1/8 Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Partwork
Discussion
Mentioned this in show us your models, and there seemed to be some interest in a build thread. Warning this will be a long runner as the parts are delivered monthly, so completion will take 2-3 years no matter how fast I work 
The kit https://bit.ly/2VkFTku
There are a few build series on Youtube which go into the details of construction, World of Wayne is one of the better ones https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_KUg8g1yx-...
Adam Savage, of Mythbusters fame, is also doing a build with more weathering https://youtu.be/uWpw1NTWBcY
So ordered last Sunday, a box arrived yesterday with this in
Untitled by MBBlat, on Flickr
which is basically the first 2 single issues and the 2nd monthly drop with 4 packs and one magazine.
First problem, as supplied the bonnet has a small but noticeable chip and a glue run, so will be contacting Eaglemoss for a replacement.
Untitled by MBBlat, on Flickr
I've also got some better after-market bonnet vents on order.
Will update once the build starts.
The kit https://bit.ly/2VkFTku
There are a few build series on Youtube which go into the details of construction, World of Wayne is one of the better ones https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_KUg8g1yx-...
Adam Savage, of Mythbusters fame, is also doing a build with more weathering https://youtu.be/uWpw1NTWBcY
So ordered last Sunday, a box arrived yesterday with this in
Untitled by MBBlat, on Flickrwhich is basically the first 2 single issues and the 2nd monthly drop with 4 packs and one magazine.
First problem, as supplied the bonnet has a small but noticeable chip and a glue run, so will be contacting Eaglemoss for a replacement.
Untitled by MBBlat, on FlickrI've also got some better after-market bonnet vents on order.
Will update once the build starts.
Issue 2
IMG_0783 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Headlight surrounds are metal, rest are chromed plastic. This brings its own problems, namely great big obvious seam lines on all the bumper parts:
IMG_0787 by MBBlat, on Flickr
So its a case of sand down, prime and try to re-chrome. I'll update this post with the results.
IMG_0783 by MBBlat, on FlickrHeadlight surrounds are metal, rest are chromed plastic. This brings its own problems, namely great big obvious seam lines on all the bumper parts:
IMG_0787 by MBBlat, on FlickrSo its a case of sand down, prime and try to re-chrome. I'll update this post with the results.
So with Issue 2 on hold while I get out the sanding sticks and chrome paint, and Issue on hold while I wait to see if Eaglemoss can supply a new bonnet, its on to Issue 3.
IMG_0788 by MBBlat, on Flickr
This composes the lower bumper with parking lights. These are causing some controversy amongst builders, as all the promotional material shows these lit, but they are supplied blind with nowhere to put any LEDs. Strangely enough this is screen accurate as nowhere in the first 2 films are these shown lit as they were intended as parking, not fog, lights and were switched so it was either headlights or parking lights, never both.
Anyway did a little mod, a dab of gloss white covered with a layer of gloss varnish to separate the bulbs from the reflectors.
IMG_0792 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_0793 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Luckily no viable seem lines in these parts, so going to follow Adam Savage and try an oil wash on them.
IMG_0788 by MBBlat, on FlickrThis composes the lower bumper with parking lights. These are causing some controversy amongst builders, as all the promotional material shows these lit, but they are supplied blind with nowhere to put any LEDs. Strangely enough this is screen accurate as nowhere in the first 2 films are these shown lit as they were intended as parking, not fog, lights and were switched so it was either headlights or parking lights, never both.
Anyway did a little mod, a dab of gloss white covered with a layer of gloss varnish to separate the bulbs from the reflectors.
IMG_0792 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_0793 by MBBlat, on FlickrLuckily no viable seem lines in these parts, so going to follow Adam Savage and try an oil wash on them.
I know, but then I have a weakness for big expensive model kits, at least this one I'm paying monthly rather than in one hit.
Ordered some miniature bolts to replace the screws on the engine block. Its a bit like the Pocher Lamborghini, build it stock and you will end up with a nice representation but do some extra painting and a few cheap mods takes it to a different level.
Ordered some miniature bolts to replace the screws on the engine block. Its a bit like the Pocher Lamborghini, build it stock and you will end up with a nice representation but do some extra painting and a few cheap mods takes it to a different level.
