Andrew D Charger Chaser

Scratchbuilding the winch was a challenge since a lot of it was guesswork.  As far as the brace/frame (not sure the correct terminology), I discovered I didn't have to guess the width; apparently it should be the same width as the chassis frame, which makes sense from an engineering standpoint.  Then, the more I built, the more extra details I'd discover in the photos.  This was a long, long process.  



 
The tow booms were heavily modified from those in the MPC Datsun Monster Truck kit.  Both ends were totally scratchbuilt to bring it all together, after careful study of my reference photos.  The booms will be removable until after painting.  The thin bar atop which will support the rotating beacon also has two round "shoulder" lights.  These were made from slices from a clear styrene rod of the appropriate diameter.  Wires were added from various thicknesses of copper wire. 

Thanks Hobie! Looking forward to it! 

I had entertained the hopes of going back in the winter but it was not to be. First being a teacher and here we start EARLY, and CLS was only 2 days after we had to report back to prepare for the kids the following week. Second because of the historic trip I'd taken to the west in early December.
But seriously, hearing about those autograph prices right put me off, to be honest. I can say it's a good thing whenever disappointment is doused out. Plus hearing how Tom was apparently seriously rude to folks during the weekend.... Well, I guess I'll be okay then

Here's how the scratchbuilding went, using 1/16" rod for the frame and tubing fitted over the rod for the padded sections around the driver's side:







 

ROLL CAGE
Tip: Do NOT use the roll cage from the MPC "General Lee" for this project.  Wrong style, wrong design, wrong size.  
I also found some drawings online which purport to be the actual design sketches for the original.  They do match what I see in all the photos.

I've never taken as much trouble as this for the accurate steering wheel, but here's what I finally accomplished:

The interior needs special work.  From what I can see in the episode, the interior panels under the rear windows were removed along with the back seat, although I've read that only the seat was removed to install the full roll cage.  
So, I had to remove the rear panel and totally rebuild it as the interior structure that the panel would normally cover.  Was a 2 full day scratchbuilding job, daunting at first but well worth it in the end.  
The carpet will be well worn and stained soon.

Once damaged to taste, the foil is filled from behind with tons of gap-filling superglue and plastic strip reinforcements.
Then to the body itself, the same treatment but MUCH bigger. LOTS of superglue to fill it all from behind.  Then priming and sanding in appropriate areas.











 
 

For those who didn't know, the Charger wreck used in Episode 4 "Repo Men" was the same car that made the jump at the very end of the show's opening credits.  LOVED this car the first time I saw it as a kid, did not know how important it was until decades later.  
Replicating this wreck in 1/25 will be a VERY ambitious project.





 

Finished in record time, considering the extreme nature of the build
Only major regret is the wheel spacing....wide tires were definitely used, but I really am drawing the line at redoing the suspension to tuck them in more.  I've just had enough....
Hazzard collection is now 7 vehicles strong.










 

Yeah, that did occur to me, but thought I had more pride than to go there....bet the arresting officers thought of that, though....

Wonderful, well deserved!!  

Congrats, and bring it on!

Thank you all for the very kind comments and encouragement!
Spike, I haven't entered a model show in a long time, last time was Nationals in 2010 and I did place in a couple categories....that was before I started the Hazzard stuff though. 

Finished in record time, considering the extreme nature of the build
Only major regret is the wheel spacing....wide tires were definitely used, but I really am drawing the line at redoing the suspension to tuck them in more.  I've just had enough....
Hazzard collection is now 7 vehicles strong.










 

Finished in record time, considering the extreme nature of the build
Only major regret is the wheel spacing....wide tires were definitely used, but I really am drawing the line at redoing the suspension to tuck them in more.  I've just had enough....
Hazzard collection is now 7 vehicles strong.










 

Very nicely done!
Now need to make Rosco's car with the back half blown off by the bazooka 

Thanks for giving me a place to, Rog, I am very grateful!
Also grateful to have finished this beast in record time...
Re-chromed the bent bumpers and other parts with Alclad, and was lucky to have located the proper wheel hubs.  Also broke the right door handle to match the real thing.
Wide tires from the MPC Sheriff's Dodge Monaco.
Windows tinted with Future floor polish and food coloring.
Sheet metal for the front and back from a disposable roasting pan from the Dollar Tree.
Airbrushing dust and dirt all over the chassis and bottom of the body.










 

FRONT BUMPER
Need the front bumper to look like bent metal, and not a bent plastic model part.  Made an aluminum foil cast of the central section; removed that plastic, attached the ends to the foil cast. 
Very carefully bent and dented it to match the photos.
Filled with CA glue with wire reinforements for the structure.  Primed, will be coated with Alclad chrome tomorrow or Thursday.

Final bodywork touchups and priming, and ready for paint.
Tough to match the exact color, since in the episode (the way I'm making it) it was disguised/obscured with gray scratchwork all over it, and the recovered wreck was apparently quite weathered and faded.  Did the best I could.  Finally settled on a mix of 5 different blues and greens.  It's actually darker than the photos show....
I settled on: 2 parts Testors Gloss Dark Blue (#1111); 2 parts Testors Dark Beret Green; 1 part Model Master Dark Sea Blue; 1 part Testors Gloss Green; 1 part Gloss Light Blue.

I could've lied and either said no, it was really me in the General ...or, that faint image is really the Ghost of General Lee  

Hey, nice concept, nicely done!

Finished roll cage:

ROLL CAGE
Tip: Do NOT use the roll cage from the MPC "General Lee" for this project.  Wrong style, wrong design, wrong size.  
I also found some drawings online which purport to be the actual design sketches for the original.  They do match what I see in all the photos.