Vector W2 kit build up - JJ

Many cars I'd like to build are simply not available in 1/24 resin kit form, so I decided to build them
This is one of the first coming off of the bench; the Vector W2

The W2 was the first running Vector built by Weigart, and many thought there were more W2 built, but was in fact just one car, which he kept changing details & paint color on, and today it is still owned by the designer, the later W8 body mold was taken from this first pre-production car
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_W2

I started with some basic scale drawings to form a template basis, and keep dimensions correct from start of scratch build through to casting

Enjoy! :)

now that's some serious skills there. looking forward to this! :)

Finally!

I remember the mystique surrounding this car in the 80's and although I never really liked the car (or admitted to it anyways) the magic has just grown as the years have gone by. I have dreamed about this exact project for some years now and I am really surprised no one have done this earlier!

The picture makes it look so easy but i can tell you have invested quite a few hours into this already! It's looking brilliant so far! Keep it up!

Oh, and should you decide to make a casting of this I would very much like a copy. Thanks!

Johan

im so gonna follow this i would love to have this kit

Wow, great job and skills so far - I´ll follow this one

Excellent!!

You have amazings skills.

Is there a specific version of the W2 you are building? There may be only one car, but it did go through several changes & a couple of rebuilds...

I've followed Weigart's saga from day one. He's still a huckster.
Your work is marvelous-looks like initial design mock-ups.
Just one criticism-you should have worked in 1/12 scale.:evillol:

Thank you guys! I very much enjoyed this build! :cool:

Johan, you are correct, any scratch build is not easy, but it is fun!
I do this hobby for the pleasure of building & creating, and of course cool cars, like the rest of you also do! :) am inspired by many amazing model builders on this site! :bigthumb:

I decided that from now on, any scratch build I do, I will make into a kit, as it is first for myself but want to share also, it is more work & requires a different approach in consideration of how to make best for being molded - to easily remove - and for building best quality result, so extra planning and design effort is needed, but worthwhile!

In this WIP I'll show the stages, and the finished model will be the actual casted final version - not this initial master buck build up - I am waiting for some new silicon to recast the tires, the first formula I didn't like!

Only once the final casted kit has been tested for quality result, will I then make duplicates for purchasing, so other enthusiasts like me can have to enjoy building also! :icon16:

Chris, yes he kept making small changes over the early years of the W2 car, and almost every photo you can see something different from the photos before it! :eek7:
I like the earlier all aluminum interior versions, in particular the gunmetal grey version, but the later version intercooled version also, like the red version below

I have constructed the kit to be built in a couple of different ways is possible, the major outward differences are interior details and the change in wheels


Merlin :rofl: yes, I am a 1:24 scale guy, and joked to Chris sorry is not 1:12, for that would be a whole new project to do! :runaround:


Sorry for slow updates, I also have 2 other builds on the bench underway which are exciting :iceslolan but this one is almost done now, and will continue pictures to completion! :biggrin:

~

Okay, this was the beginning of the chassis, I split the car at the lower body parting line, mostly for casting reasons, but also for ease of final kit construction
The trade off is to put in a lot of detail, but balance how much detail, for reasonable amount of time invested to make & complexity

Enjoy!

This looks really great! I'm excited about this project :) a 1:12 Vector would be my dream model but I will be happy to see a 1:24 also ;)
Btw, who's Chris? ;)

This looks really great! I'm excited about this project :) a 1:12 Vector would be my dream model but I will be happy to see a 1:24 also ;)
Btw, who's Chris? ;)


sorry, I mean Jason, my bad! :bricks1:

that's an interesting discussion for a thread, the change in scale used or preferred
for me it has always been 1:24, but now there is a real assortment, and it would be interesting to learn what others prefer & why?

1/12 Because my GT-40 would look smashing next to this. :evillol:

1/12 Because my GT-40 would look smashing next to this. :evillol:

LOL man you're hints are to subtle! :rofl:

I also build 1/24 & have a bunch of kits I need to build to complete my "collection" (of actual cars I've owned). I do really love the Countach & the 1/12 kits of it tho. The more I like a car the bigger I'd like the kit to be, so if you would kindly change this to 1:1 it would be much appreciated! ;)

Wow, you do have alot of talent. Hope you do well making kits.


Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2014

thanks Tommy

LOL yes Jason, i'd like one too!

the bodywork progressing, and drivetrain being built
the actual W2 engine was a Nascar derived Donovan block SBC, I used a generic pair of SBC Nascar heads from old kit, and scratch built the rest of the engine, timing cover, pulley system, water pump & TH425 transmission around them

modified chassis, as I wasn't happy with the first version

:)

some further engine development! :)

Excellent scratchbuilding there! :thumbsup:

true inspiration

thanks guys!

work continued on bodywork, with fender flares formed, and final layer of filler for sanding smooth, cutting out for window frames and doors (hinged) for flush fitment

fabrication of bespoke Vector differential, and mount for chassis, valve covers completed,

next further finishing & detailing of transmission to complete, fabricate upper intake manifolds, fabricate inboard brakes for rear, and fabricate front suspension system

Awesome awesome awesome! Love seeing this come together!

Amazing work. That Vector is one of the most impressive cars ever, it would be great to see it in kit form.

Thanks Jason and Eugene

It will be Eugene, that is making the build more complex than a straight build, to take into consideration mold making and casting parts, 3D printing & PPE fabrication, but the goal is completion end of May
Sorry for slow update, working on smaller parts details - which do not photograph well - and waiting for my order of new casting resin + dyes for clear parts & tires

In the mean time wheels design has been underway, and have had some amazing help from Johan in making the digital design files, which are now being printed at Shapeways, so we'll have some photos of those once they arrive

First are the 5 hole mag wheels, for fitment within the Pirelli P7 tires, with the correct front & rear depth dish, and center disk detailing of these 3 piece rims

Test casting of the already finished parts underway now, for assembly testing to follow

I think your update pace is fantastic! It's a true joy to watch this take shape!

Thank you for the kind words! I'm just happy to help with this project. Keep it up!

Johan

absolutely Johan, great work!

the drivetrain and mounts completed, upper manifolds + turbos being finished next, and body+interior completion to follow
then by the time the wheel sets arrive from the 3D printer, then we'll be ready for casting a beta-test kit! :)

here's a bonus for the kit, a second wheel design that the W2 wore, of the 4+ that we know it wore at some point, the 8 hole mag wheels, still with Pirelli P7 tires

Fantastic! Are the other wheel designs in the works as well?

Fantastic! Are the other wheel designs in the works as well?

of the earlier style no, but those are more basic design and can be found from other hotrod kits if desired - in fact these could be also, but for improved quality sake - and Johan's designs definitely do that - the decision was made to go with 3D printed masters

a yet to be announced trans-kit will have a 3rd option too! ;)

here's a "campy" video from the '80's advertising the W2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo5ULMAEI0E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo5ULMAEI0E)

Waiting for 3D printed wheels and casting supplies to arrive

In the meantime, developed these center finned disks for the vented rotors, these centers will be sandwiched between 2 photo etched metal disks, and interlock with the hub extensions, giving the look of a single piece heavy duty rotors used on the W2
calipers (building those now) slide over the completed rotor, and cast into a single armature which the hub extension also fits through, making everything centered on axis, fitting both the front spindle, and rear inboard setup!

:)

Wow, this thread could put some of us 80s kids into cardiac arrest :eek2: And you're gonna sell copies!? That is AWESOME. Count me in for sure!

My 1:1 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0t for your 1:24 Vector W2? :D

Thanks Zak, is definitely for we children of the '80's, but without those haircuts! :D

Okay, some eye candy - they look like candy - first version of the wheels came today, they need to be yet washed and primed, so the details can be seen better, but was anxious to take some snaps of them!

:)

Some more 'brakes' stuff, this is the visualization completed, with the central resin core - off to the 3D printer - and as if the photo etch metal disks attached on either side!
:naughty:

Thanks Zak, is definitely for we children of the '80's, but without those haircuts! :D

Okay, some eye candy - they look like candy - first version of the wheels came today, they need to be yet washed and primed, so the details can be seen better, but was anxious to take some snaps of them!

:)

Hey, leave the mullet and the she-mullet alone :cwm27:

I'm trying to guess on the third set of wheels. Are they Moon discs, perhaps? Those Champ 500s (506?) look awesome, by the way :)

Nope, but they will be a pleasant surprise for a third variation of the car! :licka:

Thanks, they did turn out nicely, next to clean & paint, then make molds

:smokin:

why didnt you make the wheels 2 piece? Makes it easier to clean.

