Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Land => Topic started by: Antonio Sobral on December 28, 2018, 12:15:04 AM

Title: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Antonio Sobral on December 28, 2018, 12:15:04 AM
Hi guys

I hope everybody had a great Christmas with the family and friends!

I am a little bit fed up with the Lunar Module, so I am taking a sabbatical vacation to clear my head!

So I am starting a P-38 Trilogy.

Why P-38 and why Trilogy, you may ask :)

Well, P-38 because it is the original donor kit (Italeri 1/48), and trilogy because it will yield 3 different projects embracing 3 different scenarios: land, sea and air.


So, let's start with the Land!

In this case the Needlecast '46 model from the iconic and well known brand Harley-Davidson.

It was the brand's response to a challenge from the US military in the mid 1940s to develop a model of high speed and low noise bike
which could be used as a quick means of connection on the various combat fronts.

Unfortunately the practical results of the first and only prototype were not satisfactory and the project was canceled.


And after this very brief summary, let us proceed to the model itself.

It all started with this...

(https://i.postimg.cc/G2kzkdSL/bmobile-00.jpg)


With a few more pieces from the spare box and a Dragon 1/35 figure....

(https://i.postimg.cc/qRngWnDY/bmobile-01.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/SNmjtn6T/bmobile-02.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/zGcBBp96/bmobile-03.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/zDCVjCgH/bmobile-04.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/X7xXMnxV/bmobile-05.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/FzVzHv4V/bmobile-06.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/HngjmxfL/bmobile-07.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/htjvcN3V/bmobile-08.jpg)


And that´s all for now. Thanks for watching!
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: jcf on December 28, 2018, 01:16:42 AM
 :smiley: :smiley:
He looks like he's thinking "why the hell did I agree to test this thing".  ;D
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Kerick on December 28, 2018, 01:55:45 AM
P-38 nacelles and booms seem to have a thousand uses! This looks great! I can’t wait to see the paint scheme. Will the base get decorated too?
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 28, 2018, 03:36:12 AM
(https://celtic-publications.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/funny-cat-filing-nails-claws-interesting-proceed-pics.jpg)
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: LemonJello on December 28, 2018, 04:02:42 AM
Predecessor to a hover bike?

Neat start and I'll look forward to updates and the other two "legs" of the trilogy.
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Frank3k on December 28, 2018, 05:06:26 AM
Good looking project and a great reuse/re-purposing of the parts! The pilot/driver looks grimly determined.
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Brian da Basher on December 28, 2018, 05:22:25 AM
Good looking project and a great reuse/re-purposing of the parts! The pilot/driver looks grimly determined.

Being a huge fan of grim determination, I found this aspect especially appealing as well.

Another stunner!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Old Wombat on December 28, 2018, 05:49:09 PM
Whether the rider looks "grimly determined " or "scared sh!pless" depends, I guess, on your point of view.

I'm going for the fixed grimace of the latter. ;)
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Antonio Sobral on December 29, 2018, 06:19:30 AM
Hi guys

Thanks for the comments.

Let us agree that the test driver is grimly determined yet scared to the bone ;)

As for the base, well....I changed my original plan, and decided on a a stone pavement for a more urban terrain environment.

And for scale stone pavement nothing beats the good old Roofmate (or whatever it is called in the different countries)
and an old emptied brush.

First tests:

(https://i.postimg.cc/SsTTwgTv/bmobile-17.jpg)


And the final product:

(https://i.postimg.cc/c489bMQF/bmobile-18.jpg)


By the way, the name Needlecast was taken from the science fiction novel "Altered Carbon", by Richard K. Morgan.

It is also the name of a fungal disease that attacks a variety of evergreen trees, but that is definitely much less sexy :) :)


But I am rambling....Sorry!

Back to the model, for the paint job,I am thinking about a simple bare metal finish, to justify the "needle" in the name.

Thanks for watching!
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Antonio Sobral on December 31, 2018, 03:32:45 AM
And here comes the basic painting....


(https://i.postimg.cc/7hkqf4br/bmobile-09.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/pLGVk3cK/bmobile-10.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/Hn9dMN7c/bmobile-11.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/TYTRxTZr/bmobile-12.jpg)


Alcald II Steel,  to be more precise.


