VW bay-window transporter

[frizzen]

Dickie toys of germany makes a 1/14 scale Bay window 1967-71 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter. I got mine off amazon, but apparently they were available at walmart for a short time.

http://i.imgur.com/q655DQzh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QYqA0Qzh.jpg

It has a friction drive gearbox with a flywheel, and steering rack and knuckles with 3 position posing. Everything is screwed together or plastic tabs.

All the doors work, 7 passenger interior, detail is very impressive, and it can seat bruder figures. I'm glad it's more of a normal bus than the export model 19 window sambas with sliding top that are normally done as toys.

[Doggy]

Yes it a cool toy, I have one. It can be found in many EU supermarkets.

[frizzen]

http://i.imgur.com/5BIk4zqh.jpg

I pulled the transaxle out. Unscrew body from pan, unsnap rear seat tabs, unsnap engine cover tabs. rims pull straight off, 3 screws and the transaxle comes out. 3 screws and you can pull one side of the gearbox apart, pull out the flywheel.

I used a mitsumi pancake motor out of a CD-rom drive. Some 0.040 styrene was laminated to the center beam for motor mount. Then the side plate that supported the flywheel was clearanced and reinstalled.

http://i.imgur.com/RybJRwMh.jpg

Needed to do some trimming and put some color on the dash details.

[frizzen]

I picked up a horizon hobby SPMS401 mini servo. Trimmed away stuff until it fit. I punched a servo mount ear through the right wheelwell and built up a stack of styrene to secure a screw. I mounted the other ear to a styrene plate that i brought forward and screwed into the tunnel between seats. Draglink needed a little clearancing and an oval hole for the servo since i'm using the wrong arc of its swing

http://i.imgur.com/vEVxXkTh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Qm7hK4qh.jpg

Trim seats for clearance.
http://i.imgur.com/dYZjefFh.jpg

While i was in there i also raised the steering knuckle supports by a bit less than the amount hanging below the knuckles. Clearanced the supports that tie the front and middle of the pan so the draglink could articulate. Drilled through the stop plates above the steering knuckles so they can articulate up.
I'm going to drop some pen springs in the front and cap the top. Or maybe i decide it has drop spindles and forget to do it.

Then i loosened the forward transaxle mount screw, and put springs between screw head and transaxle at both rear mounts.

[frizzen]

Yesterday a 20amp reversable esc with brake option showed up. (i like overkill better than magic smoke.) It's made of chineseieum, so no documentation at all and not labeled on the wires. I learned that a male JST connector would be battery, therefore female got chop off and changed to male deans. Moved fem jst to motor for easy mx later. Then it all dropped into place.

http://www.mitsumi.co.jp/latest/Catalog/compo/motorav/m25e4lseries_e.html my motor looks to be up to the task, and i've got spares even if i were pushing it.

It's got a brake switch mounted on the board, but i forgot to play with it to see if mine has a dragbrake, or a double-pump to reverse, or a race switch. -- edit Double Pump Brake --

All the components tuck away nicely into the engine bay, i did notch the package tray near the spare tire to route my battery wires up. I punched a hole through the floorpan for rx switch. I didn't even have to lose the upright engine plate, so that's going to need more detail when you pop the hood.

I really get why these are so frequently converted by the germans over on modellbau! It's a very slick and minimal pain build for what I think is a great looking model.

She's a runner. Now i can start planning crazy things like dual carbs, pretty interior, improved tires, roof load...

What do you guys think?

[frizzen]

Surfboards are stupid, but it could work IF i could have found 1/14 bikini girls. The surf rack looks wrong for topracks, or a cargo rack, maybe a ladder rack...
i'd rather a slick top, but then you've got to fill holes and repaint, and the rack keeps it off the table when you have to split body and pan. Grrr.

Screw it, let's just go ride bikes.

http://i.imgur.com/6T5UrWWh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/v2CIL1jh.jpg

Spinmaster made 'finger bikes' a while back. I'd bought a few of them for my 1/10 crawler (scaler cherokee), but couldn't scale them right. Turns out in 1/14 scale i've got a 20" bmx/mountain, 24" bmx/mountain, and 26" road bike.

