Revell 1/16 Volkswagen T1 Samba Bus

[project510]

According to the rules of the "Big Stuff Group Build" a build thread needs to be created. So even though its a LONG build time frame, and I am a bit early, there are a few things I want to sort out before we are allowed to being.

This is my first real attempt for a large scale build so I plan to keep it as simple and out of the box as possible. There are only two things I want to do to this kit outside the standard instructions.

1. Possibly change the paint color
2. A pretty decent drop in ride height

Photos for reference to the stance I am looking for:



Hopefully its not cheating but I printed out the instructions to get a look at how the parts go together and hopefully this community can chime in and give me some pointers.
These types of modifications are also new to me so this is the best I could think of.

For the rear, there are several pieces that all tie into each other so I thought removing the part of the axle the wheels attach to is the easiest way, and involves altering only 1 piece per side.

Here is the idea



Ill take any thoughts and suggestions. If this proves to be too difficult, ill revert to just a straight OOB build as Id rather build something nice than screw it up trying to change stuff.

With regards to the paint, from the research I have done, I believe this 23 window T1 was produced from 1950 to 1967. Besides the actual model options, for the 23 window there was an early version and a late version. The late version has an extended roof line over the wind shield so I guess this kit is the early version. Which is weird because in the instructions there are mentions of steps to take for either. I figured early is the correct version so paint codes will chosen from 50 to 55. Unless someone can provide better info, because interior colors shown in this kit are for the later version haha.



After reviewing this ^^ I may forgo the period correctness because I was hoping for other color options and also I am not a fan of black interior.

[tcoat]

Your idea from dropping will work fine. Just don't take too much out at first since in scale it only takes a small bit to end up with a large drop.

If you broaden you colour selection to all VW and a wider year range you get all sorts of choices. Does the kit maybe give you the parts for either version since it is in the instructions?




Not a 23 window but this is an early 60's one my dad had. Was red with a red interior so black wasn't the only option.





Went and looked at the instructions and it appears the roof of the kit is molded as the late. The overhang is much greater than your reference picture.

[project510]

Awesome photo tcoat ! And thank you for the color chart. I see some nice choices there!
The kit only refers to early or late version one time.

Here:

[project510]

Nov 28, 2023 19:21:59 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Went and looked at the instructions and it appears the roof of the kit is molded as the late. The overhang is much greater than your reference picture.

Good eye! Ill have to look at the kit to see. There is only 1 piece included so that will let us know for sure. Thank you!

[tcoat]

Nov 28, 2023 19:38:31 GMT -5 project510 said:

Awesome photo tcoat ! And thank you for the color chart. I see some nice choices there!
The kit only refers to early or late version one time.

Here:

Yep saw that. So the only difference they acknowledge between the two is chrome or body coloured bases and different shaped lens for the front turn signals. 

[project510]

Agreed, but if the included body is only representative of the late version that dictates what I build haha. Which is fine, since I am more than likely forgoing the standard body color after seeing your provided color chart.

[tcoat]

Nov 28, 2023 19:47:05 GMT -5 project510 said:

Agreed, but if the included body is only representative of the late version that dictates what I build haha. Which is fine, since I am more than likely forgoing the standard body color after seeing your provided color chart.

Well really the second you throw a drop on it it becomes a custom and anything goes anyway.

You could go all out!

[project510]

HAHA nice! But when it comes to VW's I actually prefer the stock look just really low.

[tcoat]

Nov 28, 2023 19:57:35 GMT -5 project510 said:

HAHA nice! But when it comes to VW's I actually prefer the stock look just really low.

I am with you on that. That monstrosity ruined a classic.

[project510]

Hot damn I need to figure out these colors. I like these!

[kyledehart5]

Yes, that's lovely. Those colors work well on there. Looking forward to when you get into this. Sounds like its going to be a fun build.

[deafpanzer]

Don't forget to order the flower decals too! I don't think you are cheating... you are doing research before the GB kicks off. I do that all the times because it helps me to order aftermarket sets if needed so I can have everything when it starts.

[tcoat]

Top 


link

Bottom (Yes there is a coloured square there)






link

Both would need gloss coating of course

[handiabled]

Looking forward to watching you put this one together!

[keavdog]

That's a great looking color combo.

[project510]

Nov 29, 2023 5:34:32 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Yes, that's lovely. Those colors work well on there. Looking forward to when you get into this. Sounds like its going to be a fun build.

I agree on the fun part, and thank you! 

Nov 29, 2023 9:04:42 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

Don't forget to order the flower decals too! I don't think you are cheating... you are doing research before the GB kicks off. I do that all the times because it helps me to order aftermarket sets if needed so I can have everything when it starts.

haha no flower decals here but I could try to add the little dash mounted flower holder thing I see in a lot of VW's

Nov 29, 2023 9:39:58 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Top 


link

Bottom (Yes there is a coloured square there)






link

Both would need gloss coating of course

Thanks! I think the beige is Volkswagen Kalahari Beige and possibly Ivory but your colors are very close. 

Nov 29, 2023 9:50:22 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Looking forward to watching you put this one together!

Thanks!

Nov 29, 2023 9:53:38 GMT -5 keavdog said:

That's a great looking color combo.

Right?! I mean I like the blue, but I feel like doing something I don't see as often.

