1/8 Porsche 908/03

Wow....

Hello!

A small-ish update this weekend; not too much to show for a couple of weeks work, but making progress all the same. Having moulded the two front sections of the footwell side panels, I moved on to the two rear sections:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803056.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803058.jpg

I used more of the fibreglass sheet for these rather than plasticard, as I didn't want any warping or twisting. All the joints are glued with c/a, with a few pieces of 0.5mm rod added inside for reinforcement.

Also at the front, I added a couple of pick-ups for the top wishbones on the right-hand side - at some point I'm going to have to start working on the suspension. However, this is something I'll return to later...

The major task of the last week has been working on the core of the gearbox. Unfortunately, this is probably going to be the hardest part of the whole project as there is so little information available - the few photos I have all show just the very end of the 'box, as seen from the rear of the car. I have not seen a single image of the 'type 910' gearbox out of the car! Still, if no-one else has seen such a photo, who's to say that what I make is wrong...?!

Here's what I've done so far:

(top picture, left to right - differential housing, gear cluster, clutch housing)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803059.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803060.jpg

The 908-03's gearbox is strange in that it doesn't use the conventional 'clutch / differential / gear cluster' layout, as used by so many racing transmissions. Instead, to put more weight to the front of the car, Porsche designed a 'clutch / gear cluster / differential' layout - so all you see in the photos is just the diffferential housing!

I'm building each of the sections individually mainly because I'm having to work out most of the design as I go along, and this gives me the option to scrap a section without starting from scratch. Eventually the whole lot will be detailed with reinforcing webs, fixings, green-stuff, etc, so what you see here is the core structure. Incidentally, the black centre of the diff housing is the bottom end of the 35mm film container which I used to create the engine's fan shroud - nothing gets thrown away!

There's still a lot of work to be done here, but getting the gearbox core made is a big (and time-consuming) step.

More next weekend!

ScratchBuilt

Continuing excellence SB!! That fibreglass sheet looks like the ideal stuff to make fluid containers out of - is there any 'grain' to it, or do you think it might be suitable for 1/24 scale washer bottles etc?

Keef

Hello!



The major task of the last week has been working on the core of the gearbox. Unfortunately, this is probably going to be the hardest part of the whole project as there is so little information available - the few photos I have all show just the very end of the 'box, as seen from the rear of the car. I have not seen a single image of the 'type 910' gearbox out of the car! Still, if no-one else has seen such a photo, who's to say that what I make is wrong...?!

I'm building each of the sections individually mainly because I'm having to work out most of the design as I go along, and this gives me the option to scrap a section without starting from scratch. Eventually the whole lot will be detailed with reinforcing webs, fixings, green-stuff, etc, so what you see here is the core structure. Incidentally, the black centre of the diff housing is the bottom end of the 35mm film container which I used to create the engine's fan shroud - nothing gets thrown away!

There's still a lot of work to be done here, but getting the gearbox core made is a big (and time-consuming) step.

More next weekend!

ScratchBuilt


There is a side view engineering drawing and a picture of it in the car from the rear in White Racers from Zuffenhausen by Karl Ludvigsen. Just wondering if you have you seen this.

Stephen

Hi Stephen,

Yep - the 'White Racers...' is in my reference pile! Trouble is, this is about all I can find despite searching online, photo sites, car restoration companies, etc. No-one seems to have a photo of this particular gearbox that shows anything more than the diff housing at the back! So, until anything useful shows up I'm styling it on a combination of the 'regular' 908-2 gearbox, and the unit used in the 917...

Sorry Keef, nearly forgot - I laid-up the fibreglass sheet onto a flat piece of aluminium, so one side is smooth; the other has a slight texture from the cloth itself, but the top layer was the finest grade I had. Yes, I think it could work on smaller parts, but I suspect it would be extremely fiddly to do. As I said some time ago, experimentation is required!

SB

Hi SB,

awesome handcraft work. It´s a pleasure to follow your steps...:):):)

Dirk

There is a side view engineering drawing and a picture of it in the car from the rear in White Racers from Zuffenhausen by Karl Ludvigsen. Just wondering if you have you seen this.