0.040 styrene, bonder, and some vague idea. With some careful planning, the bike racks still can slide out the back of the rack so it still protects the roof upside down. The bikes are secure but still removeable

[frizzen]

Anybody know if there's going to be a camping area near the show?

http://i.imgur.com/7EMuP5th.jpg

[frizzen]

I picked up some cheap clicky-pens to gut for the springs. Pulled the front seat out, dropped springs through the kingpin hole. Took a couple tries to get spring length right to get the front of the bus off the bumpstops. Atleast the front seat can go in/out without splitting the body/pan.

http://i.imgur.com/Yd978Tzh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/91pK5Ihh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nXS3qDXh.jpg

****. Uh, anybody have a tow-truck?

[frizzen]

Let's add some more skookum...

http://i.imgur.com/3OkUyVwh.jpg

Kind of a pain to install lights, the lenses are stickers between the lens and housing. I'm using 3mm led. Putting in headlights, front turn signals, and red tail lights.

I don't feel like rear yellow turn signals, there's not that much room for the lens retainer and 2 leds. But i'm thinking dome lights might be cool.

[frizzen]

People keep giving me a hard time about no Hippies or Surfers around my bus. They're also saying bikes don't make sence. Ugh. I don't want dirty hippies on my restored Type 2, so...

I had to hit the beach and pick up some girls
http://i.imgur.com/UaSYYfyh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WsK64MEh.jpg

These girls are really sweet, and said their sister also loves cars. Hopefully she'll be along for another photoshoot sometime.

[frizzen]

It finally stopped raining, so they wanted to swap bikes for surf boards and all go to the beach.

http://i.imgur.com/8aO0Z2Uh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/svWTpE3h.jpg

Not much new on the bus, i just thought it needed a change of scenery

[frizzen]

https://i.imgur.com/0b0EmNKh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OBtKwFjh.jpg

Pretty lights...

https://i.imgur.com/QH2iMaSh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DeP2YmQh.jpg

[Trucker Al]

Very cool....
Where did you get the 1:14 scale girls?

[skeeter]

:thinking: Isn't this the same van that was in the Scooby Doo cartoon? :thinking:

[skeeter]

Very cool....
Where did you get the 1:14 scale girls?

I second that question. I'm curious to know as well

[skeeter]

All I've found so far is this one
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Yvonne-Dickie-Anziehpuppe-OVP/152746758225?hash=item23906a9051:g:n-8AAOSw~uxZiADe

[frizzen]

Thanks guys

Not the Mystery Machine..
https://jalopnik.com/public-service-announcement-the-mystery-machine-is-not-1723185791

They're part of a Japanese line "story image figure". First couple i found at Suncoast movies when they started doing anime. The rest i've found on amazon

[Trucker Al]

Try here..
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Kia-Asamiya-Collection-SIF-Story-Image-Figure-COMPILER-by-Alpha/140195698781?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.M BE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20170831090034%26meid%3D29233a 4343514de982f13656ec388408%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D6 %26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D361680972307&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

or here
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Story-Image-Figure-Kia-Asamiya-Collection-Trading-Figure-Set-of-6/361680972307?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Please note, these are only about 4" tall (less than 14th scale or these are short girls.

[frizzen]

https://i.imgur.com/LqaQFo8h.jpg

Mr Bruder is 1/16, the girls are a bit storter than he is.

[skeeter]

Are they like Mr Bruder, able to be posed in different positions, or are they in a fixed pose?

[frizzen]

Fixed poses.
The sitting girl on left has a poseable head in rotation and angle. Some others may include some type movement too.

[frizzen]

https://i.imgur.com/Vtmmow4h.jpg

Bottom rear pic to help design a towing sling. Caliper is at 1"

---

This isn't worth a new post, but i just learned Jamara RC of germany makes a 1963 Split Window bus in either Panel or Passenger in 1/16 scale.

https://jamara-shop.com/VW-T1-Transporter-1-16-2-Kanal-24G panel van

https://jamara-shop.com/VW-T1-Classic-Bus-1-16-1963-2-Kanal-24G passenger van

Also Welly seems to make the same split-window VW Transporter, plus a Beetle

http://www.wellydiecast.com/product.php?cid=3&sid=20#pid=1511

This may be important later... those are sexy.

---

I like trailers...
http://www.build-threads.com/build-threads/vw-kombi-trailer/

https://dub-box-usa.com
Might need to break out some scratchbuild talent.

