August 06, 2017

ROMAN DIESEL | episode II

It is obvious: my nostalgia for old Romanian cars is endless! And one of the brands which made my childhood to be interesting is Roman, the truck factory located in Brasov, not very far from my home town (not important detail because I never visited this factory…).
A short history you can read here, in the post describing my first conversion : ROMAN DIESEL 
So, those being told, I want to show you the second conversion I made from a Saviem SM17o Tanker from IXO @ 1| 43rd scale. The result is a tarpaulin cargo truck. Very often seen in the ‘80s when the national automotive industry has to provide everything was necessary for the national economy.
The truck looks like below:

July 23, 2017

ГАЗ M24-02 | old stanced wagon

GAZ 24 Volga was produced since 1967 until 1985, having several minor facelifts.
In 1972, the GAZ 24-02, a 4 door station wagon was introduced, fitted with three rows of seats. Not many cars were sold to the private people due to the small amount of production. The station wagon was used specially by state-owned shops, taxi companies or other state institutions.
The GAZ 24-02 has a generous interior, as told before, having 3 rows of seats and accommodating 7 or 8 seating passengers. Rear area of the interior could be converted in an spacious one level charging surface. This is why Volga 24-02 have heavy-duty leaf springs for the rear axle. Some sources mentioned that could be transported a load of 400kg.
Later on, in 1973 appears the GAZ 24-03, a wagon designated to be and equipped as Ambulance.
My model is 1@43rd scale reproduction of an 24-02 sold by DeAgostini in Poland. Originally painted in dark violet it was a need to change this unusual color. So I mad it black, I weathered a little and I accessorize it giving the look of an uncared old Russian car. Normally the stance was modified because you know my opinion: the stance is everything.
But enough talking, enjoy the ride!


May 27, 2017

Chevrolet C30 | Z- ed

In 1960 Chevrolet introduces a new body design for their light pick-ups. The new design has had many “premieres”. First of all, a ladder frame which allows to the cabin to sit lower. Independent front suspension. The 1960, 1961 and 1963 has used a torsion bar but in 1963 was introduced a coil spring for the front suspension. This type of suspension give a car-like ride in a truck. Also we have to mention that 1960 meant the milestone for the changing of the designation system. They passed from “100, 3200 and 3600 to 10, 20 and 30 respectively for ½, ¾ or 1 tone of load.
Engines included the base GMC 305 cu in V6 135 hp till 283 cu in V8 185hp, but also a 6 straight 261 cu in 150hp.
The model I present has as starting base the Chevy C30 Apache from James Bond Car series at 1/43.
The chassis has been “Z”-ed just after the cabin and the rear axle was replaced by a truck one. All those heights has been calculated to have a ground clearance… in-existent.
The Flat bed is scratch built, the gas barrels are from a Tamiya 1/48th lit and the support for this barrels is also scratch built.
The tail lights are custom made from transparent sprues, turned and polished in order to give them back the crystal clear look.
Hoping you like it more than me, let’s enjoy the ride.


April 14, 2017

steam punk | bike






























Here it is the second vehicle from the fantasy series I begun years ago.
The first one was my Mustang street machine wich has as base a Mustang P51. This time there are a vehicle which is half airplane, half motorcycle. The plane donor is an AModel Yak 51. I do not recommend this kit. It is a modeler’s nightmare. The motorcycle donor is an academy police helicopter which comes with an Pollice Motorbike, also. Combining this tow half vehicles I have been created this antigravitational motorcycle. There are also some scratch built componenets but mainly there are original kit parts.
The paint is a camo inspired by the luftwafe WW II colors and the red stripes are from the AModel Yak kit. The finish is matte.
Enjoy the ride.
Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell that all this is O scale (1|48)


February 25, 2017

R8 | yellow stance

Renault 8 is a small family car rear-engine and rear-wheel drive.  It was launched in 1962. A bigger version of the Renault 8 will be launched in 1965 and it is called Renault 10. Lately Renault 10 will be replaced in 1973 by Renault 12.
Some says that the design of the Renault 8 is similar with Alfa Romeo’s Tipo 1o3 design, due to the relationship between Renault and Alfa Romeo in 6o’s. I find this resemblance somehow forced because there are too many differences between the two cars regarding the proportions. The only evident similarity is the front hood. And only the front hood!
The predecessor of the Renault 8 is Renault Dauphine which is the mechanical donor also. But as a curiosity the 8 is 3cm narrower than Dauphine. But using some thick cushioned seats wewre actualy each 60mm wider than those fitted in the Dauphine the perceived confort increaseses. The engine was improved also, and now appears the long life engine, the well-known Familly “C”. 40 years old Romanian generation knows very well this engine because in out youth was the main problem we had. Some will understand this, and the others will ask their aged friends or parents!
In January 1957 Amedee Gordini signs a contract with Renault to build 1o ooo units of Renault Dauphine. The Reanult Daphine Gordini has to be a Dauphine with the improved performance. The car was a real success and the next was the Renault 8. The 8 Gordini was the first family sporty car produced by Renault.
The model I present is a 1/24 Welly die cast. I lowered it, mounted some Tamiya Alpine A11o wheels and putted some stickers to give a racer look to my tiny yellow car.
I also added some front fog lamps for the night races.