Stephen

LOL, I was going to mention this book as I was browsing it at Motor Books in covent garden yesterday. Can't help form my library ScratchBuilt but there are two shots of the front (clutch/gear cluster) area at the bottom of this page:

http://martini.divers.site.voila.fr/joest/908_3_008.htm

A small-ish update this weekend;
If I may ask, what does the word 'small' mean in your dictionary? I think you may have a different edition than me. :icon16:

Thanks for the link, Cinqster - it's just what I need! That's the first shot of that end of the 'box I've seen (that isn't obscured by the starter motor, etc). Much appreciated.

Sorry TBT - it's just that I see the progress other guys make, and then I seem to spend three evenings getting nowhere particularly quickly. Perhaps it's just the different pace of my project compared to others'...I know it's going to be a long haul.

SB

Thanks for the link, Cinqster - it's just what I need! That's the first shot of that end of the 'box I've seen (that isn't obscured by the starter motor, etc). Much appreciated.

Sorry TBT - it's just that I see the progress other guys make, and then I seem to spend three evenings getting nowhere particularly quickly. Perhaps it's just the different pace of my project compared to others'...I know it's going to be a long haul.

SB

No probs, I'll keep my eye of for more.
If it's any consolation it's taken me three evenings to draw up the gearbox for my project, based on 5 bits of badly photocopied drawings all at different scales. Had to scale everything around one M8x70 bolt as it's the only dimension I have! Joy:runaround:

Your skills and progress are unbelievable - FANTASTIC !!

Wow, I have been following this build since the start and am continually amazed by your progress! Great stuff.

Malc.

Wow, I have been following this build since the start and am continually amazed by your progress! Great stuff.

Malc.

Wow, I have been following this build since the start and am continually amazed by your progress! Great stuff.

Malc.

Hello!

The major task of the last week has been working on the core of the gearbox. Unfortunately, this is probably going to be the hardest part of the whole project as there is so little information available - the few photos I have all show just the very end of the 'box, as seen from the rear of the car. I have not seen a single image of the 'type 910' gearbox out of the car! Still, if no-one else has seen such a photo, who's to say that what I make is wrong...?!

Here's what I've done so far:

(top picture, left to right - differential housing, gear cluster, clutch housing)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803059.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803060.jpg

The 908-03's gearbox is strange in that it doesn't use the conventional 'clutch / differential / gear cluster' layout, as used by so many racing transmissions. Instead, to put more weight to the front of the car, Porsche designed a 'clutch / gear cluster / differential' layout - so all you see in the photos is just the diffferential housing!

I'm building each of the sections individually mainly because I'm having to work out most of the design as I go along, and this gives me the option to scrap a section without starting from scratch. Eventually the whole lot will be detailed with reinforcing webs, fixings, green-stuff, etc, so what you see here is the core structure. Incidentally, the black centre of the diff housing is the bottom end of the 35mm film container which I used to create the engine's fan shroud - nothing gets thrown away!

There's still a lot of work to be done here, but getting the gearbox core made is a big (and time-consuming) step.

More next weekend!

ScratchBuilt

I can help you out greatly with many pictures of the gearbox out of the car if it's not too late send me an email to derek_collins68@msn.com I have over 200 shots of the restored 1970 Targa Floria winner.

Thanks, Icon Modeler

Hello again.

I was off racing at Pembrey this weekend, so the first job for this morning was a new post. Took the photos, uploaded, etc, etc, then found the reply from Icon Modeler! Thanks Derek - I'll be in touch about your offer.

So, here's what I've been up to...

I've started detailing the gearbox sections; here you can see where I've built-up the core structure of the flywheel-housing with styrene strip, etc, in preparation for adding some greenstuff. The starter motor will eventually fit into the hole at top-left:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803061.jpg

The reinforcing webs on the gear-cluster section are strips of 1mm x 0.5mm thick styrene, added in three layers. There's much more detail to follow on all these sections...

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803062.jpg

The two sections fitted together with greenstuff added:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803065.jpg

Finally, the diff-housing access plate. The thicker radial spokes are two layers of 1mm x 0.5mm, the thinner spokes a single strip of 0.5 x 0.5. The hex-nut details round the outside are 1.6mm AF:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803066.jpg

So, that's everything just about up-to-date. However, all this might change depending on what new photos and info I can sort out...major revisions could be around the corner!

Thanks again to Cinqster for the link to the Martini site - there's some good stuff there that will certainly be used on this project.

Cheers!

