Revell Vanagon (T3 Camper) Model Build

Captjon1959 · Last edited by Captjon1959 on Sat Feb 01, 2014 6:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

It is too cold in Michigan to do any real work on my Westy, so I have started my model build. I am returning to my teen years, probably the last time I tried to build a model.

If the moderators don't shut this down since it isn't a real vanagon, I will document my progress. I am going to try to make it match my '84 Wolfsburg Edition. I am too cheap to buy all the paints it would take to do things correctly, so bear with me.

Here's the start:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

It kind of looks like the engine for this model was air cooled based on the shroud around the heads but it may just be the mold. There are coolant lines feeding to the front. You can see the fuel pump and early style square fuel filter on the under body. I also see I need to touch up some paint.

No evidence of leaking heads on this engine; unless I add some coolant oozing.

I did a Bostig conversion last winter/spring. Perhaps I should buy a 1:25 Ford Focus model and see if Bostig makes a 1:25 plastic engine cradle.

Here's the inside. It is going to me a nightmare to paint. I will have to buy some more paint to do this.

Here's the top of the engine. Needs touch up and work. Lots of detail if a person were really skilled.

As I worked on this I was reminded of going to Terrace Drug Store near my boyhood home where they sold models. My brother noticed that they priced the models with a grease pencil and that you could erase parts of a price with your finger. I remember doing that once. I still feel bad, but they tore that store down when they expanded the hospital 40 years ago, so there's no making it right now. Lord, forgive me.

I will post more... suggestions are welcome.
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1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition
Former 1.9 L now Bostig Ford Zetec

SteveVanB · Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2014 6:01 pm Post subject:

Man, I was at a swap today and almost bought one of these models. I'm wishin I did Crying or Very sad

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91 CARAT

Captjon1959 · Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2014 6:38 pm Post subject:

barryf1fan · Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2014 6:45 pm Post subject:

Will be checking back for the build pics...
Been thinking about one of these as well.

Derek Cobb · Annoying Joined: March 11, 2004 Posts: 2565

I built that model back in the 80's. Very good detail. One of the nicest models I ever completed.

AtlasShrugged · Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2014 8:08 pm Post subject:

Looks like an automatic transmission too.

Captjon1959 · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 1:30 am Post subject:

Crankey · Samba Member Joined: July 11, 2004 Posts: 2659

dhaavers · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 12:09 pm Post subject:

Just curious - do you have a pic of the box?

There are a few different models out there, but I wish I could find a WBX with square headlights. My model doesn't
match my van, so I haven't been motivated to put it together & haven't felt like doing the custom work to make it so.

FWIW, mine's like this one:

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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

Captjon1959 · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 5:23 pm Post subject:

[quote="dhaavers"]Just curious - do you have a pic of the box?

There are a few different models out there, but I wish I could find a WBX with square headlights. My model doesn't
match my van, so I haven't been motivated to put it together & haven't felt like doing the custom work to make it so.

FWIW, mine's like this one:

The model I am using has the round headlights. The box pic is below. I am painting parts now. The paint doesn't cover well and it will take multiple coats and a steady hand for the final coat. Looks pretty bad right now, but I am confident it will turn out good.

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1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition
Former 1.9 L now Bostig Ford Zetec

SyncroScott · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 6:57 pm Post subject:

Fun thread! Looking good.

I have one of these models and I got as far as building the body and priming it. Now it sits in my RC plane workshop begging to be finished. Maybe I will once my real van has more of its bugs worked out and I have some more time.
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'90 Flat-top Syncro
‘17 Golf Wagon
'15 Golf

Captjon1959 · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 2:14 pm Post subject:

Got a few minutes to do the front suspension

Good tread on the tires but a little more touch up to do on the inside of the wheels

A little out of focus but here's the completed rear suspension.

Here's the completed underside. I've done a second coat on the chasis. I need to add the brown ('84 Wolfsburg) but I want to get the other colors done, cleaned up, and taped off for the brown. Lines are a little shaky right now but I hope I can clean them up on the final coat. I've also tried to see how the cabinets will trim out. It will take a steady hand... we'll see. Still don't like the woodgrain.

I've blacked out the front of my van, so the model gets blacked out too.

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1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition
Former 1.9 L now Bostig Ford Zetec

campism · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 2:34 pm Post subject:

I trust you'll be doing the fuel lines...
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'87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic

Captjon1959 · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 3:13 pm Post subject:

tarandusVDub · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 3:18 pm Post subject:

I bet they will still burn nicely if set on fire... Twisted Evil

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1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
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Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

Captjon1959 · Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:15 pm Post subject:

Well, I now remember why I hated building models as a teen... I always messed up the painting and got gluey finger prints on the clear plastic parts. I thought that perhaps with all the skills I have acquired and wisdom I've gained as I've aged that somehow I would do better... nope; Embarassed

same problems, same disappointment. Here's the result... paint job stinks, but despite that, I did kind of enjoy it. I didn't use spray paint so I could mix colors.... that's what caused the trouble with the body. Oh well Rolling Eyes

it does match my Westy's color scheme....

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1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition
Former 1.9 L now Bostig Ford Zetec

MarkWard · Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:45 pm Post subject:

For what it is worth, it looks fine to me. I would have thought my model building skills had improved with time as well. My dad was always much better than me as a kid. thanks for posting the end product.
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☮️

Ahwahnee

I am almost inspired to get mine down from the shelf and build it out. Almost.

chojinchef · Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 5:50 pm Post subject:

I got my miniature fix with 'adult' class of my kids pinewood derby.

I thought I would be better at painting as well as I was older. Still do not have the patience to do them right; too much to do on real one.

Spent more time doing woodwork and getting that close (and under 5 ounces).

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Its a mistress; an expensive, whiney, needy bitch of a mistress. She is a chunky, dirty girl with bad skin, little motivation and yet she always makes me smile. She sure has been around before shacking up with me. She has a direct line to my wallet, plays with my emotions, is consistantly jovial yet with a sarcastic and sardonic side, is consistant in her inconsistancy, and every once in a while gives me a great ride and a fantastic memory.

Dampcamper · Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 5:56 pm Post subject:


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