DW410NW

[Psychographic]

I got most of the body panels built. I still need to build the wings and tail tank. The wings will be easy, the tank I think will be a challenge.

It took 9 pieces to make the hood.

[Psychographic]

The tank is almost done, so far it wasn't too bad to build. It will take 17 pieces to make it.

The worlds first Mercedes Benz quick change rear. Actually, so far it's made out of 2 wheels and 2 mufflers, both from a Gullwing Benz.

It's starting to look like something.

[Psychographic]

It looks like it's time to build the wings. The tank and rear bumper are fabbed and ready for the body shop.

[Nitrozilla]

I know we've past the frame fabrication point, but I've got a question. What heat source do you use for the tubing bends ?

[Psychographic]

Joe, I try to bend most of the tubing cold. If it's a tight bend, just bend a little bit at a time until I get the bend I want, otherwise it will snap in two. The problem with this is, over time it wants to go back to it's original shape. Usually this is not a problem as most parts get glued to another that will hold it's shape. For bends that are critical to stay were they are, I cold bend them, then use a disposable lighter to give it just enough heat to hold the bend and set the plastic. If I had a lot of bends to do, I would just use a candle for my heat source.

[bobthehobbyguy]

This is really cool.

Very nice job scratchbuilding.

Am going to be watching your progress on this one.

Bobthehobbyguy

[Nitrozilla]

Now I'm glad I asked because I always did mine cold too in just the manner you describe. I noticed that only some of your bends had scorch marks on them and I couldn't figure out why. Thanx man.

[Psychographic]

The wings are done. Now on to the engine.

The top wing,

The completed body ready to go in the body shop.

The completed body.

[James2]

SWEET!

[Psychographic]

I got the engine started.

I also noticed the other tires didn't have much bite. So I started on another set.

These are a little stickier, what do you think?

[Ira]

I got the engine started.

I also noticed the other tires didn't have much bite. So I started on another set.

These are a little stickier, what do you think?

There you go!!!

Those tires look GREAT on the car!!!

[Psychographic]

There you go!!!

Those tires look GREAT on the car!!!

Thanks. I think they are getting better,

I ran a bead of .040 half round in the center of each sidewall and the center of the tread, made a a arched squeegee out of some scrap and filled the tread and sidewall with bondo, giving dimension to the tire.

This was only the first pass and it's looking good to me.

You can see the simple block pattern I want to use, I would like to carve the tread, but I don't know how I should do it. I will have to carve the tread out of the body filler, not the styrene.

Any ideas?

Edited December 25, 2011 by Psychographic

[Psychographic]

The big right rear gets banded in .080 square stock, which I sanded somewhat round and is ready for filler.

Before sanding,

After sanding and ready for primer and filler,

[polandmob]

thats killer

[Nitrozilla]

David, you can use any number of methods to groove the tires. Use the edge of a square or triangular mini file, a hand saw, a panel scriber or when all else fails, raze them with the back side of an X-Acto blade.

I can't tell by the pictures, but it looks like the tire warpage has the outside of the tire slightly behind the inside, which is a good thing. However, if that's what you have in mind, you might want to scribe the tread at a slight angle to give that impression, instead of going straight across the face.

Does that make sense?

[James2]

​Amazing vision and execution. That thing looks like it's rip'n through turn 4 already.

[Draggon]

Those tires are a work of art!

[Modellpularn]

Wow, amazing scratchbuilding work!! Those tires really nail the look. I'll be following this one.

[Psychographic]

Thanks for the compliments!

I got some more fabrication done and actually stated doing some of the body work.

The tires came out great so far.

I made the lips on the wheels and a Beadlock with a cover for the outside wheel.

What respecting Deal's Wheels doesn't have the induction and exhaust sticking out? I made the injectors by heating 3/16" tubing on the end and shoving a pencil point into it to make the flare. I then reamed out 1/4" tube for the bases. I made them just tall enough to peak through the hood. The exhaust will have to wait until I can get to the store for supplies.

If you notice, I redid the top wing mounts, these work and look much better.

I also started doing the bodywork on the tank.

It was more work than I planned to make the rear tires, but I'm glad I decided to make them, it's adds soooo much to the cartooney look.

This shot really gives you the feeling of the grip the new tires have.

Now I guess I have to make some front tires.

Edited December 26, 2011 by Psychographic

[Psychographic]

I made 2 sets of front wheels and tires, added some bars and mounts to the frame, reworked some suspension parts and started on the cockpit.

I did get a pic of the engine before my camera batteries died.

[Mooneyzs]

This build is flat out awesome. love the work you have done with the rear tires. this is onw killer build. I cant wait to see more. keep up the great work.

[Scott Colmer]

Big smile on my face. That's AWESOME. I really liker how you picked up the sense of motion.

Scott

[bobthehobbyguy]

This is really cool.

Very nice scratchbuilding.

The tires really make it.

bobthehobbyguy

[John Pol]

Really nice job so far now all you need s a driver for it.

John Pol

[Psychographic]

Thanks everyone.

I finally have the rear suspension and driveline finished! To get the rear cocked and having everything line up was an exercise in patience, that's for sure.

I was going to scrap the idea of the W-Link, but it fell into place in the end. I also made a six piston brake caliper along with a drilled and vented disc. I might add some ribbing on the center section of the quick change.