1/8 scale Williams FW14B - Bespoke Commission Build
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1/8 scale Williams FW14B - Bespoke Commission Build
Well now, this is a tale and a half.
So some time ago now a customer of mine told me about his plan to have a one-off 1/8 scale Williams FW14B made and asked if I would be able to build it for him, obviously I was absolutely delighted and looked forward to getting started on it.
For this project he invested a four figure sum with a Cad company and a model mould manufacturer (in fact over a quarter of the way to a five figure sum!!!) What he was eventually supplied was a 3D printed kit based on the 1/12 Tamiya kit, sadly there were several parts missing, absolutely no engine detail (not even a Studio27 style lump which would have at least been something!), some parts were broken, the fit was absolutely shocking... all in all considering his investment quite frankly it was outrageous. Nevertheless that's what was supplied and that was all I had to go with, I felt determined to produce something which would look 'ok' up against his 1/8 scale McLarens... MP4-23 and MP4-4. Despite his best efforts via Paypal to recover his money or at least in part he was resigned to the fact that he was not going to be successful.
On and off this took the best part of 18 months, I scratch built the entire cockpit, virtually put a complete layer of filler all over the bodywork to disguise 3D printed 'steps' which were very evident everywhere on the bodywork, scratch built the end of the transmission tunnel to at least fill the large black hole at the back of the car, repaired broken suspension parts, sourced wheels & tyres (taken from the 1/8 Mcaren MP4-4) and wheel nuts, sourced seat belt hardware and also commissioned printing of a bespoke set of decals, with thanks for the amazing help of Michael at Indycals.
So all that said, here's what I ended up creating, it is by no means perfect and definitely wouldn't stand up to any close scrutiny but my customer was delighted and considering where we started I was pretty happy too!
So some time ago now a customer of mine told me about his plan to have a one-off 1/8 scale Williams FW14B made and asked if I would be able to build it for him, obviously I was absolutely delighted and looked forward to getting started on it.
For this project he invested a four figure sum with a Cad company and a model mould manufacturer (in fact over a quarter of the way to a five figure sum!!!) What he was eventually supplied was a 3D printed kit based on the 1/12 Tamiya kit, sadly there were several parts missing, absolutely no engine detail (not even a Studio27 style lump which would have at least been something!), some parts were broken, the fit was absolutely shocking... all in all considering his investment quite frankly it was outrageous. Nevertheless that's what was supplied and that was all I had to go with, I felt determined to produce something which would look 'ok' up against his 1/8 scale McLarens... MP4-23 and MP4-4. Despite his best efforts via Paypal to recover his money or at least in part he was resigned to the fact that he was not going to be successful.
On and off this took the best part of 18 months, I scratch built the entire cockpit, virtually put a complete layer of filler all over the bodywork to disguise 3D printed 'steps' which were very evident everywhere on the bodywork, scratch built the end of the transmission tunnel to at least fill the large black hole at the back of the car, repaired broken suspension parts, sourced wheels & tyres (taken from the 1/8 Mcaren MP4-4) and wheel nuts, sourced seat belt hardware and also commissioned printing of a bespoke set of decals, with thanks for the amazing help of Michael at Indycals.
So all that said, here's what I ended up creating, it is by no means perfect and definitely wouldn't stand up to any close scrutiny but my customer was delighted and considering where we started I was pretty happy too!
Last edited by seamus on Wed Jan 22, 2020 11:35 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: 1/8 scale Williams FW14B - Bespoke Commission Build
WOW that must me a monster!!
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Re: 1/8 scale Williams FW14B - Bespoke Commission Build
Hi Sean,
A well done job!
I guess the amount of work to just fill and smooth this big 3D print is quite a labour.
A well done job!
I guess the amount of work to just fill and smooth this big 3D print is quite a labour.
C K
Canada
Canada
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Re: 1/8 scale Williams FW14B - Bespoke Commission Build
Beautiful, well done for the work...I don't think we'll see another FW14B in 1/8 scale anytime soon.
"In my days, the drivers used to go out after a race and chase girls. These days, they thank Vodafone" - Sir Stirling Moss
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Re: 1/8 scale Williams FW14B - Bespoke Commission Build
Nice and unique result. Looks cool !
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Re: 1/8 scale Williams FW14B - Bespoke Commission Build
Fantastic job!