SB

My first post on this forums is in this thread

I AM SO AMAZED BY YOUR PROJECT! I will keep following this one, lovely how you manage to scrapbuild everything out of evergreen :D

Damn, this is some top notch stuff! Gotta love srcatch building!

Hello everyone,

It's been an interesting couple of weeks since my last update; thanks to Icon Modeler I've finally obtained some great info on the gearbox (and a little more besides...), so I've embarked on a rebuild! Comparing what I'd already done with what it should be, it was clear that the front clutch housing section and the gear-cluster unit had to be scrapped and re-made. However, I was sure that the rear diff-housing could be carried over to the Mk2 design (although the finned circular side-plate shown in my previous post would have to be changed too). So, take a deep breath and start again...

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803067.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803068.jpg

This whole piece is new, and already has much more detail than the Mk1 version. The attachment points for the main gearbox mountings are in a different position, so I've also taken the opportunity to modify the chassis in the engine bay to suit. There will be more of this in a later post.

The plain gear-cluster section is made in a similar way to the Mk1 version, but with subtly different dimensions. I'll start adding the detail when I've made more progress with the front section (or when I need a change of scene!) There's more reinforcement webbing, etc, required.

Here you can see a comparison between the Mk1 and Mk2 versions. The overall lengths of the two are the same, but the Mk1 shape was just...wrong!

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803070.jpg

Finally, here's the Mk2 front end with the Mk1 diff housing. As I add the detail I'll be able to make the transition between the two sections and sort out any differences:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803071.jpg

So, that's where I am now. There's still a lot more work to be done on this piece - and that's before I even think about the driveshafts, starter motor, gear selector mechanism, etc. However, the effort will be worth it!

Cheers!

ScratchBuilt

It took you some time to update and I've seen the pics too so I thought you must be rebuiding the gearbox from scratch. And so you did. Great job.

mvgrijk

SB, this is getting better and better......(shakes head in disbelief...:eek: )

:worshippy :worshippy :worshippy :cheers: :thumbsup:
cheers
Greg :aus:

However, the effort will be worth it!
ScratchBuilt

I definitely will :-) Great work man!

A small update to show how things are going with the Mk2 gearbox. It's all been about adding detailing this week - mainly the reinforcing webs (0.5mm and 0.75mm styrene), plus a bit of greenstuff on the clutch housing and some hex-section for the nuts:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803072.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803073.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803074.jpg

So far, so good, I think. I've also drilled and pinned the final diff-housing section so that it all lines up properly, but I'm not going to start adding the details to that part just yet.

More next week, hopefully...

SB

I think my second most favorite part of your posts is the condition of your work table. My table is equally cluttered. I'm hoping that says something abut my skill level. My most favorite part is the absolute brilliance and the skill level of your work! Can't wait for the next post.

Coming along nicely Can't wait to see more!!!!

Icon Modeler

Brilliant ....and I bow my head deep!

Hello again,

It's been a few weeks since the last post, but I have not been idle! I've been continuing to add detail to the gear-housing, built the starter motor and gear selector mechanism (or most of it, anyway), and am now busy detailing the final diffhousing section:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803075.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803076.jpg

Not the greatest photos, but you get the idea. Neither the starter motor or the gear selector are glued in place yet - that can wait for a while until I'm sure everything else fits.

The final diff-housing section is the only part remaining from the MK1 version of the 'box, but I'm happy that it will blend into the two new sections - especially when all the webbing and detailing is added. I'll get through plenty more 0.5mm and 0.75mm strip before this one's finished! Hopefully by the end of this weekend it will be looking pretty complete...

By the way - Chasejk - it does look suspicious how the background to my photos always appears to be the same mix of styrene off-cuts, hand-tools, and general clutter. However, I should point out that all of this work is actually done sitting on the floor, rather than sitting at a desk! One of these days I'll have to post a photo of my work area...

Have a good weekend!

SB

Dear SB,

my mouth felt on the floor. Outstanding work!!!!!!!

BTW: Ho pays for the doctor, to get new teeth?? :icon16: :rofl:

Greets

Dirk

Amazing !! This truely is an absolute stunning build :thumbsup:

Do you cut and shape all the plastic parts by hand, or do you use some kind of CNC milling machine ?

Greetings

Pascal

Second post of the weekend!

After spending a good chunk of Friday night, most of Saturday, and a good part of today cutting and gluing, I now have something that looks 99% complete (for a while, anyway). Here it is...