Here's where I've got to with the engine for now
IMG_0832 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_0833 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_0834 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Only done light weathering so far, replaced the visible screws with some scale hardware and picked out the moulded in bolts with molotow chrome pen.
To give a sense of scale, here it is with the Lego Ecto-1
IMG_0840 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_0832 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_0833 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_0834 by MBBlat, on FlickrOnly done light weathering so far, replaced the visible screws with some scale hardware and picked out the moulded in bolts with molotow chrome pen.
To give a sense of scale, here it is with the Lego Ecto-1
IMG_0840 by MBBlat, on FlickrIn case anyone's following this here's my progress to date
IMG_1853 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_1854 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_1856 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_1858 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Underside of left suspension
IMG_1859 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Engine nearly complete, just need to sort out some better representations of the electrical connections to the dynamo and starter motor, the kit supplied bits look more like hydraulic connections than electrical. Chassis not weathered as I want to wait until its a bit more together to give it all a uniform look.
here's my progress to dateIMG_1853 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_1854 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_1856 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_1858 by MBBlat, on FlickrUnderside of left suspension
IMG_1859 by MBBlat, on FlickrEngine nearly complete, just need to sort out some better representations of the electrical connections to the dynamo and starter motor, the kit supplied bits look more like hydraulic connections than electrical. Chassis not weathered as I want to wait until its a bit more together to give it all a uniform look.
Thanks fro the responses - I'll keep this thread updated.
I've watched Adam Savages videos - link in first post. I'm doing a lighter weathering job though, personal preference.
So this is where I've got to - engine complete and mounted on front frame.
IMG_1871 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_1869 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_1868 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Decals, from ebay, applied. Also replaced the tube from the generator to starter solenoid with wire and tried to make it look more like an electrical connection than the hydraulic connection supplied.
IMG_1870 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Finished re-chroming the front bumpers and assembled the front grill, replacement magnetic numberplate.
IMG_1877 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Weathering is there but subtle - two front wheels, upper is as supplied, lowered is weathered using Tamiya brown panel liner.
IMG_1879 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Got the next 4 parts, which mainly comprise building the floor - big pieces, all metal
IMG_1878 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Its going to be heavy - just the engine and forward frame are over 1kG.
I've watched Adam Savages videos - link in first post. I'm doing a lighter weathering job though, personal preference.
So this is where I've got to - engine complete and mounted on front frame.
IMG_1871 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_1869 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_1868 by MBBlat, on FlickrDecals, from ebay, applied. Also replaced the tube from the generator to starter solenoid with wire and tried to make it look more like an electrical connection than the hydraulic connection supplied.
IMG_1870 by MBBlat, on FlickrFinished re-chroming the front bumpers and assembled the front grill, replacement magnetic numberplate.
IMG_1877 by MBBlat, on FlickrWeathering is there but subtle - two front wheels, upper is as supplied, lowered is weathered using Tamiya brown panel liner.
IMG_1879 by MBBlat, on FlickrGot the next 4 parts, which mainly comprise building the floor - big pieces, all metal
IMG_1878 by MBBlat, on FlickrIts going to be heavy - just the engine and forward frame are over 1kG.
Drawweight said:
What did you use to chrome the bumpers?
Molotov chrome refill through the airbrush. Only did the upper bumper as they had quite bad visible seem lines in them, its by no means a perfect job but I have trouble getting any gloss paint looking good. I may end up putting a matt coat on anyway as the real car had its chrome dulled so the crew wouldn't show in reflections when filming.Got the floor pans on this afternoon - its getting big and heavy
IMG_1880 by MBBlat, on FlickrI used some RC car stands to keep the engine off the desk when its upside down
IMG_1882 by MBBlat, on FlickrHad my first real fitment issue, the mid chassis brace had a location pin that was far too long plus some large ejection pin marks that was keeping it from sitting properly, a few minutes work with file and dremmel sorted that.
IMG_1883 by MBBlat, on FlickrStill got to do the brake lines - got some copper wire on order to replace the plastic tube supplied, plus trying to decide if its worth spending time and effort tidying up the prop shaft as it will not be very visible on the completed model.
SydneyBridge said:
How long will it take to get all the parts ?