--

https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=12&nv=1&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=http://www.modelltruck.net/showthread.php%3F44712-VW-T2-Bulli-Surfer-Van&usg=ALkJrhgXkUyvTB07WGU-3mLtxaKSo455SQ

Reccomend an Italeri 1/24 semi trailer tire on stock rims. They work GREAT!

---

https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=29&nv=1&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://www.modelltruckforum.de/index.php%3Fthread/53462-vw-bus-t2-deutsches-rotes-kreuz-technischer-dienst/%26s%3D3d8e4fcf560c6794760011f00e124dd5287ca51e&xid=17259,15700022,15700122,15700124,15700149,1570 0168,15700186,15700190,15700201,15700208&usg=ALkJrhgszUTa1FvmEyQi8TX5GPImw_oUFw

[frizzen]

https://i.imgur.com/nhPhT3dh.jpg
Stand back

https://i.imgur.com/5a9nH1Xh.jpg
Officer friendly said my bus was 'suspicious'...

https://i.imgur.com/lDdiiMih.jpg
Don't scratch my bumper.

[frizzen]

Following a mention in a build on a german message board, i took a chance on some new tires.

https://i.imgur.com/rnwENjEh.jpg

Italeri # 3890 "trailer rubber tyres" for 1/24 scale semi truck trailer. They have a blank sidewall and a lettered one. Regrooveable 385/65 R22.5

Shove a knife between the Dickie tire and rim to loosen and work it off. Trim the Dickie inner rim bead tire support down to a more normal bead height. Slide the Italeri tires on.

These also seem to have tightened up my turning radius, and now it can climb over a blanket on the floor. Doesn't sound that impressive said that way, but big step up over the hard plastic tires

[skeeter]

An AWESOME idea there Frizzy. I would have been scared that I would wind up with non scaled unusable tires laying around. Nice to see it worked out alright for you.

[ramjetexpress]

https://i.imgur.com/LqaQFo8h.jpg

Mr Bruder is 1/16, the girls are a bit storter than he is.


Lots of men are a bit taller than women , looks like a perfect scale to me

Awesome VW by the way

[frizzen]

I was *really* nervous about the tires, but the german van build that gave the 'Italeri 1/24 trailer tire' suggestion was top notch. I distrusted the translation more than the builder. (Mein deutch ist nicht sehr gut!) If i keep them letter out then they are technically not scale, as it says 22.5" rim with 65 series tire which means 42.2" tall. When on my bus tires are 27.5" tall due to scale change, just like stock Dicky. They'll stay letter out until someone calls me on it, i like markings and it makes me want to do valve stems. Highly OCD and nerding out to mention, i'm not that much of a rivet counter, but it's a perfect fit with great grip.

Thank you! It's a great base car to start with.
I think they're 1/16 scale women, and as long as they don't pose too much around 1/12 stuff it doesn't look creepy. I had one sitting in the 1/14 teardrop trailer and already had somebody ask about her being of legal age. Can't win some days.

[sassgrunt]

I have been following your build, and just smiling all the way through it. I had two VW vans several years ago (actually, there were three of them, but it took a parts donor to keep the other two on the road), and the kids and I have fond memories of puttering all over Oahu. (We always had to be careful when driving around the North Shore, as the strong winds and light weight of the van made you feel like you were piloting a sailboat on the road).

Anyway, I have decided to follow your efforts and build my own; using a Losi micro crawler for the motor, transmitter, receiver, and steering. I bought a set of the Italeri tires you recommended, and they fit the hubs perfectly! Since I am using one of the plastic Dickie tires as the front-mounted spare, I have four extra tires I am not going to use. If you or anyone else wants them, just let me know. -Mike

[ittigger]

Lovin' this thread - big fan of the VW! - specifically Type 1 (Bug) and Type 2 (Bus).

[frizzen]

Sassgrunt, thank you i'm glad you're enjoying it. I didn't think a losi micro crawler motor would have enough ***, my micro comp liked to overheat just driving with weighted tires. I'd love to see pics of your project or the real ones if you feel like it. I hope someone else builds one and takes you up on the tire offer, they're a great improvement!

