EXPLORERS 1:6 SCALE "THUNDER ROAD" ...My first scratch bult model...

Jedifyfe

Master Member
RPF PREMIUM MEMBER
Hello everyone. So...about a year ago I saw that Randy Cooper, one of the king of all model builders, had made a 1:12 scale THUNDER ROAD from EXPLORERS and I wanted that kit SO badly but I wasn't happy with the scale that he chose. I wanted one closer to the Studio Scale if not a little larger, SO I decided to make my own.

Now, this is my first and only scratch built model. I have NEVER built any kit or scratch built model...EVER. I thought that if I can get a 1:6th scale trash can that I can build everything else from there. So I found a 1:6th scale trash can on Ebay. It is a salesman sample metal trash can from Chief Ware Metal. It is SO cool! All metal, just like a real trash can and about 3 1/2 inches tall.. I scaled everything else off of that. I found a 1/10 scale dune buggy tire that I used for the tire.

I used random styrene pieces and Bondo to fill in everything else. After I had those done everything else fit into place. I found a 10" acrylic dome that I cut into halves and used various styrene pieces to fit into the frame. Then it was onto the base, wheels and electrical. I also used a paper crimper and old aluminum can as the corrugated metal on the right side.

I made and printed the signs on the side to fit exactly and weathered the entire thing with acrylic brown paint.

Lastly is the paint and the top flood lights. I have a set of 1 1/8th inch plastic tube ends that I intend to use as the lights with warms white LEDs.

I will update this when I have the lights done and lit up. The model measures 10 1/2" high, 14" wide and 11" front to back

Enjoy...

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I love this. I remember seeing it in the theaters. It was my turn to pick the movie and all of my siblings wanted to see Back to the Future. I kept asking what Back to the Future was. Hahaha. Great build. I love the Ironman magazine covers.
 
Thanks. It's been fun and educational. Since I have no modeling experience, other than customizing action figures, this gave me a chance to stretch my limits. I'll post more pics up when I have the lights done and the top two spotlights made.
 
excellent scratchbuilding work! love the trashcan.

if you can find them, dragon models (i think) make 1/6th scale 55 gallon drums to go with their action figures. i know you needed a trashcan, but you never know when a drum would come in handy. i have one here somewhere, i`ll take a pic when i find it.

cheers
bryan
 
That's really neat!

I love the little garbage can and the corrugated pop can material.

How did you do the tv screen? (the clear, rounded, sticking out part)
 
How did you do the tv screen? (the clear, rounded, sticking out part)

Thanks guys. I heated the plastic up in the oven and then pressed if through the opening with a piece of styrene in the same shoe as the cut out.
 
One of my all time favourite films. Until they meet the alien ship it is one of the best.

As for your model: very well done!
My sincerest compliments.
 
No way you've never done it before - you're an inborn scratchbuilder then :) - that's a mighty fine build. I learned quite a few things from you like that tv surround.
 
No way you've never done it before - you're an inborn scratchbuilder then :) - that's a mighty fine build. I learned quite a few things from you like that tv surround.

Hah thanks. I really never even considered scratch building anything but this one just came to me one night. All in all, I think I have about $125 into it. The acrylic dome was $65 of that.
 
Looks good JF. I started a few weeks ago on mine from Randy. I am having to get some white LED's for the top of mine that were sent to me red. I have also had some minor adjustments made to straighten out some of it but that's just for my liking. Did you hinge the washer doors?
 
Looks good JF. I started a few weeks ago on mine from Randy. I am having to get some white LED's for the top of mine that were sent to me red. I have also had some minor adjustments made to straighten out some of it but that's just for my liking. Did you hinge the washer doors?

Thanks. I have warm white 3mm LEDs I could send you. I didn't hinge the doors, I wanted it to be like a Studio Scale shooting model rather than a scale reproduction. I almost got the RC model, but I always wanted a larger version. Make sure you post up your model when it's done.
 
Re: EXPLORERS 1:6 SCALE "THUNDER ROAD" ...My first scratch bult model...

Some progress picsimage_1.jpegimage_2.jpegimage_3.jpegimage_4.jpegimage.jpeg

- - - Updated - - -

And they posted sideways......great
 
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