Building a 1966 BATMOBILE for 8 inch MEGO Batman

[darklord1967]

Alright, I can’t keep it under wraps anymore. And frankly, I don’t believe I even really want to try. It’s just not my style.

I’ve played coy about it anytime it’s even mentioned on these boards. But I’ve now decided that I might as well just start a thread that chronicles its full progress right up until the last detail.

If nothing else, the constant demand for updates from all of you guys will inspire me to keep working on it until it’s finally DONE!

I will make weekly updates (complete with progress photos) starting today and every Friday right here in this thread.

So without further ado, I introduce you ALL… my MEGO customizing friends… to the creation of my custom MEGO-scaled 1966 BATMOBILE toy.

[darklord1967]

This customizing story actually begins way back on Christmas morning of 1975. There I was, 7 years old, opening up the MEGO Batman toys that my parents gave me as gifts. I was already less than thrilled with the lack of detail and the silly giant oven mitts worn by the Batman and Robin figures. But as a little boy obssessed with The Batmobile, my biggest disappointment was actually yet to come.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MegoBatmobileinBlueBox.jpg


I remember that I took the MEGO Batmobile out of its package and I actually frowned. Yup… even as a 7 year old. An obsessive little voice in my head screamed, “Where are the bubble windows? Why are the wheels all wrong? Why is there no red pinstriping on the car? Why is the emblem on the doors all wrong? Why is the interior entirely in red? Why is there no jet afterburner tube in the back? Where are the parachute packs?”, and probably most nagging of all “Why is it so darn SMALL???” At a mere 13 inches in length, this Batmobile looked more like a Bat-Go Kart with MEGO figures sitting in it!!


In short, I was NOT happy. But I was going to have to wait 26 years before I could do anything about it…

[darklord1967]

Fast forward to spring of 2001. I was putting the final touches on the initial series of 8 inch scale customized MEGO Bat-Characters that I had created. It occurred to me that the time was right to begin preliminary work on a customized ride for my custom Dynamic Duo.

I purchased a MEGO Batmobile from E-bay in pretty good condition (to replace my long-lost specimen from ’75), and I began my plans to customize it with all the details I wanted to see.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/megocarandartbox.jpg


Unfortunately, NONE of my plans could ever correct the biggest issue I had with the toy… its lack of correct size. And I just couldn’t bear to STUFF my new custom MEGO Batman and Robin action figures into this tiny under-scaled Go-Kart.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MegoBatmbilecaveentrance.jpg


NO, it became pretty clear to me that building an entire car from scratch was going to be the order of businesss.

[darklord1967]

I began doing extensive research, and read everything I could find about George Barris’ creation of the famous crime-fighting car.

The wealth of information I found was fascinating:

The Batmobile was based off of a 1955 experimental concept car that Barris owned called the Lincoln “Futura”. The car had been featured in the film "It Started With A Kiss", starring Glen Ford and Debbie Reynolds.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/DebbieandGlenn.jpg



When production was over, the studio sold the car to Barris for $1 (rather than pay exhorbitant storage fees).


By the time the Producers of "BATMAN" approached Barris about designing and building a slick, modern Batmobile for their upcoming show, the old car had been sitting rusting in the back lot of Barris' Hollywood custom "chop shop" shop for years.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/rustyfuturafront.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/rustyfuturarear.jpg



But the Futura already featured many of the details that the Batmobile would later become famous for. This was a good thing too since the studio only gave Barris 3 weeks to deliver a finished Batmobile in time to shoot the first film tests.

Barris and his team made several major design changes to the car that brought it squarely into the "muscle car" era of the 1960’s. Being the shrewd businessman that he was, George wasted no time in securing a patent for his creation.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/patent.jpg


True to his word, Barris delivered the finished Batmobile on time, and the studio was thrilled with the result. When the Batman TV show premiered in 1966, the Batmobile became just as much of an overnight star as Adam West and Burt Ward. Children around the WORLD thrilled to the Dynamic Duo racing into action in their awesome black hot rod!!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/BATMOBILEMULTI-ANGLES.jpg

[thunderbolt]

Oooooh boy , I can't wait to see this!!!!!!!

