2018 plans and projects in the pipeline...

reeft1 wrote:Doors open or closed? If the latter, not that difficult providing the front and rear spoiler can be detached from the donor vehicle amd cast seperately. Glass work would have to be made using suitable clear plastic unless someone has access to a vacform.

I was thinking of a car that has never been done before. There is a certain model I would like doing but don't know where to start

What car Chris or is it secret squirrel time?

Many years before Arena Modelli made the Vatanen Subaru Leone coupe, a guy in France used a Renault Fuego as a base and did a blooming good job - in fact, such a good job that Arena then used his model to make a cast for theirs.

Im guessing the rule of thumb is to find something of comparable size and configuration and then buy shares in Milliput and Dremel.

reeft1 wrote:What car Chris or is it secret squirrel time?

Many years before Arena Modelli made the Vatanen Subaru Leone coupe, a guy in France used a Renault Fuego as a base and did a blooming good job - in fact, such a good job that Arena then used his model to make a cast for theirs.

Im guessing the rule of thumb is to find something of comparable size and configuration and then buy shares in Milliput and Dremel.

Arena has done the same with the Datsun 120Y . I got one of the original Vatanen 120y kits from a guy in Marseilles. Arena bought the moulds from the guys widow.

Two cars that come to mind that have not been done - G3 Escort and the Darrian.

You are spot on James - same guy in Marseilles did the Leone

reeft1 wrote:What car Chris or is it secret squirrel time?

Many years before Arena Modelli made the Vatanen Subaru Leone coupe, a guy in France used a Renault Fuego as a base and did a blooming good job - in fact, such a good job that Arena then used his model to make a cast for theirs.

Im guessing the rule of thumb is to find something of comparable size and configuration and then buy shares in Milliput and Dremel.

Put it this way Paul. It is a car that I own but the racing version and not rally. Plus it fits into the Longbridge family! Guessing time but it's not difficult

Hmmmm - a racing car from the Longbridge family..... is it a Marina?

reeft1 wrote:Hmmmm - a racing car from the Longbridge family..... is it a Marina?

err no

Built at Cowley as well?. Not sure of which factory built them. I will have to have a word with Mr Sims.

The road-going variants were built at Longbridge, Chris. However, I think it is one of these that you are specifically referring to...

Your to good for me David. You are spot on.

What I was think of doing is getting a ZR white metal kit and a Vanguards ZT and doing a bit of a cut and shut with some modifications. I don't know what you others think?

Great minds think alike, hey Chris.

It might be possible to tackle the project as you are suggesting, but it's still a 'job & a half' getting it all lined up and sitting right!   Even then, it wouldn't be 100% accurate as both the ZR and ZT are quite different to the ZS in various areas, and only really have what could be called a passing 'family resemblance' to their mid-range sibling.

I have been looking to see if any of the Chinese manufacturers make a 1/43 model of a Honda Civic Aerodeck, or 5-dr hatch models - at least that way the basic shape and proportions of the 400 / 45 / ZS bodyshell are correct, and 'all' you would need to do is add the boot to the back, and then the various external differences to the bumpers, lights, grill, etc.

The latter route is always the better option - trying to find an existing road-going model to modify into the motorsport version - for obvious reasons. Getting back to what James was suggesting earlier, a G3 Escort would be easier as there are already Mk3 Escort base models available, whereas a Darrian would be quite a mission, by comparison.

Thanks David

I never thought of going down the Honda route but as you say the basic shape would be there.

I will keep an eye out and if anything comes up I will consult you first. Don't want to spend money unnecessary.

Cowley wrote:The road-going variants were built at Longbridge, Chris. However, I think it is one of these that you are specifically referring to...

Hope JOB sees this as the Rover ZR Rally car have been done........we have 3 or 4 versions of it !!!!!!

Admittedly, it is actually off-topic for this group, but this is an MG ZS British Touring Car C'ship circuit racer, Donie.

I assume the 'Rover ZR Rally car' that you are talking about is the assorted Roy White MG S2000 Sports as created by Realcarmodels?

Cowley wrote:Admittedly, it is actually off-topic for this group, but this is an MG ZS British Touring Car C'ship circuit racer, Donie.

I assume the 'Rover ZR Rally car' that you are talking about is the assorted Roy White MG S2000 Sports as created by armodels?

That is correct !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have two of the models myself, Donie - very nice.

Shame nobody made a kit of the MG S2000 Sport though, as there are quite a few other versions worthy of a 1/43 scale rendition, none more so than Higgins' Stobart liveried car, and the original MSD launch car.

One day, maybe....

I'd go for a few of those myself! Quelle surprise!?

Always loved the look of the BTCC MG ZS racers and Paul Wakeling ran a Rallycross version which would be neat to create. Piccie here: http://www.speedhunters.com/2013/04/iamthespeedhunter-british-rx-by-steve-white/r2-mg-zr-022-77-paul-wakeling/

Paul ran the car with a spaceframe and a Mercedes engine which was either supercharged or turbocharged, I forget which. It produced so much torque when racing, he couldn't open the throttle fully and was forever short-shifting. Sounded beautiful in full flight.

Sorry for the tangent. As you were, guys........

Cheers, Steve