New Scale bodies for Tamiya kits

[Toykid]

Shapeways parts just arrived. I will be able to post some new updates this weekend.

[Toykid]

Here is the first pic of how the body comes from Shapeways.com.

I'll add the completed build as soon as I can today.

Fist thoughts, the material compares well to ABS (its actually a nylon composite) but surface finish needs sanding. Next will be to sand and finish it to make sure I can get a nice surface for painting.

James.

[Toykid]

Ok, here is the first build. Using the parts from Shapeways.com and a re-released SRB chassis.

In this build I am using a cut down SRB chassis plate as I do not have the CNC plate yet and want this to be a runner so I can test everything works before I spend any time on finishing.

Parts as they come from Shapeways

First things first is to shorten the standard SRB chassis by 34.5mm

Once cut I used the part to be discarded as the template to re-drill the mounting holes for the gearbox

I am going to used these off the shelf parts from Tamiya to complete the build. Lights and driver body are from the re-relase Sand Rover and the Albert head is from Beetlelover, aka James on TamiyaClub. Rear lights and nose from the Sand Scorcher.

Next is to cut down the front shock towers - ouch, but thank the lord for Re-re parts
Then I cut down the rear hoop, again no stress with re-release parts. I used re-re shocks with a fabricated collar to add rear springs as I had to ditch the torsion bar set up.

I still need to go back in and finish the top of the front towers so I can mount a pair of rear re-release shocks (shorter and will keep everything looking stock)

The steering servo drops right in the front of the chassis and I used a Tamiya servo saver I had kicking around.

Chassis bolts to the main body in 3 places, up front, in the middle behind the servo and at the back, all using the existing holes in the chassis plate. I then added the front dash, front screen and rear roll bar.

the screen is cut from a peice of left over polycarbonate body and is trapped in a channel between the upper and lower frame. I can confirm that the car can withstand a complete roll over with no permanent damage, only the screen popped out

[Toykid]

Here is the car with the hood / bonnet and lights on. The hood is fixed underneath with 2 screws to remove unsightly mounting points

Radio gear in. all standard off the shelf parts, except I am using a shorty Reedy LiPo so I can maintain scale width of the car. The original plan was to accommodate all batteries but I could not get the car to look right, hence the need to a special battery. It will also work with the Tamiya LiFe set up. But a reedy 7.4 gives it more than enough punch and run time. These also work great in the re-re waterproof chassis tub.

Driver and seats in ready to go. See my youtube channel for a quick rough video until I can figure out how to link it into the forum

[Toykid]

Here is my attempt at posting the video of the car running:

http://youtu.be/G_AaHPzK4Rc

James.

[Shodog]

I totally want one of those kits they look super cool. Can't wait to see it painted.

I like yor choice of gorrilaz music in your video. I get the correlation. A replica of their buggy would be cool

[mr crispy]

Another great build Toykid, it's looking very good. I like how the driver compartment is the access to the battery and electrics, very well designed. Great work.

[30YrsL8r]

It's the dog's.

[Toykid]

Thanks for all the great comments and words of encouragement guys.

Here is where I am at as of late Thursday night

Here is the body almost finished with paint. A quick assemble to make sure everything still fits. I ended up using some modified Tamiya Juggernaut lights for the front, they were super shiny and the best size of all the options I have.

Anyone spotting that I don't have my flat 4 out the back, don't worry, that will be added in the final build.

Still trying to decide if I add the stickers I added to the box art illustration.

Comments always greatly appreciated.

In the spray booth just after paint:

Added the black on the underside. Cool thing with the 3D print is that the underside texture looks like fibre glass lay up, like on the original car.

Wheels for this model are still TBD, I am probably going to end up with white steely's, but I just couldn't resist the chrome centerlines to see how they looked. I still have to chrome the roll bar and windscreen frame as well as the front bumper.

[SteveU30]

Simply jaw dropping!

[matman]

Your work & detail is amazing . What more can i say !! . These would sell like hot cakes ! ....

[Scorchio]

Seriously CUTE!!! The 5 stud steels side in the video really suit it. Top work.

[Toykid]

Thanks for all the comments and feedback guys.

I still have to chrome the bumper, roll bar, rear light pod, basically everything that is white. I am going to try Alcan chrome for the first time, so any tips will be greatly appreciated. The body will receive a clear coat and a good polish when everything is finalized.

The front is pretty much done, black arms really made it look more scale - thanks for the words of encouragement.

The rest of the time will be spent finishing the interior and detailing that rear engine

[Raman36]

I'm nominating you for a Nobel Peace Prize in RC. Bravo!

[redzone]

Well... You gotta be happy with that!

[Toykid]

A couple of long haul flights this week gave me some time to create some more parts. All parts are interchangeable.

Race cage

Full Roof

Race Cage and Flip roof

Uploaded and ordered from Shapeways.com

[SteveU30]

Race cage FTW!

[bromvw]

Race cage FTW!

its period and Mayers Manx correct Steve

[SteveU30]

its period and Mayers Manx correct Steve

I love it, would deffo have this as an option if these become available!

[chriss76]

Awesome ..... Sorry first thing that came to mind

[Toykid]

Lastest update as I get close to finally finishing this project. 9 months of hard work hopefully about to finally hit the beach.

Dial ready to go in. The bezel is one of my parts from Shapeways.com but the dials were pulled from an online catalog and printed on regular white print paper and glued from behind.

The exhaust colour was chosen in tribute to the original creator of the Beach Buggy, Bruce Meyers Manx. However I feel that my second build will be chromed out

[mr crispy]

Amazing work as always Toykid. Can't wait for the finished photos and I'd love to see a clip of how it runs

[Madmat]

It looks awesome. The work put in is really showing through, all the small details. Like has been said, I really look forward to seeing the finished item.

[30YrsL8r]

Please tell me that green thing's not the fuel tank!

[bromvw]

Please tell me that green thing's not the fuel tank!

it actually was the fuel tank !!!!!!!!!