Mini Cooper S - Finished! - video on Big Targa added

[VTECFOUR]

Got a soft spot for the classic Mini so I'm moving forward using the nice Tamiya Mini Cooper S kit as the basis.



With the results of my first sidewinder motor pod chassis for a friend's build, I can see that it'll easily fit within the model's dimensions.



It'll need a shorter front assembly with the guide post right to the axle tube so the guide is tucked in.

Although the kit's a 1/24th version, I'll be running it with the 1/32 cars in our club's Open class. It's smaller than some of the cars being run so I don't think anyone will object.

I'm excited by this build as it'll remind me of my 1:1 car sold off a few years ago.



Stay tuned.

Dan

[TuscoTodd]

Should make for a sweet looking runner when you are done! :D

[Retro Racer 44]

Well Dan, I don't know. A 1/24th running against our 1/32s. unthinkable. Besides, your 1/32 Minis can kick my a$$ so this should be unbeatable. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Looks like a great build. go for it, eh?

Keith

[VTECFOUR]

Didn't work out to use a Slot It sidewinder motor pod and my wheels/tires, so I'm going with my tried and true chassis using the Devised Designs super slim FF050 motor pod.

Brass square, round and strips cut and ready for soldering.



Should be assembled and running in a couple of days.

Dan

[VTECFOUR]

Chassis's assembled and rolling.



Going for this low down stance so the side pans are as close to flush with the body's sills.





Rear wheels\tires aren't scale but I'm going for performance.

Dan

[VTECFOUR]

Chassis's running. Goes well as it's a tried and true formula for many of my builds.



Cosmetically, sawed, filed and sanded the kit's S steel wheels into inserts for the 14.3 front and rear rims.





Mounting the body is next.

Dan

[dreinecke]

Super build Dan!

[TuscoTodd]

That is one CLEAN looking build sir!
Two thumbs up!

[VTECFOUR]

Body's mounted.







Went for the chassis side pans to be flush with the body's sill, so it's quite slammed at the back. Front could be lowered just a bit.





Did mounting posts at the front and back so I could use more of the kit's interior pieces. Fortunately, the front post lined up just under the scuttle panel allowing a removable bonnet to reveal engine bay detail.



Chassis and tires have lots of clearance from body so no performance-robbing rubbing.

Working out well so far. On to some modelling work.

Dan

[VTECFOUR]

Mock fit the kit's wheels modified into wheel inserts and the chrome hubcaps.







The stock look with the slammed rear works for me.

Had the opportunity to test run on Luf's Targa Burnaby and got down to a respectable 7.89 fastest lap. Met my objective to be able to run with a Slot It car.

Much more modeling to go.

Dan

[VTECFOUR]

Roof and bonnet test fitted.





Really looking like a Mini now.



Slow going on the fiddly stuff including the engine bay and motor fitment and fabricating a flat interior tray incorporating the kit's dash and partial seat detail.

Being patient.

Dan

[VTECFOUR]

Want to include the kit's engine detail, so lots of fiddling to install and allow free rotation of the guide.





Getting there.

Dan

[VTECFOUR]

A little progress with some engine detailing.





Mixed some Tamiya bottle green and black to get the desired darker green. Kit's carb air filters were replaced with guide eyelets for a simulated trumpet look.

Slow going, but not rushing this build.

Dan

[Beast Lee]

That's looking awesome Dan...!!!

[Lou E]

That is so cool! How do you plan on keeping the hood closed?