Diecast model conversions on Artin 1/43chassis

One way to get really nice bodies with really nice finish is to use some die cast models and convert them onto an Artin chassis. The end result is a very nice looking car although quite heavy. However, with the added weight the cars really do not need any magnets and still drive quite nicely with the standard Artin 1/43 motor. Other more powerful motors can be substituted for better performance, especially under braking. One motor that works great for this is this SCW motor.

 

Porsche 911

 

·      I took a Schuco Porsche 911 GT2 that I had on the track in the scenery and sacrificed it to the good cause. I used an H2 chassis for the conversion; cut off both ends of the original die cast model chassis and left them under the car. I kept the original front axle from the die cast model and placed it in the middle holes of the Artin 1/43 chassis. I added a small plastic tab at the back of the chassis to hold it in place. I had to seriously reduce the back tires to make them fit in there. I changed the motor to a slot.it motor. I also reduced the original rear wheel inserts from the die cast model and put them into the Artin wheels.

 

 

 

 

Ferrari 250 GT

 

·      Another conversion was that of a Jouef Légende 1/43 model, a beautiful Ferrari 250 GT, 1961 vintage. I used an older F1 chassis for the conversion, cut off the rear end of the original die cast model chassis and left it under the car, such that the mufflers would still show. I kept the original front axle, axle support, and wheels from the die cast model and placed the axle over the braids of the Artin chassis. I added a large plastic tab at the back of the chassis to hold it in place while I mounted a plastic guide in the front for the chassis mounting screw. I had to seriously reduce the back tires to make them fit in there. As can be seen from the pictures, I still have to work the original model wheel inserts onto the Artin rear wheels.

 

 

 

Audi TT-R

 

·      Here is yet another diecast conversion. I picked up that 2002 Audi TT-R (Martin Tomczyk), a German DTM series car. This is a Schuco diecast and the quality is astounding ... Almost a shame to rip out the interior but hell, it is for a good cause!!! The car is also very light (for a diecast model) and that thing just flies around the track.

·      I had to take the chassis apart and make an opening so I could graft into it an Artin chassis while at the same time preserving the nice looking features of the car side pods and other things that are part of the chassis. I also had to cut the front and back of the Artin chassis a bit to make it fit into the opening.

·      I was able to use the front wheel of the original model. For the back wheels I went to the thin Artin wheel/tires and had to reduce the tire diameter to less that 15 mm.

·      I removed the magnet and shaved off the plastic lips of the magnet plastic housing under the chassis to get the bottom of the car as flat as possible. The ride height is about only 2 mm, which means that it is dragging a bit here and there on the track.

 

 

 

Opel Astra V8

 

·      Following the same process as for the Audi, I did another Schuco model, an Opel Astra V8 Coupe, also DTM class. Here are a couple of picture of both cars together:

 

 

 

 

LastUpdate: 8/20/06                                                                                               Drop me a note