Ittiger, thanks! I grew up around Air-cooled and really liked it ever since.
If i could find a US source, i'd probably have the Jamara / Welly Type-1, or either of their Split-window type-2 transporters.
Or it'd be fun to get a Revell 1/16 Karmann-Ghia, modify slightly and splash the body for a mold to do a small run of them as thicker and more solid RC bodies

[ittigger]

I grew up with the air-cooled's as well - and also loved them ever since.

:)

My dream list includes having a '65 hardtop Type 1. :) I'd also accept a Hebmuller (custom bug).

[frizzen]

Not too much new on this build.

Knocked the stiffener / screw hiders off the back of the pan and threw some brass together
https://i.imgur.com/lFuaE2fh.jpg

But why would i do that?
.
https://i.imgur.com/F0Y2aLph.jpg
Looks about right.

[Hostile]

Well done with the tow ball and connection. So simple its brilliant

[frizzen]

Thanks hostile!
I like trying to over complicate things, but some times it just comes down to "I just need a strap between these, so i can mount this thing sticking out around here..."
i was wanting to do square tube, and notches, and bent flat stock. But it's not going to ever be heavy trailers, and either this is enough, or i'll throw another layer of brass plate when it comes off to clean up the forward edge.

Have you started converting your bus yet?

Also found this for adding more realism...
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/type2.php

[frizzen]

This doesn't have too much to do with the Bay window, but i don't think you'll mind...

https://i.imgur.com/GrQ1WVWh.jpg
Was ist los?

https://i.imgur.com/eBiLs55h.jpg
The worst part of buying a used car is what the previous owners have done to it... i guess they really liked some clothing company that also happens to make loud retro bikes

https://i.imgur.com/0fgFiEwh.jpg
Ugh, they did the same over here.

https://i.imgur.com/yjvSepch.jpg
Well i guess stripping and repainting beats doing rust repair.

I guess they didn't hear that unless you go 'German Look' , there are only like 6 really good looking rim options for Aircooled VWs: Steelies with babymoons, Porsche Gasburners, Fuchs, Empi wide 5 spoke, Empi 8 spoke.

"1/16 scale Maisto VW Type 2 Pickup", but next to an exactly 1/14 scale Bay transporter, it sure looks 1/13 - 1/14 to me.
---
If anybody has some pull-off dickie VW rims or similar, let we know!

[frizzen]

My buddy took this pic while we were playing with them after work, uh i mean giving them a shake-down run to make sure they're ready for the upcoming meet

https://i.imgur.com/BuKziIih.jpg

At the meet...
Trailers and bridges are awesome
https://i.imgur.com/cAp4ZENh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YLTXSi0h.jpg

Noticed my engines #3 Cylinder Head Temp was running a little hot, went to get it looked at
https://i.imgur.com/E1ddl5gh.jpg

The garage suggested i take it over to the RC Performance shop
https://i.imgur.com/GaL3ZRKh.jpg

[skeeter]

I LOVE those last two pics! Especially the bottom one, It just looks so real.

[frizzen]

Up at Lebanon

https://i.imgur.com/A3MI9sKh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/X1C8gmbh.jpg

No, i am your father.
https://i.imgur.com/fND1SuQh.jpg

A guy over on another board struck again with idea for something that "needed built". I should quit reading his threads. Bad influence. Wasn't sure if the mountain bike in the rack really fit the bus, it's a bit modern.

https://i.imgur.com/91VRvpwh.jpg

Now we've got the start of a Muscle Bike. Ape hangar bars, banana seat, sissy bar, chopper fork, cock-knocker shifter...

[skeeter]

That bike is neat. I like it a LOT!

[frizzen]

It's not much of an update, but the brightwork is now chrome instead of just silver paint.
Hubcaps, headlight bezels, door handles, interior details.

https://i.imgur.com/dw4Ptxzh.jpg

Hubcap reflections!

[frizzen]

Car hauler trailer.

https://i.imgur.com/V8VqI52h.jpg

Just don't get behind me on a hill

[frizzen]

Thought the interior still wasn't quite right.

https://i.imgur.com/2EoywIyh.jpg

That's getting closer.

[skeeter]

The bus looks great!

[flatdeck]

I agree the Bus look great...

[frizzen]

Thank you both! I really appriceate that.

I hit up ruralking and happened to run across a "treehouse kids" Canoe and Kayak set with paddles, a guy, some fish, a fishing pole, and net.

