Excellent work though! I admire your resourcefulness in scavenging parts from various sources to put these kits together.
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1/18th Custom Diecasts
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PursuitSpecial
- Posts: 634
- Joined: Mon Jul 23, 2001 2:54 pm
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
Sure, no worries. Did you decide against carving out the front fenders or just haven't gotten there yet? It looks like the rears were cut up to the middle body line and the fronts just above it.
Excellent work though! I admire your resourcefulness in scavenging parts from various sources to put these kits together.
Excellent work though! I admire your resourcefulness in scavenging parts from various sources to put these kits together.
_________________
"I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed."
-Psalm 18:37
Username: Jon (Jun. 28, 1999 - Oct. 17 1999)
Username: JtB (Oct. 17, 1999 - Mar. 31, 2000)
Username: PursuitSpecial (Mar. 31, 2000 - present)
"I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed."
-Psalm 18:37
Username: Jon (Jun. 28, 1999 - Oct. 17 1999)
Username: JtB (Oct. 17, 1999 - Mar. 31, 2000)
Username: PursuitSpecial (Mar. 31, 2000 - present)
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
You know, that's something that's always bothered me. When I started the XA, I didn't have a Dremel tool, so that sort of modification on a diecast would have meant hours if not days worth of filing by hand. I know a Mustang as the base model already doomed this project to inaccuracy, but I can at least fix a few things I'm not 100% happy with. So, before I get any farther into it I'm going to re-do some of the body work, including fixing the hood and adding that bulge towards the front, fixing the wheel arch shapes on the fenders, and maybe some more small details.
I'll need to repaint it and add a new bat decal, but with better reference material and resources to work with, why not? I'd never be satisfied otherwise.
Thanks for the motivation, PursuitSpecial!
I'll need to repaint it and add a new bat decal, but with better reference material and resources to work with, why not? I'd never be satisfied otherwise.
Thanks for the motivation, PursuitSpecial!
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PursuitSpecial
- Posts: 634
- Joined: Mon Jul 23, 2001 2:54 pm
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
Hey, no problem, I'm not the one doing the work, just enjoying the outcome!
I guess the next step like you said would be building it from an XA 1:18 model. The XB is another option but has the wrong hood, though I believe you want the XB grille, which you may be able to purchase separately.
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_trkp ... p=15&_sc=1
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trkparm ... p=15&_sc=1
With the way some of the smaller (hotwheels sized) mad max custom cars were selling on eBay and with your talents, it seems like you could make some good coin and afford these models easy using funds from projects. The lowest I saw an XA go on the completed listings was $71 USD.
I guess the next step like you said would be building it from an XA 1:18 model. The XB is another option but has the wrong hood, though I believe you want the XB grille, which you may be able to purchase separately.
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_trkp ... p=15&_sc=1
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trkparm ... p=15&_sc=1
With the way some of the smaller (hotwheels sized) mad max custom cars were selling on eBay and with your talents, it seems like you could make some good coin and afford these models easy using funds from projects. The lowest I saw an XA go on the completed listings was $71 USD.
_________________
"I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed."
-Psalm 18:37
Username: Jon (Jun. 28, 1999 - Oct. 17 1999)
Username: JtB (Oct. 17, 1999 - Mar. 31, 2000)
Username: PursuitSpecial (Mar. 31, 2000 - present)
"I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed."
-Psalm 18:37
Username: Jon (Jun. 28, 1999 - Oct. 17 1999)
Username: JtB (Oct. 17, 1999 - Mar. 31, 2000)
Username: PursuitSpecial (Mar. 31, 2000 - present)
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
Haha, thanks. Well, if I do go for an XA model, it won't be for awhile. Money's pretty tight at the moment. I am going to continue improving the Mustang-based one I have now. I know I can get it a lot closer to the movie car by rebuilding or modifying what I'm not pleased with from the first time around. That includes the things I mentioned before, plus the nose which I made too angular and not slanted enough. Once I've finished, I'd like to do a 1/18 Landau, and maybe then a 1/18 Falcon-based movie-accurate red XA.
I'd like to do some 1/64 stuff someday. I have a few hotwheels falcons I've scavenged from local stores to try customization with.
For your viewing (dis)pleasure, here's what I've done:
I'd like to do some 1/64 stuff someday. I have a few hotwheels falcons I've scavenged from local stores to try customization with.
For your viewing (dis)pleasure, here's what I've done:
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PursuitSpecial
- Posts: 634
- Joined: Mon Jul 23, 2001 2:54 pm
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
Nice!! That was quick!
The Landau sounds like a fun/cool project and the XA-based bat car sounds awesome as well. You might be able to fetch some good money for the Mustang-based model on eBay to raise funds for the red-XA based model?
With some of this stuff, I sit back and think, "I could do that" but looking at the rear wing you fabricated put on, I'm sure it would take me hours upon hours and many tries thrown in the garbage to achieve that same level of accuracy and look. Very, very nice work!
And don't forget the white seats!
