Andrew D Charger Chaser

Thank you!
Yep, I saw, Jeff is already at that age...still amazing to see....

On to project #10: Hughie Hogg's Volkswagen!  
The first thing I discovered was that it was NOT repeat NOT a true convertible.  Rather, it was a chop-top, as evidenced by the sedan-style windscreen, and the bottoms of the window posts still remaining.  
The second thing I had to learn was the difference between the classic Beetle and the Super Beetle.  Some of you already know this, but it was new to me.  Although the differences are easy to miss at first glance, I now see clearly that Hughie's ride was most definitely a Super Beetle with the roof cut off.  


 
After much more research and guidance from folks at an automotive modeling forum, I realized (after much frustration) that I was going to have to kitbash THREE different kits to do this.  
1) Aoshima Beetle 1303S for most (not all) of the body and the bumpers 
2) Revell '68 Beetle for the chassis, engine, windscreen, rear body vents, tail lights and much of the interior
3) Revell VW Cabriolet for some of the interior and some of the body details

 
I should also mention part of my research was to go through every Dukes episode in which this vehicle appeared, pause the DVD whenever a good view appeared from any angle, and photograph the scene.  I then had the photos made into prints to use as I build.  Maybe low-tech, but it works for me.  

Amazing list there!!
Makes me think with that many neighboring counties, maybe the actual amount of boundary shared with each could be measured in yards....

Amazing list there!!
Makes me think with that many neighboring counties, maybe the actual amount of boundary shared with each could be measured in yards....

Final step for now was scratchbuilding the large McPherson struts, a vital item for the Super Beetle.  The struts themselves were made from plastic tubing, then the springs made by wrapping metal wire around an appropriately-sized plastic rod then trimmed to shape and installed.

Welcome aboard Kait!

Not bad; I call it "Wastebook" for similar reasons....

Hey, nice concept, nicely done!

Welcome aboard Rob! Apologies for my lack of manners, I'd somehow missed the new folks introducing here....

Thank y'all!
Actually the Lucifer Mustang would be kewl, but I'm not aware of any decals for it, and they seem a bit tough to improvise....have also considered the Gray Ghost and Black Tillie II, but they only appear once, and to the unwashed masses would only appear like any other car off the street (mostly).  And actually I DO have a black '68 Charger from "Bullitt"  
The next one will be:  Hughie Hogg's VW Beetle chop-top (turns out it isn't a true convertible)!! 

Thank y'all!
Actually the Lucifer Mustang would be kewl, but I'm not aware of any decals for it, and they seem a bit tough to improvise....have also considered the Gray Ghost and Black Tillie II, but they only appear once, and to the unwashed masses would only appear like any other car off the street (mostly).  And actually I DO have a black '68 Charger from "Bullitt"  
The next one will be:  Hughie Hogg's VW Beetle chop-top (turns out it isn't a true convertible)!! 

Hey folks,
Had a few requests here and elsewhere to see the entire lineup (so far) of my Hazzard County fleet which has been under construction for the past 6 years.  
None of these are out-of-the-box, each taking a huge investment of time, research and effort.  Greatest challenges were in the tow truck. 
Next project is already in the research and materials-gathering stage.
Hope you enjoy!











 

Hey folks,
Had a few requests here and elsewhere to see the entire lineup (so far) of my Hazzard County fleet which has been under construction for the past 6 years.  
None of these are out-of-the-box, each taking a huge investment of time, research and effort.  Greatest challenges were in the tow truck. 
Next project is already in the research and materials-gathering stage.
Hope you enjoy!











 

Thank you all for the VERY kind words you always so generously lavish upon my work!  It is truly my joy, honor and passion!

Thank you all for the VERY kind words you always so generously lavish upon my work!  It is truly my joy, honor and passion!

