Hardcore Scratchbuilding Question

[straightliner1]

I'm curious to know how many people here are seriously interested in real scratchbuilding. I'm talking scratchbuilding techniques that would essentially allow a modeler to build a complete car, virtually from the ground up. You know, soldering, metalworking, etc. Anybody?

[Jairus]

Yes.

Why?

I do it all the time, what is the big deal? Just takes research, a little knowledge of materials and the desire to simply DO IT!

[randx0]

I am interested in scratch building especially techniques that don't require lathes and mills and other expensive machines.some useful items that elude my ability are tires and wire rims and window trim .

[Alyn]

  On 2/28/2010 at 6:16 AM, straightliner1 said:

I'm curious to know how many people here are seriously interested in real scratchbuilding.

This is just a guess, but I'd say 10 to 15.

[RatRod]

Ahhh yes, the fine art of scratch building. Well, there have been many tutorials written over the years, I even did one last year on custom bikes. One has to have the drive, and ability to do such work, and a vast knowledge of what it is your trying to replicate. You also need to do as much research as humanly possible on the subject to get the feel of what it is that you intend to do. I know many people with the talent to create masterpieces, and people who just scratch build small items for more added detail (like myself) It really does help if you do have somewhat of a clue, an understanding about your subject, and how it works. If you have never really worked on, or ever rebuilt, or even studied the subject, it will be kinda hard to get the jest of what your doing. It also helps if you have the drive, and enthusiasm to follow through with, and complete your subject, even if it means several tries, and failures. Not everyone can do such things, and that's okay, it's all part of a hobby we love. If we all could be Gerald Wingrove's, then it would be easy. I'm not going to mention any names, as I don't want to offend anyone that I may have forgoten, but this forum alone has some of the best builders you'll get to know, just pay close attention to some of the awesome workbench stuff that is shared here, and good luck to all.

[Ryan Quantz]

One day I hope to attempt a from-the-ground-up build- or at least mostly ground-up. Patience, research, creativity and ingenuity will need to be in heavy supply. But I can swear to the fact that you need not expensive or fancy tools. A lathe can be made from a dremmel or even a drill clamped into a vise. Depending on how good one is with their hands and how much determination they have, nothing is unacchievable, even if you don't have fancy tools. Take for example: I cut Gemstones on a professional level with a Dremmel. Seriously. No $4-5K machines or anything (yet). Now, I can't facet very accurately without the $4K machine, but I do a darn good job for only using a Dremmel, especially with the non-faceted type of cuts.

But start out small. Scratch build some small items. Then move up bigger things and heavier modiications. Scratchbuild some major components for a while and you should have a pretty good handle on what works for you and what doesn't. Only a handful of people in the world can dive headfirst into such a project and emerge on the other side with a completed piece without taking baby steps first. Just remember to get a ton of pictures, and if you can measurements. LOTS of measurements.

[straightliner1]

I'm not asking because I want to start scratchbuilding. I'm asking more because I interested in gauging what kind of interest(grin) there is in doing it. I'm asking because I've posted several tutorials on my own website, and often, a question will be posed like, "What kit has the best traction bars?", for example. I'll point them to a tutorial that illustrates how to build a set of highly realistic slapper bars in less than an hour, and will be met with the response "Those are cool, but where can I find a good set in a kit?"

Last night I posted the beginning of a three-part piece on building aluminum dragster bodies for scale models. Dave Pye suggested that it would have been a good submission for MCM. I told him that I doubt that the vast majority of car modelers couldn't care less about how to accomplish such a thing, and that, at least where I posted it, a handful of guys would really appreciate it. Dave then said that perhaps if more folks were exposed to that kind of thing, then perhaps more folks would be interested in it. Therein lies the basis to my question.

That said, if someone was to make the effort to explain how to do something that is highly accurate and realistic, how many people would care enough to not only appreciate it, but to actually try it for themselves? In answer to one of your responses, virtually everything I'm talking about can/is done with basic hand tools. The biggest investment is time and the desire to, as Jairus said, keep working at it, until it's right.

