1997 Arie 500 Winner Wip

[Deleted]

Here is my latest 1/18th scale conversion. The car was originally the Maisto Dr. Jack Miller Crest car. The first problem is that the car was totally wrong as far as Indy goes. For starters, the wings were short oval wings so they had to be changed. The rear side pod body work had to also be highly modified with filler. The wheels were wrong so I had to use Greenlight OZ wheels and modify the rears to have a thin chrome lip on the outer edge. I added the fuel vent and all the other holes in the engine cover that were on the real car and also added a driver figure. The main modification I did was close the gap between the upper and lower halves on the nose. I did not want to be able to see the seam around the front suspension that all the 1/18th diecasts have. I sawed the lower part of the nose off and glued it to the upper half. Then filled in everything and went back later and drilled my holes for the suspension. I used every picture I could find to replicate eveything about the car. From some missing sponsor decals to the Arie only body fasteners on the car. Building cars as correct as I can get them has become an obsession. (Actually a sickness! ;D) I hope you enjoy the WIP pictures as much as I enjoyed building the car. - Stu

[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/Arie01-1.jpg"img]

[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/Arie04.jpg"img]

Before Wheel is on the left, after on the right.
[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/ArieRearWheel.jpg"img]

[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/Arie05.jpg"img]

[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/Arie08.jpg"img]

[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/Arie09.jpg"img]

[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/A10.jpg"img]

[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/A11.jpg"img]

[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/A12.jpg"img]

[Deleted]

OH! Special thanks to Michael for making these decals!!!
Stu

[illeagle10]

Oh Stu! You've done it again! Nice job.

Jim

[SWT500]

That car is magnificent. Removing those unsightly "diecast" body lines makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. It looks like it just needs some methanol and it's ready to race!! I believe 1/18 is the medium of the future and this car helps prove it. WOW!!

[bigevilmodels]

Love it


MB

[lazierfan]

Great Job Stu !!! Makes me want to get started on my 97 winner in 1/25th scale.

Eric

[indy]

Great looking build!

Jordan

[Deleted]

Thanks Guys,
I wanted to replicate the frong wing adjusters but had a hard time tryimg to figure out what to use for them. I finally took a straight pin and grinded the sides of the pin head to a "T".

I agree SWT500 that 1/18th is coming on strong lately as more & more people I know are converting them. The fact that Greenlight came back to fill the Indy Car 1/18th scale void is proof that the demand is there. I am excited that they will be doing the 2012 cars. Nothing against 1/25th scale what so ever because it will always have it's place in my heart. That fact that we have Lance coming back in a big way is awesome. But, now a days the options for so many different conversions is greater in 1/18th scale IMO.

Stu

[Calvin]

Wow! very very cool!

I actually have this die cast (crest car), one of the very few diecast I have 1 or 3. I got for my B-day a number of years ago...

Maybe I should copy you and make a 97 winner out mine also?

[Deleted]

Go for it 2K!
If you get stuck and need any pointers I will be glad to help.
I have many more in process photos I took and could pass them on to you if you wish.

It was pointed out to me that I missed the Aurora V8 decals up by the airbox so i added those last night. I also added a wicker door on the left rear wing end plate and a rear wing wicker. Seems little details keep popping up here and there but think I am finally done!

Stu

[Deleted]

My inspiration for the Arie figure double fist pose.

[img src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/sbenford/Arie.jpg"img]

[SWT500]

Which one is the real car?!?!? LOL!!!

[Art Laski]

Great job!