Its 141 issues, 4 issues arrive every 3-4 weeks, so about 2 1/2 years. Its not going to be a quick project.Apparently its possible to up the frequency to every 2 weeks which would drop it down to a year and a half.
Between doing mods and other modelling projects I'm not finding the supply frequency too bad at the moment, I might up the frequency over the winter though.
Got some copper wire to make up the brake lines, and just ordered some Tamiya braided tube from Russy to make the flexible connections.
Got some copper wire to represent the brake pipes
IMG_1885 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Just need to work out how to represent the clips to attach to the front chassis, slightly tempted to leave them loose until the front fender liners arrive and fix them then, should be part of next months pack so not long.
Did some filling on the propshaft and a rough coat of black primer, only did the ends as most of it will be hidden in a tunnel.
IMG_1884 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Last pack this month was only 3 parts, the rear chassis, battery box holder and levelling valve
IMG_1887 by MBBlat, on Flickr
This gets attached to the rest next month, but starting to get an idea of the size of this beast.
Looking ahead on World of Wayne's videos looks the next two months add a lot of details, I may have to do some work on the back of the radiator to hide the screws, one place when glue would have been preferable to screwing everything together.
IMG_1885 by MBBlat, on FlickrJust need to work out how to represent the clips to attach to the front chassis, slightly tempted to leave them loose until the front fender liners arrive and fix them then, should be part of next months pack so not long.
Did some filling on the propshaft and a rough coat of black primer, only did the ends as most of it will be hidden in a tunnel.
IMG_1884 by MBBlat, on FlickrLast pack this month was only 3 parts, the rear chassis, battery box holder and levelling valve
IMG_1887 by MBBlat, on FlickrThis gets attached to the rest next month, but starting to get an idea of the size of this beast.
Looking ahead on World of Wayne's videos looks the next two months add a lot of details, I may have to do some work on the back of the radiator to hide the screws, one place when glue would have been preferable to screwing everything together.
Next 4 packs have arrived, the first of which is the rear floor, so the chassis is now complete and the full size of the thing becomes apparent. For those with the LEGO Technic Porsche RSR I thought I'd do a quick size comparison
IMG_1892 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Also put it up by the poster that came in the first issue that shows the car in 1:1, so alittle bit more front and rear overhang to add.
IMG_1891 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Next step is the front wheel wells and radiator - and the radiator has 6 screws in the back end, this together with the screw in the gearbox sump are probably the the worst placed ones I've come across yet, I think some filling or scratch-building may be coming in the future. Already put some MrSurficer 500 in the sink holes on the brackets.
IMG_1894 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Also received the first 2 Proton Packs, did a bit of repainting and weathering on the first, still trying to work out how to do the prominent ribbon cable that is totally missing.
IMG_1893 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_1892 by MBBlat, on FlickrAlso put it up by the poster that came in the first issue that shows the car in 1:1, so alittle bit more front and rear overhang to add.
IMG_1891 by MBBlat, on FlickrNext step is the front wheel wells and radiator - and the radiator has 6 screws in the back end, this together with the screw in the gearbox sump are probably the the worst placed ones I've come across yet, I think some filling or scratch-building may be coming in the future. Already put some MrSurficer 500 in the sink holes on the brackets.
IMG_1894 by MBBlat, on FlickrAlso received the first 2 Proton Packs, did a bit of repainting and weathering on the first, still trying to work out how to do the prominent ribbon cable that is totally missing.
IMG_1893 by MBBlat, on FlickrEngine bay finished for now
IMG_1899 by Mark Benger, on Flickr
IMG_1898 by Mark Benger, on Flickr
Next step is the exhausts - seem lines galore and the supplied paint is a bit silvery, so out with the sanding sticks and airbrush.
IMG_1899 by Mark Benger, on FlickrIMG_1898 by Mark Benger, on FlickrNext step is the exhausts - seem lines galore and the supplied paint is a bit silvery, so out with the sanding sticks and airbrush.
For those still following.
Spent a bit of time removing the seam lines and repainting the exhaust, also added some random rusting effects
IMG_1903 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Also added the rear axle and starting weathering the underside. Once it cools down a bit I might add some oil washes and pigmentation.
IMG_1900 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Spent a bit of time removing the seam lines and repainting the exhaust, also added some random rusting effects
IMG_1903 by MBBlat, on FlickrAlso added the rear axle and starting weathering the underside. Once it cools down a bit I might add some oil washes and pigmentation.
