Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Those with long memories may remember this thread that was here a few years ago,

lotus-elan-f19/elan-frame-scale-model-handmade-t28880.html

I stuck my hand up and said I'd have a go at making a model chassis with the provisos that I wasn't stealing someone elses idea, and that I'd find the time.
I managed to find the time between reviving cuckoo clocks, and kicking antique grandfather clocks back into life.

I can understand why Gonzalo didn't start firing them out, it was time consuming to put it mildly.
Especially as I thought polished brass was the way to go, which meant attempting to remove the the worst of the inevitable scratches/marks that come about when you bend polished metal, or hit it with, ( small...), hammers.
Also, the entire thing is joined with solder, and, as I didn't want to see any of it, a lot of thought and care went into the soldering.
It's been polished with a museum wax, and under the perspex cover I bent up I expect it'll stay reasonably shiny for a while, ( well, longer than the original anyway....... ).

Ralph.

Amazing work/skills - and beautiful.

That is indeed a beautiful piece of work. A joy to behold, well done.

That looks really good

Ditto,could you do a full size one for my Plus2 ??

John

Extremely well done! Any interest in building another one on commission?

Ralph that's a great piece of craftsmanship
Build a batch, you will sell every one.

Superb job!

I would love to buy one if you make any more.

Ken

Save some time. 3D scan it then 3D print it. The original model is lovely and will scan beautifully.

Very nice work!

Bob

I'm quite impressed!

Thank you for your kind words.

lotusS2guy wrote:Save some time. 3D scan it then 3D print it. The original model is lovely and will scan beautifully.

I consulted an expert, ( my son ), about this.
He's had considerable experience in titanium/stainless/plastic 3D scanning and printing.
In essence, laser sintered plastic wouldn't be too bad, but would look "plasticy" and still cost several hundred dollars.
Printing in metal would be "crap, rough, hard to support everything, and look nothing like yours".
You would also design it in CAD, rather than scan, as you'd get a better finish.

As to making a batch, I don't think economies of scale would get much of a look in here.
Unless I geared up to make thousands, ( and the market isn't that big ! ), it's still a slow and time consuming business fitting lots of handmade bent parts together. Especially as thin polished brass is unforgiving of rough work. Also, try and spot the solder, quite proud of that !

I could do a few more but they wouldn't be super cheap because of the time involved, ( not to mention the $10 worth of brass... ).
I'd guesstimate that there's about 70 hours in it, and my normal return on my antique clock repair is US$50/hr.
When you do the numbers......ouch....that wouldn't fly.
Less than half that, say US$1500, then I'd be tempted.

Ralph.

PM sent.

Very nice, Ralph!