Build thread, 1/56 hub and tire

[CompanyB]

This is a build thread on how I made the hub and tires for the 1/56 BearCat.

1)  Start with 3 standard sized plastic tubes, and some small .5mm thick x 2.5mm wide strip. The tubes can be of any size, as long as the largest two fit into one another.  The third should be one size smaller than the medium one.  The largest tube will be the outer portion of your wheels rim.


2) Insert medium tube into the larger one. I glue it about 2mm below the edge of the outer tube.


3) Smallest tube, start gluing your thin pieces of strip, spaced apart evenly.  I used five pieces to give me 5 holes in the wheel.  Build up the strip so that this will now fit snug into the medium tube.


4) I added a small hub to the center


5) Both pieces now ready to put together



6) I trim the outer rim to be slightly larger than I need.  I can sand it later.  Insert your new center hub.


7) Now you can start the tire.  I made mine slightly thinner than the wheels on the Fenris Hummer.  The strip is .4mm thick x 4.0mm wide.


score the strip with a fingernail to curl it..


9) Important.  Glue one end to a section of the same tube you used for your outer rim.  Only glue one end.


10) Start Wrapping the strip around and gluing it to itself.


11) All ready!


12) Check the size to the model.  Looks about right.


13) As the "tire" is still stuck on the tube, it's easy to sand, slowing turning it as you shape the tire.


14) remove the tire and putty it up. I'm using squadron putty which contains acetone, so it will melt and blend into the plastic.


15) Tire is almost done. All that remains is some more sanding, and shaping of the tire.


16) Next phase will be adding the tire tread.  For now it looks like it will fit pretty well.

[Sangennaru]

that's REALLY interesting, i like that howto very much!

thanks, companyb!

[Mancha]

That's insane!  And you do it four times...and somehow end up with four similar wheels??  Wow.

[matakishi]

I would think you'd do it once and cast up copies.

[CompanyB]

In this instance, I'll be making two different wheel rims, and three tires. one tire for each rim, plus a spare for future use.  Saves a bit on casting.  Most of the time, you can just do one wheel and reproduce/cast it.

One the 3D printed tires, I usually just order 1 of each unique set. 3D prints are affordable, but the prices really start adding up for each part you get printed.

On this build though, it took about 40 minutes to knock out two rims, and 3 tires completed as shown.  So it's not too time consuming to just build a full set for a model.

[gamer Mac]

WOW great "How to"
You do all make it look a bit easy though. I don't think us poor amateurs could do it so well.
Do you have your own 3D printer or do you sub it out.

[Damas]

Thanks for the thread CB!

I did have an idea about how wheels were done, but, totally wrong! 

What other secrets can you teach us O Wise One?

[Andym]

Aaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!! That's how you make tires. I'm always kit bashing if I need any. You may just have given away one of the best secrets of modelling!......Any more?

[andekmcc]

thats a great how 2!! I suspect the next time I'm trying a scratch built vehicle I will be making a B line straight for this thread.  Many thanks

[Hammers]

Dead clever this. And interesting. Very generous of you to share your process. With you  permission I will tidy this up when you are done and stick it in how to. There are some very useful techniques in there.

[aircav]

Thats brilliant, I'd wondered what the process was for making wheels & tyres  

[Silent Invader]

Really informative and useful - thanks for sharing.    

[starkadder]

Great approach.

Now, how about wire and wooden spokes? 

[Aaron]

That was fascinating, thanks!

[YIU]

That's really brilliant and amazing how you can build an entire vehicle from scratch. And it's realistic.