1/12 Scratch Built LMP1

Where do I start?

About 6 weeks ago I started planning out an Le Mans Prototype. These cars have always interested me. I carefully studied the engineering and the ACO Rules for these cars so it would be built to spec. It will be powered by a BMW 6.0 V10, when I get around to building it at somepoint.

Now Im sure somebody is asking what about the other scratch build, the street rod. It's on hold for awhile. Sometimes we just need a change of pace. I'll work on that one when I'm frustrated or bored with this one, and so on.

Lets get to it shall we!

First thing I built was a rear bulkhead for the engine to mount to. Since its key structural component I built it out of brass.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6474/img5422oo5.jpg

Then I started off carefully designing the front suspension, and since it relies on the strength of the monocoque I built the front section out of brass. First I made a template.

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/1192/img5492uq2.jpg

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6123/img5500eq7.jpg

After carefully bending the piece, like you would photoetch, I soldered a square tube frame on the inside for more strength.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/1503/img5507tx6.jpg

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9366/img5512jt3.jpg

And heres the monocoque thus far. As you can see the roll hoops were built out of brass. I have seperate pics of that somewhere around here.

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3950/img5604mh9.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7325/img5607nr0.jpg

Enjoy!

Great start Mike. You do know that you can go to a store and buy a model in a box right? :-)

Looking forward to watching this one like the street rod.

Mike.

How on earth can you start a second project like this :grinno:

But I am fine with it infact I love seeing you doing these projects because you're a master on these :wink: It looks like a great start.

Can't wait for the next update, I'm really curious about the engine :licka:

is this going to be a "fanatsy" LMP1 or based on a real car?

is this going to be a "fanatsy" LMP1 or based on a real car?

It will be a "fantasy" LMP1. I've designed it based on all the rules of the ACO though. I have had some inspiration from the various cars that exist already.

Mike - They sell models in boxes?

Dennis - Thanks a lot! I love your MP4/6 build, in fact I studied it during the design of this project to get some creative and technical ideas. The engine will be a fun task...thats far down the road for now.

Cool start so far. I'm looking forward to seeing how this progresses. How far down the line have you planned?

looking great man!

WOW!
Superdetailing scares me yet alone 'scratchbuilding'. What do you do for a living, aeronautical engineering or someting like that? You drive an M3 (that is your car isn't it?) and make projects like this....
Please keep these updates regular?

Fantasy LMP 1 are cool.

Check out the sports car section at

http://members.shaw.ca/millersbrm/speeddetails.html

Stephen


It will be a "fantasy" LMP1. I've designed it based on all the rules of the ACO though. I have had some inspiration from the various cars that exist already.

Mike - They sell models in boxes?

Dennis - Thanks a lot! I love your MP4/6 build, in fact I studied it during the design of this project to get some creative and technical ideas. The engine will be a fun task...thats far down the road for now.

WOW!
Superdetailing scares me yet alone 'scratchbuilding'. What do you do for a living, aeronautical engineering or someting like that? You drive an M3 (that is your car isn't it?) and make projects like this....
Please keep these updates regular?

Hey Rob, great to see you following a long here. As you know, Im a huge fan of your work. So I hope we can share ideas and suggestions through out.

Now to answer your questions. I'm 18, going to college, studying business. No degree in engineering or anything, a lot of it is self taught. I dont have an M3 right now. I had a Porsche 944 (in the sig), and now Im looking to get a 3 series (probably non M and do some really cool stuff PM me for details).

I'll try to keep the updates as regular as possible. This week is exam week, so I may be to exhausted to build this weekend.

Thanks everyone.

Great job Mike, can't wait to see it shaping up. Mike, how're you still using to cut brass board? The only decent way I found is to mill down, but is slow and tedious (well at least also etch it ;) LOL)

Great job Mike, can't wait to see it shaping up. Mike, how're you still using to cut brass board? The only decent way I found is to mill down, but is slow and tedious (well at least also etch it ;) LOL)

Hey Gio! I'm using a pair of Wiss angled hand shears. I use them for cutting steel pretty often, and they work amazing on the thin brass. It cuts like butter. I really reccomend the angle, because when you do a lot of cutting like I do, it's great. It keeps the metal from getting in the way.

Heres a pic I found on the net of what I use. I have the red handled pair.

http://rvimg.com/images/tools/tin_snips.jpg

Jesus Mike, a second scratch build... Have you given up on the hot rod?

Damn Mike, this is crazy cool. The other one must be intense, I can see why you needed a break to clear your mind. Looks great.

I'm speechless.

Jesus Mike, a second scratch build... Have you given up on the hot rod?

Hey John, as I said in my first post I haven't given up. Just alternating. :)

Now Im sure somebody is asking what about the other scratch build, the street rod. It's on hold for awhile. Sometimes we just need a change of pace. I'll work on that one when I'm frustrated or bored with this one, and so on.

Another monster project you've embarked on there Mike. You certainly pick ambitious subjects! :)

And who is the little shit giving single star ratings to five star threads like this one? Guess its easier to be a cowardly critic than to create and share something yourself.

Another monster project you've embarked on there Mike. You certainly pick ambitious subjects! :)

And who is the little shit giving single star ratings to five star threads like this one? Guess its easier to be a cowardly critic than to create and share something yourself.

Casted5 yesterday (I guess never tried before) but since an asshole rated 1, the result wasn't great as Mike deserve.

perhaps you could this engine...

http://www.lemansminiatures.com/produit.php?idproduit=471&sessionid=155727392743e2052c804a0

i've never worked with brass, so forgive me if this is a silly question, but if you've made the monocoque out of brass (beautiful work, btw), why cover it with sheet styrene?

Thanks a lot Phil. Hopefully you can step into this thread from time to time and offer some suggestions.

i've never worked with brass, so forgive me if this is a silly question, but if you've made the monocoque out of brass (beautiful work, btw), why cover it with sheet styrene?

There are a variety of reasons I covered it with styrene. I prefer to use .015" brass, and .030 styrene, so I needed to make the thickness similar. Two, it is a structural issue. Styrene and brass dont adhere well to each other, so I wanted to increase the surface area of attachment, so that the rest of the styrene panels would adhere to brass well. Then a lot of it was just personal choice.

Hope that helps.

GTmike400,

Thank you so very much for your information / inspiration.

May I ask, please, what technique(s) have you found to be the best for cutting non-geometric / freeform curves in sheet styrene? My jigsaw, even with the narrowest blade, creates so much heat, by friction, that it actually "welds" the plastic back together, just behind the cut that I'm making. I typically use about 1/8" thick sheet.

I appreciate any comment you, or others may choose to make.

Keep going everyone, you are all bright spots in an often banal / uncreative world.

:worshippy very good looking start