This is a Work-In-Progress Post. Only the kit's Instructions manual is still to be made. Afterwards, a new, more elaborate post will be published with the finished project.
This is my first attempt on making a fully 3D-printable scale model kit.
The subject chosen is one of the most peculiar Grand Prix machines ever made, an entry made in 1923 by the famous brand from Molsheim: The Bugatti Type 32, nicknamed by evident reasons "The Tank"
The car made it's only relevant appearence at the most important race of the era: The Grand Prix de l'A.C.F., ran in 1923 at Tours. Ernest Friderich drove one of the Tanks to a 3rd place finish after 800km of dusty and tiring roads. The event was dominated by the italian FIATs but eventually all withdrawn by supercharger problems, leaving the field clear for the british Sunbeam team to take a 1-2-4 win.
Works' Bugatti team full force at the Grand Prix. Friderich (n°6) finished in 3rd. Photo: Bibliotheque nationale de France
Initial work consisted in researching about all aspects of the car: Its dimensions, mechanical components...
In the final design of the scale model, a total of 28 different pieces would have to be modelled, as 45 pieces are requiered to build the entire car. The scale is 1:64, mostly used in die-cast toy cars such as Hot Wheels.
This precise set of Blueprints by Roger Taylor was of great help for estimating measurements of all interior parts
Disposition of blueprints in CAD Software (Solid Edge)
Modelling process. First piece modelled were bodywork and chassis
First Prototype's 3D print. Most pieces are unglued. Small details needed some improvement
Bodywork can be detached from the chassis by sliding the clips shown here in orange
Bugatti's massive positive front camber was included
Some of the pieces modelled and printed for the 2nd prototype:
The T30 straight-8 engine was modelled as four separate parts for simplifying the modeller's painting job
Seat's cushions were modelled as a wavy, weary surface and despite its tiny size it can be seen in the 3D print even after painting
2nd Prototype was fully built. No issues at all building this version. This is a really small car, look at the Hot Wheels' Chiron!
Post to be continued
