BUILDING A GMP DIECAST MODEL "TOOLING"
23/05/08 16:07
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BUILDING A GMP DIECAST MODEL
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| Tooling Parts
are precisely measured and tooling steel is
cut. This hard tooling will become the mold
that makes thousands of models. As you may
recall, early on in the process a product
description was written and a tool plan was
made. This defined what parts would be
diecast, plastic or PVC. Parts would then
be grouped in the tool specific to the
material being used. Tooling is the most
expensive part of the diecast process.
Tooling costs can go over $225,000!
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An army of workers develop the permanent tool
for the model. The tool is refined for fit and
finish many times before it is hardened and
finalized.
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BUILDING A GMP DIECAST MODEL
14/05/08 15:10
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| Prototype As
the body shape model is made a duplicate
body is also made. This stage is the
prototype stage or "pattern". This pattern
has all the working features of the model
and will be used in the making of the steel
tool. Again, someone will review the
pattern and offer suggestions on design and
function. This is also a good time to iron
out any variations the model might have.
The prototype stage is very important as most issues need to be resolved at this stage, otherwise later revisions can be more costly. It is important to note that every part of this model is hand made. These models can cost up to and beyond $50,000 depending on the complexity of the model. Once the review is complete, a booklet is put together with the comments and extra reference material and then shipped back to China. Sometimes textures and colors can be specified at this stage, if the selection has not been made previously. Textures are picked from a "texture board" and these textures will be etched into the tool. Careful selection needs to be made, as any error in this phase will require extensive repair. The prototype is then pantographed, which is a process that reduces the part into the appropriate scale. The model enters the tooling stage where steel for the tool is actually cut. During this stage the prototype is actually destroyed by the process required to make the tool. |
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The prototype is the second submission from the
factory. It has all the exterior design
elements and now includes ALL details and
function of the model.
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Every aspect of detail is recreated, right down to the spark plug wires.
Final "fine tuning" is performed and critical measurements are re-checked. This is probably the most critical stage of the model's development. Extra effort at this stage saves headaches down the road.
Details can be authenticated using photo documentation and reliable text.
A book of texture boards is used to specify texture.
Building A GMP Diecast Model Part 3
09/05/08 15:48
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BUILDING A GMP DIECAST MODEL
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| Body Shape
Model The first step is the hand made body
shape model or "body buck". This is a
handmade model that depicts the outer shape
of the car. Someone who will pick out any
design flaws reviews the body shape model.
He then will offer suggestions on
corrections. A body shape model can cost
anywhere in the neighborhood of $10,000.
The size of a body shape model is roughly
1:12 scale.
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Craftsmen painstakingly recreate the body shape
model in 1:12th scale. Only exterior detail is
the focus. The body shape model is done by
hand.
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Building a GMP Diecast Model Part 2
21/04/08 12:14
| The 'Hunt' Once
an image is selected, the team has to
locate a pristine sample of a car.
Sometimes this can be difficult, especially
if the car is a very limited production
version. One problem with restored cars is
that you need to look closely at the car to
see that it has not been over-restored or
updated. Sometimes this is unavoidable, as
some racecars have had mandatory safety
updates that have changed the original
configuration and specifications of the
car. All of these issues need to be taken
into account when doing the "hunt".
Sometimes pristine samples are not
available, so you have to go with a car
under restoration. In some cases this
option is better as the car is "original"
and has not been over-restored.
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BUILDING A GMP DIECAST MODEL
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GMPteam do this. Their China factory will send a staff to accomplish this and sometimes the process itself becomes quite innovative.
In order to properly document a chassis, the photographer will lie on a creeper and will systematically roll around under the car, which is on a lift, and shoot many pictures of the underside. Once the shots are developed they can then "assemble" the various prints and make a complete chassis.
If certain parts prove difficult to photograph or interpret, a quick sketch with hard measurement is indicated. For instance, a complicated exhaust system may require more than just a photo. In addition, ingenious ways are developed in how to shoot certain views of a car.