[Fuel Coupe]

Dan, As A member of the straightliers group, You know Im in. Glad to see you post this tutorial up on your site. Now how about one on that killer chassis that your making the tins for.

[straightliner1]

  On 2/28/2010 at 12:05 PM, TxRat said:

Dan, As A member of the straightliers group, You know Im in. Glad to see you post this tutorial up on your site. Now how about one on that killer chassis that your making the tins for.

Thanks, Shane. Glad you're with us, too! The chassis the body fits is actually just a Ramchargers chassis. My killer project will be the one that this chassis belongs to--if I ever get myself happy with it!

[straightliner1]

  On 2/28/2010 at 6:52 AM, Alyn said:

This is just a guess, but I'd say 10 to 15.

Excellent, a smart ass. Always much better than a dumb one, in my book! Nice looking salt/lakes roadster you have there!

[crazyjim]

I'd like to see something about parts but not a whole car from the ground up. But then I'm assuming you're talking about a rail, and I don't do racecars.

[VW Dave]

  On 2/28/2010 at 10:41 AM, straightliner1 said:

I'll point them to a tutorial that illustrates how to build a set of highly realistic slapper bars in less than an hour, and will be met with the response "Those are cool, but where can I find a good set in a kit?"

I told him that I doubt that the vast majority of car modelers couldn't care less about how to accomplish such a thing, and that, at least where I posted it, a handful of guys would really appreciate it. Dave then said that perhaps if more folks were exposed to that kind of thing, then perhaps more folks would be interested in it. Therein lies the basis to my question.

In response to the first part: you've got to remember that 'hardcore scratchbuilders' are in the minority; many builders are content, and even happy as hell, with kitbashing...it doesn't place them any lower on the food chain than more talented folks.

As for the second quoted portion of your post: If you have knowledge of a subject and would like to share it with the world, by all means do it. If you have an effect on even one person out of ten that looks at your tutorial, I'd call it a success. I'm a 'small time' scratchbuilder, but I'd be curious to see what you do and how I could do it too.

Edited February 28, 2010 by VW Dave

[straightliner1]

  On 2/28/2010 at 1:53 PM, crazyjim said:

I'd like to see something about parts but not a whole car from the ground up. But then I'm assuming you're talking about a rail, and I don't do racecars.

I kind of look at every part/assembly as a model in and of itself. I'm the kind of nut who'll spend an hour cutting and sticking tiny strips of styrene to a length of masking tape to make a gilmer drive blower belt! Thankfully, I'm not alone in such lunacy, or I'd surely be put away!

If I've learned anything through the years, it's that we can learn stuff that pertains to our interests in places outside of our specific area of interest. For instance, I've learned a lot of wonderful techniques that can be (but aren't usually) applied to model cars by reading articles on armor, aircraft figures and model railroads. While I am, and always will be, primarily a car modeler, it's good for us as car modelers to step outside this study and build something else, because it gives us a different perspective on the hobby.

[VW Dave]

  On 2/28/2010 at 2:09 PM, straightliner1 said:

If I've learned anything through the years, it's that we can learn stuff that pertains to our interests in places outside of our specific area of interest.

I agree 100%! Many of the weathering techniques I've picked up came from military and railroad modelers, and they can easily be adapted to cars. I've even returned the favor and taught the RR guys a few things; the owner of our local shop has a space set aside in their display case for me, and he says my finished 'junkers' have helped get a few more people into weathering & sell a lot of products.

[straightliner1]

  On 2/28/2010 at 2:02 PM, VW Dave said:

In response to the first part: you've got to remember that 'hardcore scratchbuilders' are in the minority; many builders are content, and even happy as hell, with kitbashing...it doesn't place them any lower on the food chain than more talented folks.

As for the second quoted portion of your post: If you have knowledge of a subject and would like to share it with the world, by all means do it. If you have an effect on even one person out of ten that looks at your tutorial, I'd call it a success. I'm a 'small time' scratchbuilder, but I'd be curious to see what you do and how I could do it too.

