New Toylander models

[brian]

I have been thinking of possible new models, how about a bus, you could get a double decker out of an 8X4 , would take four sheets to make though, but would be fun. No top deck floor, just a double line of windows to give the effect of two decks.

Or a JCB with motorised arm and scoop.

A lotus 7 lookalike sportscar, although I know one of these is available from another company.

Food for thought Richard?

[brian]

This is fun, how about an old fashioned steam roller, you could use a garden roller for the front and make the big rear wheels from timber.

Or a dumper truck, usefull about the garden or helping dad on the allotment.

[Richard]

Well now Brian,
Some good ideas indeed. We are currently working on a larger model which will, if successful, lead to the possibility of  a range of Lorries and now a bus! But before that we must perfect the new motor arrangement and braking system [don't ask yet. I am always caught out by announcing new models / details; as soon as I mention it someone starts hankering [understandable] after the latest model only to be disappointed when I have not finished all the details. I completed the new tractor nearly two years ago and still I have not yet managed enough time to produce the new manual.]
There is a fellow working on bringing out a steam traction engine range and another man who has completed an excellent engine. We helped him sort his gearing problems.
JCB: we started out looking at this but the EN71 child safety rules and copyright costs ruled it out so we developed the DBR and several customers are customising their DBR into the kind of tractor they like. So far we have had John Deere, Nuffield, a modern one I forget the name of and an MF135 which is stunning amongst many variations of the standard DBR.
Lotus 7: yes this is available. We have supplied motors, speed control, steering wheels and a few other odd items to a couple of builders in Yorkshire this year.
Thank you for your interest, all of you. It really excites me to think we might all get together and and have a rally at some stage with some competitions and comparisons.
Kind regards
Richard S

[multisync]

Hi Guys
Thats all good news. I've always wanted a lorry, something a bit bigger than the toylander, but don't know what I'd do with it, but if Richard comes if with some designs I'm sure I'll biuld one!
May even design my own, but design and build, usually involves too many alterations and modifications. I'd have to build 6 before it evolved into a proper job!
Can't wait to have some sort of meet up, perhaps we can meet at one of the steam rallies, next year. I get up to Welland Steam Fair, near Malvern, most years, in July, but we have a motor home so don't mind travelling further afield; I've also got a motorcycle trailer, now I'll have to modify that  to carry it! Another project!
Can't stop chatting...too busy!!
Walter

[markh15]

Hi Walter,
The way we're all going, that 'Lorry' Richard is talking about is going to have to be a vehicle transporter!

I was explaining to Brian the other day about the ideas that Gary and I were talking about, and the different posibilities for new projects.
As far as I'm concerned, it's only the financial side of things that limits my enthusiasm (thank God, the wife says), but I for one would like to build something else.

Keep thinking,
Regards,
Mark.

[Stanley]

i just have to contribute to this!
how about a defender 90/110?
this obviously isn't very imagenative...
how about a tank?(this exists)
most things aren't as square as a landrover ...
but a model caterham?
a mini cooper?(soft top)
one of those 3 wheelers you see in 3rd word countries?
a series 3?
a van?
or even fiberglass boats?....
i think i got abit carried away there...
stan

[jimmyybob]

Me to.. what about a humvee.

[Stanley]

or a jeep wrangler (spelling???)

[paulr]

  hows about a Bay Window VW Camper Van then we have all got somewhere to sleep when we get together or  an Austin Gypsy.

While sitting and watching paint dry (suspension parts baking in front of radiators so far 3 days on low heating) I will join in the forum as its too cold to go down the shed tonight and play.  Happy Builing and new year to all.

[markh15]

Hi Paul,
I've seen a 1/3rd scale fibreglass body available for the VW Camper on the web somewhere. I think it was through one of the VW club sites, but they're definately available.

You see, you think you've thought of something unique, and someone else has beaten you to it!!

Did you check out the rose joints and front axle (on Ebay) info I sent you?

Keep Busy,
Regards,
Mark.

[dale]

Hi Paul,
I've seen a 1/3rd scale fibreglass body available for the VW Camper on the web somewhere. I think it was through one of the VW club sites, but they're definately available.

They are known as Mini Splits, and are based on the earlier VW Split screen camper van.   Unfortunately they are no longer available new.  A friend of mine bought a second hand one from Ebay recently.  He then bolted it to a mobility scooter chassis (heavily modified) and this is the result

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf4sO5izzro

We went head to head, Toylander vs. Mini Split in the park at the weekend.  Mini Split was the faster, but the kids all wanted to ride in the Toylander!