I just knocked the mold lettering off, and scuffed the bottoms of the boats (real ones get beached each use). Now i've just got to figure out a way to rack these to the bus.

https://i.imgur.com/eT96URTh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Z6t8401h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/odwQtLfh.jpg

This is why i kept the roof rack stock, now we've just gotta make something modular.

Kayak may only need a pair of tiedowns to keep it locked in 1 roof section. Canoe needs both roof sections, so probably some plates or something to locate it and hold tiedowns.

[frizzen]

If i'm going to make tie-downs i'll need hardpoints, so i took a 1/16" drill to the roof racks.
I added fwd/aft holes in the top of triangles at the gutter, inboard/outboard holes in the same area, and an angled vertical hole in the center of the rack. All of these holes are pretty well hidden by keeping them toward center of wheelbase.

https://i.imgur.com/2oyi10ih.jpg

New straps were of course needed, so i knocked these together with some yellow nomex lacing tape about 0.080" (2mm) wide, some 0.032" (0.6mm) brass wire, and some CA glue. Making the hooks and buckles wasn't terribly fun.

[skeeter]

I don't have enough patience to make the fiddley bits for the straps. I had to buy mine.

[frizzen]

I definately understand that, i mostly wanted to see if i could make the straps. If it were load binders, i'd be ordering

I just learned there are 2 versions of this van. I originally thought i'd just gotten like a "Friday/Monday" car. The green one was made in Germany. The red one was made in China. The casting on the bottom of the transaxle well says where its from. Also the box mentions country of origin in the tiny print on either back or bottom.

The paint isn't as good. There's more flashing left on parts. The doors don't fit and open as nicely. The headlights don't have the texture sheet. The taillight lenses are solid red instead of clear with the colored texture sheet. The transaxle had the flywheel installed wrong so it dragged and didn't want to coast down at all. The steering wheels are looser on the knuckle pins. It's still pretty nice, there just wasn't the same attention to detail.

If anyone got a china made VW Type 2 due to this thread and is unhappy with it, my bad.

[frizzen]

Sometimes an idea comes up in conversation

https://i.imgur.com/PaKvsDLh.jpg

If anybody followed along with this, a guy might have some stock Dickie hard plastic wheels sitting around after doing the swap for Italeri semi-trailer tires. Eventually ya wonder what can ya do with them?

https://i.imgur.com/vF2f8Jvh.jpg

I'm just using a magnet on this, but if you pop off the vw logo it's got a perfect location hole for permanent tire mount.

If we hang a tire off the nose, it's usually to free up some interior space for something. So might as well yank the middle seat and start on making a galley.

https://i.imgur.com/5U4IRrPh.jpg

Doesn't look too bad in there, even with leaving the full back seat so we'll say it's a Kombi and not a full time Camper.

https://i.imgur.com/P25HKgMh.jpg

This might work. Although it would quickly turn a van build into a 'dollhouse truck'

Lots of pictures with measurements from VW Campers
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=414383

Vw camper ads
https://www.doityourselfrv.com/vintage-volkswagen-camper-van-advertisements/

[skeeter]

That spare tire looks good there!

[frizzen]

Thanks! I think the Red bus is getting a permanent mounted tire with a grey cover. Green bus is probably getting magnet mounted green covered tire.

Red is apparently now kind of a test bed to see what else i can do with these? I've had some interest in the Bay-window at many of the meets. Think i might be missing my initial goal of just set it up as a ready-for-radio car. Darn.

How about an Allstate 1-wheel trailer for some light weight Old-school cargo capacity.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3377243
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3440426
...and broken shins. Can't forget to break your shins *completely off* if you remove the trailer and ever walk behind the car. Those bumper mounts weren't kidding.

[Wombii]

Yes, please make whatever that is! I've never seen a one wheeled trailer before!

[frizzen]

Heh. Ok, I'll see what i can do.

A 'one wheel trailer' is a light-duty thing, usually for cars. (1/4 ton or less payload) They had 2 bolt-on bumper brackets that were different depending on application. Those brackets came up to a standard height where they had an eye for pivot bolts that connect to they 2 tow eyes at the front of trailer. The trailer can pivot up/down, but is solid on all other axis. The wheel is on a 360 degree caster, so it always wants to rotate and trail your movement. To prevent wheel wobble it all sits a little nose down from level with the right setup of car ride height, bumper brackets, trailer.