IMG_1900 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Just a little job this weekend - the Ghost trap and foot pedal.
Added the chipping and a little bit of detailed painting followed by a black Tamiya panel line wash. I also added the missing red and yellow wires to the foot-pedal.
IMG_1905 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_1906 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_1908 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Added the chipping and a little bit of detailed painting followed by a black Tamiya panel line wash. I also added the missing red and yellow wires to the foot-pedal.
IMG_1905 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_1906 by MBBlat, on FlickrIMG_1908 by MBBlat, on FlickrRear axle assembled. I didn't like the plastic pipes supplied so superglued some copper wire in place, will trim them once the axle is mated to the chassis & install some braded hose for the flexible parts.
Also got the oil paints out and did some weathering - I think it came out rasonably well and I might replicate on the rest of the chassis.
IMG_1909 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Also got the oil paints out and did some weathering - I think it came out rasonably well and I might replicate on the rest of the chassis.
IMG_1909 by MBBlat, on FlickrDash Completed. Used a bit of Tamiya black panel liner to tone down the chrome, and scratch built the face of the dummy antenna.
IMG_1933 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Detailed and painted the back of the radio, didn't have any black wire so painted the yellow NATO black, tied to make the red positive seem as if it had been partially black coated during installation.
IMG_1935 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Added caballing to the switches and instruments below the dash, will tidy them up when installing the dash onto the car. From what I can gather on the original they were run behind a loose panel next to the steering column.
IMG_1936 by MBBlat, on Flickr
And finally did an oil weathering pass on the underside
IMG_1940 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Still got to reattach the rear axle and sort out the brake lines, plus the fuel tank/battery box.
IMG_1941 by MBBlat, on Flickr
IMG_1933 by MBBlat, on FlickrDetailed and painted the back of the radio, didn't have any black wire so painted the yellow NATO black, tied to make the red positive seem as if it had been partially black coated during installation.
IMG_1935 by MBBlat, on FlickrAdded caballing to the switches and instruments below the dash, will tidy them up when installing the dash onto the car. From what I can gather on the original they were run behind a loose panel next to the steering column.
IMG_1936 by MBBlat, on FlickrAnd finally did an oil weathering pass on the underside
IMG_1940 by MBBlat, on FlickrStill got to reattach the rear axle and sort out the brake lines, plus the fuel tank/battery box.
IMG_1941 by MBBlat, on FlickrNext 2 issues, 13 & 14 have arrived. 13 didn't have a lot to do, a couple of lower dash side panels with (fake) speakers and the front floor panel and mats. The floor doesn't come carpeted and the floor mats were optional extras on the real Cadillacs, and not present on the restored ECTO-1, so I've ordered an aftermarket carpet set.
Issue 14 is the front seats, these are softish rubber with a foam insert, so slightly squishy. The backs were a bit to plastic looking for my taste so I've taken them apart again ready for some paint. Mocked up how the seats will look with the dashboard.
IMG_1947 by MBBlat, on Flickr
The seatbacks do tip forwards a bit, revealing a lot of screwheads
IMG_1949 by MBBlat, on Flickr
Next up the dividing bulkhead and first jumpseat.
Issue 14 is the front seats, these are softish rubber with a foam insert, so slightly squishy. The backs were a bit to plastic looking for my taste so I've taken them apart again ready for some paint. Mocked up how the seats will look with the dashboard.
IMG_1947 by MBBlat, on FlickrThe seatbacks do tip forwards a bit, revealing a lot of screwheads
IMG_1949 by MBBlat, on FlickrNext up the dividing bulkhead and first jumpseat.
dudleybloke said:
Are you leaving the seat back the way it is or will you glue and fill to remove the screws?
Going to wait to see how visible they are once the interior is together. There is a half height bulkhead immediately behind the seats, so wont be seen from the back, and on the real thing the seat-backs are behind the door jam. So as long as I don't fold the seats forwards the screws will be pretty much invisible once complete. The advantage of a screw assembly is that if I change my mind later it will be simple to remove the seats and fill in the screw holes.I might have to do something about the underside of the jump seat though, the screws are fairly visible when its folded up.
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