[david_b]

We're all behind you ~ Being as big a batfan as I am, I've toyed with customizing the mego release, but what I've seen thus far from others hasn't impressed me at all. The skills I've seen are extraordinary, don't get me wrong, it's just that when you're dealing with an undersized vehicle as a base, it's a bit 'all for naught' to me. As we can all agree, it needs to be 'flatter' and sleeker to me.

And YES, it's undersized for the 8". That's why I'm opting to save my $$ on a Batcycle and just leave the vintage Batmobile alone, instead go for the Big Jim Corvette for the '70s look.

david_b

[AUSSIE-Rebooted-AMM]

Oh Man. . .I love those Pics. . .great history lesson there and nicely researched.

All the best. . .I for one will tune in for a weekly update. . .same Bat time. . .Same bat. . . .ok. . . I'll just click in to visit.

[toys2cool]

awesome,Great info :grin:

[spaceace35]

very cool info cant wait to see it

[SoulSinger]

I got a bunch of mego stuff for christmas in 1971 and 1972> One Christmas, the batmobile was sold out. My dad improvised and got the big Jim Dune Buggy and fishing boat. I think I was better off. It didn't fit through the door of the batcave, but there was room in it. LOL

Bob

[spiderrogue]

sounds like it will kick *** when done..cant wait to see it...
a bit of weird history from me...back when i was like 13 or 14 maybe, i had this gawd awful lime green shirt that had an illustration of one of these cars on it....kind of a weird thing to put on a shirt, i guess...always reminded me of the batmobile....

[Mikey]

I can't wait to see it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Blue Meanie]

I've had the privilige of seeing the early version of Roberto's Prototype up closed and in person (He brought it to my friends store on Long Island that I used to help out at) and the early version kicked *****. The lines on the car were really nice. The sheer size of it was more in what should have been the scale of the Batmobile. A little slimmer and a little smaller than the custom Captain Action/GI Joe sized Batmobile that was out there a couple of years ago. But definitely bigger than the Mego Batmobile. Unfortunately it had not been painted yet. Been a long time since I've seen it...again it was early on. I'd love to see it now.

[Mikey]

Can't we just see a peek ?

Just a little one .... eesie weensie :grin:

[darklord1967]

I know how you feel, buddy!

Believe me, I wish I could post photos of the actual toy car I'm building RIGHT NOW!!

I anxious to show you.

But the truth is, I'm still taking the photos of the prototype as it sits on my work bench.

I'm posing MEGOS around it so that the scale is clear, and I'm taking comparison photos of my prototype next to MEGO's 1974 Bat.

These photos will not be ready for me to post until NEXT FRIDAY.

Unfortunately, it is humanly impossible for me to have them ready before then.

I can promise you this, though: The photos I post will be worth the wait.

[thunderbolt]

Dang, you really are a tease. :)

[batty]

The Suspense Is Killing Me!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!

[steshell]

I'm hooked!!!!
Can't wait to see the photos.




Steve

[Meule]

Oh yeah, can't wait to see it

[starsky]

will you be selling these? i would love to buy one from you!! i dont know if you've seen this website, but it's THE website for the 1966 batmobile!


The Original 1966 Batmobile website (http://www.1966batmobile.com)

darren

[darklord1967]

Oh, I'm quite familiar with that website. Most of my research while investigating details of the car came from there.

As for selling copies of the car I'm developing, I'm afraid that won't be happening.

You see, this is a one-off project. I've already sunk several thousand (over the last 7 years) just to develop the rough prototype that I have, and I'll likely have to invest another couple of thousand more before I have the final finished toy car.

I simply do not have the resources to make multiple molds of the final toy car (or my rough prototype) and cast copies for sale.

Only one mold (of the perfected prototype) is going to be made, and it will (unfortunately) be destroyed in the casting process of the final toy.

[darklord1967]

Alright, no more teases.

Since you've all been such good boys and girls (and since I was able to accelerate my photography timetable), the photos of my rough Batmobile prototype will be posted right here, in this thread LATER TONIGHT (7/14/08).

You will NOT have to wait until Friday (as I previously thought).

Tune in TONIGHT starting at about 10:00 PM EST...

