My Ultimate General Lee in 1/25

[Andrew D the Jolly Roger]

Cliche though it is, I wanted to make this build special. This represents a few years of on-and-off work. And, I have my own philosophy on building a GL which differs from so many other builds I've seen.

Though I posted this in the build thread, I think it's appropriate to begin with it here as well:

MY G.L. BUILD PHILOSOPHY

My main criticism of most GL builds is that they are 'way too immaculate to be an in-use back-roads racing car driven by good-ol-boys on a farm. They always look...well, sterilized comes to mind. Absolutely gorgeous, like they're going for the trophy at a car show, with a car that's never driven except on and off a trailer. Not this one!!

-Interior: Agree with many that the darker brown "saddle" color of the earlier series looks better, but a darker interior will hide most great detail. So, cliche though it is, I went with the light tan. HOWEVER I weathered it plenty, with very stained floor carpeting, and some wear on the seats. Scratchbuilt items are a CB radio and a detailed, padded-looking roll bar with tape around the padding.

-Engine Bay: Despite most builds painting the engine bay interior orange, indicating a total engine-out restoration, the actual "Hero" Generals had their engine bays hastily painted black around the engine. This would also fit with the storyline of the original color being black. 

Additionally, I sanded out all the molded on wiring and scratchbuilt the entire engine wiring and detail. When you see these photos you may be shocked. I know I am....not eager to do this again, although it was worth it!!

*Also note the scratch built "Dixie Horn" system mounted on the front of the radiator!  

-Underside: Dark primer gray with orange overspray indicating a home-done paint job. Lots wear and some general rusting, with a ton of dust and dirt oversprayed. 

So much more involved in this build, but those are some of the basic philosophies I followed on this.

IN-PROGRESS/BUILD THREAD: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/125641-my-ultimate-general-lee-build/

 

Edited August 26, 2017 by Andrew D the Jolly Roger

[Andrew D the Jolly Roger]

[426 pack]

That is the best genral lee I have ever seen.

You did an amazing job on it.

what kit did you uses because it doesn't look like the AMT kit?  

[Andrew D the Jolly Roger]

That is the best genral lee I have ever seen.

You did an amazing job on it.

what kit did you uses because it doesn't look like the AMT kit?  

Thank you! Revell 1/25, heavily modified. Needed two kits for the grill since I needed sections without the "Charger" emblem.

[espo]

Turned out perfect.  Again the engine compartment wiring is outstanding

[donb]

Turned out perfect.  Again the engine compartment wiring is outstanding

x2

[Dodge Driver]

More praise for your engine wiring. The bulkhead connector and the wiper motor wires are extra-special touches!

[bbowser]

Very convincing weathering.  That engine bay is just outstanding, well done!

[Classicgas]

Very well done, great engine compartment detail.

[peekay]

I agree with the others - the engine bay and weathering are top notch.

[bytownshaker]

Andrew your Dukes Charger looks awesome, love the under hood details especialy the Dixie air horns.

[Andrew D the Jolly Roger]

Thanks!

Truth be known, I almost didn't bother with the horn, but boy, am I glad I did....

[jefropas]

Outstanding build mi amigo! I agree with you're GL philosophy as well...

Jeff

 

[iamsuperdan]

Could be the most "correct" GL I've seen.  Very impressive detail work.

Edited September 6, 2017 by iamsuperdan
grammar

[geetee66]

Wow! That IS good!

 I thought I was looking at a bigger scale than 1:25. That engine bay is fantastic. Very inspirational!

[Hmann68]

Very realistic work and great details! 

[Twokidsnosleep]

Superb job, looks incredibly realistic

Used but not abused so to speak

 

[Helix]

Very impressive, the engine bay and details simply awesome, had to look twice thinking it was the real thing 

Well done mate!

[ChrisR]

LOOKS GREAT!!

[Andrew D the Jolly Roger]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate all the kind comments for such a cliche subject!  

Edited September 2, 2017 by Andrew D the Jolly Roger

[mchook]

That looks great! If you need a tow let me know.

[Metaldrumm]

Pretty good build ,i like the engine detail ,pretty realistic.

[Dragline]

Nicest DOH car I've seen. The engine bay is outstanding.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Excellent work to say the least! Definitely the best General Lee that I've ever seen!! The horns really finish it off!!

[dieseldog1970]

Very nice job on the General......looks like the real thing!!!