IMSA GTP cars MIA ?

[WaltB]

The mid 80's (83 - 87) IMSA GTP cars are some of my favorites, Great racing with some great drivers on some of the most iconic road courses in North America.

Watching videos got me thinking, where are the early Jags - the 04 and 44, Nissan, Hendrick Lola Corvette, the BMW M1, Ford Probe and a couple others I can't think of at the moment? I know the Mfg's are euro based and these likely never raced Le Mans or wherever, but I think producing a field of competitors makes more sense than every known livery of one car.

I'm slowly growing my field of "Group C" GTP cars (if they look the part they're in) But it's difficult when half the cars don't exist. I understand mold cost, ROI, licensing etc. But the market can't be that limited , can it?

If I knew squat about 3D printing/ modeling I would attempt my own - but I don't.

Any thoughts or ideas on this?

Thanks, Walt

[WB2]

Proto Slot-Kit had a Jaguar XJR5. Probably hard to find and expensive.

[WaltB]

Took a quick look on the web, the word "very" would sum it up.
I may have to look into the 3D printing world as I think I pursue many dead ends

Thanks, Walt

[DaveKennedy]

Yes, yes it can be limited. First you won't ever... and I mean ever make mold costs back on cars where you have maybe 2 different decorations on them. You need 4-5-6 minimum different liveries to make money back on a 50,000+ investment in molds. Nearly none of those cars have more than MAYBE 2 liveries. Trust me I've worked for 3 different slot companies and I've had these cars in the back of my mind for years.

[WaltB]

I hear you on the reasoning behind not producing certain cars - doesn't change the fact it leaves gaping holes in field selection. I guess I'll have to explore the 3D world or whatever else is out there.

On the bright side there is enough variety to make things somewhat interesting , just need to reach into the later (88-91) years. Won't stop looking though!


Thanks, Walt

[73emgee]

[olskoolslotz]

Here are a couple of options, Betta bodies has available a 1/32 1984 Lola Chevy Corvette GTP clear vac shell. Something to build with or perhaps produce a mold from. There was a guy that went by rixvette over at SCI who put out a few 1/32 resin Corvette GTP's ten years ago, I should have pulled the trigger on that when they were available.

And Milan Tomasek at MTR32 has some Group C, IMSA product. RTR's may be pricey but he has some unique hand built items. I have two of his RTR's purchased in more favorable times, a Pratt & Miller EDS Intrepid and Cadillac LMP-02. Very happy to have both cars not available elsewhere.

[WaltB]

Bob - that Jag is sweet! I need it! Saw them at the Glen in '85 and '86 , the exhaust tone left an impression that won't ever be forgotten!

olskoolslotz - Thanks for the info, I'll see if I can track something down thru those leads. I did learn the BMW M1 was a March 86G, it's a start. The early Nissan is available in a 1/24 model, and SCI is still a major pain so I mostly avoid it.


Thanks, Walt

[73emgee]

[WaltB]

So just took a look thru the Betta site, thanks for that idea, most of the mentioned cars are there and some I'm not sure what they are ? I'm not a fan of that type body (clear pc) but if they could be used as the start of a quality resin cast I would be willing to put in the effort. Any good tutorials on how to do high quality resin casting from start to finish?

Still need a 3D printer for interior details/ pieces :)

I see some cool cars in the future - hopefully I can make it happen!


Thanks, Walt


PS. Post up pics of your "IMSA" cars if you have them. would love to see what guys have done!

[WaltB]

Bob, I will check it out, been watching races on the U-tube lately. It gets addictive, nothing like that V12 at full song!

Walt