Blissard 359 Posted April 4, 2014 After gathering photos for a long time I finally started building an accurate replica of Malcolm Smith's The Bullet. The chassis I have is an original Rough Rider with MK2 parts, body parts are from a re-release. Some references for side pods; Cut the original side panels which sits too high. I re-used the cut parts. Made ribs so right and left will be symmetrical. Filled the cut area where old panels used to sit so I can lower the new panels like on the real thing. Notice the trimmed motor area. New ribs, perfect curve... I heat formed a sheet of styrene that is as thick as the body. Perfect fit. Upper and lower parts bonded. That's it for now, all comments are welcomed 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OldSchoolRunner 116 Posted April 4, 2014 Beautiful job! I will be watching with interest! OSR Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gruntfuggly 562 Posted April 4, 2014 Nice work - hats off to your modelling skills! I have to ask though - wouldn't it have been easier to start from a Super Champ body? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blissard 359 Posted April 4, 2014 Thanks Gruntfuggly; I didn't want to rape a vintage body and it would still require same amount of work as the side panels aren't as same as the real size Funco. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grastens 2795 Posted April 4, 2014 Excellent craftsmanship on the bodywork! I am very much looking forward to seeing this project once complete - and following the build, of course! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveU30 1011 Posted April 4, 2014 I love it when people show up on here with full-on modelling skills, truly awe-inspiring! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamiya1/10 382 Posted April 4, 2014 like the extra bracing you put in. Are you a boat builder too? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr crispy 2293 Posted April 4, 2014 Very nice work. What did you use to heat the styrene sheet? It can be tricky to get a nice uniform curve like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ddaenen1 278 Posted April 4, 2014 quite impressive i must say! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blissard 359 Posted April 5, 2014 Thanks a lot for the words guys Tamiya1/10; I don't build wood boats but I do all the work in local yacht clubs atelier so it's full of boats and wood. My desk was a mess so I covered it some plywood. Mr Crispy; I place the sheets under an infrared heater for 4-5 seconds and bend them by hand. Made the front curve yesterday: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biggamehunter 127 Posted April 5, 2014 great job very interested in this and following with interest , please keep this going a good thread is better than a good magazine !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blissard 359 Posted April 5, 2014 Thanks Todays work; Made a new front piece, much better than the previous one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevieg32 172 Posted April 6, 2014 What type of glue are you using to bond the styrene to the shell? Im very glad your doing this thread,i embarked on the same project quite a while back and didn't get very far, i had never attempted any body mods before and gave up quite quickly in frustration,at least my shell is still savable,learn from the more experienced,the best route! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blissard 359 Posted April 6, 2014 I use Plastruct Styrene Welder: http://www.plastruct.com/pages/GlueContents.html It's super strong but also forgiving. You can soften the line and open the welded parts back by putting more welder. Looks like you've tried heat forming but burnt it. I heat styrene a little and force to bend by hand otherwise it gets wavy or curves sharp. Let me know if you need any dimensions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevieg32 172 Posted April 6, 2014 Cheers for the link,i will do the same as you and completely remove the nacelles and try and make smaller,neater versions internally ribbed,better finish the Blazer first though! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toykid 595 Posted April 6, 2014 Fantastic build thread an amazing craftsmanship. Keep the updates coming. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blissard 359 Posted April 6, 2014 Stevieg32; I'm looking forward to see your Blazer, late 70's Blazer is my favorite vehicle of all times. Toykid; Thank you very much Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njmlondon 570 Posted April 8, 2014 Lovely build, great skills. Will be following this one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wood5tock 864 Posted April 8, 2014 Love the attention to detail and you fabrication skills buddy. Awesome job Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mongoose1983 3335 Posted April 11, 2014 Brilliant work!! I found the same plastruct sheets here, too expensive unfortunately. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neverfollow 599 Posted April 13, 2014 Excellent work. Love seeing hobbying and customization going to the next level like this. Keep up the great work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TamTom 367 Posted April 13, 2014 Nice start. Looks similar to my body shells. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blissard 359 Posted April 14, 2014 Thanks for the comments guys TamTom, your boxart buggies look great. I've been working on this part lately; Before Still before After Malcolm Smith supports my build. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWarty 1325 Posted April 14, 2014 Awesome stuff bud! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OldSchoolRunner 116 Posted April 15, 2014 I would love a body like that! You can't run those can you? Someone should make a lexan of one of those body shells. OSR Share this post Link to post Share on other sites