Further progress on the "little" parts, further engine detail parts, intake manifolds and turbos, with styrene, brass & aluminum rod stock

Early-to-Mid version of the W2 were not intercooled yet, and CIS fuel injection used

The small stuff always a challenge for fat fingers! :banghead: :lol2: :biggrin:

This is crazy! Just how much work is in the turbo's alone is crazy. I like this kind of work keep it up!

thanks FG!
the small stuff can be a real challenge - needed some better garrett turbos than I could find elsewhere - need a break from those now while the molds are being cast, so larger bodywork progress this weekend, will give my eyes & fingers some rest! :D :)

Incredible!

thanks Jason!

here's a sneak peak at next portions being worked on :)

wow those are amazing details. :D

fell off chair..... wow!

Amazing scratchbuilding!

Thank you guys! :)
Really enjoying this build, and looking forward to getting to the finished kit stage for building!

More progress made this weekend, the body in first stage primer, and then finish primer stage
Primer coat to drivetrain pieces, and in molding stage now

Begun interior work now!

:)

getting real close now...can't wait. :)

LOL
Me too! it's hard not to rush it, but soon! :)

While the molds set up, and casting begins, allows me time on the next project started! :D

Progress isn't exciting to look at, but primed parts are in mold-making/casting process now, excited to see the second wheels come from the 3D printers - hard to see details with semi-transparent white, but their there! http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png
Working on hinged engine cover and jack-knife doors, so shut lines are all flush fitting, extended rear section slightly (1.5mm) for better accurate appearance & measure

:)

Looks great!

Thanks! :)

This thread makes me happy when me day is crappy :) New wheels look excellent. Are they 15" as well?

Thanks Zak, me too! :)

anyone else having problems attaching pics? i know the image files are fine, I've uploaded them to other locations without problem?

all I get is:

june 2 022.JPG:
This is not a valid image file.

??

haven't tried attaching pics here as i use image hosting sites. there might be some corrupt data with the pic and the forum doesn't allow attaching it? have you tried to upload that specific image to an image hosting site and see if it'll work?

Imageshack is working fine now!

EF.

Something to do with the managing attachments window? only on this site too? but I figured out how to load one at a time & then come back and edit for more afterward :)


Getting now to the fine finishing details of the body work, some ultra-fine filler in some spots to complete

The underbody is done, with the sills built and properly shaped, & primed the deep cut-lines are necessary, so that the cast parts come out with detailing intact

The engine cover fitted well, and next will have the hinge assembly fixed in place

If you're thinking "where are the door windows?" then you wouldn't be wrong!
The real car has flush fitting side windows, no gaps hardly at all, and zero offset in the sill, to that end I've decided to make the doors as a whole single piece, and will cast them in crystal clear!
I've now to carve out the windows seams, and detail ocular lens domes
That way the windows are simply masked off and painted around, the result will be the easiest way to achieve the flush window appearance proper

Not as happy with the second set of wheels, so am making some alterations to the design, and sending back to the 3D printers to be re-done

Almost there! http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/wink.png

Interesting solution for the windows. Hopefully my luck would hold out during masking & sanding-polishing steps!

Interesting solution for the windows. Hopefully my luck would hold out during masking & sanding-polishing steps!

There are ridge lines I'm adding now, so there will be easy to mask lines, separate acetate windows would need to be heat formed to get the two-directional curve in the window section, then very carefully fitted to make evenly flush, so this will make a much easier process, in making the parts & finishing
Don't worry, your skills are good Jason, you won't have a problem! :)

Now that's impressive! The Vector could almost have been designed with strip and sheet styrene in mind - but it certainly works. Best of luck with the next stages of the project.

Must have been the late 80's (87?) when I first saw the Vector in a book given to me at Christmas - I didn't know the background behind it, but it certainly looked impressive and probably inspired one or two Lego creations...

SB

Thanks SB! Yes, it is styrene construction, with limited body thickness

Been busy with my 'full time' job http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.png so only a little progress this last week, hinged doors and cover now, interior progress begun now, and the second set of wheels altered and sent out to 3D printers to be redone! http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png

edit: more odd photos issues for this site, lists 7 pics on "manage attachments" but only 5 showing?!

This thing is going to be model-car porn when you get it done :D. What kind of putty are you using? And will there be any sort of decals for the interior? Not that I'd complain if there weren't...I'm still psyched that you're even making the Vector.