1/12 Scratch Built LMP1

[mike@af]

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.



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.





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





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.





Enjoy!

[mikemechanic]

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.

[Decs0105]

How on earth can you start a second project like this

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

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

[wouter1981]

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

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by wouter1981

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.

[willimo]

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

[D_LaMz]

looking great man!

[robrex]

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?

[millersbrm]

Fantasy LMP 1 are cool.

Check out the sports car section at

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

Stephen

Originally Posted by GTmike400

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.

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by robrex

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.

[gionc]

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)

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by gionc

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

[tigeraid]

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

[Enzoenvy1]

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.

[WasteGas]

I'm speechless.