Here in a bit, when I get around to it, I'm going to try and turn this ERTL authentics '66 Charger into my real-life (1:1 scale) '66 Charger in the video below. I was able to source a hood scoop and the slotted mags. I just need to paint it all, put in a 440 and possibly try to fabricate the rear-aluminum spoiler.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz25ScF1ZRA
I've got it disassembled now and I sanded the body down and have an aerosol can of the same exact paint match for my car, I'm just hesitant to paint it. I think I have this idea that the paint is so "big" and the cracks and lines in the body are so fine, that I'll screw it up and lose detail, but we'll see. Or maybe I'm just being lazy....
I've never shot one of these before. What grit do you sand the body down to so that it's rough enough for the paint to stick well but smooth enough not to show any sanding lines? I figured on multiple light coats with a tack-coat to start, no sanding between coats.
The Landau sounds like a fun/cool project and the XA-based bat car sounds awesome as well. You might be able to fetch some good money for the Mustang-based model on eBay to raise funds for the red-XA based model?
With some of this stuff, I sit back and think, "I could do that" but looking at the rear wing you fabricated put on, I'm sure it would take me hours upon hours and many tries thrown in the garbage to achieve that same level of accuracy and look. Very, very nice work!
And don't forget the white seats!
Here in a bit, when I get around to it, I'm going to try and turn this ERTL authentics '66 Charger into my real-life (1:1 scale) '66 Charger in the video below. I was able to source a hood scoop and the slotted mags. I just need to paint it all, put in a 440 and possibly try to fabricate the rear-aluminum spoiler.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz25ScF1ZRA
I've got it disassembled now and I sanded the body down and have an aerosol can of the same exact paint match for my car, I'm just hesitant to paint it. I think I have this idea that the paint is so "big" and the cracks and lines in the body are so fine, that I'll screw it up and lose detail, but we'll see. Or maybe I'm just being lazy....
I've never shot one of these before. What grit do you sand the body down to so that it's rough enough for the paint to stick well but smooth enough not to show any sanding lines? I figured on multiple light coats with a tack-coat to start, no sanding between coats.
_________________
"I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed."
-Psalm 18:37
Username: Jon (Jun. 28, 1999 - Oct. 17 1999)
Username: JtB (Oct. 17, 1999 - Mar. 31, 2000)
Username: PursuitSpecial (Mar. 31, 2000 - present)
"I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed."
-Psalm 18:37
Username: Jon (Jun. 28, 1999 - Oct. 17 1999)
Username: JtB (Oct. 17, 1999 - Mar. 31, 2000)
Username: PursuitSpecial (Mar. 31, 2000 - present)
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
Thanks for all your kind words! I'm off work all week, so in my extra free time I intend to get a good chunk of the work done. Today I'm rebuilding the front spoiler (pics later).
There's definitely a possibility that the Mustang XA could be put up on ebay sometime.
When I built the rear wing it took a couple failed attempts to get things right, I still plan on shaving a bit off the top to get the angle a little better (lower in front, higher in back).
That's one great-looking Charger you've got there! My diecast collection is mostly Mopars, though I don't have a 66 Charger yet. I wish the Ertl ones came with mags and raised white letter tires instead of the skinny tires with those gaudy wheelcovers, lol. A body style like that definitely deserves sportier wheels.
Now, in regards to your questions on the model, what sort of paint are you using? I think thick would be the word you're looking for.
If you're having any doubts about it, experiment first with some kind of scrap with an intricate surface and see how well it shows through painting.
I've personally had a lot of success with Duplicolor products, both on models and on my cars. It's really thin when it comes out and conforms to detailed surfaces very well. I use compatible primer and sand with 1000 grit to prep the surface. Experimentation will tell you if the primer is compatible too, it's always safer to know that ahead of time.
With a candy red like that, I'd definitely use a light colored primer first to get a good basecoat and make the paint nice and even. A couple light coats should do nicely. Once it's dried and maybe after a bit of light wet sanding with the 1000 grit (and a throurough cleaning) you can coat with your paint. Like you said, light even coats are the key. Not spotty light, but light enough to avoid runs. If you're going thin and even, you shouldn't need to sand at all until it's done. You could theoretically clearcoat it too, but for models it's not necessary. After it fully cures, if necessary you can use 2000 grit for light wet sanding and then some rubbing compound or polish, then wax to make it shine.
Whatever you end up doing, I really want to see how it turns out! Be sure to PM me if there's any way I can help.
There's definitely a possibility that the Mustang XA could be put up on ebay sometime.
When I built the rear wing it took a couple failed attempts to get things right, I still plan on shaving a bit off the top to get the angle a little better (lower in front, higher in back).
That's one great-looking Charger you've got there! My diecast collection is mostly Mopars, though I don't have a 66 Charger yet. I wish the Ertl ones came with mags and raised white letter tires instead of the skinny tires with those gaudy wheelcovers, lol. A body style like that definitely deserves sportier wheels.
