys the printing of the actual part.

I have no idea why the adhesion is suddenly so bad. 

But I'll find out! Even if it takes a while!

The real challenge will be the painting of the body. You can't read everything that's written on the bus.

I'll have to look at a few movie scenes and make screenshots.

 

Edited October 27 by Jürgen M.

[Rockford]

In the song by C.W.McCall he calls it a chartreuse microbus. So there's your main colour. 

[Jürgen M.]

Yes, it is! Unfortunately it's more than one color! 

I'll be doing the painting and writing by hand. 

The print of the rear part of the bus finally seems to succeed!

This is the third try! Fingers crossed!

The rear wheels and axle are ready for mounting.

There's no chassis yet though. It's designed but not yet printed!

The wheels will not turn. As I said, no big fuss on details under the skirt! 

[Jürgen M.]

The first try of a mock-up!

It don't matter if it's black or white! 🙃

[Gary Chastain]

Wow, you flying on this build, looks really cool

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks Gary!

The rear part was finally printed OK after five attempts.

I still don't know why I had to change parameters. It was running so smooth. 

Well, at least its working now. Need lots more filament but it's working.

I've begun to print chassis parts. The TJ chassis was donor. I had to lengthen it and the rear part was too wide but now it should fit.

 

[Jürgen M.]

The chassis is printed and assembled.

Made another mock-up possible:

[Jürgen M.]

This is about all the chassis this build will get!

All it still needs are support cross members to carry the body.

Looks a bit strange, yes, but since the hood doesn't open, why put an engine in?

[Kanada Kustoms]

That's looking really cool!

[Gary Chastain]

Just wondering, the front of the bus (hood and fenders) could you have used a pickup truck kit as a donor? If so,  I can think of all kinds of cool builds using the school bus body. 

[Jürgen M.]

That may have been possible but I think the bus is a bit larger than the pick-up.

This way I was able to choose the size I needed for all parts. The scale of the original file was much smaller than 1/25.

A kit would have been my preference too. Smoother and better detail.

[Biggu]

Some very serious modelling skill here , JM!!  Very impressive and a very cool subject. I am watching with great interest.  

[Jürgen M.]

Thanks Jeff!

Busses are really not my favorites but it's a good finish for my convoy!

Got some supports installed to hold the body:

Now it's about levelled correctly! A bit of fine tuning maybe!

Hope to get the primer on this weekend so it'll finally lose it's black butt! 😊