Last Starfighter Star Car

[laellee]

Here we go again! I think some of you might like watching this develop.

I have roughed things out so far, but a long way to go.

A lot of function will be involved . Renders below help to make sure things are appropriate to the references.
but at least the license plate is reliable

 

[Duncanator]

This shape looks like I've seen it in several movies as well, like "Back to the Future", "Blade Runner", etc...

 

[batguy]

IIRC that car is an old VW Beetle chassis build. It was a common starting point for sci-fi prop vehicles back in the day. The new body was usually made out of some combination of steel & fiberglass.

 

[Trooper_trent]

Oh I can't wait to see how this turns out. Looking amazing so far! One of my favorite movies.

 

[laellee]

Thanks for the kind words!

The model is destined 1/8 scale, so I want to pile a lot of detail into it so it looks 'complete'. The dash is getting cut for lighting along with headlights, signals and engines, so I've been adding illumination in my renders to see how it will all look down the road. I am trying to also keep assembly similar to a traditional styrene kit, with a drop-out chassis, separate seats, working doors, that kind of thing. Hoping to get all of the mechanical work in before the week is out.

 

[drusselmeyer]

Any chance of something smaller as well? 1/48 scale maybe?

 

[batguy]

1/48 is pretty small. It would make this car about 4 inches long.

1/24 or 1/25 seems more suitable.

 

[ZeroSum]

I'd be keen on 1/24-25 if you're offering this stl

 

[seven]

Looking Good. Cannot wait to see more progress!

 

[laellee]

These renders aren't going to win any awards, but just to show some progress before calling it a day

Done....

-All glass fitted to doors and body, doors hinged
- Rear hatch mechanisms are finished, engines extend when the hatches open
-Main body and floor pan are separate and assemble similar to a typical styrene kit
-Dash installs alone so it's easier to finish (of course seats too)
-Head, tail, signal and motor lighting all sorted, and the chassis is tunneled for wiring

Still to do....

-Wheel axles and flight doors installed
-Dash cut for lighting
-Magnetic closures on the doors
-Remodel the seats to correct style
-Slots for assembly fasteners

I am sure there are odds and ends that I'm forgetting and will tidy up, but most of the heavy lifting is done. Just have to work out these wheel mech's Thanks for looking!

 

[laellee]

I think it's about wrapped up!

She is 1:8 scale, so finished length in flight mode is around 61 centimeters long (about 2 feet). The car can convert from driving- to flight-mode, and the engines slide out of the hidden rear bays when the rear hatches are opened. All doors are functional with magnetic closures, lights and signals all have separate lenses, and the entire assembly is channeled for lighting with a hidden battery access.

I worked up some signage from the movie as well to add to the virtual 'diorama' attached. At the larger scale I would probably just display the car by itself, but the trailer park neons look great so I through together some display renders Thanks for looking!

**Also thanks for the kind words! This was a private commission and is not available for purchase (from me anyways )

PARTS EXPLOSION

PARTS EXPLOSION

PARTS LAYOUT

....AND JUST MESSING AROUND

 

[cloudborn]

Very cool!

 

[drusselmeyer]

Too bad AMT or Round2 never got around to making this kit years ago.

 

[ZeroSum]

Looks great!

 

[drusselmeyer]

Does it come in red?

 

[laellee]

Does it come in red?

Ha the reference pics I had of the repainted car actually helped a lot with the body contours, that silver was hiding a lot

 

[seven]

Looks great! The display base is a nice addition.
Now just need figures

 

[rbeach84]

Really nice work! Perhaps I will have a resin printer some day and have an opportunity to print your design at my fav scale (1:48) to go with an in-scale Gunstar printed model!
Summer is made for day dreams... ha!
Again, congrats!
Regards, Robert