Now, in regards to your questions on the model, what sort of paint are you using? I think thick would be the word you're looking for.
If you're having any doubts about it, experiment first with some kind of scrap with an intricate surface and see how well it shows through painting.
I've personally had a lot of success with Duplicolor products, both on models and on my cars. It's really thin when it comes out and conforms to detailed surfaces very well. I use compatible primer and sand with 1000 grit to prep the surface. Experimentation will tell you if the primer is compatible too, it's always safer to know that ahead of time.
With a candy red like that, I'd definitely use a light colored primer first to get a good basecoat and make the paint nice and even. A couple light coats should do nicely. Once it's dried and maybe after a bit of light wet sanding with the 1000 grit (and a throurough cleaning) you can coat with your paint. Like you said, light even coats are the key. Not spotty light, but light enough to avoid runs. If you're going thin and even, you shouldn't need to sand at all until it's done. You could theoretically clearcoat it too, but for models it's not necessary. After it fully cures, if necessary you can use 2000 grit for light wet sanding and then some rubbing compound or polish, then wax to make it shine.
Whatever you end up doing, I really want to see how it turns out! Be sure to PM me if there's any way I can help.
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
Here's an update on the re-building of the Red XA.
I've been hard at work on it for the last few days.
I started re-doing the front spoiler by removing and re-attaching via some metal strips and epoxy to the front of the diecast frame. The metal strips were nice because they allowed me to bend it to the angle I liked once it was securely attached, so now it's a bit steeper than before and closer to the movie car. Then I dremeled off the corners to add in some ones I made from cutting and bending some aluminum gutter flashing scrap. Those got epoxied on and a good bit of putty was used to fill in the gaps and solidly join the spoiler to the body.
After some sanding, I glued in some styrene pieces to fill in the gaps where the Mustang's bumper fit in the corners. There's still a lot of filling/sanding to do but it's getting there.
The next thing I concentrated on was the hood. To make it more like a Falcon hood, I chopped the back cm or so of the hood off and glued it to the body. I may try and go in later with my dremel and cut out the vents that are present there on an XA. If not, at least the shape's closer to correct now. On the front of the hood, I trimmed the edge off a little bit. I still need to make a piece to raise the bulge on the front, attach it and then fill/sand it smooth. Then I'll be taking the injector stacks apart and cutting them shorter so they don't stick out quite as high. I may be buying a diecast injector manifold so the engine looks better as well. I have some more trimming to do on the rear wing struts and then the bulk of the changes I wanted will be complete. Just a lot of fine-tuning and then it'll be time for painting.
I've been hard at work on it for the last few days.
I started re-doing the front spoiler by removing and re-attaching via some metal strips and epoxy to the front of the diecast frame. The metal strips were nice because they allowed me to bend it to the angle I liked once it was securely attached, so now it's a bit steeper than before and closer to the movie car. Then I dremeled off the corners to add in some ones I made from cutting and bending some aluminum gutter flashing scrap. Those got epoxied on and a good bit of putty was used to fill in the gaps and solidly join the spoiler to the body.
After some sanding, I glued in some styrene pieces to fill in the gaps where the Mustang's bumper fit in the corners. There's still a lot of filling/sanding to do but it's getting there.
The next thing I concentrated on was the hood. To make it more like a Falcon hood, I chopped the back cm or so of the hood off and glued it to the body. I may try and go in later with my dremel and cut out the vents that are present there on an XA. If not, at least the shape's closer to correct now. On the front of the hood, I trimmed the edge off a little bit. I still need to make a piece to raise the bulge on the front, attach it and then fill/sand it smooth. Then I'll be taking the injector stacks apart and cutting them shorter so they don't stick out quite as high. I may be buying a diecast injector manifold so the engine looks better as well. I have some more trimming to do on the rear wing struts and then the bulk of the changes I wanted will be complete. Just a lot of fine-tuning and then it'll be time for painting.
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
this is looking brill mate really liking how close to movie perfect your getting it, gotta get some pics of it with the 'ceptor once its finished
that is cundalini... and cudnalini wants his hand back!!!
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
Thanks, weelz! 
I will definitely get some pics with the Interceptor, that's one of the main reasons I started building it, to have a bad guy car to display chasing it or vice versa. With the other freelance marauder-style cars I made since starting the XA, I'll have a small gang to chase it!
How are things going on the Landau? Been a little while since you've made any updates.
I will definitely get some pics with the Interceptor, that's one of the main reasons I started building it, to have a bad guy car to display chasing it or vice versa. With the other freelance marauder-style cars I made since starting the XA, I'll have a small gang to chase it!
How are things going on the Landau? Been a little while since you've made any updates.
Re: 1/18th Custom Diecasts
sounds cool mate, yeah did a little bit on the front bumper but its a bit fiddly for me so done the easy/cheap way, giving it to a mate whos a wiz with the milliput haha. also bought a couple of porsches as some small projects too, will get some pics up soon as progress is made
that is cundalini... and cudnalini wants his hand back!!!