Backing it up was their best feature, in use it's just bumper overhang. There's none of that 'turn opposite to move the back end' thing. None of the hand at bottom of wheel. It's closer to a "Continental wheel kit" for your spare tire than like a normal trailer.

They were pretty much extinct by the 1970s due to impact absorbing bumpers, and molded bumper covers coming in. Except for some sitting static at a car show, I've only ever seen some parts of one, not one outfitted to a moving car.

https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/vintage-snapshots-and-photography/vintage-snapshot-of-the-day-what-ever-happened-to-the-fifth-wheel-trailer/

http://www.singlewheel.com

--
Might have something else cooking too...
http://john-perry.com/vw/plaid.html

1968-73 interior
http://john-perry.com/vw/gallery.html

Just be glad i don't like Harvest Gold, Avacado Green, or the rest of those colors!!!
https://www.retrospace.org/2010/03/invasion-of-1970s-recreational-vehicles.html 1
https://www.retrospace.org/2012/12/vintage-wheels-16-invasion-of-70s-motor.html 2

https://www.retrospace.org/2012/12/vintage-wheels-17-invasion-of-70s-motor.html 3
https://www.retrospace.org/2013/01/vintage-wheels-18-invasion-of-70s-motor.html 4

[skeeter]

That's a neat trailer design. I've never seen, or knew this was a real thing, until now!

[frizzen]

I might have mentioned that i came from Rock Crawlers and thought steering servos should be able to swing the chassis around... Anyway, we're going to bring it down to 'more reasonable' and better match driving around with a CD Drawer motor. It's still enough servo for the 1/16 scale WPL 4x4s playing on rocks and trails, On-road light weight vw that goes pucka-pucka-pucka will be fine.

Let's build up the Camper bus front a bit easier than Mean Green who started the thread. We'll be using a mg90s micro servo

Punch a square hole through the pan so your servo fits, these 90s take a little mount ear filing to slide in between the frames. One mount ear fits on the 'walkthrough' between the seats, make a pad for the onter and bond to frame wall. Top load the servo and screw down.
https://i.imgur.com/febB053h.jpg

Then i punched a couple holes through the wheelwell and cabin bulkhead, and routed the lead back through the cabin and under the seat. It's still not sexy, but i did it that way on Green because the lead was short, and for a Camper it works because Galley.
https://i.imgur.com/oNlaZXOh.jpg

The front seat needs 'very little' trimming of the inboard trailing edge to clear the servo body. I also like to knock off the hook at lower front of seat so i can remove it without splitting the pan. Then i shaved the Tierod, notched the frame where the knuckles would hit, and just made a brass Z-bar to connect servo and tierod.

(Check out Red 2, it's got a better routing method, if you've got the wire length.)

I also figured we should make a trailerhitch drawbar a little better and stronger. 2 screws in shear weren't going anywhere, but it should help by putting a stiffening bend and wrapping the rear step on chassis.
https://i.imgur.com/eMumEMwh.jpg

---
Red 2 does the same hole, extra mounting block, top load mounting, and all that. However you can soften the edges it crosses, route wires 'outside' the chassis so it hides between the 'sidewall panel' and 'body skin'. Then punch the servo lead through at the leading edge of the rear seat. The rear seat base even has a recessed area there to hide the wire from view through sliding door.

https://i.imgur.com/wbSKPdwh.jpg

[frizzen]

First attempt with a single wheel Wooden Allstate trailer. (I'm having one of the metal body ones printed once i get a frame working well)

https://i.imgur.com/PWbs86Jh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zjJCtH1h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IzvOqQSh.jpg

Where are you going with all that lumber?

https://i.imgur.com/Th7R2urh.jpg

Oh no, were you guys looking at the german rc message boards again?
Sheisse...

[Wombii]

I love that trailer. Is that a lego wheel?

[frizzen]

Thank you! Yes, that is a Lego wheel and rotation plate turned into a Caster assembly. It was easier than making the whole thing out of brass and a 1/43 car wheel to see if it kinda works. It's still a testing phase of the trailer.

Once i make a better caster, i'll be ready to: knock the trailers mounting eyes off, make the raise/drop arms, put eyes on those arms, shorten the arms on tow bumper. It works kinda ok so far, but it should be better.