[AUSSIE-Rebooted-AMM]

I am so going to be here. . .at that Bat Time. . . This Bat Channel!

[david_b]

Wow - Sounds pretty impressive. Your creation will be worshipped...

OK, everyone get ready to kneel.

david_b

[darklord1967]

Greetings gang.

I got in a little late tonight, so the pics I promised to post will be up a little later than I had hoped.

I am downloading the images to a web host now. They will be posted here TONIGHT for all to see.

I promise.

Thank you for your patience. Please stay tuned...

[darklord1967]

I decided that my best plan for creating an accurately MEGO-scaled and detailed Batmobile toy was to find a Lincoln Futura toy replica (hopefully in the right size), and customize it into the Caped Crusader’s ride.

Unfortunately, an extensive search in the world of toy cars turned up nothing. No appropriately-sized Lincoln Futura toys. Darn!

However, I did find the 1995 re-issue of the 1/25th scale Revel Monogram Lincoln Futura model kit (originally produced in 1956).


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/lincolnFuturaModelkitbox.jpg



This was a beautiful kit with extremely accurate sculpting. The body was nice and, long and sleek, and the fine detail was superb.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/Revelstock1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/RevelStock2.jpg





Now this model would have been the PERFECT starting point for a very accurate MEGO-scaled Batmobile… if it had been in the correct size.

As part of my research, I learned that the actual Lincoln Futura showcar was 227 inches in length.

At 1/25th scale, this model kit was just a hair over 9 inches in length. Not exactly appropriate for an 8 inch MEGO Batman to drive around in!




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOFigcarryRevel.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOFigstepsonRevel.jpg



Now, the scale-conversion math on this project was pretty straight forward: 8 inch MEGO (heroic male) figures exist in a 1:9.5 scale.

When calculated out, it works like this: 8 inches X 9.5 scale conversion = 76 inches of real-life height. So an 8 inch heroic MEGO male equals a 76 inch (6 ft. 4 inch) tall man.

It works out perfectly. Superman’s height is officially identified as 6’4”. And although Bruce Wayne’s height is officially listed as 6’2”, allowances can be made for an additional two inches in The Batman’s height due to his thick (combat) boot soles and his cowl.

It should also be pointed out that nude MEGO type II bodies measure in at exactly 7.75 inches. Converted at 1:9.5 scale, that translates to a real life man between 6’1” and 6’ 2” in height.

This 1 : 9.5 scale, then, must also be employed to determine the correct size of the custom Batmobile toy. So working backward: 227 inches in length (of the actual real-life car) divided by 9.5 (MEGO scale) equals a toy car that is 23.89 inches in length. That’s virtually TWICE as long as MEGO’s 1974 Batmobile toy!

Alright. Enough research! Enough calculations! Time to get to work building this big toy!

[darklord1967]

I spent the next couple of weeks converting the small Revel Monogram Lincoln Futura model kit into the ’66 Batmobile I was so familiar with. Admittedly, this was not as easy to do as I had hoped, but it wasn’t impossible either. Just as George Barris had done on the actual Lincoln Futura, I radiused the wheel wells and used a Dremel to open them up.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MarkerRevel.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/DremelRevel.jpg



I also wanted my final MEGO-Scaled Batmobile Toy to have separate seats in the cockpit. Since this model kit came with a full cockpit tub with seats that were molded in place, it became necessary to carefully cut them out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/XActoInteriorTubRevel.jpg




With the seats cut out, I fabricated a new backing wall for the interior tub with white sheet styrene.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/CustominteriorRevel.jpg



With some careful sheet styrene work and squadron putty I converted the Lincoln Futura model into the Batmobile’s basic profile with the flared fenders and wheel openings. I scalloped the tail fins, and extended them into the doors.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/RevelBatconverted.jpg


With the Bat-customization of the model kit completed, the next order of business became figuring out a way to convert the small 9 inch model into a correctly-sized 24 inch long car for my 8 inch scaled MEGO Batman and Robin. Easier said than done… especially back in 2001…

[darklord1967]

I knew that creating re-sized toys off of smaller or larger prototypes was pretty common in the world of toy manufacturing.

