Building The Atma Travelear Teardrop

[DMcCam]

Hi everyone, We’re jumping in and starting the build! I’ve got a good friend and client who is willing to help me get my trailer frame built! So, the game’s afoot!

We settled on the general design after visiting our new friends in Lovelock, Randy and Debbie. What a great day that was! We also reworked a few areas from members input and now need to see a few more cabinet layouts for both the interior and the galley. This is the general layout thus far.

We aren’t sure what the final cabinet layout will be or if the aft bulkhead will move around a tad. But that didn’t stop me from having a little model fun. I printed out my plans, broke out the sparymount, foamcore, matte board, shiny silver paper, my trusty exacto knife, and got to work.

This is the layout for the frame as it is today. Built out of foamcore to the scale of 2”x2” stock. The TD will be (at this point) 4’x10’x4’9”wide.

Does anyone see any problems or concerns whether it will work?

The next thing I knew, I was attaching the tongue box and hatch! She’s in 1/12th scale so 1” = 1’. Here’s the completed ‘proof of concept’ model. What do ya think?

There are a few ‘oopses’ here and there but all in all I’m pretty happy with the way she’s going to look. More to come soon.

Cheers, Dave

 

[cherokeegeorge]

Very impressive, I like it

 

[steve smoot]

Really like those cabinet doors...cool...

 

[Ageless-TNT]

Well, except for those really worn tires and the big holes in the wall . . . .I like it!

 

[gullywompr]

Neat. The profile and art deco details make for one classy design. I see you've carried the profile to the fenders as well (at least the back end) - how will you be constructing them? The front cabinets look pretty cool, although I'm wondering if you plan to install any lighting above the pillow area, and if they will clear the doors. What goes in the cubby-hole of the rear cabinets?

I really like the look. Classic and elegant.

 

[gullywompr]

By the way, I'd stay away from using charcoal briquettes for pillows. Spend the money and get something more comfortable

 

[Juneaudave]

Very nice...it always shows when an artist interprets 20th century industrial design. I really like how the shape, the logo and design on the cabinets work together.

 

[doug hodder]

I think you hit a home run with that profile. Nice touch with the deco type lines and graphics on it. It "flows" really well. Doug

 

[DMcCam]

Wow, thanks for the kudos guys. She's going to be fun to build. The cabinets are slated to be inlaid with panels of aluminum or something similar to bring some of the exterior inside. Everything else will be natural birch.

Hey Cutis, I'm hoping my welding guy can do aluminum too for the fenders. The little cubby between the aft cabinets is (at least today) for day-packs and such. We'll see if it turns into anything else. As to the lighting, we will be using Lumenautix LED fixtures. Two spot reading lights, one general illumination cabin light with red night vision, two exterior porch lights and one more under the hatch. They are all very low profile, sweet. Yeah, those foamcore pillows aren't any better than briquettes to sleep on, must get nice fluffy ones for the real deal.

Cheers, Dave

 

[humbird-SKO]

Hi Dave, nice model you have there. You seem to be putting a lot of attention into the details, so here's a quick note for ya... a tiny LED will throw a lot of light, see the two newest pix in my album. The charger for my phone by happenstance aims right at the light switch.

 

[Sam I am]

Dave, that's one of the best designs I've seen. Great profile, and your model is excellent! Good work!
Sam

 

[High Desert-TNT]

Beautiful design Dave, your artists eye for form as well as function is shining through

Hope to see this one in person some day. Will look forward to your progress.

 

[danlott]

Very nice design Dave. Probably my favorite profile of all. You have a really good eye for details. Will be following your build closely.

Dan

 

[mwallace61]

That's slickern' algae in the creek! Good luck with the build....

 

[bbarry-TNT]

Wow, it all looks great. Your design elements really do work well together. Is that an Airedale Terrier I see?

 

[vwbeamer]

 

[nevadatear]

wow, you really have been busy with your model making. Outstanding, really looks good. Randy says your trailer frame looks good too. One suggestion (from Randy), "if you plan to mount a spare underneath the back like I did, put two pieces of angle iron even with the bottom of the frame to mount the tire. "
Really nice art deco touches. Your artistic talent is really shining through, that will be one beautiful tear! Go forth and build!

 

[rockinrobin-TNT]

COOL!!!

 

[DMcCam]

Thanks again guys!

Hi Debbie, I'll give Randy a call before I finalize the frame to make sure it's right. We do want to have the spare mounted just like yours.

Hi Brad, Good eye for breeds, he's a Wire Fox Terrier named Jack! A shrunk down Airedale!

Warmest Regards, Dave

 

[Lynn Coleman]

GReat job on your model but I must comment on your webpage and your art, really nice.'

Lynn