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The Brapwagen--my Chevy S10 and Brapper!

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  • Member since
    January 2007
The Brapwagen--my Chevy S10 and Brapper!
Posted by the doog on Saturday, October 10, 2009 8:46 PM

Hi guys--

Well, it's been quite a while since I've built a model in "Auto's", but I"ve had the itch lately to do a project that I think we all want to do at some point--to model your own personal vehicle. 

Here's my New York rustbucket--a '97 Chevy S10 LS. 

And here's the kit--it's slightly different; mostly in the engine department, but I was not so concerned with that as much as making it look like my vehicle from the outside.

So here's what you get in the box.

The interior is really close, but for the console. The model has a smaller console--mine is a bog cassette box/armrest thing, and I wanted to really do the interior right, Here's the kit offering.

But here's my truck console...

So I fashioned one out of Milliput fine putty.

And then weathered them up. The interior was painted with Model Master and Polly S paints. A combination of MM Panzer Grey, White, tan craft paint, and Polly S Medium Gray. I had to figure a way to make the seats look like fabric to a degree, do I used wite and black oil to make a gray color and crosshatched the pattern onto them. The interior was flocked with black, and then matts cut out of 600 black sandpaper, and the floors weathered with MIG powders and pastels.

Detailing was finished with a Milliputt cassette box that Jenn just bought for me at a garage sale, lol, and some maps and whatnot in the side panels. I made seatbelt holders out of styrene too. And the blue bags behind the seats are old newspaper delivery bags that I keep in there for litter.

OK now the chassis. Here it is assembled...

Of course, the New York salt just eats up your undercarriage...

...so I had to rust it up good. This was accomplished with MIG weathering pigments mixed in MIG acrylic resin, and various oil washes.

My truck has a tonneau cover and a split, openable, tinted rear window, so...

 

... I decided to make one out of clear styrene and paint it with Tamiya Smoke, and then dip it in Future to get this result.

I got a organizer on the shade, and a sunglass holder inside..

....so I modeled these too with plastic and lead foil. The sunglasses is a PE accessory from Detail Master.

I put the window in, made a rear view mirror, some roof handles, and made some seatbelts hanging off the side...

My truck has this weird looking distributor that looks like a crab, so I had to model this out of styrene. The engine was weathered with MIG oils.

 

I had to fashion rails on the rear box which the tonneau cover snaps on to; this was done with 10 x 40 styrene rod, and then the snaps were made by using a single edge razor blade on a syrene .020 rod. I also then had to fashion 4 U-clips which keep the tonneau mounts on. I also had to make a folded tonneau cover out of Milliputt and lead foil. The truck was painted with Tamiya Pure White over Tamiya WHite Primer.It all laid down very nicely. The rear bed was then weathered with the trusty ol' MIG pigments, and some JoeFIx leaves left over from my "Rust Bunnies" dio. I weathered the rear fender with rust washes, and even added my "Watch for Motorcycles!" sticker on the back window with an old decal. That's where I keep my full-sized spare too. (Can't carry a bike on a donut tire!)

 

I had to "rust out" the bottom of the cab pillars there, by using a Dremel rotary tool to thin the plastic and effect that result, Another thing you might notice is that after I had painted it, I realized that the body had molding on it for the "SS" version that had to be removed! So I had to dig into that too, and repaint! Anyway, it's finally starting to look like my Brapwagen! The tires too, were weathered with pigments and washes.

 

I wired up the engine. It's not the same Vortech as in my truck, but it makes a decent representation...

And the piece-de-resistance! It's not easy to find current 1/25 scale dirt bikes today, but I managed to find one on eBay! I put cables on it, and painted up some Suzuki graphics and sponsor decals, and then weathered it to look like I just had a wonderful day brapping! 

I put it in the back with a scratchbuilt pair of tie-down straps made from lead foil and styrene, and a scratched loading ramp made from balsa and styrene. 

And here's the finished model! My Brapwagen--ready to go race or ride, as I will be this Sunday before the dam'ned snow sets in! WAHOO! bbbRRRAAPP!!! Big Smile [:D]

I even painted in my old bumper stickers on the rear...the lisence plate I made from an old decal and some paper with hand-lettered numbers. I plan to replace this with a photo of my plate scaled to size.

The underside--I hate to say it, but the weathering is pretty accurate for a NY vehicle!