Am I allowed to post a link to my website here? There really is a lot of good stuff there, and it's not all hardcore stuff. But, it's all good stuff!grin

[Guest 85Biarittz]

Yes, I would be interested. Just be prepared.

Thanks,

Charles

[Fuel Coupe]

  On 2/28/2010 at 2:15 PM, straightliner1 said:

Am I allowed to post a link to my website here? There really is a lot of good stuff there, and it's not all hardcore stuff. But, it's all good stuff!grin

Yes Dan you can, the Mods here dont mind linking sites here...

  On 2/28/2010 at 1:45 PM, straightliner1 said:

Thanks, Shane. Glad you're with us, too! The chassis the body fits is actually just a Ramchargers chassis. My killer project will be the one that this chassis belongs to--if I ever get myself happy with it!

I have to admit the straightliners are a tough bunch. I got tuned up pretty good on my Saddleback car but have since finished the Hollish Bros. coupe and the difference in the two can be attrubuted to hanging with your bunch....

Edited February 28, 2010 by TxRat

[straightliner1]

Here's a peek at what I'm working on currently.

[straightliner1]

No fair, Andy Martin! You're commercial, dude!grin

[Modelmartin]

Very Funny, Himmel!

They are some non-commercial guys who run circles around me - like you! If you finish anything!

Below is a pic of what will hopefully be my GSL 2011 entry. It is called Twinwinder. The resin Austin coupe body will be remade in brass. The body will have a nose too. The twin Caddie motors will be blown. Aside from some of the engine and driveline pieces, it will all be scratchbuilt. I plan on doing my own wheels and tires, too.

I say bring on the scratchbuilding. Even those who don't do it will enjoy seeing what others can do. It's like the Olympics- lots of people watch even though most do not participate.

[straightliner1]

  On 2/28/2010 at 2:27 PM, TxRat said:

Yes Dan you can, the Mods here dont mind linking sites here...

I have to admit the straightliners are a tough bunch. I got tuned up pretty good on my Saddleback car but have since finished the Hollish Bros. coupe and the difference in the two can be attrubuted to hanging with your bunch....

They are a tough bunch! Hell, they scare me, sometimes, Shane. I liked the Saddleback car, but that Hollish Bros. coupe is special. Very nice work on that, indeed. It's not for the faint of heart, but I hope that anybody who is willing to work at the hobby and who sticks with the group will benefit from it. Thanks for the kind words, and keep up the great work!

[straightliner1]

  On 2/28/2010 at 2:47 PM, Modelmartin said:

Very Funny, Himmel!

They are some non-commercial guys who run circles around me - like you! If you finish anything!

Below is a pic of what will hopefully be my GSL 2011 entry. It is called Twinwinder. The resin Austin coupe body will be remade in brass. The body will have a nose too. The twin Caddie motors will be blown. Aside from some of the engine and driveline pieces, it will all be scratchbuilt. I plan on doing my own wheels and tires, too.

I say bring on the scratchbuilding. Even those who don't do it will enjoy seeing what others can do. It's like the Olympics- lots of people watch even though most do not participate.

Wow, Andy, this is wild and way cool! I can't wait to see the body as it comes along. I'd like to discuss the techniques you'll be using. That's far more complex that an aluminum digger body, unless somebody was to go totally "Hanna". You just had to mention that thing about finishing, didn't you? So, I have over a year to finish something for Salt Lake? Maybe so...nah, probably not!

[LDO]

Another vote to "bring it!". Even if 500 people are not inspired to make an exact copy of your project, no doubt some will be inspired to try your technique on a different project. If it's in print, they can always go back to it when they finally do decide to try it. I got Wingrove's books for Christmas around 1990 or so. I finally tried hammering out an extended hood for a Big Deuce in 2001.

[straightliner1]

Thanks to Shane for the heads-up! If anyone is interested, please go wander around at http://www.straightlinemodeler.org Let me know what you think. I think anyone can find something of interest there, or of use, anyway.

[Jeff Sauber]

All this scratchbuilding stuff seems way out of my league.....