Amax/Newqida Restaurant Car Bash

[3Valve]

Finally I've found some time to start on my Amax coach Restaurant Car bash.

Now before I crack on I'm not saying that Amax stuff is brilliant or better than anyone else's stuff or any other such statement, I'm simply showing folks my latest kitbash. Why do I use the Amax coach as a base? Cos it's cheap....simples.

So here's an idea of what I hope to achieve.

 

[3Valve]

After stripping the basic coach down to it's bodyshell, I cut out the recess for the side door. I then made blanking pieces to replace the windows in what is to become the Kitchen area of the coach, and fabricated the side access door out of 80 thou plasticard. the pictures show the blanking plates and door trial fitted.

A step-by-step guide to stripping down the coach can be found here

http://www.gscalecentral.net/tm?m=88040&high=amax

 

[3Valve]

I also made a dividing panel to separate the Kitchen area from the main saloon. This will be fitted out with a sliding door (not sure whether it will be functioning or not).

 

[3Valve]

This morning I had a bit of a Eureka moment and decided that the Kitchen area should probably have some form of natural light. I decided to use the top "openers" from the original windows. After a bit of sawing and slicing I managed to cut out the individual openers and frames. I then cut down the plasticard blanking peices to fit.

I didn't match up the windows symetrically on both sides. I just thought that it looked better that way.

 

[3Valve]

Last thing I did for today was to cut down the remaining window sections so that they would fit into the modified bodyshell and hopefully the roof would fit.

Last few piccies are the trial fit of all the windows, side door, blanking plates and roof.

 

[3Valve]

Tomorrow I'll be gluing the windows in place in the Kitchen areas and filling in the blanking pieces to blend them into the existing bodywork.

 

[Gizzy]

Got to agree with you there Steve?

Great bash Gareth....

 

[musket the dog]

coming along great that liveries' nice too

 

[3Valve]

Bit more work done over the past couple of nights. Bodywork filled with Isopon, sanded and first coat of primer. Filler needs to be blended in better but gives you an idea of what I'm trying to achieve.

 

[3Valve]

Quick fit up of the windows and roof to check that everything still fits after the chopping and filling.

Kitchen end.

Saloon/Dining end.

 

[Alec K]

It's gained an identity completely of its own, now- the filler and primer have united all those stages of work. Brilliant.

Alec K

 

[Richie]

Nice work Gareth

 

[whatlep]

Very impressive indeed Gareth!

I think it'll need testing in Ruritania.....

 

[C&S]

Lovely bit of customising. Look forward to seeing it finished and in a train of matching vehicles.

 

[jameshilton]

A lovely job - really neat finish so far

 

[3Valve]

A little more work done on the coach today. Started on the interior. Tables added between the rows of double seats cut from 60 thou plasticard.

After test fitting in the carriage I added table support struts from brass rod.

 

[3Valve]

The single seat section needs one addition seat adding to match the double section, so I did a cut n shut from the surplus seats (in what's now the Kitchen area). Tables were then added to the modified single seat section.

 

[3Valve]

Both completed rows of seats now test fitted. Had to trim a little of the overhang from each seat section so that it didn't foul against the plasticard dividing wall.

Finally before putting away the tools for the day I always do a test fit out to check that all is Ok.

The double seat section.

Single seat section.

 

[Steve]

Brilliant Gareth are we having working table lamps

Oh and is that your Pinkberry

 

[Richie]

Those table's and seat's look fantastic Gareth