From the right-hand side you can see the extra spokes fitted to the circular diff cover. The 11 main spokes are two layers of 0.5mm x 1mm, the intermediates are made from two layers of 0.5 x 0.5:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803077.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803078.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803079.jpg

The two oblong bosses fitted to the end of the 'box are the mounting points for the exhaust support plate:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803080.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803081.jpg

It's fair to say that I'm pleased I decided to re-make most of this - I thought the 917 Can-Am 'box I made had plenty of detail, but I've had to add much more to this one. There's still one or two small things to add - the clutch lever mechanism, for example - but as I've been working on it exclusively since early August, it's time for a change of scene! I think the fuel system could be the next job - pipes and connectors, pumps, filler necks, etc...

Hello Pascal - good to see you like what I'm doing. Everything on the gearbox has been cut and shaped by hand - no power tools! I do have a small modelling lathe (which will be used for the wheels and tyres, some of the engine components) but where possible I do everything with a knife, files, small saw, etc.

Hey IconModeler - I hope this meets with your approval! Thank you, once again.

More in a week or two,

ScratchBuilt

SB,

Verrrrrryyyyy Nice. It looks very convincing. Now can you shrink that down to 1/12th scale :rofl::rofl::rofl:.

BTW feel free to post any of the photo's I sent you they are mine so no need to worry about copyright.

Icon Modeler

SB ...your work is a real joy and inspiration...thanks!

A++++++++++++ work!


Mark

Hello!

I've not made rapid progress during the last 7-10 days - I picked up a cold / sore throat which in addition to putting me off my food, has also made modelling less appealing. However, work has continued at a reduced pace - I've been deciding how to make the various fuel and oil-line fittings:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803082.jpg

The larger oil fitting on the left is made to suit 4mm nitrile cord. The right-angle bend section is a piece of model-kit sprue, cut to length and drilled. The nuts are M3 with styrene spacers (thanks, Ian T).

The smaller fuel fitting uses 2mm wire-sheath, with the bend made from plastic-coated 0.9mm modelling wire. The smaller plastic hex is 2.75mm AF, with M2 nuts.

So far I've been making the components for all the 90-degree bend fittings, but there will eventually have to be some straight fittings made too, in a similar style. For now, I just have a pile of bits:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803083.jpg

The fuel collector tank sits in the left-hand side of the engine bay and receives the main fuel feed from the main tanks, before being pumped out to the fuel filter and then on to the fuel injection unit. It's a simple box construction, reinforced on the inside with angle sections. The fittings are all recessed into the outer casing - in reality it's a rubber bag-tank inside a protective ali container, so the fittings aren't attached to the outside.

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803084.jpg

Finally, having received some very useful reference photos from IconModeler I felt I should add a few to the thread to give you an idea of what I'm aiming for. First up, a rear 3/4 view showing the full engine bay:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/IMG_0248.jpg

Second, a front 3/4 view with the bodywork removed:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/IMG_0244.jpg

Finally, what it will (hopefully) look like sometime in late 2010:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/IMG_0178.jpg

Hope you like them! I'll probably add some more later - they'll help to illustrate what I'm doing.

So, the next week or so will be spent making the other components of the fuel system - filter, pumps, etc - before I start a two-week holiday in November. This will hopefully be a good opportunity to work on some of the more time-intensive parts such as the wheels, tyres, etc. We'll see.

Cheers!

SB

Reduced pace? I wish I could increase my pace to get somewhere near what you can achieve at such reduced pace! Continuing excellent work SB, and your clear explanations of what you are doing are really appreciated!

Thanks for posting those pics of the real thing too - gorgeous racecar!

Looking forward to more as always!

Keef

I can't even cut a styrene strip at a straight angle...your scratch building technique is out of this world.
/J

A small update to show what I've been up to...

I've been continuing with the fuel system, so here you can see the panel in the left-hand sill to represent the back of the fuel-tank, the cross-pipe which connects the left-hand and right-hand tanks, and the three mountings for the fuel-collector tank (shown in an earlier post)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803085.jpg

To be honest, until I saw the photos from IconModeler I didn't even realise the 908-03 had two fuel tanks (although it does make sense). The first 917's had one in each sill, but this was soon changed to a single larger tank in the right-hand sill - I guess I assumed that the smaller-engined 908 wouldn't need such capacity. However, the right-hand tank in the 908 doesn't extend so far into the engine bay, and the left-hand tank only reaches the level of the cockpit bulkhead.