In talking to people who were around when these trailers were more common, it's interesting how many didn't remember them!

https://i.imgur.com/na2JnxVh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cRTB5xWh.jpg

This will split into another thread soon, but which sounds better?
Assembled 'framed house' scenery
Knock-down 'framed house' that can be unloaded from trailer and raised by Crane somehow?

[frizzen]

Just hanging out with a couple friends working a little on the Kombi, and my UPS guy rolls up... on a forklift?

https://imgur.com/I5TVxilh.jpg

Hey, 2beers shipped this to you. Sorry about the delay on the delivery, apparently there were all kinds of logistics issues going on.
Sign here.

--
But...why?

https://www.gowesty.com/product/material-fabric/3777/westfalia-plaid-upholstery-material-sold-per-meter-
+
https://scalebuildersguild.com/forum/showthread.php?29766-Breaking-News-The-quot-Beers-quot-spends-to-much-on-tiny-truck/page4&highlight=2beers
=
Yaaaaaass.

Then we'll bring back the models who don't live in vans. Because everybody needs more "VanLife" !!!

[jerry56]

Wow...get that old girl off the tractor and she cleans up pretty well....LOL

[frizzen]

What do you expect jerry? One is there to work, one is there for getting the views.

Just about all the #Farmgirls are usually dressed pretty sensibly. Something like T-shirt, cutoff shorts, ballcap.

If i'm building up a Kombi, Westfalia, or Kampmobile, then it clearly needs #VanLife girls doing their thing.

Anyway man, like we need to put more 70s in here man.

https://imgur.com/EFbzgZah.jpg

Wait, what are you doing over there?
https://imgur.com/5ONfQ9Ch.jpg

Nice!
...But you still aren't putting shag carpet in there!

[jerry56]

lol... now that is attention to detail.... how about a CB... or 8-tracks.. I know kind of tiny ...

[frizzen]

Were there '2-knob radio' format 8-track players, or did you need to go with an add-on unit under the dash? I really don't want to cut the dash for a full DIN radio.

I hadn't been wanting to put on a CB just to avoid making a whip antenna and deciding mounting location. But a mic with curly cable would look cool...

Camper is basically the definition of a Dollhouse Truck.

[jerry56]

I was just thinking out loud...sort of.... I probably wouldn't cut the dash either ....or mess up the body for an antenna ...Falls under the heading of "half Baked Ideas" lol

[frizzen]

It's all good man. This build *just might* be all about Half Baked Ideas!
The dash will be getting some mods. The broadcast radio antenna location on these seems to be front left corner, just outboard of where the T2b model turnsignal is located. The easiest to implement CB idea i've seen, could be mounted to an add on plate at my rear bumpers brass drawbar.

(Huge thanks again to the guy who sent me some tiny cloth.)

But, why was he drawing on the cloth earlier?

https://imgur.com/DfXduZPh.jpg

Und blau?
https://imgur.com/pCIHDfEh.jpg

Let's get those installed then!
https://imgur.com/1ptZFcyh.jpg

I thought it needed a rear-view mirror. Also needed an air-freshener if you're spending *that much* time in it. (Still have to get the stock roof vent working again anyway)

[frizzen]

Anybody miss camping?

https://imgur.com/05Iu2Okh.jpg

[jerry56]

Props for the transporter..???
LOL can you go camping during a pandemic...

[frizzen]

Well I've got a tin-top transporter, whose gonna stop me camping during a pandemic? A pop-top like a Westfalia isn't as stealthy. What's safer: being FAR away from everyone else, or not getting time off because you're jobs essential?

Mostly, someone on another board asked about scale Ice... i figured just a cooler looked too lonely.

[skeeter]

Frizzy, there's that thinking outside the box that you're known for. I LOVE the idea to draw on the cloth to slightly alter the pattern. FANTASTIC idea!

