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