I usually build sci-fi kits, but I just finished the Polar Lights 1950’s Batmobile and won my first award in my first contest! My next kit is the Polar Lights 1960’s Batmobile and I really want to detail the engine bay and systems. Scale Auto magazine featured an article on this two months ago and I got inspired. At the NNL east, I bought a cool set of wires and lines for $20, which looks like it should be great.
Here’s the rub: I don’t know what the heck I’m doing! I couldn’t tell you where a break line starts and a radiator hose ends. I have next to no knowledge of the basic vocabulary of car building.
I have been fruitlessly searching the internet for schematics, diagrams, anything, that can give me ideas for break systems and engine compartments. Really, though, I am your run-of-the-mill idiot.
I really want this kit to look great. Heck, the hood opens, so why not detail it!
Any help would be immensely appreciated! The NNL east show was a great introduction to the meticulous quality that can be achieved in modelling. I very much want to learn as much as I can about how to do this.
I’m the same way with cars so don’t feel bad. I have not attempted to detail an engine, but I hope to soon. I built a model of my dads 1970 MGB and I got out my camera and took dozens of pictures. Even though you won’t be able to run to your local batmobile dealership, you might be able to take pictures of several types of cars and use them as a starting point for a general look of how a engine should look with all it’s wiring and hoses and such. Good luck with your detailing!
my sugestion would be to go get an autorepair manual for an older car, 1970’s early, they are pretty simple under the hood. you should be able to buy one at anyy parts store.
TIP: this will require some amount of pre-planning … I usually drill holes in engine, firewall, etc… before painting and assembly, this makes inserting wires/hoses much easier, but a plan is needed… here’s a pic of my most extreme wiring job (electric,fuel,brakes,hydraulic), a little blury, but you get the idea
deane, congratulations on your first award and hopefully one of the first of many.
To add a little to what has already been said try your local library for any basic how to books for cars and car maintenance. These have simple clear diagrams and usually photos of the important parts like radiator hoses, brake lines, electrical wiring, batteries and so on.
Good luck, Cheers , Pete.
