Transit Vans

[NeilC69]

Here's another little project that I have on the go.

I managed to acquire a short wheelbase Esci Transit van, so I thought that I would take a couple of resin copies of it and make a couple of other Transit variants.

Have a look and see what you think of my progress so far.

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[yambam26]

I would love to have a resin copy but i bet there expensive, Looks gd though!

 

[NeilC69]

Not as expensive as you would think!

PM me and I will fill you in on the details

 

[yak face]

The castings look fantastic neil, and the blue one looks like it should be full of cons being chased by regan and carter in a mk1 granada!!!! ( The sweeney ,for all you young uns!!LOL) cheers tony

 

[msm2]

Needs a couple of jags to go with it and a couple of heavies..

 

[yak face]

Great minds think alike, tony!!!

 

[NeilC69]

I have one of the Tamiya Jaguar kits that would be suitable, but I was going to build it as the one used by Inspector Morse.

As for a Ford Granada, the closest I can get is a MK1 or MK2 Escort, although they will look good on a car trailer behind the van!

 

[CDW]

They are really good quality stuff, might have to have a go at this lark

As for a Ford Granada, the closest I can get is a MK1 or MK2 Escort, although they will look good on a car trailer behind the van!

I think all us oldies would rather see a dio of the Tranny van broadsiding round a corner being chased by the Granada, some empty cardboard boxes and maybe an old dustbin strewn all over would be great (yep ... the sweeney did "driving through boxes, bins and market stalls" before the Dukes of Hazard and Starsky & Hutch were even thought of)

 

[NeilC69]

I have a friend who is trying to convert one of these Transits to a MK1 version, so maybe that would be a better van for such a diorama.

I vaguely remember The Sweeny on television, it was always on after I had to go to bed, although I do remember Bodie and Doyle in The Professionals though, racing about in their Capris (usually chasing a Transit van!! lol). There was a Granada in that as well.

Hmm.....I wonder if I could scale up a smaller model and scratch build one?

 

[colin m]

Some time ago Richard Hammond (I think) done a programme about the Transit. I can't remember the details but it was something like the it was first van on the market that could get a standard size piece of plaster board or timber (can't remember) into the back. And it handled like a car, hence robbers loved it !

Colin M........

 

[NeilC69]

A quick update just to show recent progress with the chassis cab.

The resin based open chassis was a complete disaster and had to be scrapped, so I have scratch built a new one from Evergreen and bits from the scrap box.

I have also had a go at the wheels for both vans as well.

The left one is for the single wheel type and the right one is for the twin wheeler.

More soon!!

 

[Plastickitbasher]

Neil

looking good so far, I'll follow this thread. By the way where do you get your transit kits from?

 

[Dave W]

You will also need a figure of Jack Reagan or even George Carter saying 'your nicked you slag!'.(starts singing) 'The sweeneys doin ninety cause theyve got nowhere to go......'

 

[NeilC69]

By the way where do you get your transit kits from?

I bought one Transit kit and made a mould of it so that I can cast as many as I want.

It also saves destroying a pretty rare kit!!

 

[yak face]

Top scratchbuilding on the chassis neil! thats one fine looking transit, cheers tony

 

[NeilC69]

The latest update.

The chassis cab version is nearing completion. It just needs windows, headlights and indicators etc. fitting before it can be set to one side and have the bodywork built for it. I'm thinking maybe just a wooden flat bed or maybe an aluminium style tipper.

The wheels took some work to get right but I think they have turned out quite well actually.

The long wheelbase van is a little further behind as I am going to paint another body in the correct Ford colour (keeps it authentic!) The second body is also lighter so that there is less stress on the suspension.

As I managed to break the original front grille I thought that I would try and build a grille from the earlier MK2. It was quite fiddly to do but I think it looks OK, although I plan to do a better one.

As things are starting to be finished, I thought that I had better look at the exhaust system and try to scratch build something.

This is what I have ended up with. I also had my first attempt at weathering. Hopefully it looks good?

Let me know what you think guys!!

 

[NeilC69]

OK guys, after several weeks of messing about with resin etc. and nearly throwing the lot in the bin, I have decided to rebuild the chassis cab.

The resin front end has been chopped off and replaced with the plastic one from a second hand van that I acquired.

I have also had a go at the bodywork and a little weathering.

Have a look and see what you think

I have started to make a few bits for the load as well.

I have also been playing around with another body shell and come up with this

 

[yambam26]

Very Nice Neil,

Love the little details you've added i can see some thought has definitely been put into those, Ahhh the tipper just love it

 

[NeilC69]

I have actually finished the chassis cab tipper now.

It has taken a while and tried my patience somewhat, but I think it has turned out well.

It certainly had a good reception at the IPMS show in Telford last weekend.

See what you think.

Next up is the long wheelbase van.

I think a total rebuild is in line for that one!!

More soon.

 

[mossiepilot]

Hey Neil,

This is a scratch build and a resin cast from another kit injection moulding ?,

WOW, you have really got this modelling lark sorted.

It's even got The Sun thrown on top of the dash.

Impressive.

Tony.