Well, that's it! I hoep you enjoyed my post and my model! It's cool to have my real vehicle reduced in miniature. All comments, questions, and critiques always welcomed. Big Smile [:D]

 

 

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Eugene, Oregon
Posted by hughes2682 on Saturday, October 10, 2009 9:27 PM
Doog
I bow before you in awe. The things you create.... There are not words. The minute detail you've got in there. Sunglasses on the visor is a very nice touch!
Cheers
Dave

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Aaronw/Groupbuilds/ClassicAviationGB2010bomb.jpg

With enough thrust, pigs fly just fine.

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Saturday, October 10, 2009 9:35 PM
Holy cow, Karl! That's fantastic!

So long folks!

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: I am at play in the fields of the Lord. (Texas)
Posted by m60a3 on Saturday, October 10, 2009 9:45 PM

 

 Where is your keychain? Man, your work is truly awesome. Now we need a HORNET HEAD DOOD that looks just like DOOG to go in there! Very well done, Karl.

 

                                         60

"I lay like a small idea in a vacant mind" - Wm. Least Heat Moon "I am at the center of the earth." - Black Elk My FSM friends are the best.
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Inland Northwest
Posted by Summit on Saturday, October 10, 2009 10:01 PM
It is waay much hader to give an auto a beat up used look then the shiney . My Hat is off to you for such a Fantastic job of replicating your truck in miniature.  I am concerned about that your carpet may be so dingy. Go to Auto Zone and get some floor mats.... Wink [;)] The Yellow Hornet in the back looks ready to race also. Approve [^] Thumbs Up [tup]  One of the best auto models I have seen in a long time. 
Sean "I've reached nearly fifty years of age with my system." Weekend GB 2008
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Niagara Falls NY
Posted by Butz on Saturday, October 10, 2009 11:50 PM

Howdy Karl,

 Holly cow... That is totally sweet lookin..!! I really like how the undercarriage turned out especially the frame work.. The rust is very realistic looking too..

 Hope you bring this to BuffCon next year!!

I wished someone made a 99 GMC Sonoma SLS extended cab version like mine!! There would be some scratch building for sure!!

Flaps up,

Mike

Rangers Lead The Way

  If you would listen to everybody about the inaccuracies, most of the kits on your shelf would not have been built Too Close For Guns, Switching To Finger

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: San Tan Valley,AZ
Posted by smokinguns3 on Sunday, October 11, 2009 12:09 AM
Looks great Karl reminds me of my old 97 s-10 but wiyh out the rust Big Smile [:D]
Rob I think i can I think i can
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: I am at play in the fields of the Lord. (Texas)
Posted by m60a3 on Sunday, October 11, 2009 12:54 AM

 

 

 Karl, I was gonna tell you about this one time, in combat,  but I knew you wouldn't get it.. but I think your truck might have been close enough, maybe!

                                   60

"I lay like a small idea in a vacant mind" - Wm. Least Heat Moon "I am at the center of the earth." - Black Elk My FSM friends are the best.
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Spartanburg, SC
Posted by subfixer on Sunday, October 11, 2009 3:41 AM

That is so well done. My hat is off to you (watch out for the glare from my head). Please tell me that the S10 isn't the only four wheeled vehicle that you own. You don't take Jenn out in that do you?

Here is a website that you can use for license plates. I think they had you in mind when they put out the sample plate:                    http://www.acme.com/licensemaker/licensemaker.cgi?state=New+York&text=98967+jr&plate=1986&r=1654416409

              http://www.acme.com/licensemaker/licensemaker.cgi?state=New+York&text=Brapwgn&plate=1986&r=492380094

 

 

I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Sunday, October 11, 2009 6:27 AM
You are a dude among dudes, doog.  Not only is that a very cool project, it was beautifully executed. And it's great having the referecne source sitting in the driveway. I sure wish I ahd a Jagdtiger in my backyard right nowWhistling [:-^]

Marc  

  • Member since
    February 2009
  • From: mass,USA
Posted by scratchmod on Sunday, October 11, 2009 7:54 AM

Karl what can I say dude, this looks fantastic. I really love the weathering, wow.

 

Rob

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Canada
Posted by JTRACING on Sunday, October 11, 2009 8:23 AM
excellent stuff!!
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Sunday, October 11, 2009 7:47 PM

Thanks so much guys. I'm sorry it took me so ling to get back to this post; I was out racing this weekend--here's a pic of my truck this morning with the brapper in the back, for comparison...

Dave, once again, thank you for that kind compliment! I do appreciate that! Blush [:I]

Bill and Jarod, thanks as well! I had to drag you guys out of O&E's for this one, huh? Wink [;)] lol! 

Sean, that's so nice of you to say; thank you, bud! And thanks for the tip on the carpeting! My carpets aren't THAT dirty...yet..lol....but my truck could definitely use a good cleaning after some racing!

