Gauging interest for scale tires with a weighted look

[Chief Joseph]

Hi all,

I've made a couple of aftermarket truck tire sets and they have been well-received, so I thank everyone who has supported me with that. One of the things that has always bugged me about scale model car and truck tires is that they don't portray the appearance of the real thing. Real tires bear the weight of the vehicle, and this shows up as a slight bulge at the contact patch. This bulging is mostly seen with radial tires. Aircraft modelers have realized this shortcoming in their models for years, and some of the very first resin aircraft items that appeared were weighted tires. Sanding the bottom of a round tire flat helps, but can't give you the bulge that conveys realism. I've made up a bulged version of a new 3D tire model:

Here are two weighted tires alongside the un-weighted tire (right). I am thinking of selling this new tire in a set of five tires: four weighted tires and one un-weighted tire to use as the spare. The initial costs to do this kind of set are higher than a typical tire set, since it requires at least two masters instead of just one. Is this something that you truck modelers would like to see?

Thanks,

Joseph from Fireball Modelworks

p.s.I have some GM truck door handles in the works that will be ready for sale in a few weeks:

[Chuck Most]

I like where this is going.

[gbdolfans]

I like where this is going.

I would love to be able to get car tires like this!!! How about it? :)

[chunkypeanutbutter]

I would love to be able to get car tires like this!!! How about it? :)

X2, depending on good price!

[DrGlueblob]

I'd be buying multiples of "soft" tires for rock crawlers and boggers -that kinda thing.

[guitarsam326]

Nice, I like the little details like this!

Edited May 2, 2015 by guitarsam326

[Chief Joseph]

Thanks for the feedback. Going forward, my tires will probably all be weighted like this. That goes for both truck and cars.

[southpier]

i think weighted tires are like poseable steering.

in theory, they're both wonderful. in reality, they just don't pull it off.

(you did axt!)

[Andrew]

Fantastic idea! Would they be cast in resin or rubber?

[gatorincebu]

Interesting! You got my attention. I could use a couple sets of those for a semi project or even better a dump truck. I hope you do well with these. And can make a set of tires for the trailers as well.

Be Well

Gator

[BirdWatcher]

They look very convincing so far...

[hjracing]

Any updates on the tires? What is the size?