AirDave's Kool Wheelz Collection

[airdave]

Gran Turismo....I worked so hard for my Espace F1

I believe the real thing was built for Frank Williams
...so he could get the F1 experience in his wheelchair.
He was running Renaults at that time.

And...one of the best Top Gear episodes. A burning Espace in a carwash.

[JohnM]

There is a Paper Espace F1 out there ... http://www.papercraftsquare.com/rena...-download.html

Although Wikipedia mistakenly says the (Matra built) Mk1,2,&3 Espace had fi-glass bodies, they were actually cast in ABS plastic, which was stronger and lighter than Fi-glass, but certainly not fire friendly.

The later (Renault built)steel bodied Espace were much heavier, and they had to put a bigger engine in it to haul the weight. I think the F1 was Carbon fibre.

Mine was a Mk1 facelift model, which also had the rare 4x4 drive line. It was planned to be called a "Quadra" but Audi objected as it sounded too close to their "Quatro". Renault just took the decals off, but in the right light you could still see the shadow of the name on the back door, so I made up a vinyl sticker to replace it. I also grafted in the later model's bigger engine.

Luvly motor to drive, but what a horrendous wiring harness. The three speed heater fan control involved seven relays and two micro switches. Never did figure out what the second micro switch was meant to do. I re-wired it to work direct from the rotary knob, ignoring all the relays.

[michael dazzo]

I enlarge it big to see the differents so you don't have too? I know you like small ones there kind of cute ones too I maybe thing doing some of mine like that someday too. well here is his website I hope this helps you out! Voitures 1:100 - PH3DM

go to bottom of the page you will see it there! 1/100 scale it's very small! it's here too! the designers name is phh29 if you wanted to know?

[Wad Cutter]

airdave aka Super Dave, the van is beautiful. Sorry I was away on life.. I just sent my friend his copy and a few photos. I haven't heard back but I know Larry is going to love it. It looks like he would be able to build the Rove till he's been modeling for a while but I'm sure he can build the van. I really love the smell of ROCKET FUEL in the morning on the side. This another gem to add to your collection. Thank you very much again. Your the best. wc

[Wad Cutter]

Dave, news just in: "That's very nice! Like the drag pipes he added." Larry. From my buddy at JPL in Huston. Thanks a lot Dave. wc

[airdave]

"I love the smell of Rocket Fuel in the morning"

[airdave]

So....I've been working on some new KoolWheelz models
partly because of the impending KoolWheelz Challenge deadline
and partly because I needed a break from some disastrous model plane builds this past month.

No...before you ask...I will not be doing a Zombie Nazi riding Flying Shark!

Yes, its a real thing...look it up..."Sky Sharks" set for 2017 release.




Before I reveal any more, I need to explain something first...
one of the new KoolWheelz model projects was a private request that I couldn't turn down.
But while designing the model, I realized that I was overthinking things.

And I realized that I have gotten very far away from my original intention with KoolWheelz models.
Sure, I still try very hard to limit them to "one sheet" models...
but they were originally intended to be easy builds, with the least number of parts
incorporating simplified and stylized elements (relying more on artwork, than complicated parts).

Unfortunately many of the KoolWheelz models have gotten very complicated, with high part counts.
Some have even required Instructions!

With these new models, I am making it a goal to get back to simpler designs, fewer parts, and quicker builds.
I know there are some of you that like the more complicated designs, but I'll leave it to you to modify the models as you wish.

Now...first up, in honour of what I think is a great new TV show and reboot of Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds,
I present the new FAB 1.



ITV's Thunderbirds Are Go features a kool blend of traditional live action models and miniatures blended with CGI.
I really like what they have done with the show, and I especially like the constant nods to the original show.

Interesting that Lady Penelope's new car is NOT a Rolls Royce.
The grille sports an "IR" logo (International Rescue)
and a "rocket" hood ornament.
Its still Pink...mostly...and it still has six wheels.
Still kool in my book.



..........
And...in keeping with the Gerry Anderson topic...
heres one more UFO vehicle to go with my Ed Straker car...
its a SHADOmobile.
Probably my favorite Anderson show, next to Thunderbirds.



As i said...getting back to basics with KoolWheelz models.
So don't expect detailed track drive, or complicated body shapes.
Its a simplified design.
If you want a more complicated and detailed model, check out Gary Pilsworth's.

I did decide to layer a few detail parts on my build (after these pics were taken)
and I went back and added those extra parts onto the model page, for anyone who wants to take it further.



.......
And I am working on quite a few more KoolWheelz models!
I've got three more on the go, right now!
Sorry, no promises on what is coming.

...but spys are everywhere, watching me work, snapping photos.

Heres a sneak peek:

[michael dazzo]

cool airdave!!! I love it! when will it be releasted!

[airdave]

Thanks Mike.

Release?...soon soon
Maybe tomorrow, we'll see.
Not quite ready yet.

[airdave]

By special request, a SHADOmobile from TV's UFO
(a Gerry Anderson live action series)

(Thanks to Gary Pilsworth for his blessing...he already did a SHADOmobile model for us)

Find the KoolWheelz version in the StarCarz section of my website.








...
Also...
the 2015 version of FAB 1 from TV's Thunderbirds Are Go.

Find it in the Star Carz section (along with the original FAB 1)