My first task was finding a set of detailed drawings. This proved to be impossible so I scoured the web for info and photos about the bus and using a PC Cad program created my own 12th scale drawings. This model would be pretty big at nearly 27.5 inches in length.
I did still have a copy of the original drawings for the RT bus I built in the late 80's. These were obtained by the bus enthusiast I was making the model for and proved to be a good starting point for the AEC Regal.
Once I had done as much as possible with the drawings I turned to the actual construction. The idea was to be as authentic as possible although with all hand built models some liberties have to be taken.
I started with the wheels. 6 in all 2 front and 4 rear. My drawings gave me the 12th scale size so using photos to get the profile I turned down the wheels.
 |
| Front Wheel |
I have not yet found a way to successfully do rubber tyres so as you can see I lathe turn the whole wheel in one.
 |
| 6 Wheels turned |
Then I paint the wheels with a Matt Black paint which gives the appearance of Rubber.
 |
| Wheels with a coat of Matt Black Paint |
Now for the chassis. These two side members were cut from fairly thick beech wood as each member has a double profile. That is:-
the shape you can see from the template plus the front portion of each member slopes inward. You can see this clearly in the scale drawings and in one of the photos further on.
 |
| Marking out for the Chassis |
The Leaf Springs are made from thin strips of tin cut to the correct length, formed in to shape on a simple jig and then pinned together to create the complete leaf spring much like the real thing. Four in all.
 |
| Leaf Spring |
 |
| Chassis with Rear wheels attached. Note the inward slope of the chassis at the front |
 |
| Front of Chassis with Leaf Springs attached |
I had no intention of adding actual steering but I did want the front wheels to be steerable by hand. So pivots and rods were used to enable tracking.
 |
| Shows the Steering rods. |
 |
| Completed Chassis |