Im very fond of Jaguars and E-Types in particular. I have done a few Airfix conversions but for these I have used Ninco and Revell as the basis.
My objectives this time was to get the set that is a coupe, drop-head and fast-back, make them sit low and mean on the track (without widening the bodies as I have done on three previous Airfix conversion) and hopefully have something that handles better (at least on my home track). I am quite pleased with how things have turned out. As with nearly all my conversions I try to use stuff from the bits and bobs box rather than buy new and that too was a success.
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The drop-head was done a little time ago based on a Ninco and has a lot of dirt and oil inside as can be seen in the photo. In fact close up photos really show up the minor imperfections which are less apparent in normal use.
The central part of the lower tub was cut out completely and replaced with a motor pod with some plasticard sub frames. This allowed the body to sit about 3mm lower and the smaller diameter wheel/tyres settle it down quite nicely. Some easing of the inside wheel arches was needed to allow clearance.
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The coupe is also a Ninco. I wanted this to be like a car I saw racing years ago and have found images of on the internet. Kind of racing green but not quite, lights stripped out and looking very businesslike. Once again the central tub was cut out but reused having been glued back in 3mm higher to create a flat bottom.
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The fast-back is a Revell and took me ages to buy off E-Bay. Easy enough if you dont mind spending a fortune but waiting for one to come along at a reasonable price...
This time I purchased a Penelope Pitlane chassis that is designed for Formula 1 cars. New mounts fitted inside the body and a plasticard sub-frame locates the chassis. More easing work on the inside of the wheel arches and hey presto.
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The drop-head and fast-back have been designed so that the chassis may be replaced or upgraded to take them racing if the opportunity ever arises. The coupe will forever be based on the front engine Ninco because the side valences are part of the chassis and not the body as with the other two.
My objectives this time was to get the set that is a coupe, drop-head and fast-back, make them sit low and mean on the track (without widening the bodies as I have done on three previous Airfix conversion) and hopefully have something that handles better (at least on my home track). I am quite pleased with how things have turned out. As with nearly all my conversions I try to use stuff from the bits and bobs box rather than buy new and that too was a success.
The drop-head was done a little time ago based on a Ninco and has a lot of dirt and oil inside as can be seen in the photo. In fact close up photos really show up the minor imperfections which are less apparent in normal use.
The central part of the lower tub was cut out completely and replaced with a motor pod with some plasticard sub frames. This allowed the body to sit about 3mm lower and the smaller diameter wheel/tyres settle it down quite nicely. Some easing of the inside wheel arches was needed to allow clearance.
The coupe is also a Ninco. I wanted this to be like a car I saw racing years ago and have found images of on the internet. Kind of racing green but not quite, lights stripped out and looking very businesslike. Once again the central tub was cut out but reused having been glued back in 3mm higher to create a flat bottom.
The fast-back is a Revell and took me ages to buy off E-Bay. Easy enough if you dont mind spending a fortune but waiting for one to come along at a reasonable price...
This time I purchased a Penelope Pitlane chassis that is designed for Formula 1 cars. New mounts fitted inside the body and a plasticard sub-frame locates the chassis. More easing work on the inside of the wheel arches and hey presto.
The drop-head and fast-back have been designed so that the chassis may be replaced or upgraded to take them racing if the opportunity ever arises. The coupe will forever be based on the front engine Ninco because the side valences are part of the chassis and not the body as with the other two.