Mike (Butz)--thats a sweet-looking vehicle! Keep your fingers crossed! I like the extended cab! Thanks for the Thumbs Up [tup]'s!

Thanks too, smokingun/Rob! 

Lee...uh, yes, I do take Jenn out in this..Whistling [:-^]..Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg] lol! Thanks for the generous comment, and for that link! That's pretty cool! I'm gonna have to use that in future builds too! 

Marc---"a dude among dudes"-ha ha; thanks, man! I do appreciate that! 

Rob--thanks for the dual compliments! 

JT--"THE MAN" of the "Autos" forum! Your work is beyond reproach! I really appreciate the compliment; thank you! 

 

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: North Carolina
Posted by Back to the bench on Sunday, October 11, 2009 8:32 PM
Way cool, I love the frame weathering especially. You have a real talent for making very real copies of the 1:1 hardware that fit in the palm of a handWow!! [wow] Thanks for all the pics.

Gil

fox
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Narvon, Pa.
Posted by fox on Sunday, October 11, 2009 9:57 PM

 Doog, I can't find any words ssssoooooooooBow [bow]Bow [bow]Bow [bow]Bow [bow]Bow [bow].

JimCaptain [4:-)]

 Main WIP: 

   On the Bench: Artesania Latina  (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II

I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Memphis,TN
Posted by Traitor on Monday, October 12, 2009 8:18 AM
Very cool! But Im so glad I live in memphis, I would freak out if I had that much rust.
[quote user="RESlusher"] Nothing like seeing "two palm trees humpin' a garbage can"!! That's what we called the heavy lift guys when I was on an EH-60 at Fort Carson back in '91. [/quote] I'll never look at garbage cans the same again.
  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Brizioland
Posted by Brizio on Monday, October 12, 2009 10:10 AM
Nice job!!!
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Monday, October 12, 2009 2:31 PM

Thanks so much, Gil, Jim, Michael and Brizio! I appreciate your nice words! Big Smile [:D]

 

  • Member since
    September 2006
Posted by aussiemuscle308 on Monday, October 12, 2009 8:32 PM
nicely done model with lots of character. I've also modelled most of my own rides.
  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Coastal Maine
Posted by dupes on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 9:07 AM

Doog - this is nuts. Can't believe the attention to detail here...wow. Bow [bow]

I think my favorite part may be what you've done on the undercarriage. Looks spot on for a truck that's seen too many hard winters!

Have to admit I'm slightly surprised that your license plate doesn't say "The Doog". Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 9:23 AM

Thanks, Kevin! Some nice builds you have on your site, there! That Subaru Leone was one ugly car, lol! Laugh [(-D] I appreciate the comment!

dupes--thanks, man! I wish my truck didn't look like that underneath! Man, the rust up here just literally eats your vehicle to nothing from the bottom up!

A "vanity" license plate costs something like an extra $50.00 up here on top of the outrageous taxes and fees that NY State rapes us for. I couldn't justify the cost, and well....I'm just not that "vain", lol! Whistling [:-^]...Big Smile [:D]

Thanks for the Thumbs Up [tup]!

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: SLC, Ut.
Posted by Batosi420 on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 5:14 AM

Hello Mr. Doog, Sir.

I just wanted to say that I think your S10 & Brapper look stunning!! 

I've seen many of your works in these forums and the How-To's and in the pages of FSM magazine, and I'm always amazed.  No matter what the suject is you always put the same amount of effort into even the smallest details.

I think what really impresses me though, is how effortlessly you seem able to move from one subject to another. I don't know what's coming from your workbench next,  ...but I Do know at some point I will catch myself saying "Whoa" under my breath when I get to see whatever it is.Wink [;)]

You are the Master and I learn.Bow [bow]

Thanks,

-Ray

"Artificial Inteligence is No match for Natural Stupidity" -Woody Paige

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 8:39 AM
 Batosi420 wrote:

Hello Mr. Doog, Sir.

I just wanted to say that I think your S10 & Brapper look stunning!! 

I've seen many of your works in these forums and the How-To's and in the pages of FSM magazine, and I'm always amazed.  No matter what the suject is you always put the same amount of effort into even the smallest details.

I think what really impresses me though, is how effortlessly you seem able to move from one subject to another. I don't know what's coming from your workbench next,  ...but I Do know at some point I will catch myself saying "Whoa" under my breath when I get to see whatever it is.Wink [;)]

You are the Master and I learn.Bow [bow]

Thanks,

-Ray

Ray, thanks for those kind and flattering words! Blush [:I] I am humbled by your praise!