To be continued.

Probably not this year :)


Thanks for watching!
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Brian da Basher on December 31, 2018, 05:01:41 AM
That's coming along splendidly, Antonio!

Happy New Year to you & yours and we look forward to your next update in 2019!
 :icon_beer: :icon_beer: :icon_beer:
Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Kerick on December 31, 2018, 05:22:14 AM
That looks fantastic! I love it!
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Old Wombat on January 01, 2019, 04:53:49 PM
"Shiny" is such an over-used adjective, now, but sometimes it's still the best term to use;


"SHINY!" :smiley: 8)
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Story on January 09, 2019, 07:13:50 AM
That's sharp.
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: arctic warrior on January 09, 2019, 04:48:21 PM
Exceptionally great idea - though I do hope that suspension is top notch! Going over cobblestones is just yuck  :-\  8)
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: andonio64 on January 10, 2019, 05:45:23 PM
Even though a bit late I join the line of Antonio's fans!
I love this project and the first outcome already looks great...
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Antonio Sobral on January 13, 2019, 02:46:53 AM
Hi guys

Thanks for the feedback!

The Needlecast is done.

Some post-shading with Alclad to enhance the volumes, and then some chipping and rusting with acrylics.

And here is the final results:


(https://i.postimg.cc/fy1HbJh7/bmobile-21.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/RCYpdbn3/bmobile-22.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/BvJmbrRz/bmobile-23.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/cCv9ZfP4/bmobile-24.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/L8tyH9Qf/bmobile-25.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/t4QSQZkp/bmobile-26.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/sXNmnv1F/bmobile-27.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/QttSkp8k/bmobile-28.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/GpzqyMCm/bmobile-29.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/rsRJ7MtD/bmobile-30.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/nM8kJgv0/bmobile-31.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/y6JC7RmZ/bmobile-32.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/c1VyCJh5/bmobile-33.jpg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/bNkXtjFY/bmobile-34.jpg)


And this concludes the 1st part of my "P-38 Trilogy".


Thanks for stopping by!
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Frank3k on January 13, 2019, 04:18:11 AM
Great job on everything, from the cobblestones, to the figure and the vehicle's amazing metal finish!
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: LemonJello on January 13, 2019, 04:46:32 AM
That is nice. Looking forward to the next part of the trilogy.
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: The Big Gimper on January 13, 2019, 04:54:30 AM
The Hydra armies should be running away when they see coming towards them.  ;)
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Kerick on January 13, 2019, 07:12:55 AM
Amazing! I just love it!
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: arctic warrior on January 13, 2019, 08:01:55 AM
Impressive; those cobblestones just look RIGHT!  8)
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: finsrin on January 13, 2019, 12:04:34 PM
What to say ? ? ?   Ditto all the above  8)
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Brian da Basher on January 14, 2019, 09:01:15 AM
That's a real show piece Antonio and those cobblestones add just the right touch!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: elmayerle on January 14, 2019, 11:30:31 AM
That's a real show piece Antonio and those cobblestones add just the right touch!
I quite agree, there.  Beautiful work and presentation.
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: andonio64 on January 14, 2019, 02:51:02 PM
Another masterpiece Antonio!
I look forward to the other 2 parts of the trilogy!!!
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Old Wombat on January 15, 2019, 09:50:28 PM
He's a brave man! ;)

Great build, Antonio! :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: ericr on May 08, 2019, 10:58:15 AM

beautiful trilogy !
Title: Re: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: apophenia on May 10, 2019, 04:05:42 AM
Too cool! And your post-shading and weathering really make the finish pop  :smiley:
Title: Nice Work!
Post by: Inactive on May 10, 2019, 06:37:34 AM
Always game on Star Warsian Speeder Bikes; M1 Steel Pot could blow off, paratrooper chin strap might keep it stable going over 100 mph, goggles needed as well, patiently waiting for the Wehrmacht version.
Title: Harley-Davidson Needlecast '46 - 1/35
Post by: Old Wombat on May 10, 2019, 09:57:10 AM
..