From 3D Models to Muscle Cars: Rob’s Passion Project
“Is this just a hobby? Maybe. But for me, it’s become something bigger—a passion project that keeps me grounded.”
That’s how Rob, a maker from Leicestershire, UK, describes his journey. For him, tinkering has never been just about building things. It’s been a lifeline—a way to channel creativity, fight through difficult days, and bring dreams to life in miniature form.
Finding Creativity Through Challenges
Rob’s background is in Game Design. He once dreamed of becoming a 3D artist in the video game industry. Life took him in another direction, but the creative fire never left. Instead of making virtual models for games, he turned to making real, tangible creations at home.
“I’ve had my battles with mental health, and I’ve learned that keeping my hands (and brain) busy is key.”
From LEGO builds to giant Transformers models, Rob has always found joy in creating. One Transformer project even took him nearly five years of designing, printing, testing, and refining before he could finally call it finished. That level of patience and persistence is what eventually prepared him for his biggest project yet.
The Spark: Muscle Cars and Miniature Engines
Rob has been a fan of cars—and especially American muscle cars—since childhood. Among them, one stood out: the Dodge Charger. Owning a full-size Charger wasn’t realistic, but Rob thought: why not build my own version, scaled down but alive?
That dream gained momentum when he stumbled upon YouTuber JohnnyQ90. The moment he heard the Toyan miniature V8 engine roar, something clicked. This wasn’t just about printing a car body anymore—it was about bringing the soul of a muscle car to life with a working engine.
That discovery led him to Stirlingkit, where he found the Cison V8—the heart he plans to install in his Charger project.
Building the Charger: Step by Step
Rob’s process blends his 3D design skills with hands-on engineering:
Stage 1: Digital Design
Using tools like 3DS Max, Blender, Tinkercad, and Fusion 360, he began recreating the Charger’s body from real schematics, shaping it panel by panel until the silhouette matched the original.
Stage 2: Printing and Iteration
A digital model is only the start. Each piece had to be printed, tested, and refined. Panels were joined to a custom subframe reinforced with steel rods to give the build durability.
Stage 3: Suspension & Components
While he initially tried 3D printing suspension parts, they weren’t reliable enough. Rob adapted hobby-grade oil shocks and even fabricated temporary leaf springs from carbon steel hacksaw blades, showing his ingenuity and flexibility.
Stage 4: Interior & Details
Rob designed and printed seats, dashboards, and a center console, even lining the floor with felt to mimic real carpeting. Every detail was carefully considered.
Stage 5: Wheels & Tires
One of his toughest battles was creating custom polyurethane tires. After countless failed molds and experiments, he developed a method that finally worked, producing tires that look and feel authentic.
More Than Just a Build
For Rob, this project is more than a technical exercise. It’s a form of therapy, a way to stay creative and resilient while balancing the realities of life in the UK—rising costs, limited space, and even preparing to welcome a new baby.
What’s Next
The Charger is still evolving. The next milestones include finalizing the steering system, refining the drivetrain, and—most importantly—installing the Cison V8 engine to bring the car to life with sound, smoke, and power.
Rob also plans to add remote-controlled startup, lighting, and glasswork, making the car not just a static model but a fully functional RC masterpiece.
✨ Rob’s story isn’t just about engineering. It’s about resilience, creativity, and the joy of making something extraordinary with your own hands.
Rob's personal Facebook account
Rob's personal Instagram account
Rob’s journey shows that creation is more than just a technical skill—it’s a mindset. From game design to 3D printing, from giant Transformers to a miniature muscle car, every project is a testament to his patience, focus, and love for building.
The Charger project is not only about realizing a childhood dream but also about staying grounded, managing mental health, and expressing creativity. Every printed panel, every wheel, every trial and error, is a step closer to his vision.
For Rob, this little Dodge Charger is more than a model—it carries passion, imagination, and the promise of endless possibilities. No matter where you are, if you are willing to start, you can turn the dreams in your mind into reality.
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