I had heard of pantographing, the process by where a mechanical senor arm ran along the full surface of a prototype model reading every detail, while a linked sculpting arm sculpted a copy of those details in a new size in hard clay.

I had also learned about stereolithography. This was the system that consisted of an Ultra-Violet Laser, and a vat of photo-curable liquid resin.

A platform was lowered into the resin (via an elevator system), such that the surface of the platform was a layer-thickness below the surface of the resin. The laser beam then traced the boundaries and filled in a two-dimensional cross section of the model, solidifying the resin wherever it touched. Once a layer was completed, the platform descended a layer thickness, resin flowed over the first layer, and the next layer was built. This process continued until the model was completed.

The model is then removed from the platform, washed of excess resin, and then placed in a UV oven for a final curing.

The trouble was, both of these procedures were incredibly cost-prohibitive for a simple MEGO toy customizer from Brooklyn. We’re talking upwards of $15,000 - $35,000, (depending on which procedure was employed and what size the final prototype was intended to be).

At those prices, things certainly did NOT look good for the future of my customized MEGO Batmobile.

But then, as luck would have it, I came across an experimental new prototyping process that was used by a rapid prototyping company in Salt Lake City, UT. This process promised to be far more affordable and gave my Batmobile project all new life!

3-D Printing: was a relatively new concept in 3-D prototyping. The concept behind it was that a model would be fully laser-scanned and re-created as a 3-D CAD file on computer. That file could then be used to run a revolutionary new printer that would actually create prototype white polyurethane parts by making them entirely out of flat cross-sections BONDED together.

Think of it as creating an entire salami out of hundreds of individual slices.

The process was expensive, but far more affordable than the other two commonly used prototyping procedures. The reason for this was because the finished 3-D printed parts ended up with a rough texture that required hand finishing / smoothing. The good news was that these polyurethane parts were fully sandable and could be made glass-smooth with a reasonable amount of effort.

Back in business, baby! Back in BUSINESS!!

I sent my bat-converted Lincoln Futura model kit to Salt Lake City to be 3D scanned. And waited anxiously for the scaled-up parts to be created, packaged and shipped to me. That was probably LONGEST 4 months of my life.

My MEGO helper / assistant and I passed the time gathering up parts that we intended to use for the Batmobile’s construction.

Here he is on the day some temporary wheels and rubber racing tires arrived for the car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOFigwithWheel.jpg




Finally, the package arrived, and when I saw the newly-sized Batmobile parts, I was thrilled beyond words!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/SeatScaledUp.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/cockpitassembly1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/BubbleCanopy2.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/BubbleCanopy1.jpg







When assembled together, the scaled-up Batmobile parts became a beautiful prototype of the Batman’s ride in perfect MEGO scale… FINALLY!!!!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/OverheadView.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/Batmobilefullview.jpg



My MEGO assistant and I wasted no time! He immediately began to pose in and around the car to double check the scale accuracy (he’s such a ham). But my inner geek nearly cried from joy! This was going to be an incredible custom toy!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOincockpit2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOincockpit1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOFigWithBat2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOfigwithBat1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOfigurewithBatmain.jpg


As expected, the parts needed some smoothing and finish-sanding, but it would be far less than I expected. And some of the car’s simpler flat shapes could very easily be reproduced in sheet styrene (such as I have begun to do with the lower rocker panels of the body)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/Hoodfrontclip1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/Hoodclip2.jpg





The size comparison of this rough prototype next to MEGO’s 1974 Batmobile was more startling than even I expected.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOBatCompare2.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILE%20TOY%20DOCUMENT/MEGOBatCompare1.jpg


Now that I had the scaled-up parts, the next order of business was to come up with a construction PLAN. Organization is everything in a project of this magnitude.

Since I planned for this toy to feature working lights, I realized that I would need to build this car from the inside – out so that I could effectively conceal all the electronic wiring. First I would build the fully-detailed cockpit tub (featuring velvet “carpeted” floor, plush seats, Bat-phone and electronic dashboard). Next I would tackle the chassis / drivetrain / steering assembly (most likely kit-bashed and adapted from an RC car). Then lastly, I would assemble, detail and paint the main car body with working doors.

