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Wednesday
Nov222023

EXPLORERS (1985) THUNDER ROAD

  Presenting the THUNDER ROAD studio scale replica from one of my favorite 80s movies - EXPLORERS.  The blog for this is currently on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/letsmakethestuff.   This is a 3D print model (STL format) that can be printed at home on your FDM or resin printer.  Even at studio scale (same size as the ILM filming miniature) it can easily be printed on a machine as small as the ENDER 3.  The model is meticulously separated into components making painting easy and allowing interior access for electronics.

 



photo credit: Mr. Titan Ross and Michael Joannes

Undersize or oversize this model in your slicing software to suit your desired size - that's what makes 3D printing so amazing.  Customize your work and save money by printing it yourself at home.



Available now!!

THUNDER ROAD - STL FILE SET (no physical media)

The 3d file set consists of 29 main parts with alternate parts with channels for LED wiring:

  1. til-a-whirl top
  2. tilt-a-whirl bottom
  3. tilt-a-whirl cradle
  4. wing left
  5. wing right
  6. stop sign
  7. face
  8. washing machine doors
  9. rear view mirror
  10. space shuttle
  11. trashcan
  12. tire
  13. casters (set of 3)
  14. luggage
  15. lamp left (alternate version for LED install)
  16. lamp right (alternate version for LED install)
  17. paper towel roll
  18. rubber strip (2 parts)
  19. tv screen frame
  20. oxygen tank
  21. fire extinguisher
  22. cabin plate (3 chairs attached)
  23. computer monitor (alternate version for LED install)
  24. computer stand
  25. car battery
  26. misc. shelf pieces (walkman, headphones, water bottle)

   

  

 



HOW IT WAS MADE

Here I am modeling the THUNDER ROAD one piece at a time.  I started with the TILT-A-WHIRL shapes first, then started adding some base shapes and kept on truckin'.

 

Special SHOUTOUT to the THUNDER ROAD builders group on facebook and Josh Wallace there.  Since he's spent years making a lifesized replica, he was of immense help!!

There are quite a few differences between the lifesized Thunder Road and the filming miniatures.  I decided to mix features of both the lifesized and 13" filming miniature.   I leaned more towards the filming miniature.  One example is the washing machine doors.  On the filming miniature there is a 2 stepped bezel on the rim.  On the lifesized prop there is no bezel.  I created both options for you to choose on this particular piece.

Once I thought I was finished with the 3D model, I wasn't at all.  I re-did the clamps holding the wings and even added the tiny rear view mirror mounted on the lower left of the tv screen.  Even after 3D printing the test shot I went back and made even further improvements.  Now I unleash it for YOU to enjoy.

After laser cutting several cardboard templates, I decided that a 13" wide model seems to be in scale with the filming model. So print this model at default scale to achieve the proper size (10" tall, about 11 inches long)

 3d Printing THE THUNDER ROAD

(default studio scale)

 

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