The connector pipe running across the front of the engine bay is simply a length of 4mm styrene tube with another section of kit-sprue to make the bend on the end. A small piece of ali tube covers the joint between the two, and the whole lot is wrapped in masking tape to replicate the heat-proof cloth of the real-thing.

Here's the right-hand sill - the filler neck still needs the cap detailing, but the basics are all here:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803086.jpg

I've added two small pipe stubs to the chassis tube running across the top of the front of the engine bay - this allows the left-hand tank to vent back into the filler neck. The rubber 'hoses' are more pieces of 3mm nitrile cord.

The main feed pipe to the fuel pump will connect to the fitting on the rear panel of the tank. I've used more greenstuff to make the weld seams around the top cover and the vent-line stubs - it looks a lot, but there are some very heavy-duty weld runs on all these older Porsche racers!

The plan for this week is to make the fuel pumps and fuel filter, then strip out some more wire to make all the small-diameter fuel hoses. I've cut some more chunks of blue foam to make the tyres (after my practice run earlier in the year) so at some point soon I'll be back on the lathe. I will also try to turn the tapered engine inlet trumpets at the same time...

Cheers!

SB

Beautiful work SB - I'm enjoying your build more than mine!:lol:

Afraid I've been out of action for a while as I was in a coma for two weeks. :banghead:

Hope to be back on it soon!

So when do you wire it up and add the gas?

I think your gonna need to start again, using metal & at 1:1 scale!!! Amazing building, cant beleave its all stratchbuilt. IS this similar to Tamiyas recent re-release of the 908? Cant wait to see more

Hello again,

No photos today- although the fuel pumps are coming along nicely! Thought I should just reply to the last few comments...

Cinqster - hope everything's up and running as soon as possible.

TBT - still some way from adding the gas, unfortunately, but if you search the completed projects you'll find my Can-Am 917-10 which is very much ready to roll!

Ashman - although I work with Formula Ford racecars for a living, my metalworking skills are strictly limited! Besides, I'd only end up burning holes in the bedroom carpet and I'd never get a 1:1 version out of the door...

The comment about the Tamiya release just sent me off on a search, but I couldn't find anything online - I assume you mean the 1:12 Porsche 910 kit? The 6-cylinder 910 coupe ('67) was a few years before the 908-3 ('70) but other than the use of a tube-frame chassis there's not much in common between the two. I guess the main influences for the 908-3 were the earlier 910 and 909 Bergspyder hillclimb cars - about 275bhp in a car weighing less than 450kg!

SB

Outstanding!! I really can't think of anything else to say!

Keef

Wow! Most impressive. Any chance of putting a scale ruler next to some of the pictures so we get a clearer ides of scale?

Hello!

Couldn't resist it - here's what I've been up to in the first week of my holiday. Firstly, here's the fuel pumps and the fuel filter:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803093.jpg

The two pumps are about 16mm tall, the filter 19mm. I've added more detail compared to the previous ones on the 917's, and everything is to suit the scratch-built pipe fittings shown earlier. The two pumps will hang down from a couple of brackets (not shown) in the sills of the engine bay, and the filter hangs from one of the upper side tubes. When everything is fitted to the chassis, I'll add some wiring, etc, to suit.

Next up, after the Mk2 gearbox it was now necessary to re-make the main mountings. I started with two lengths of 3/16" tube, pinned into the bottom chassis rail for strength, with a small link on each to keep them steady:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803088.jpg

(you can still see the two small holes in the bottom cross-rail from the Mk1 mountings - they were too far forwards, and the right-hand mount was much too close to the fuel injector drive pulley)

I then added the two reinforcing plates coming out to the sides of the engine bay. On the right-hand side I added two large holes (approx 11mm diameter) through which the gear linkage will pass:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803089.jpg

After adding the smaller pieces to box it all in, I added plenty of greenstuff to cover up the gaps and give a flavour of the typical heavy-duty welding on these cars. I'm not joking - I'll post another of the reference photos and you'll see what I mean! Here's the left-hand side:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803090.jpg

From above...

