1/12 4.5Ltr 1930 Bentley Supercharged

[Cornishfrogboy]

I have built this kit 3 times over the years for others, but never myself.

I simply wish that they would retool it and bring it up to a more modern standard along the lines of the 1/12  Italeri Alfa Romeo 8c.. or even the former Protar ( now Italeri)  Mephistophele or Fiat 806.. both tremendous models from a similar era.

An aftermarket Wire Mesh set of headlamp and windscreen guards would certainly greatly improve it, along with demeshing the fuel tank.

Even after all these years, It could still form the basis of an excellent kit.

[Lyncar]

There is a new company called "Unobtainium" who are developing 3D printed wire wheels (with wire spokes) and other upgrade parts for the Bentley.

https://unobtainium.digital/

[Gary-763780]

How about these nice wheels for the 1/24 Bentley....

https://themodelbunker.com/3d-models-kits-products/28-bentley-blower-45-litres-spoked-wheel.html

[Captain Triggers]

I have my doubts as to how strong the 3d printed wheels are.

[Lyncar]

I think that the 3d printed wheels with steel spokes are a different proposition to the fully printed resin spoked variety. That said, I have a set of resin printed 1/8 scale dragster wire wheels and they are pretty tough. I think it all depends on the resin.

When I hand-laced my own wheels for the Birkin Bentley I used fishing line. 3 years later it's still working!

[Captain Triggers]

I agree, I'd consider the 3d printed spokes as an easy fix for the less experienced, or patient modeller, and I'd consider the steel spokes as being the more accurate option due to the fact that they don't have to layer lines on the spokes that are pretty difficult to remove.