Astute 2022 Custom Design

I really liked the TD2 chassis from when I first saw the pictures of it. However, the new Astute body set was not really that great looking. I think many will agree on that.
I decided to improve on the design so that it would match the beauty of the chassis. I think the two main issues with the original design is the 'added-on' side pods for the battery pack, they really look like a non-designed afterthought. The other issue is the roofline of the canopy. Now this to me just looks like poor 3D modelling work, someone modelled that canopy without knowing about surface tension, surface curvature and flowing lines in an automotive design.
A minor thing that I don't think they nailed on this kit is the decals, they are just not that sharp looking. I do like how the black and blue lines flow all the way from the nose tip along the body to emphasize the unique shape of the body. But then the side pods and the graphics just gets a bit...fuzzy!
I made some new decal graphics, maybe a bit retro, but I think they came out pretty great and they emphasize the shape of the body great.
I made my own custom vacuum form based on the original Tamiya body, and after several failed attempts I finally got one good body set out. I have made my own body sets before, I just had forgotten just how difficult it is to get it right.
Anyway, I am very pleased with the end result. I think it is now a great looking Tamiya buggy.