[frizzen]

Thanks skeeter, although it wasn't actually my thinking. The idea was totally stolen off "2beers" from Scale4x4rc / ScaleBuildersGuild. He was putting a "Tigger interior" in an orange square body truck, and i thought i NEED to do that!!!

https://scalebuildersguild.com/forum/showthread.php?29766-Breaking-News-The-quot-Beers-quot-spends-to-much-on-tiny-truck/page4&highlight=Interior

I just got the cloth, and tried to match patterning Westfalia used. It didn't come out perfect, but plaid that's a little wobbly really works on a more used car. It's a camper, not trying for a showcar build

------
Someone on a german forum suggested these as Winter Tires
https://afv-model.com/50/Maßstab-1:16-Pkw-Wolf-Reifen-0-0-0-0

They're more agressive than the Italeri semi trailer tires i posted earlier

[frizzen]

I haven't done much with the Green bus for a while, but it still seemed like something was missing...

A while back i picked up a model harley-davidson Servi-car that might show up eventually if i get back to working on a gas station, but i really wasn't feeling the extra rack of lights it had.

https://imgur.com/fCOd1q8h.jpg

Looks pretty close to the right scale for the Hella sealed beam foglights, helps keep your eyes moving away from the bodyscrew thing bump in the bumper. I even ran some tiny wires coming between bumper and lights. But is that alone enough reason?

https://imgur.com/dSHiRTAh.jpg

Anyway, i stole some lights off a thing, chopped at them, hit them with micro drillbits, threw some surface mount warm LEDs, hotglue, and repainted with molotow chrome since actual Harley chrome was too thin and let light pass through.

--
Then i also had gotten back to some work on the 'Allstate' wooden trailer. Dollhouse hinges suck to install even more than making chain hasps!

https://imgur.com/bdwgZqMh.jpg

https://imgur.com/kiAhdsNh.jpg

I was going to add the Allstate 'Station Wagon' sideboards to it using some jewelry spacer things, but can't find the rest of the plywood i built it from?

[frizzen]

The more i keep walking past it and not working on a van, that little wood body Allstate 1-wheel trailer WAS weird, but just didn't look cool enough. Unless ya got right down on its level, it still looked too much like some random floating wooden box on the bumper. 

https://imgur.com/1wx7HS8h.jpg

Finally got some sideboards on. 

Then a guy needs to quit slacking and make a Westfalia style galley & closet system, so i can get this back on track to building a Dollhouse Truck. Er, is that Vanlife? or Vanning? or 2% ? I dunno.

[frizzen]

Needed to do a Scale-check for an OMH metal thing i ran across. Something important but very rarely seen on the model course.

Concessions trailer? What you talking about?
https://imgur.com/pJX0wDth.jpg

I'd hoped for a little bigger, but it might not be too far off?

Needs some upgrades though.
http://blog.themousemarket.com/dollhouse-miniature-ice-cream-cone-tutorial/
http://blog.themousemarket.com/making-polymer-clay-ice-cream/
http://easydiyminiatures.com/Printables/Ice%20Cream%20bar%201-02.jpg

Considering names like "Sugar Rush" , "Sundae Driver" , "Drippy Hippie"

Always need some random words like "Winners get sprinkles", "Well i'll be dipped", "Time for a cold snack"

[jerry56]

I think it looks close enough... toy "scale" is all over the place anyway, besides it adds a unique point of interest that makes it fun.....
Poor Jamie never gets sprinkles.....

[frizzen]

Thanks Jerry!
Heh, poor Jamie. Still didn't Win or notice that i said "Winners get sprinkles" instead of "Sprinkles are for winners".

Ice Cream is probably a little more 1/16-1/18 scale, but that'll probably help it drive on the course since the Cloth awnings are glued to welded steel that can't pull in.

It needs Lights. Many lots of lights! Interior, Exterior, Sign, Driving markers...
Already had an odd looking 3 head soft-serve machine.
Gonna need an operator, cash register, maybe a menu board. It needs a freezer for hand-scooped, freezer for bars, some cone displays... i mean it's only a ship-in-bottle dollhouse, why make it easy?

Might sit static a lot, and i'm not really sure what should pull a 1960s Shasta ice-cream trailer. Thinking maybe a VW van or the Woody wagon? Not really seeing it with something like a Pacer, Mini-truck, kustom van, rally car, convertible, or dump truck.

[jerry56]

Probably the VW van..... what about fairy lights, they are tiny...and battery operated

[frizzen]

Not sure if anybody needs a Van at the moment, but Lowes home improvement. Probably online only / ship to store. $30

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Dickie-Toys-Dickie-Toys-Surfer-Van/5001250819