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803091.jpg

...and a close-up of the right-hand side:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803092.jpg

Before I closed off the top of the mountings I painted the insides black, as it was easier than leaving it until later. I've just realised that the left-hand side also needs three holes putting through it - I'll have to do that in-situ. The mounting 'ears' coming off the front of the gearbox were both made to lock into the sides to give a stronger joint - all the weight of the engine and 'box goes through these two side mounts and the single one at the front.

So, that's it for today. Tomorrow, I plan to make a mess with the insulating foam and the lathe...

SB

I really admire your dedication to this project SB, I think I'd have got well fed up with having to keep building to this standard long before now. Not that I could build to this standard in the first place!!

Great stuff!!

Keef

Hi,

I'm really jealous what you can make from styrene.
Don't get me wrong, I mean it in a possitive way.

The "green stuff" you call it, what exactly is that?

Maurits
from Belgium.

Stunning work !!

With every update you show great scratchbuilding skills, this project truely is a work of art :smile:

Greetings

Pascal

Back to work tomorrow, but here's what I've been doing this week...

First of all, here's the effect I'm aiming for with all the greenstuff on the main gearbox mountings - once it's all painted, I think it will look okay. I'm not suggesting that all Porsche tube-frame chassis have welds like these, but I've seen plenty of photos that are similar! (thanks to IconModeler for this one) It's the same with the Formula Fords - damage gets repaired, sometimes neatly - sometimes not so neatly, and that's how the chassis gets its scars. It's a sign of an active life!

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/IMG_0070B.jpg

Hi Maurits - 'greenstuff' is a two-part epoxy modelling putty sold by Games Workshop, and I find it very useful. (you mix equal parts of the yellow and blue putty, and it goes green). It's not like some of these fillers that melt styrene or won't go off if you use too much. I guess there are other similar products around, but this is the one I've always used.

Next on the list this week was to produce the inlet trumpets for the engine. The original plan was to turn the taper on the tubes, but I soon realised that it was such a slight taper that there must be a simpler way. So, I made a bunch of blanks from two lengths of styrene (4.8mm and 6.2mm dia) and applied the taper on the lathe by hand using 150-grade emery cloth, with some final smoothing using 1200 wet'n'dry:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803094.jpg

...and after a bit more work:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803095.jpg

I made ten in total - eight for the model and two spares (both of which were needed due to 'production issues'!) It's not much of a taper, but it's enough that you can see that they're not just straight tube. There will be some extra detailing aroud the bottom once they're glued in place, and the injectors need to be sorted out at the top.

The tops of the inlets have fibreglass covers - these will be fabricated from styrene (for now). So that the injector detailing can still be seen afterwards, I'm trying to make these covers removable - which brings certain construction problems. Here's what I've done so far:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803096.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803097.jpg

I have some fine mesh which will be wrapped around the outside, with more styrene added on top to make the outer-outer cover. This will create the four pairs of slots which are moulded into the sides. I might decide to re-work these parts (in fibreglass) at a later date, if the end result isn't acceptable...

A small carry-over from last week. Whilst I was test-fitting the gearbox to make sure the hole for the shift linkage lined up, I made the small piece which connects the rod to the selector mechanism inside the 'box:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803100.jpg

Finally, the wheels and tyres. The base for the wheels are a set of Kyosho RC car rims, but they'll need plenty of modification. First step was to turn off the lips which locate the original rubber tyres - this reduced the overall diameter of the rims from about 52 - 53mm, to 48mm. Ideally the front wheels should be even smaller (about 42mm) but I can live with this - I have a few plans up my sleeve! Width and offset is not a problem - depending on the exact measurements of the final hub / brake disc arrangements, it looks like I'll be able to add 3 or 4 mm spacers inside the rims and still have room for the outer detailing (thanks, Rijk!).

For now it's mainly about making something that will allow me to work on the rest of the suspension:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803098.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803099.jpg

I used the hot-wire and cardboard templates to cut the foam blocks to an oversize diameter, then mounted each one on the lathe for final turning. The outer edges were hand-finished using emery cloth. The main centre-bore was made on the bench drill using a wood-working hole-cutter; fortunately, the hole size is an exact fit for the machined RC rims. The rear tyres work out at about 78mm dia x 50mm wide, the fronts 69mm x 40mm.

As with the 917-10, I'll use styrene to build-up the rest of the rims and add the correct spoke design - the compass-cutter will probably be getting a good work-out during the next few weeks.