I'm happy that you've joined the forum in an active way, and hope we'll be seeing your work as well! I do enjoy a diverse group of modeling subjects; I just like to create things in miniature, I guess?  Smile [:)]

I'm happy to know that my work here helps others to enjoy and improve their own modeling, in some small way! Thanks again, and I hope I continue to inspire you and others! Big Smile [:D]

  • Member since
    February 2003
Posted by Jim Barton on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 7:29 PM
 the doog wrote:

Thanks, Kevin! Some nice builds you have on your site, there! That Subaru Leone was one ugly car, lol! Laugh [(-D] I appreciate the comment!

dupes--thanks, man! I wish my truck didn't look like that underneath! Man, the rust up here just literally eats your vehicle to nothing from the bottom up!

A "vanity" license plate costs something like an extra $50.00 up here on top of the outrageous taxes and fees that NY State rapes us for. I couldn't justify the cost, and well....I'm just not that "vain", lol! Whistling [:-^]...Big Smile [:D]

Thanks for the Thumbs Up [tup]!

 

Gorgeous model!Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup] I especially like the job you did with the rusty undercarriage!

You think New York weather is hard on cars, with the salty roads and all, take a trip to Hawaii someday and check out the rust buckets over there! My folks and I moved there in 1979, and we brought our beautiful 1969 Cadillac over there. Within two years, that beautiful Cadillac had become a Hawaiian rust-bucket! The warm, moist salt air, especially on the windward (east and north) sides of the islands is just murder on metal!

I particularly remember the band I played drums in, called Ariel in 1982. The guitar players were forever changing their strings because the rust would just eat through them within two days. All the special "sauces" and chemicals that they sprayed and/or wiped on the strings and was supposed to reduce the rust, did nothing! The hardware on my drum kit didn't fare much better, either.

One of these times, I'll have to tell you about the history teacher's Volkswagen.

"Whaddya mean 'Who's flying the plane?!' Nobody's flying the plane!"

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 8:36 PM

Thanks, Jim!

That's really interesting about Hawaii and the rust problems there! I wouldn't have thought...?

I wouldn't dig that too much--I hate changing my guitar strings! lol!

Bummer about that Caddy! Sigh [sigh]

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Portland, Oregon
Posted by fantacmet on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 9:03 PM

 Butz wrote:

I wished someone made a 99 GMC Sonoma SLS extended cab version like mine!! There would be some scratch building for sure!!

 

Actually all the parts are available in 2 or 3 kits.  With a bit of kitbashing you can replicate your truck.  This was talked about a few years ago in Scale Auto.  Might have to foil copy some emblems or get rid of some side trim, but other then that everything is there.  Just might be hard to find.

Rep[licating my truck wouldn't be THAT difficult, but finding the kits to do so would be.  I'd have to get a couple of old Datsun 720 kits, then scratchbuild a new front suspension for it, and then find wheels and tires, and scratchbuild a few other small bits.  Finding the kits is the hard part.

Great job on the S10 Karl.  And I TOTALLY agree with you about guitar strings.  It's annoying, especially since I have a trem bridge, which I locked down to hardtail with only limited success. 

    

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Friday, October 16, 2009 8:22 AM
 the doog wrote:

A "vanity" license plate costs something like an extra $50.00 up here on top of the outrageous taxes and fees that NY State rapes us for. I couldn't justify the cost, and well....I'm just not that "vain", lol! Whistling [:-^]...Big Smile [:D]

But Karl, think of all the money you save on haircuts? Laugh [(-D]

So long folks!

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Friday, October 16, 2009 2:36 PM

Thanks a lot, Michael! Good to hear from you again!

Bill--lol, "haircut"? What's that?! Laugh [(-D]

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: DSM, Iowa
Posted by viper_mp on Friday, October 16, 2009 11:44 PM
Ah, so this is where you've been hiding, Karl.  Great work on the S10.  Looks spot on for yours. Almost makes me want to model my old '93 S10. It was my first truck even and my pride n' joy, until I got my new car that is. Which ultimately got replaced with my Explorer. lol My old S10 was an extended cab, Ram air intake on a supercharged v6 automatic with push button 4x4. It had a crappy topped on it that I changed out for a soft cover. upgraded the factory stereo for a cassette played hooked to a 10disc CD changer. It was a great little truck. Lots of chrome though. I do remember people commenting on that.

Rob Folden

Secretary / Webmaster- IPMS Plastic Surgeons Member at Large-IPMS Hawkeye Modelers

  • Member since
    October 2009
Posted by Gear Head 6 on Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:46 PM
.........Great work on the weathering and interior detail.
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