Corgi Cutaway Lotus Esprit
ACACIA_AVENUE
UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
Knowing that I would never own the original Corgi Cutaway Lotus Esprit, got me thinking how easy would it be to create my own copy.
Well after studying the picture in the Great Book of Corgi, and realising that the car was not just simply cut in half, the top section is about 5mm narrower than the bottom section, I had an old version 2 Lotus and thought about giving it a go.
It took about 5-6 hours to do, I used a dremel with cutting discs to cut off the surplus parts then cleaned the edges with emery cloth, painted the edges with model making paint, drilled pilot holes for the screws so that the base could be securely fitted back on.
The only outlay was buying the paint which cost £6.40
And here is the finished result, I know it's not brilliant.......but I achieved what I set out to do.
Well after studying the picture in the Great Book of Corgi, and realising that the car was not just simply cut in half, the top section is about 5mm narrower than the bottom section, I had an old version 2 Lotus and thought about giving it a go.
It took about 5-6 hours to do, I used a dremel with cutting discs to cut off the surplus parts then cleaned the edges with emery cloth, painted the edges with model making paint, drilled pilot holes for the screws so that the base could be securely fitted back on.
The only outlay was buying the paint which cost £6.40
And here is the finished result, I know it's not brilliant.......but I achieved what I set out to do.
One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
Comments
Great stuff. {[]
Great to see people having a go at making their own stuff
Well done Rob -{
Hey Nick I would sooner have a tatty glass full of Merlot
Might have go at the box it's gonna be tricky though!
Well here is one I made earlier,
And it just shows what a mechanical masterpiece the Lotus model was. Imo, much better and sophisticated than the DB5 (but the DB5 has nicer wheels and is more accurate, I know...).
Who owns the original one now btw.?
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Thank you -{
I agree, when I first took it apart I was amazed how complexed the mechanism were, a truly mechanical masterpiece as you say.
I do not know who owns the original.....but I know there is an AJB member who I believe you know as 'Donk' would certainly like to be the the owner of it.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Well he would like my collection....I've got loads of crap
All kinds of crap apart from certain "Crappy Watches"......Light up TND Seamaster not included!
Nice work acacia...
And what happened to those Alan? Or did u keep all 7?
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I'd have to have a look and see how many are left (though I can tell you it's most ... I didn't find many buyers, mostly complaints that they were too expensive).
Every part had to be done at least twice. And since it took about three used models to yield one working unit worth having plated, I had (and still have) quite the litany of components (and expenses).
One interesting note: Going into the premiere, Jaws wasn't considered an especially significant character so Kiel didn't receive one of the presentation models but today has one of mine:
Very Nice PMJB -{ , They look brilliant. Good to see Jaws got one in the end.
Since my original post I had a go at doing the the same with the 1st version and tried to improve the outer box.
I was really surprised how the mechanisms had been altered inside.
For example:
1. the fins and rudder retaining mechanism on the 2nd version had a metal retaining clip attached to the base and the white plastic retaining clip had also been re-designed to ensure the fins and rudder held in place better when closed.
2. The rocket firing mechanism had also been re-designed, I guess to ensure the rockets held in place better when not fired.
You may be able to see some of the differences by comparing my original pics on post 1 and the pic above.
Some of the changes may represent mechanical improvements but for the most part, I think they were cost control moves: In almost all instances, they reduced both the number of parts and the complexity of assembly.
I can believe it!
Anyway they look splendid, and nice touch donating one to Richard! {[]
He asked if it would be okay to pass along to his son, now a doctor (yes, that toddler pointing to the Lotus emerging from the surf has since graduated med school) who is apparently keeper of the Jaws archives.