[Carver]

How about an old-fashioned build thread?

   

The 23 hardly need any introduction. As close as you can get to a magic carpet in 1962! This small and incredible low car is not often seen as a 1/32 scale slot car.
Actually, when I started this, I had never seen one. Nowadays there is of course the GTM version.

This all started a year and a half ago as a cooperation with a US chassis builder. I was to build two wooden bodies and he was to make two metal chassis.
Then swap, so each one of us would get one complete car.
Sadly, due to health problems, my partner has not been able to finish the chassis.
After a long time in a box I've decided to make one of my own low-tech wooden chassis, I can't wait anymore to see a Lotus 23 on my track!

First some pics from the body factory last year, I try to keep the story short... Scroll down if it gets boring!

   

Starting, as always, with the usual block of lime tree and rough shaping.

   

Since the windscreen is an integrated part of the form I include it with the body shape for a start to get a total view.
I like to get the headlight of perplex installed early, they are also part of the shape. This is a very early phase, it is still far too tall...

   

A bit further! I thought I'd try making the windscreen out of 5mm perplex.

   

I did not get things right on #1 (yellow), so I started with a second one!
Improvements? Look for example at the connection between glazing and plate work.

   

When I knew how I wanted it to be, I was able to correct #1 as well.

   

Finally, I did the third one to be on the safe side! After all the work with the first two shells, this was a walk in the park...
Actually, it suits me well to work with 2 or 3 at the same time. #2 went to the USA, but I still have two to play with!

       

One of them has to be green! Some detailing work, clear plastic sprue and piano wire for mirrors, and brass nails for taillights.
I have tested a number of colours for the other car.

After this background summary, let's go back to the future in the next chapter!

Cheers Carver

[JasonB]

Marvellous, I love a full, carved scratchbuild, and we've been starved of them whilst Gordon has been moving house.

[Gordon Steadman]

I really like these but then your builds are always great. I still run the Maserati occasionally.

Not much chance of doing any bodies if I wanted to at the moment. My right thumb is wrapped in plaster after a hidden nail took half the thumb nail with it when I was sanding.

The joys of taking on an old house are far from over so it will be a while yet. This old man is feeling every year that has passed. I'd rather be playing with toy cars!

[KensRedZed]

Very cool looking stuff!

There's a drill bit stuck in your headlight! That'll sure impede the lap times. 

[Carver]

Gordon, I am sure you will be back on track soon, literately speaking! And may your thumb look like this!  

Carver

[Carver]

Underneath I was hoping to make something similar to this Porsche chassis, my best wooden chassis so far.
   
I could not work that out, this car is a bit smaller than the large 550!

Inspired by German builder „Claus“ I decided to try with a 1/43 scale motor.
He used it for this VW Karmann Ghia: https://scratchbuilt.iphpbb3.com/forum/9...t3540.html

After making a styrene sidewinder pod, my chassis turned out like this.
       
       

While test driving, I can't say I'm missing the s-cans and slimlines I normally use for small cars, this motor is better than I thought it would be. It is said to be 24k, Geared 10/29, and with 13“ wheels, it runs quickly and nicely. The car as in pics, complete chassis, body without a screen, interior or driver, weights 40g.
This will not be a lead sled!
I still need to make the guide wires go under the front axle, there is not enough space under that low front. I am also waiting for some smaller front tires.

For me, this opens up for making very small open cars with a full interior.

Cheers Carver

[Carver]

I first tried to make the bucket seats of styrene, but they turned out better in wood. I stick to the wood theme...

   

Dry-fitting to check stance and fitting before the final assembly and detailing.

   

   

Low, isn't it!

Carver

[rallyhub]

Very low... and a great report.
More photos of your finished Lotus would be much appreciated.

Hub

[Tibbs]

How about an old-fashioned build thread?



The 23 hardly need any introduction. As close as you can get to a magic carpet in 1962! This small and incredible low car is not often seen as a 1/32 scale slot car.
Actually, when I started this, I had never seen one. Nowadays there is of course the GTM version.

This all started a year and a half ago as a cooperation with a US chassis builder. I was to build two wooden bodies and he was to make two metal chassis.
Then swap, so each one of us would get one complete car.
Sadly, due to health problems, my partner has not been able to finish the chassis.
After a long time in a box I've decided to make one of my own low-tech wooden chassis, I can't wait anymore to see a Lotus 23 on my track!

First some pics from the body factory last year, I try to keep the story short... Scroll down if it gets boring!



Starting, as always, with the usual block of lime tree and rough shaping.



Since the windscreen is an integrated part of the form I include it with the body shape for a start to get a total view.
I like to get the headlight of perplex installed early, they are also part of the shape. This is a very early phase, it is still far too tall...



A bit further! I thought I'd try making the windscreen out of 5mm perplex.



I did not get things right on #1 (yellow), so I started with a second one!
Improvements? Look for example at the connection between glazing and plate work.



When I knew how I wanted it to be, I was able to correct #1 as well.



Finally, I did the third one to be on the safe side! After all the work with the first two shells, this was a walk in the park...
Actually, it suits me well to work with 2 or 3 at the same time. #2 went to the USA, but I still have two to play with!



One of them has to be green! Some detailing work, clear plastic sprue and piano wire for mirrors, and brass nails for taillights.
I have tested a number of colours for the other car.

After this background summary, let's go back to the future in the next chapter!

Cheers Carver

This is fantastic to see Carver,
could you show us how you make the windscreen?
I'm going to give a balser wood build a crack and seeing your awesome work is very inspiring.

Cheers
Tony

[Tibbs]

And the posts definitely aren't boring, if nobody is prepared to show how they do things how will jo-blogs want to learn and have a crack