Smart Kar(T) HillClimb Screamer

[Technics]

 

A Smart kar(t) hillclimb build 

Just as the title suggests. I got two obscure ( to me ) kits in the past six months which I will combine in some way. This will be a first for me to do a light kit bash.  We’ll see where it takes me.

I had some inspiration while on the pc and setup a semi accurate 3D file for the project. I took the 1:1 vehicle dimensions of both doners and scaled them down to each kits size 1:24/25 respectively. The wheelbase is off dramatically 😁 As much as I envy and want to one day do the full follow through of 3d modelling and printing everything ( which I’ve never done myself in the hobby ) I wanted to have a mock up to try things quickly and evaluate proportions, maybe mock up a few tube frames and aero.

I do enjoy getting away from the computer screen as it’s my day job to be infront of one and figuring stuff out irl. The result is much more primitive as a result but if the feeling is right it’s all that matters imo. I do want to  keep learning styrene and plastic skills. 

I’ll likely shorten the indy car way down to keep the original Smart Car dimensions resulting in an insane square setup with Indy car tires or have the chassis extended of the smart and cut off the rear bumper. Either way I’d love to have some of the guts hanging out in the rear. Just having some fun with the combination. 

It may end up being mostly a tube frame chassis with Smart´s exoskeleton fused in, no doors, no front, cyberpunk vibe. Or the opposite -  everything in. I’m excited and have not seen many, if any smart cars built.

 

Subject Context media 

Jackie Stewart on Penske Indy cars & V8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKkLAWADrZo&t=151s
 

Hill climb Smart car

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oME5McXK2xg&pp=ygUYc21hcnQgZm9yZm91ciBoaWxsIGNsaW1i

 

Tiny!!

 

[bytownshaker]

Looking forward to see how this turns out. I'll definitely be following along! 

[Bugatti Fan]

This will be a really cool off the wall conversion being attempted here.

[lucky 130]

Don't want to throw water on your idea, but there aren't many hills in Fla. and the tallest hill in Fla. isn't but about 6'..

[NerdmanB]

This looks crazy but in a good way. Can’t wait to see more.

[Technics]

@NerdmanB @Bugatti Fan @bytownshaker Thanks guys!

@lucky 130 The florida plates that happen to be on some reference pictures of some cool looking smart cars  have nothing to do with anything.

Cutting, gluing, walking away, coming back, taking a day, repeat. Im more excited than nervous as it sits so hopes are high.

I couldn’t bring myself to make something of really goofy proportions so I cut things way down. No rivets will be counted here.

The stance and amount of front nose of the Indy car I will show if any is going to stay a good while undecided but I liked it for now where it was seen below.

Also finally started my own plastic slurry from bits if styrene, it turned into this with fresh cement in 30 minutes. I’m experiencing ghost seams while patching and priming at different times on different projects. Maybe this material will work better for me.

For the sake of education I also made a test print from the help of friends of two placeholder objects I made from my premature 3d proportion model base file. It was my first time doing something of mine own “start to finish” I’m very content. Much more on 3d topic incoming soon  

[lucky 130]

I close my eyes and see this build ripping up Pike's peak!

[Technics]

@lucky 130 exactly!! 

[Technics]

 

Been 3d scanning physical assemblies creating digital assets for the project  with newly acquired hardware.  

Lots to learn but it’s fun, a dump of fuel into the fire for the hobby and creativity. Idea is to have the exact same build in 3d correctly scaled to 1:24 creating complimentary components. This is an absolute first so it will be bumpy ride but a long time coming.

Edited Friday at 06:32 PM by Technics

[BK9300]

That's very interesting - how are finding the quality of digital model created from the scan (hard to tell from photos. . .)?

[Technics]

@BK9300 Thanks, yes it’s super exciting imo. Ultimately it’s for volume reference, the data dimension are near perfect when I cross check it with the model in my hand but ultimately I anticipate a learning curve with tolerances, material shrinkage etc.

Worked a bit digitally by aligning the scans, triple checking dimensions to the 1:24 reality on the desk as well as a bit of clean up work. A few weeks ago when I started the 3d file I sketched out a front bumper before making any sort of physical mock up understanding the Indy car proportions I wanted.

I modified it to fit a bit today and it’s seen below. Process will be iterative as I learn by trial and error. The design will be refined as I lock in the fitment with test prints from alot of favours as I don’t own any printer… yet.