1/18 Custom Scratchbuild Project Help

[Strt1189]

Yeah this is my first major model projects other thatn modifiers (sn Strt1001) anyways i am about to start it and was wondering where on the internet i could find a site where they carry 1/18 engines, tires, parts, etc.. If you could help i would really appreciate it.

Specs:

Body: Custom Fabricated from sheet metal
Chassis: Not Sure Yet
Engine: V-12!!!
Tires:Not Sure Yet
Interior: Custom, with actual fabric.

(also if someone could please fill me in on how to post pictures i would deepely appreciate it.)

[turbo type-r]

ok ? .....

[RallyRaider]

Dunno about the first part of you question. 1/18 is usually more of a diecast scale, perhaps some diecast manufacutres sell piece parts that you could use?

Regards the second part of your question, information like posting pictures is in the "FAQ" and "How To Guides". Both are stickies at the top of the modeling forum page. Make a cup of coffee and settle down to a good long read through them!

Welcome to AF BTW

[mike@af]

I suggest changine the scale for one. 1/18 is small when you are doing scratchbuilds, especially out of metal. I was working on a 1/12 scale Hot Rod then there were some problems, during the redesign I changed the scale to 1/6 (32") because size was an issue.

I also do not reccomend doing a scratchbuild for your first model, if anything I reccomend entirely against it. You need to get the hang of them first. Modifiers are entirely different than models.

I also reccomend against scratchbuilding, especially with metal if you do not have expierience. I am scratchbuilding with steel because I have the expierience, having build car fenders and more I know how the steel is formed into shape, how to shape it, and more.

My largest suggestion is to build a bunch of 1/24's before starting an entire scratchbuild. Work your way up from engine parts, then bodykits, then chassis, and more.

I didnt mean to burst your bubble, just telling you the facts.

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by Strt1189

(also if someone could please fill me in on how to post pictures i would deepely appreciate it.)

Read the FAQ and the Tutorial Depository...I have made a tutorial on it, in the FAQ and in the Tutorial Depository

[Strt1189]

Thanks for the tips mike. this isnt my first time working with big scales like this, just my first time doing a big project on them. I have done bits of custom work on some of my 1/24 ones.

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by Strt1189

Thanks for the tips mike. this isnt my first time working with big scales like this, just my first time doing a big project on them. I have done bits of custom work on some of my 1/24 ones.

I highly reccomend keep working on your 1/24's and do more and more work, then possibly think about a scratchbuild.

Scratchbuilding is by all means not easy. Requires skills in design, enginnering, drafting, mathamatics, etc. I have been spending angonizing hours working on my design. It is far from simple, you cant just draw something and expect it to come out right. Measuring, engineering, math, and drafting play very large roles in a scratchbuild.