[tcoat]

Nov 29, 2023 11:32:09 GMT -5 project510 said:

Nov 29, 2023 5:34:32 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Yes, that's lovely. Those colors work well on there. Looking forward to when you get into this. Sounds like its going to be a fun build.

I agree on the fun part, and thank you! 

Nov 29, 2023 9:04:42 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

Don't forget to order the flower decals too! I don't think you are cheating... you are doing research before the GB kicks off. I do that all the times because it helps me to order aftermarket sets if needed so I can have everything when it starts.

haha no flower decals here but I could try to add the little dash mounted flower holder thing I see in a lot of VW's

Nov 29, 2023 9:39:58 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Top 


link

Bottom (Yes there is a coloured square there)





link

Both would need gloss coating of course

Thanks! I think the beige is Volkswagen Kalahari Beige and possibly Ivory but your colors are very close. 

Nov 29, 2023 9:50:22 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Looking forward to watching you put this one together!

Thanks!

Nov 29, 2023 9:53:38 GMT -5 keavdog said:

That's a great looking color combo.

Right?! I mean I like the blue, but I feel like doing something I don't see as often.

Those were as close as I could find in actually available paints. Of course they are just judged on what shows on a screen so may not be totally accurate. That is a very cool combo as it is different from all the normal ones.

[Steve Zuleski]

That is like, totally groovy, Man, woow! I'm in!

[project510]

Nov 29, 2023 11:37:52 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Nov 29, 2023 11:32:09 GMT -5 project510 said:

Thanks! I think the beige is Volkswagen Kalahari Beige and possibly Ivory but your colors are very close. 

Those were as close as I could find in actually available paints. Of course they are just judged on what shows on a screen so may not be totally accurate. That is a very cool combo as it is different from all the normal ones.

Appreciate the effort. I think my LHS even carries Vallejo so ill stop by and take a look. 

Nov 29, 2023 11:43:16 GMT -5 Steve Zuleski said:

That is like, totally groovy, Man, woow! I'm in!

Thank you!

[armornutii]

   I agree with DP, you are preplanning your build...I will allow it ,  just don't get to excited. This will be fun to watch as I'm curious as to how to " drop" midel cars.....I literally drop model cars  LOL.

[project510]

Nov 29, 2023 11:52:41 GMT -5 armornutii said:

   I agree with DP, you are preplanning your build...I will allow it ,  just don't get to excited. This will be fun to watch as I'm curious as to how to " drop" midel cars.....I literally drop model cars  LOL.

 We've all dropped a car or two I am sure haha. 

[tcoat]

Nov 29, 2023 11:52:41 GMT -5 armornutii said:

   I agree with DP, you are preplanning your build...I will allow it ,  just don't get to excited. This will be fun to watch as I'm curious as to how to " drop" midel cars.....I literally drop model cars  LOL.

Well sometimes you have to get creative. 

I had to drop the front end of this about 2 scale inchs. Took some creative whittling of the axle and leaf springs.







 

[406 Silverado]

Now how in the heck did I miss this?? I am soooo in on this build.

[tcoat]

Nov 29, 2023 12:11:21 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Now how in the heck did I miss this?? I am soooo in on this build.

Yep! I have always wanted to see a build on one of these. No idea why but it is a kit that pops up in my ads all the time.

[deafpanzer]

Nov 29, 2023 11:52:41 GMT -5 armornutii said:

   I agree with DP, you are preplanning your build...I will allow it ,  just don't get to excited. This will be fun to watch as I'm curious as to how to " drop" midel cars.....I literally drop model cars  LOL.

Be careful... he has you on his radar now!

[project510]

Nov 29, 2023 13:42:34 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

Nov 29, 2023 11:52:41 GMT -5 armornutii said:

   I agree with DP, you are preplanning your build...I will allow it ,  just don't get to excited. This will be fun to watch as I'm curious as to how to " drop" midel cars.....I literally drop model cars  LOL.

Be careful... he has you on his radar now!

[tcoat]

Nov 29, 2023 13:45:14 GMT -5 project510 said:

Nov 29, 2023 13:42:34 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

Be careful... he has you on his radar now!

[2whl]

Nov 28, 2023 19:38:31 GMT -5 project510 said:

Awesome photo tcoat ! And thank you for the color chart. I see some nice choices there!
The kit only refers to early or late version one time.

Here:

If I'm not mistaken, their was only one roof overhang on the T1 bus.  The shorter overhang probably refers to the T2 which came out in 1968.  So the early/ late difference is primarily in the turn signals.   AFAIN The only time the roof line was changed was for the Westphalia camper version.

[tcoat]

Nov 29, 2023 15:10:59 GMT -5 2whl said:

Nov 28, 2023 19:38:31 GMT -5 project510 said:

Awesome photo tcoat ! And thank you for the color chart. I see some nice choices there!
The kit only refers to early or late version one time.

Here:

If I'm not mistaken, their was only one roof overhang on the T1 bus.  The shorter overhang probably refers to the T2 which came out in 1968.  So the early/ late difference is primarily in the turn signals.   AFAIN The only time the roof line was changed was for the Westphalia camper version.

Would appear that the no overhang was only up to 1955.


classicregister.com/id-guides/info-guide-1951-1955-volkswagen-deluxe-microbus-samba-bus

Also there are no turn signals at all!

[keavdog]

If you can pull off the chrome details with the black in the middle it's going to look awesome. Also really like the semi-gloss or matt black window frames.