Will Roberto succeed in his Batmobile construction plans? Will he make it all the way through without breaking the bank? Will Roberto's custom MEGO Batman and Robin cruise in ultimate sytle?

Tune in next time! Same Bat-Time, Same Bat Channel !

[HardyGirl]

Wow! That's a pretty serious undertaking. I can't wait to see it finished!:costumed-smiley-009

[RussG]

OH MY ... that is AWESOME!!!!!!!!

[thunderbolt]

Wow, you really are going the extra mile. This is going to be fun to watch.

[steshell]

I'm stunned by the amount of planning and detail that has gone into this project, I can't wait for the next installment. Facinating!!!!



Steve

[AUSSIE-Rebooted-AMM]

Speechless. . . WOW. . .Awesome. . . I'll be tuning in again!!!!!!

[david_b]

'Guess I was correct on the kneeling comment..!

[SoulSinger]

WOW. If you make a second one, consider it sold.

Bob

[twilitezoner]

I am looking forward to seeing the next phase.

[Meule]

Holy crap :shocked2:
Now that looks totally awesome
Oh, I am so gonna keep my eye on this thread for updates :yes:

[MegoScott]

Crazy ambitious and flawlessly executed. Wow.

[Customslab]

very nice work

[CrimsonGhost]

Please tell me you made molds of the upscaled parts!

[Captain]

I'm tearing up here..sniff....You sir are my HERO!!!

[Mego Milk]

WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW!

looks good sir.

[boss]

that's amazing... and awesome! can you 3-D print one in my size. :wink:

[ScottA]

We're waiting.:grin:

[EMCE Hammer]

If you never post another pic, you're James Dean. Show us the completed project, and you're Elvis.

[ddgaff1132]

Cool posting Darklord. Like the research and info you present. really builds interest for the main coarse. HEE HEE cant wait to see the vehicle you produce.

[lepage]

simply amazing!

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

I really enjoyed reading this thread and look forward to the next installments.

[darklord1967]

And it is coming, shortly. A little late, but it IS coming. Stay tuned.

[fallensaviour]

Simply amazing!!!
Thank you for sharing so far,that seems like a huge undertaking!!!

[The Bat]

Lookin' AWESOME Man!!!!!!:yes:

[darklord1967]

Thanks for the props guys!

And Bat, coming from a die-hard Bat-Fan like you, that is really greatly appreciated!

[Megospidey]

Well, I'm not a die-hard Bat-Fan...but I love it! Been fun watching this thread and coming back for updates. Very cool project

[The Bat]

Thanks for the props guys!

And Bat, coming from a die-hard Bat-Fan like you, that is really greatly appreciated!


You're welcome! We're obviously both Obsessed Batman Fans!:grin: I can't wait to see this Project finished...it looks BEAUTIFUL so far!:yes:

[mego73]

The project looks great. The Futura has also worked it's way into a Bewitched comic book

http://megomuseum.com/albums/Mego73/980112655875_G.jpg

I can't recall if this issue came before or after the Batman series.

[fembot]

I am impatiently waiting for another installment, how is the Batmobile coming? So far it looks fantastic, I am astounded by the level of detail.

[zerohour]

Amazing sir, can not wait to see how this all turns out!

Also love the way you have presented the story thus far.
Just the size comparison alone is incredible.

[Joe90]

Top Notch stuff there, Darklord!

[darklord1967]

Thanks again for your kind words everyone.

I know some of you have been patiently waiting fo r the next installemt of this thread.

And it IS coming, I promise.

It's just that I got side-tracked with some other stuff over the last two weeks, but I am AM hard at work on it, and I will report soon.

Your patience is greatly appreciated.:grin:

[kingdom warrior]

Holy Mother!!!!!!! Wow man that is truely awesome!!!!! can't wait to see it finished!

[mitchedwards]

WOW, thats looking great. I can't wait to see more as the work progresses.

[Sandlantern]

I think we need some more COWBELL...

:grin:

[Agent of SHIELD]

Amazing! Especially seeing the scale difference between your custom and the original Mego Batmobile.

Yours looks like The Real Thing, whereas the Mego Batmobile, scale-wise, seems like something out of The Adventures of Little Batman!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZJXUkSy45Y

(skip to 5:10)

[darklord1967]

OMG, AOS!!!!!

