Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Land => Topic started by: Alvis 3.1 on September 29, 2014, 01:23:13 PM
Title: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Alvis 3.1 on September 29, 2014, 01:23:13 PM
I have a thing for the Type 2 Transporter van. I owned a 1973 one, hated every moment of it, but something aboot the shape just appeals to my sick mind. here's one of the fun things I've done with them... (http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/Alvis3_1/Movenfull_zps4d5745aa.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/Alvis3_1/media/Movenfull_zps4d5745aa.jpg.html)
And yes, I am fully aware that "Munich' is not spelled that way in Germany. I assume it's a truck from Canada, likely Saskatchewan, as anything involving real steep hills would be a show stopper and clutch burner) with that little air cooled engine...
Alvis 3.1
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Rickshaw on September 29, 2014, 03:37:18 PM
Trying to figure out where the engine is on that thing. Is it meant to be under the turntable?
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: LemonJello on September 29, 2014, 08:20:51 PM
That is really cool!
Edited because spelling and grammar are important
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Weaver on September 29, 2014, 09:28:46 PM
Nice model! ;D
Reminds me of a road contractor's van around here that says something like:
ROGERSON'S SERVICES STOCKPORT PARIS NEW YORK TOKYO (but mostly Stockport)
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Alvis 3.1 on September 29, 2014, 10:09:46 PM
Yup, the engine is under the trailer hitch attachment. Doing any sort of basic engine work would require unhitching the trailer, unbolting the deck, removing the collar, then getting at the engine. Basically, a massive pain in the posterier, something my van gave me on a regular basis. Also, it would be prone to over heating and would be terribly under powered. Again, pretty much like the one I owned.
It was suggested to me that I should have left the trailer rear axle as a powered one, to which I replied "That's crazy talk, that would be way too complicated and prone to mechanical issues..." and then realised that any good German engineeer would love the opportunity to prove they could make that work. And work it would, as long as it existed in a perfect environment without vibration, dirt, moisture, wear and tear...
So you'd wind up one day doing a tight turn and suddenly a line would kink, and the rear engine would to to full speed, dragging you sideways down the street! Yup, I need to do this van over and incorporate that idea.
Alvis 3.1
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Brian da Basher on September 30, 2014, 06:37:04 AM
Another wonder, Alvis! The paint scheme is impressive as all get-out and looks flawless.
I can think of no better use for a VW van. I understand your obsession.
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Jacques Deguerre on September 30, 2014, 09:11:19 AM
This is just too darn cool, Alvis! What was the base kit?
I remember working for a contractor in my younger days who used a '70 or '71 VW van as a work truck. If we carried our full load of scaffolding, the suspension would bottom out. My most memorable experience was driving in morning traffic on the in-town interstate loop and discovering that the throttle had stuck "wide open" at more or less 60 mph! :o
Like Brian, I was always intrigued as a kid by those various small American trucks and vans that seemed obviously inspired by the VW. Of course, there was the Dodge A100 series like Brian posted but to my mind, the strangest was probably the Chevy Corvair-based van and pickup.
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: elmayerle on September 30, 2014, 10:14:13 AM
I love that concept, Alvis, and I can just here that little air-cooled engine wheezing and complaining.
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Alvis 3.1 on September 30, 2014, 10:35:41 AM
This is actually an ancient project that finally got to the 90% mark (I still don't consider it finished, it lacks marker lights and plates, as well as various tiny geegaws. It was built using the old Revell 1/25 California Roller (1979) kit, which was a street rodded Type 2. I used three to make the cab and trailer, and since it lacked stock tires, two VW Beetles also contributed their tires/wheels to the build. Much puttying and sanding ensued, and I never was able to eliminate one pesky seam across the top of the trailer, so I added strips, making them look like strengthening strips, to disguise the blemish. A friend who happened to own an ALPS printer did the chrome markings. I think I started this somewhere around 1992.
Thanks for the feedback!
Alvis 3.1
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Kerick on September 30, 2014, 11:28:07 AM
It's worth the wait!
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Acree on October 01, 2014, 05:28:37 AM
My dad had a '63 Corvair van with the 6-cylinder horizontally opposed engine that he used for his TV repair business. It was an awesome van and not at all underpowered - in fact it was pretty fast until a head-gasket blew. Then it was fairly anemic as we kept driving it for six months or so. When he bought it, it was orange with a white stripe and big blotches of brown primer to paint out the original owners' logo. Dad mixed some maroon auto touch-up paint with white house paint and brush painted it. It was known as the Pink Panther all over the county! Loved that van and wish I had it now!.
It looked like this (only pink with a white stripe): http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=sUmsvkRSLVx1-M&tbnid=b5jAx7_GtEyl1M:&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbloodsweatandgears.com%2Fimages%2Fspecial%2FzMAR12feature.html&ei=HSErVM23M8SbjAKriYC4Cw&bvm=bv.76477589,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNFyZi0Grhr86X1KDLw_dMKRm8Sybw&ust=1412198928254359 (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=sUmsvkRSLVx1-M&tbnid=b5jAx7_GtEyl1M:&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbloodsweatandgears.com%2Fimages%2Fspecial%2FzMAR12feature.html&ei=HSErVM23M8SbjAKriYC4Cw&bvm=bv.76477589,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNFyZi0Grhr86X1KDLw_dMKRm8Sybw&ust=1412198928254359)
Chuck
Title: Re: Volkswagen Vans: Number One
Post by: Feldmarschall Zod on October 02, 2014, 07:10:08 AM