discussion Wire Wheels for Airfix 1/12 Scale Bentley

[Guest]

Hi,

I'm new here (and new to model car building), and I was wondering if anyone knew of where I could get any better wire wheels for the Airfix 1/12 scale Bentley Blower, or failing that, if anyone could tell me what the diameter of the kit's wheels are.

I haven't bought the kit yet, I'm just researching how the kit can be improved.

Any suggestions will be greatly received.

Regards,

Ian.

 

[Ian M]

Well as it happens you can buy them. I will point out that they are "rather expensive" BEFORE you get all exited... :-O

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.435240669864665.109610.435231619865570&type=3

I was wondering the self same thing a week or so ago and saw these.

They do look rather nice though.

Ian M

 

[Guest]

Thanks Ian, yes they are a bit on the pricey side! That works out at twice the price of the kit, but yes they do look rather nice.

Regards,

Ian.

 

[eddiesolo]

As Ian pints out they are very expensive, Borrani also do some but again at £180 or so is it worth it? The model motorbike guys use the existing rims and centre piece and then make their own spokes using real wire, it takes a steady hand, and very, very small drill to drill out the nipples, these are 1/12 scale.

Si

 

[eddiesolo]

I found this on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Airfix-1930-Bentley-1-12-Model-Kit-/261400985231

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Airfix-Bentley-1-12-Model-Kit-/201041213588

Might worth a punt to get some spares and have a play about with the wheels.

Si

 

[eddiesolo]

This guy maybe able to help Ian, not cheap again but he makes to order with tyres.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-12-1-14-1-18-1-20-1-24-wire-wheels-not-photoetched-for-Alfa-Bugatti-/191048929612?pt=Model_Kit_US&hash=item2c7b67514c

Si

 

[Guest]

Many thanks for all your helpful replies chaps, I'm glad I joined this forum! It's certainly given me food for thought. I'm currently finishing off a model of HMS Victory, and as I have an interest in classic cars, I thought I might try a car next. Unfortunately large scale classic car kits seem to be few and far between, it's either Airfix's Bentley or seeking out a very old and expensive Pocher kit.

Regards,

Ian.

 

[Ian M]

Oh welcome to the forum by the way!

Another Ian !

Cheers

Ian M

 

[Guest]

Thanks Ian.

Ian.

 

[Guest]

if you look up Gerald Wingrove or find one of his books I seem to remember that he did wire spoke wheels by drilling out the rim and hub and then threading a continuous wire through the rim to the hub. Possibly a lot of work but worth the result maybe.

When I get around to my Bently blower I will do that and also I going to spray it red. One for the future.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Harry. It looks like it's either going to be a complicated and laborious job or very expensive.

Ian.

 

[Guest]

Here is a method which may give you some ideas http://www.hobbylink.tv/uc-realistic-wire-wheels or this thread over on Britmodeller

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234952686-making-real-wire-wheels-in-all-scales/

 

[Ian M]

Nice one Bari. I rather like the first link.

Ian M

 

[Guest]

Yes Ian, it looks reasonably easy although I think I would pin the rim and hub down to make sure the hub was centred. I may try the other method on a ww1 model using a clear centre to the wheel to give it some strength .

 

[Guest]

Here are some more methods, some very good looking wheels here...

http://www.themotormuseuminminiature.co.uk/re-spoking-wire-wheels.php

also this site does loads of bits, a lot to trawl through an email to them might be easier

http://www.scalelink.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

 

[Guest]

Time consuming, but ultimately rewarding.

These are hand made wire wheels on my 1/8 Aston DB5, and my current scratch-built Jaguar C Type....

Roy.

 

[Bugatti Fan]

Found this thread a few years on!
There is a guy named Nick over on the Britmodeller website who is developing trans kits for the old Bentley including a wheel set. He is doing wheel rims and hubs ready to take wires using 3D printing.
Also be is planning a full kit in the future.

 

[Bugatti Fan]

Following my last post
Nick Edwards is the man developing the big Airfix Bentley upgrade transkits.
His sales website is named Unobtainium, so quick search will find it.
He also sells wire wheel kits for one of the Italeri Alfa kits.

 

[Jagawar]

I bought a set on E bay all five wheels from Portugal they are hand Wired like Pocher

 

[Airborne01]

Hi Ian, wheely good to welcome you!
Steve