That is the cutest thing I've ever seen!!!!

Those kids must have had an awesome time making that video.

Amazing production value!! Even that Batmobile they drove around in looks AMAZING!!!

Thanks so much for posting that link!!!

[fembot]

If you go to the end of part 3 you get to see a full sized Batmobile roll up!!!

[tothebat-tricycle!]

THAT'S AWSOME!When will you be making your next post?:grin:

[mitchedwards]

Any updates?

[hobub]

As we anxiously await this masterpiece!

A little trailer...

1966 DK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHufrsP9XMA)

[Meule]

Any new updates on this project?

[darklord1967]

There are a couple of updates that are definitely worth posting (regarding work I've done for the car's interior.

But I'm still taking the necessary photos. Just give me a couple more weeks and keep watching this page.

[thunderbolt]

Mannnnn, what a tease. :)

[darklord1967]

Sorry about that, good buddy.

But just like before, I promise the wait will be well worth it.:wink:

[thunderbolt]

I know it will be. Can't wait. :)

[CaptainTrenchcoat]

The suspense is terrible . . . I hope it'll last.

[Meule]

There are a couple of updates that are definitely worth posting (regarding work I've done for the car's interior.

But I'm still taking the necessary photos. Just give me a couple more weeks and keep watching this page.

Eagerly awaiting the updates :yes:

[Brazoo]

This thread has completely blown my mind!

[stuart]

It's time for more pics!

[Neutron X]

Wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[saucerful]

Oh wow! I just found this thread! And what a flip I just did!!!!!!!
AMAAAAAAZING WORK!!!!!

Thanks for sharing all the great details. I am speechless! I am without speech!!

[deadpool]

that is a sweet looking ride.

[clemso]

Great stuff, pass me the pop corn. I can't wait to see the finished mego scale Batmobile! awesome idea.

[blastphemey]

absolutly amazing!!!!!!!

[shyndman]

Any new pics??????

[Cosmicman]

This is killing me!! New pix?

[Tothiro]

Bump ;)

[Captain]

Zounds!!!

Has the Batmobile been repossessed?

Will the Dynamic Duo have to use public transport?

To find out be sure to tune in next week. Same Bat-time, same Bat channel.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

Maybe same time next year...

[darklord1967]

I'm still hittin' it hard guys. Let me assure you.

It's just that with my teaching responsibilities combined with the way I've been hit financially by the recession it's been difficult to get much progress going.

I'm so sorry for the long, long wait.

There are also some molded/ cast parts that i am currently awaiting that have slowed me down...

When you least expect it, I'll hit hard with a HUGE update. I know I've been saying that for a awhile. But trust me, I speak the truth.:wink:

[Meule]

Looking forward to it :yes:

[Blackkryptonite]

That's totally far out!

[Chris]

This is such a great project. It must be near impossible to do yourself.

[THE FALCON]

Was this ever finished? Was looking amazing.

[LonnieFisher]

Maybe same time next year...

...or even longer! September '09 was a long time ago. Anything else ever happen with it? I'd love to see this car finished. Maybe we could help out with whatever caused the project to stop.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

Ja, I have been patiently waiting to see this project completed...it's so great.

[Meule]

Would love to see it too

[TrueDave]

I have a plan I want to try to do it.

Enlarging resin. :grin:

I was wondering on an experiment with new stuff and I'm inspired!
I had that Futura Kit! Awesome idea. Like Crimson Ghost I really hope you molded those parts !
Awaiting the next part !!!!!!:grin:

[darklord1967]

Hi gang!

After some much needed rest from customizing MEGOs, I am back and ready to hit things hard again.

I am planning to mainly focus on the 1966 Batmobile project that I began a couple of years ago.

I should explain the long delay...

The project went on hiatus due to limited funds. Seems like a LOT of us were hit hard by this recession.

But even more importantly, the limits in prototype technology at the time I began the Batmobile, (and the fragile nature of the resin material that my one-off prototype was being made of) forced me to put this project aside temporarily. I wanted to wait for advances in prototyping technology to catch up to my vision so that the production of this car could be high-quality while remaining reasonably affordable .