Many times, the team from China will have never seen a muscle car or know what it's all about. This is when it gets real interesting. It's most enjoyable to watch some of the Chinese engineers as a muscle car is being hammered! I know first hand that they really enjoy this part of the project, too!
| Documentation
Once a car is located, the fun begins. It
may take several days to fully document a
car. Documentation involves measurement,
photography and authentication. It usually
takes 300-400 detailed pictures to fully
document a car. Details specific to a make
or model need extra attention.
Detail pictures of textures and patterns are also essential. This involves close-ups of seat patterns, grain textures, headliner detail, carpet textures, dash textures, engine metal textures such as those found on cast parts versus a polished part. Details such as dash knob wording, radio and gauge faces also have to be photographed and scaled so they can be reproduced later as art film. If color selection has been determined, colors can be matched to color samples. Industry standards use, Munsell, Pantone or TOYO color match systems. In addition, custom color chips are made for unique colors. Measurement is also very critical. Overall pictures will usually be shot with some sort of size gauge. This allows the model builder to scale his model appropriately. Probably the most fun in this process is watching the team photograph the car. I have witnessed the |
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The China factory may send a team out to assist
with the measurements. It's a good opportunity
to meet the guys face-to-face since most of the
interaction is via email.
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Sometimes this task can become a "high-wire" act so that all angles of the vehicle can be accurately documented.
Some of the guys from China have never experienced an American car.
What better way to experience American Muscle!
You ever wondered how a diecast cast model is created?
16/04/08 09:28
I think everybody who loves die cast models has
wondered "what is the process to create one from
start to finish?"
Each week I will include an installment of how GMP does it.
Designing and crafting a GMP Limited Edition Replica is a truly a labor of love, from original concept, to final production, to delivery to your door. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to researching and understanding the history and original and correct specifications for the replicas that we build. And we are passionately committed to taking the time to design and engineer precision detail into every single part that goes into building a GMP car. George S. Bojaciuk is a GMP consultant and noted authority in the diecast model industry. Read George's story on The Art of Making a GMP Limited Edition Replica. Then you'll really appreciate why GMP promises superb quality and absolute satisfaction with every car we build.
Here the GMP team reviews a GT-40 Mk IV. Success
achieved in detail on this image can now be used on
new projects
The Concept
So how is an "image" selected? It can be a whole host of factors that make an image the "right" one to do. The process starts with a brainstorming session. All the team members gather with info. They review collector requests, surveys they might have conducted, historical significance, images currently out on the market, trends, past successful models and a whole host of other factors that may decide what the next model might be. Discussions may also include studying variants of the same car so as to maximize the use of a single tool.
Tooling is the expensive part of any diecast project. To make the best possible use of a tool needs sound judgment from the start. Initial discussions on licensing begin at this stage, as this is a crucial facet of development. No license = No model!
Each week I will include an installment of how GMP does it.
Designing and crafting a GMP Limited Edition Replica is a truly a labor of love, from original concept, to final production, to delivery to your door. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to researching and understanding the history and original and correct specifications for the replicas that we build. And we are passionately committed to taking the time to design and engineer precision detail into every single part that goes into building a GMP car. George S. Bojaciuk is a GMP consultant and noted authority in the diecast model industry. Read George's story on The Art of Making a GMP Limited Edition Replica. Then you'll really appreciate why GMP promises superb quality and absolute satisfaction with every car we build.
Here the GMP team reviews a GT-40 Mk IV. Success
achieved in detail on this image can now be used on
new projectsThe Concept
So how is an "image" selected? It can be a whole host of factors that make an image the "right" one to do. The process starts with a brainstorming session. All the team members gather with info. They review collector requests, surveys they might have conducted, historical significance, images currently out on the market, trends, past successful models and a whole host of other factors that may decide what the next model might be. Discussions may also include studying variants of the same car so as to maximize the use of a single tool.
Tooling is the expensive part of any diecast project. To make the best possible use of a tool needs sound judgment from the start. Initial discussions on licensing begin at this stage, as this is a crucial facet of development. No license = No model!