Jalopnik: model cars

World's Smallest Ferrari Key Fits Tiny Hand-Built Ferrari

The Auto Insider — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EDT

We've just found the world's smallest Ferrari key. What's it ignite? How about one of the world's most excruciatingly detailed 1/8-scale miniature hand-built Ferrari F40s? Check out the mega-gallery of master craftsmanship below.

A highly trained model enthusiast member of the Model Brouwers.nl forum has managed to make us feel like smaller, weaker men than we actually are by carefully assembling this 515 piece Pocher 1/8 scale miniature Ferrari F40. Not content with realism that the Pocher kit provides, he cranked the dial to eleven by including a 1500 piece photo-etched Autograph transkit into the mix.

For a nice cross reference to an actual, full-scale Ferrari F40 build, check out our Supercar Teardown where we get a sneak peek at the rebuild of a Ferrari F40 LM racer.

[ModelBrouwers.nl via TCL]

Lego Maniac Inspires Us With Amazingly Detailed Lego Cars

The Auto Insider — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:01:00 EDT

Lego Technic sets were always a bit out of reach for our patience level, so we stuck with plain bricks. So did this super-talented Lego Maniac for his amazingly detailed Lego cars.

Picking up his first Lego set when he was a kid, Firas Abu-Jaber has harnessed the very talented skill of building as-realistic-as-they-can-be four-wheeled Lego creations. While most Lego car builders we've seen in the past focus primarily on the exterior, Firas has chosen to cover all aspects, from the engine bay to the interior, with impeccable detail and care. Let this serve as an inspiration to all who love the little primary colored bricks, it certainly has been for us, and if you've got a personal Lego creation you'd like to share, pop it into the comments below. [via MOCpages]

Model Find Of The Week: Revell Gaga

Murilee Martin — Sat, 16 May 2009 15:00:00 EDT

After the agony of the already-sold '75 Civic kit last week, I figured I'd find a Model Hell kit you can still buy. This one ain't cheap, but that's what makes it Model Hell!

So here we have a Revell Gaga Rat Fink model. It'll set you back 126 bucks, but you'll be the only one in your prefecture with the Japanese version of the Revell Drag Nut kit.

Sure, you can get the regular Drag Nut kit for $35.99, but the Gaga appears to be in a larger scale. Does it come with the American-flag decals for the car, or must you paint them on? Either way, welcome to Model Car Hell!
[eBay]

The Air Hog Zero Gravity Micro R/C Car Uses Vacuum To Drive On Walls And Ceilings

Andrew Stoy — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:20:00 EDT

Ever tried to drive an R/C car on the wall only to come face-to-face with that stupidest of Newton's laws — gravity? No more! Air Hog Zero Gravity Micro R/C cars channel Jim Hall and his Chaparral 2J design, using a small fan to create enough suction to allow the little radio-controlled critters to cruise right up a flat wall and even across the ceiling. We're not sure if you can shut the things down mid-cruise, allowing you to launch off the ceiling ballistic-missile-style right into someone's head, but we're sure hoping so. And for just $44, ask yourself: Can you afford not to have one? [Dvice]

Trailer Park Special R/C Buick Finds A Way To Leave Puddle Of Electrons

Murilee Martin — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Some of you with very long memories might recall having seen my Hayward-style Impala model last year. That was a fun project, but TexanIdiot has taken the whole weathered-model concept a big step further, by making a model beater that actually drives. Welcome to the Trailer Park Special R/C Buick model, which features duct tape aplenty and some marks that might not buff right out. Here's the full project thread; make the jump to see the entire gallery and get TexanIdiot's summary.

Do you remember those Xmods R/C cars featured during the Jalopnik Christmas list right? I've been into them for a few years. Anyhoo, it's common for people to fit model bodies on them to have cars beyond what radioshack sells.

Everyone from 13 year old kids, to professional car painters do these sorts of conversions. Think of it as, your old model car that actually moves. Some are even able to do a full interior in the car bodies. Typically very shiny cars you'd see on the show room floor.

Not me. Nope. After seeing your beat up Impala model many moons ago, when it came time for a competition, I knew what I had to do... Build a "Trailer Park Special" car, and stand out from the show cars..

And here it is, paint fade and all. I just won $50 in a compitition with it, saweeet..

What's The Best Model Car You've Ever Built?

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:45:00 EST

Those without children but with normal adult lives may be unaware that we've reached LEGO's 50th Anniversary. And while we're not moved by the Speed Racer Legos, we remember back in our day creating some monster brick rides complete with jet engines, millions of lights, dozens of wheels and Road Warrior-esque weaponry. We also remember making a few sincere attempts at scale modeling, though with results we were never happy with.

It wasn't until a couple of years ago when we got an XMOD Mustang kit that we built something we were really proud of, a Black & Blue Dirt Track Special. It's a reminder that if you can't live your dreams full size, at least you can in scale. Here's your chance to completely geek out. What's the best model car, lego car, R/C car, slot car or power wheels you've ever built?

Tiny Volvo Helps Big Athletes

Wes Siler — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:00:00 EDT

Capable of carrying four discusses, three javelins or two hammers, this 1:5 scale C30 is lending a hand at the Pan-American Games, taking place right now in Rio de Janeiro. Powered by a 2bhp engine, with a top speed of 5mph, the diminutive version of Volvo's smallest car helps carry the sports equipment from where it lands back to where it's thrown.