I think that time has come.

Exciting new developments in 3D printing technology have come up over the last two years that look to be able to produce some parts with nice strength, multiple colors of available resins (including clear and black!), and parts with really smooth surface textures (requiring virtually no sanding). This is very exciting stuff, that looks really promising, and I am very close to making the investment.

I cannot say much more than that right now, but if things pan out the way I think they will, this project could get a MAJOR shot in the arm very shortly...

In the meantime, I spent the entire day in front of my computer yesterday working to create the final packaging design for The Batmobile in Adobe Photoshop.

I wanted to create a graphic that functioned as an updated tribute to MEGO's original Batmobile comic book art box design.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BATMOBILEBOX.jpg

The main challenge was the fact that the 1966 "Futura" Batmobile has only had very, very limited exposure in the pages of Batman comics. So finding a suitable image actually became a very daunting research project.

In the late 1960's, the Batmobile of the comics was only loosely based on the design of the TV show car. It was not exact. No doubt, this was due to the legalities of George Barris's ownership of the TV car's design patent... and DC Comic's unwillingness to pay him royalties for the use of his car.

But somehow, in recent years, the Barris '66 Futura Bat has been occasionally snuck into the pages of several issues of Batman Comics, no doubt by baby-boomer artists who watched and enjoyed Adam West's and Burt Ward's adventures on TV when they were children. Unfortunately, virtually all of these artists seem NOT to be overly concerned with accuracy whenever they draw the '66 TV Batmobile. Many important details are typically forgotten, omitted, or altogether changed by pencilers / inkers who are working with poor model / photo references, OR (even worse) working with no reference at all.

To make matters worse, most of the actual Futura Bat's comic Book appearances were NOT usable for my box artwork due to (either) the angle that the car was drawn in, the minimal size of the drawing in the panel, the car being partially cut off or obscured within the panel, or some other unworkable issue.

Back in the year 2000, I began an Excel database spreadsheet of all known comic book appearances of the '66 TV Batmobile to aid me in my research. The database, covered the car's earliest appearances (however minor) from comics dating back to the early 1990's all the way up to present.

In the end, it was finally in a Booster Gold comic book, of all places (published in September of 2008), that provided me with the base image I needed. It was a bizzare storyline where Booster and his sister Michelle travel back in time and end up in The Batman's secret Batcave. They steal the '66 Barris Batmobile to make a hasty escape from Bruce Wayne's shotgun-toting butler Alfred!

As usual, the issue's (outstanding) artists (Penciller: Dan Jurgens and Inker: Norm Rapmund) were not 100% accurate in their rendering of the Futura Batmobile. Their few drawings and compositions of the car, while beautiful, would nevertheless require some serious graphic art alterations in Adobe Photoshop in order to turn them into accurate representations of the 1966 Bat. There was also the matter of replacing Booster Gold and his sister as the driver and passenger of the car with the more appropriate Batman and Robin.

4 days later (10 hours each day), (after I initially scanned the original comic art image into Photoshop and began my graphic alterations), the toy's box front panel had developed into this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/CustomBatmobilebox.jpg

I thought it would be humorous (and totally MEGO-appropriate) to have box art where one of the characters (Robin) is looking directly out at the viewer. This is reminiscent of MEGO box artwork like the rope swinging Batman and Robin figures on the Wayne Foundation box, or the rope swinging Baman and Robin figures featured on the Batcave and Photo Batmobile boxes.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

^ Glad to see you are still alive. :)

[Captain_Mego]

Dude ...I love your concept art and your custom work Roberto. Simply outstanding as always. Not surprised this looks fantastic after seeing your box art. I remember seeing your customs years ago and was blown away but the detail and all out look of them all. Then I seen the box art and was like damn this is outstanding. Yeah I became a fan :) Still am.

[sprytel]

Very excited to see new updates on this project. That is a great image for the toy box.

[Janson]

This is super sweet!

[SeattleEd]

Awesomeness!
So looking forward to the final product.

[CrimsonGhost]

"Electronic vehicle"???

Hmmmmmmmmm.......

