Mini Max (high photo content)

Post by **Chase Bansi** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 3:49 am

Here's a little project I've been working on for a while. I am into Model Railroading; N scale. That's 1:160 so I'm talking pretty small. Being in the U.S. finding the right prototype is impossible.( After I finished this I discovered an Aussie company that makes various Falcons so I plan on doing other versions as well. ) Best vehicle available to start from is a metal die cast from "Racing Champions", a Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, which is actually 1:144 scale.

Spotting features for the Shelby include unique tail lights, rear roof pillar scoops, GT350 body stripe as well as some chrome trim.

Then the de-Americanizing began.

With a dremel and a selection of hand files this metal body car was modified. Body molding and the Mustang door scoop have been removed. The wing window and frame has been removed. The rear roof post fender line has been blended. The GT scoop helped fill this area. The rear seat window has been opened up to resemble the Aussie Falcon, and the tail lights were modified too. The boot has been cut out, that was no easy task. The front bumper and grill have been shaved off as well.[/font]

Post by **Chase Bansi** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 3:57 am

This is the chasis without the body.

The tanks are pieces of sprue, cut and rounded. Roll bar was a chunk of hand rail. Steering wheel is a single strand of copper wire, along with the tank straps. Of course there's a spare tire also.[/font]

Post by **Chase Bansi** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 5:56 am

For the blower, I used a jewlers file (and a good magnifying glass) to shape a scrap piece of sprue.

Styrene was used to add a roof spoiler.

For the exhaust I soldered 18 gauge copper wire together and bent to shape. The freshly painted blower can also be seen infront of the spare tire.

The blower will sit on the bonnett rather than try to mill a hole in it.

Post by **Chase Bansi** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 6:02 am

The finished product~

THe figures are N scale 1:160. Max was customized by using a file to remove his jacket sleave.

Post by **04GTInterceptor** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 5:20 pm

I've built one similiar, out of a Hot Wheels Mustang, when I was 10. Twenty years later I still have it. I used two 22cal. bullets for tanks on mine. It is a pain to work on something so small. Great job.

Post by **Big Bopper Bart** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 12:38 am

Chase thats awesome man,i gotta take pics of my cars i made into true RW cars from the board game Thunder Road.

Post by **T.S.** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 1:28 am

speaking of mini cars,a couple of months ago i purchased on ebay a mini interceptor madefrom from a small penny racer type car...the detail is insane and it is a dead on replica of the interceptor...i paid a hefty price for it as well... did anyone else see it on ebay before the aution ended ???

Post by **Chase Banzi** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 2:52 am

I'd love to see pics of othe small cars. Here's another shot that will give a better idea of just how small this really is. The Cougar is a Hot Wheels.

Post by **Chase Bansi** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:39 am

I am currently working on a tanker and a Mac.

Post by **HUMVEE Driver** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 2:55 pm

Great work, Chase Bansi! Would you mind if I posted your pictures and how you made it on my website, http://www.madmaxmodels.com? Please let me know.

HUMVEE Driver