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Blissard

Bel Ray Bullet Build

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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;

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Cut the original side panels which sits too high.

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I re-used the cut parts.

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Made ribs so right and left will be symmetrical.

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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.

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New ribs, perfect curve...

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I heat formed a sheet of styrene that is as thick as the body.

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Perfect fit.

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Upper and lower parts bonded.

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That's it for now, all comments are welcomed :)

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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?

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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.

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Excellent craftsmanship on the bodywork! I am very much looking forward to seeing this project once complete - and following the build, of course!

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I love it when people show up on here with full-on modelling skills, truly awe-inspiring!

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Very nice work. What did you use to heat the styrene sheet? It can be tricky to get a nice uniform curve like that.

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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:

13633355075_c4214d6c68_b.jpg

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great job very interested in this and following with interest , please keep this going a good thread is better than a good magazine !!

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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!

t86tlg.jpg

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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.

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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!

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Fantastic build thread an amazing craftsmanship. Keep the updates coming.

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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 :)

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Love the attention to detail and you fabrication skills buddy. Awesome job :D

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Brilliant work!! I found the same plastruct sheets here, too expensive unfortunately. :(

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Excellent work. Love seeing hobbying and customization going to the next level like this. Keep up the great work!

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Thanks for the comments guys :)

TamTom, your boxart buggies look great.

I've been working on this part lately;

Before

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Still before

13856919503_cc2ce3d5ca_b.jpg

After

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Malcolm Smith supports my build.

13856889325_efa60b1196_b.jpg

  • Like 4

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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

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