[Meule]

I am soooooooooo glad to see this project back on the tracks. Great art for the box for sure

[darklord1967]

Thanks so much for the encouragement, of my return guys. I never strayed too far, but I definitely needed to recharge my batteries by taking a break from my work bench.

But I must say, I'm excited to jump back into the thick of things!



"Electronic vehicle"???

Hmmmmmmmmm.......



Oh yes. That's always been the plan. It won't be an RC car or anything (in that regard, I'd like to keep the car "MEGO-esque" as a free-rolling toy). But the siren beacon, dashboard monitors, and rear flame exhaust will all light up with the flip of a switch.

[thunderbolt]

glad to see updates on this, I was afraid it got shelved.

[ddgaff1132]

Yeah!!! Project Batmobile is still kicking. Cannot wait for more updates and pics

[piecemaker]

Lookin forward to seeing this,Awesome project!

[pmwasson]

Great news! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

[darklord1967]

A few of you have pm'd me requesting to see some of the comic book artwork of the '66 futura Batmobile that I mentioned earlier.

These are just a few of the recent appearances:

From the Batman "HUSH" storyline of 2003, there is a shot of the Batcave as rendered by Jim Lee. Apparently, he likes the '66 Barris Futura Batmobile too...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/comicxx.jpg


In Superman Batman #2 this image appeared drawn by Ed Mcguinness.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/supbat2.jpg



Nightwing #152 (January 2009) featured this artwork by Don Kramer :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/NIGHTWING.jpg


From the recent "Battle For The Cowl" storyline...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/goodnightbatmobile.jpg



And in Booster Gold # 11 and #12 (2008) These images appeared. The artist is Dan Jurgens.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BoosterGold11Oct08a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/BoosterGold11Oct08b.jpg

and of course, the image I ended up borrowing for by box art...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/boostergold.jpg

I really loved the composition that Jurgens came up with, but A LOT of stuff here needed re-working to make it correct:

1) The tip of the hood scoop nose had to be changed from a flat tip to a pointed tip.

2) The headlights were changed from red to the correct amber.

3) The missing Bat-Laser antenna on the car’s hood was added.

4) The (broken) red pinstripe around the front wheel fender was smoothed and made seamless. The red pinstripe behind the rear wheel fender was made more pronounced.

5) The door's bat-emblem was replaced with the correct size and shape emblem (and in the proper perspective).

6) The overly rounded bat tail-fins were re-contoured into the correct shape.

7) The entire shape and contour of the rear fender was re-drawn to be the correct for the 66' Futura Bat.

8) The siren beacon cage was re-drawn to be correct.

9) The top antlers atop the roll bar were shortened and moved to their correct height and position. The warning light bezels on top of the antlers were re-shaped to be uniform and correct.

10) The missing three "anti-theft Rocket Tubes" were added to the rear deck of the car.

11) The front tire and wheel were re-drawn to be accurate, and the Bat spinner hub was added.

12) The missing honeycomb-pattern front grilles were added

13) Michelle's word balloon was eliminated.

14) The figures of the two police officers firing upon the car were eliminated and Booster Gold and Michelle "Batgirl" were replaced with The Batman and Robin.

… once again, the finished Box design:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/darklord1967/CustomBatmobilebox.jpg

[thunderbolt]

There's also the Alex Ross reissue Batmobile kit box art that looks really close to the one you picked.
http://cdn.comicartfans.com/Images/Category_12185/subcat_32317/batmobile.jpg
http://cdn.comicartfans.com/Images/Category_12185/subcat_32317/batmobile.jpg

[darklord1967]

Good heavens! THAT is a gorgeous painting by Alex Ross!

I might have used that image if it wasn't already being used for the packaging of another toy / model, AND if it were rendered in a more comic book art style (to match MEGO's style of packaging)!

Gorgeous nonetheless!!!

[Meule]

I'm sure there are a couple of references in here as well. Comic is in B/W tho, except for the cover
http://www.66batman.com/yabbfiles/Attachments/35800002.jpg

[SeattleEd]

Roberto, are there plans to finish this project up or is it done?

[Wise4671]

Im dying to see some new pics on this project !!!!!!

[LonnieFisher]

Inquiring minds want to know.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I somehow missed all of this before. This project looks destined for greatness!

Chris