another bleak and dreary winter is dragging along and I desperately need to fabricate something,
so here's the idea for another plastic project
the Pontiac M-76 Otter, an aluminium bodied people carrier
again based on the Dickie snow cat because I like the wide tracks
so first thing on the list is gutting the belly pan
(original electronics will eventually be replaced by new setup)
and measuring up a jet drive to get some decent water propulsion
(the Weasel only used its tracks but the slightest breeze simply blew it away)
3-dimensional nose is shaped out of polystyrene, as always
then more gutting to make room for metal tank drive since the original motors are tiny
and tend to slip any time the terrain gets slightly strenuous
glueing the floor and the sides using wood and plastic sheets with discarded fireworks sticks
the Heng Long RC tank drive metal gears are going to give some serious power
but this installation needs a lot of extra plastic sheeting to make it waterproof
3 speed controllers and a servo for the rudder demand a 4-channel setup - borrowed mine from a friendly RC pilot
patching up the gaping holes
in my fancy shop - the guests' toilet
sleeves for the drive axles will be filled with grease to seal against water
like so
positioning the rudder servo (arm will be turned by 90°)
here's a driver carved from styrofoam, wearing 8X4 deodorant cap helmet
expensive brass u-channel makes for some nice detailing like rain gutters
next the body is sealed with acrylic sealant, which can be painted over
then the vehicle is sprayed in bronze green with some beige dirt effects (great pleasure)
and we're ready for the launch into the water basin
...
...wasn't successful because water seeps into the hull
and I don't quite know from where it comes!
...
after some more sealing and injecting grease into the rubber sleeves
it's time for the white army star (christmas decorations help)
some more dirt and the driver inside
bolting down the lid and it's done - watch a thrilling movie here.... later!
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cool!