Just to remind y'all: YES, they used a '74 Roadrunner which appeared in 5 of the first 9 episodes, then beginning with episode 11 they switched to a '71 Satellite Sebring in a Roadrunner paint scheme, hoping nobody would notice (we did).  Some prefer the '74; personally I prefer the '71, finding it much sleeker and meaner looking with the wraparound bumper/grill assembly. 
Base kit is the Revell/Monogram '71 Plymouth GTX.  Modifications include:
     -Replacement hood
     -Smaller-block engine (from 71 Duster)
     -Completely rebuilt & boosted rear suspension
     -Replacement tires
     -Wheel hubs from '77 Ford van
Additionally, all GTX logos were removed (not easy on the grill); headlights made from sanded/polished acrylic gemstones; engine bay heavily wired and detailed; scratchbuilt steering wheel, CB radio and antenna; paint is Plymouth Yellow Blaze.
Build thread is here: http://hazzardnet.com/forums/topic/8786-daisys-plymouth-wip/
 


















 
 

I think I forgot to mention the wheel hubs.  The kit wheels are totally wrong; the good folks at the automotive modelers forum guided me toward the wheel hubs from the AMT 77 Ford van, and then one of the members was kind enough to send me a set which he was not going to use.  Once primed and chromed, they were perfect!  They also almost perfectly fit the aftermarket tires which I had ordered (see earlier post June 2).  Absolutely perfect!


 
ONE FINAL DETAIL: the CB antenna.  In the episode "The Meeting," there is a perfect closeup view of it, which I used as reference to scratch-build mine.  Base was carved from two sections of plastic, and the aerial was made from metal guitar string (high "E"). 
And, God-willing, she's done! Finished pics to be posted shortly. 






 

Personally speaking, I'm offended that people are offended 

Personally speaking, I'm offended that people are offended 

Now for the really scary part: the pinstriping around the main stripe. 
In my research, I took special notice of how they did the real one around the door handle and at the very front. 


 
I've got plenty of straight-line fine decal striping, but the curves are a problem.  Trying to paint those fine curves right alongside the large stripe AND make them look good is an awfully tall order.  My experience (both successes and failures) tells me to go another route. 
I decided an ususual approach: cut away the pinstriping from the decals of MPC's Daisy's car, the very-different '74 Roadrunner, and cut the curves into pieces to match each little bit of the Satellite's stripe. 
Wasn't easy, nor was it fun at first, but it actually worked!






 
 

I think I forgot to mention the wheel hubs.  The kit wheels are totally wrong; the good folks at the automotive modelers forum guided me toward the wheel hubs from the AMT 77 Ford van, and then one of the members was kind enough to send me a set which he was not going to use.  Once primed and chromed, they were perfect!  They also almost perfectly fit the aftermarket tires which I had ordered (see earlier post June 2).  Absolutely perfect!


 
ONE FINAL DETAIL: the CB antenna.  In the episode "The Meeting," there is a perfect closeup view of it, which I used as reference to scratch-build mine.  Base was carved from two sections of plastic, and the aerial was made from metal guitar string (high "E"). 
And, God-willing, she's done! Finished pics to be posted shortly. 






 

Man, wish I could've seen all that.... 

Personally speaking, I'm offended that people are offended 

Thank you for the kind words Hobie!
Almost there.  Just using the Daisy's Car kit decals from the MPC kit for the roof-section of the stripe, although the two end sections need to be removed.



 
Daisy's car was in constant use on the country roads and so needs to have a generous amount of Hazzard county road dust.  Just speaking for myself, I don't believe in making showroom-fresh vehicles with immaculate chassis and wheel wells to portray actively used vehicles.  The overall dusting is a shade called Armor Sand, with some Military Earth Brown right behind the wheels and on the bottom of the fenders just behind the wheels.  

Thank you for the kind words Hobie!
Almost there.  Just using the Daisy's Car kit decals from the MPC kit for the roof-section of the stripe, although the two end sections need to be removed.



 
Daisy's car was in constant use on the country roads and so needs to have a generous amount of Hazzard county road dust.  Just speaking for myself, I don't believe in making showroom-fresh vehicles with immaculate chassis and wheel wells to portray actively used vehicles.  The overall dusting is a shade called Armor Sand, with some Military Earth Brown right behind the wheels and on the bottom of the fenders just behind the wheels.