So, that's what I've been working on. It's actually now a year since I started this project (although I didn't start posting until early 2009), but it's gone quickly. Most of the 'big jobs' are now in hand - engine, gearbox, bodywork, etc - but there's still all the smaller parts to do like the calipers, uprights, wishbones, instruments, etc; then I have to paint and assemble everything!

I'll keep at it, and maybe by this time next year it will be approaching completion...

Cheers!

SB

Very Nice, Keep up the great work and you'll be finished before you know it.

It is surprising just how inferior the welds look in the picture you posted of the real chassis. Beleive it or not, welds like that are standard practice for the boys at Porsche. I've seen them and had to duplicate those types of welds on many of the restorations I've been part of. They date as far back is the first 550 prototype, 550-01, that I helped restore. I've also seen those welds on what was Porsche's most successful production race car the 956/962s. To many in the restoration business they are a thing of beauty. To me they look like what the bird left on the rock :iceslolan:iceslolan

Again, Nice job, Keep us posted

Icon Modeler

Finally, the wheels and tyres. I used the hot-wire and cardboard templates to cut the foam blocks to an oversize diameter, then mounted each one on the lathe for final turning. The outer edges were hand-finished using emery cloth. The main centre-bore was made on the bench drill using a wood-working hole-cutter;
SB

Example of optimal use of stuff you can buy and adapt it a little.
Next to four tires I think now you also have an winterwonderland in your room for free.

mvgrijk

So when are you going to hollow out the tires and add the air valves?

Hello!

Sorry about the delay getting this latest post sorted out - work has continued, but it has taken a while to get everything to the point where it looks as though I've achieved something!

To start with, I finished the first inlet trumpet cover. The band of mesh runs all the way around the styrene inner core, with more 0.4mm strip added to create the outer shell. I wasn't happy trying to cut and file the openings in the side, so building it up from strip (using a paper hole-punch to make the cuts) seemed a good idea. The top surface has a slight ridge running down the middle, with more greenstuff added to shape the ends.

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803101.jpg

Due to the way I've made the inlet trumpets themselves, I ended up cutting out most of the inside of the cover. It needs a little tidying, but you get the idea:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803102.jpg

I've started on the second cover and detailing the inlet trumpets - more of this in the next post! This was one of those jobs which didn't feel 'right' until the last moment - all the way through I was thinking 'I'm going to have to make these differently', but I'm happy with the end result.

Next up, I returned to the exhaust system. The main primary pipes were started some time ago, but until the gearbox was ready, I didn't want to commit to making the final tailpipe sections. Here's the main mounting plate and the two supports for the tailpipes:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803103.jpg

The tailpipes themselves are made from four different sizes of styrene tube (the largest being 11/32"). The greenstuff will eventually be sanded away to create a slight tapering effect, similar to the inlet trumpets.

Rather than just having plain 'megaphone' tailpipes, the 908 has these inner pipes with six supporting fins:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803104.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803105.jpg

The original internal diameter of the styrene tube was 7.3mm - to make room for the inner pipes (and to look more to scale) I cut this away and increased it to about 7.8mm - making the wall thickness about 0.35mm.

The inserts were built up using a mix of tube and strip, then filed to suit the insides of the tailpipes. They'll have to be painted before finally being glued in place.

Returning to the primary pipes, I trimmed them to length knowing where the 4-into-1 collectors would be positioned. I reverted to using styrene tube for these parts, as the the flexible hose would be too difficult to work with:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803106.jpg

The exhaust pipes are slightly undersize, but it's a question of being able to work with the materials - the next size of clear hose is too stiff to bend and hold in shape (and trying to heat-bend plastic pipes would be harder than making them full-size in steel!). Also, there just isn't much room under there, so cheating a bit on the pipe size certainly helps. Once it's painted and finished (and mostly hidden from view anyway), I think it will look fine. Here's the full system:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803107.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803109.jpg

I still have to detail the flanges where the primaries bolt to the underside of the heads, and the engine itself needs a few extras adding - cooling fins, etc. Now I can hang the exhaust in place, I can start on the driveshafts knowing where I might have clearance issues.

So, that's what I've been up to since last time. There's a few other bits underway which I'll catch up with next time - electrical boxes, etc - plus I've been trying to make plans for what to do over the holiday period. It's not really ideal fibreglassing weather, so I think those jobs will have to wait for the Spring! I suspect I'll end up making a start on the suspension and uprights...

Thanks for looking, thanks for all your comments, and I hope to have more for you in a week or so.

Cheers!

SB

This truly does leave me in awe. The work you are doing here is by far the most impressive I've seen yet. Not only due to the amount, but the sheer size and realism of everything. I've done plenty of scratchbuilding, but this is an entirely different level.
Inspiring work.

Fantastic stuff! I was getting my head round how I'd do the tailpipes on a 1/8th 917 recently and low and behold, you've done it already!

Awesome work!:cool:

I have been following this project for some time now, and I have to echo what many others have said. Your craftsmanship is pure art, and some of the best I have seen; right up there with Augie Hiscano and Gerald Wingrove. Each piece you have presented appears to be a model in itself. Top notch work, mate. I eagerly look forward to seeing this progress.

Just fantastic!! Absolutely brilliant work again SB! And the sheer size of those parts would highlight any bad workmanship - & there just isn't any!

Tremendous stuff!

Keef

Simply incredible.
Too nice.

Hello!

The two-week break over Christmas has given me plenty of opportunities to get on with some of the time-consuming jobs - maybe not the most complicated things, but the sort of stuff that eats up the hours!

First of all, I added the front mounting points for the upper radius rods. Not as simple as it looks because the sides of the engine bay are running in one direction, and the radius rod wants to come out at an angle the other way. Sandwiched between the two V-plates is a small piece of 1/8" x 1/4" box-section which forms the pick-up for the radius rod. The inner plate is flat, the outer plate is folded slightly.

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803111.jpg

I also made a start on the rear uprights and lower wishbones. These will be similar in construction to the ones I made for the 917-10, but hopefully with a few improvements. I'm still using RC balljoints for the outer ends of the lower wishbones - they're oversize, but can take the weight! I know, I know - I should be machining scale rod-ends from solid, but I don't think I'm up to this yet...

So, I made a mock-up of the wishbone and started the core structure of the uprights. The centres are made from more of the 15mm till-roll tube from work, and allow me to use 1/2" styrene tube up the inside to create the hub, brake disc, etc. There will also be enough space on the inner end for the outer CV joint of the driveshaft.

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803112.jpg

Also in this photo you can see some of the other small parts I've been working on recently - starting at top right:

Battery box and mounting tray.
Various electrical boxes for the front and rear bulkhead panels.
2 x finned ignition spark boxes.
Reverse gear lever.
Main gear lever (complete with small pearl bead for the knob!)

Next, I returned to the engine and added more detailing to the underside to represent the finned cylinder barrels. 116 invidual pieces of 0.5 x 0.5mm and 0.5 x 0.25mm strip...none of which will be visible when the model is finished! There's a bit more to do under here, but I can't go too far with the details as there isn't much space for the exhaust. I've seen photos of 908 engines with a shield over the crankcase, but (a) I don't know if this was standard on the 908-03 and (b) there isn't room. That's good enough for me...

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803115.jpg

Finally, as it's my last update post of 2009 I thought I should pull everything together to show the year's efforts. It's easy to forget all the little bits and pieces that make a large project such as this - I keep thinking I haven't done much, but it looks good when it's all in one place! Here's what I've been up to:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803120.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803121.jpg

So, will it be finished in 2010? I hope so - if it goes beyond February 2011 it will be the longest project for me so far (and I know there will come a point when I'm going to be wanting to start the next one). However, there's no deadline so it will be finished when it's finished!

That's it for now. I've really enjoyed following so many of your WIP threads - there's always something good going on, or something that sparks an idea for my own work, which I guess is the whole point. I hope you all have a Happy New Year, and that 2010 provides plenty of time for more modelling!

SB

What a greta way to end the year !

I've really enjoyed following so many of your WIP threads - there's always something good going on, or something that sparks an idea for my own work, which I guess is the whole point. I hope you all have a Happy New Year, and that 2010 provides plenty of time for more modelling!
Yours has definitely been of of those that I have been following and learning from so many thanks for sharing in such detail :thumbsup:

I look forward to seeing your first update in 2010 :)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/ScratchBuilt917/90803121.jpg



SB

Awesome stuff! It those parts had been laid out in my house, the wife would have hoovered them up in 20 seconds!:icon16::evillol: