RAILNSCALE - Dodge Caravan / Chrysler Voyager

[RAIL N SCALE]

Hi!

https://youtu.be/CpiVlF0rkMY

NEW: Dodge Caravan

The Dodge Caravan was one of the earliest multi purpose vehicles (MPVs). The shown model is the second generation that was built from 1990 to 1995. In Europe the Dodge Caravan was branded as Chrysler Voyager but virtually identical to the original. As the vehicle proved to be quite popular production of the Voyager started in Austria too and included versions with a diesel engine.
Models are delivered unpainted.

Various kits are available.

N2386 - Dodge Caravan (N 1:160)




T2386 - Dodge Caravan (TT 1:120)

N2886 - SET 2x Dodge Caravan (N 1:160)




More about: https://railnscale.com/2021/06/07/chrysler-voyager-dodge-caravan/

Best regards,
Maurice

[peteski]

Ah, the first generation minivans. The vehicle that changed the automotive world!  Very nice.

20 years ago or so, GHQ also produced this vehicle (pewter casting).  Back then my friend own one of those vehicles, and I built and painted one for him.  Looks like GHQ made the long version, while you modeled the short version.



The 3D printed one is better since it has "open" windows and interior.  Very nice!

[thomasjmdavis]

This is too late for my modeling timeframe, but hopeful that it sells well and inspires the company to produce more vehicles that were common in the USA (with at least an occasional one for 1956 and earlier).

I never had a Caravan, but did have a Dodge Omni once upon a time, which IIRC shared a lot of common internal parts with the short version of the minivan.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Very cool!

I commuted to my high school job in one and then had a blast of a summer in it.

I'll never forget blasting the NWA CD we found in the boom box that was serving as a stereo on that road trip through Northwest PA.

[Mark5]

Ah, the first generation minivans. The vehicle that changed the automotive world!  Very nice.

The RNS model is second gen (1991-1995).  The model looks quite decent!

On that GHQ model, the "belt line" should be straight including the fender, but for some reason it slants down. Maybe that's why it was discontinued.

[peteski]

The RNS model is second gen (1991-1995).  The model looks quite decent!

On that GHQ model, the "belt line" should be straight including the fender, but for some reason it slants down. Maybe that's why it was discontinued.

Ah, 2nd generation. That explains the plastic bumper covers.  Makes sense.    I'm not an expert on minivans.  Now I see what you mean about the GHQ model - never noticed that before.  The GHQ model also appears to be more square, while the 3D printed one seems to be more rounded off.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Ah, 2nd generation. That explains the plastic bumper covers.  Makes sense.    I'm not an expert on minivans.  Now I see what you mean about the GHQ model - never noticed that before.  The GHQ model also appears to be more square, while the 3D printed one seems to be more rounded off.

If you want to get really technical, the GHQ version was a mid-cycle refresh of the first generation. The original Caravan used dual sealed beam headlights until about 1986. From then to 91, they switched to a bulb-in-reflector headlight to streamline the front end. Sealed beam headlights were still an option right though to the generation 3 (jelly bean) redesign. Sealed beams were only available in base trim or the panel van version. I believe they were only intended for fleet or rental use.

Why, why do I know this much about the damn Caravan.

[Ike the BN Freak]

Guess I'll have to get one to paint up as my parents van from that time frame, which fits my layout time frame too. I can model 10 year old me railfanning...or being a kid waving frantically at the crews

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Anyone have a good method of making that classic Chrysler "wood" trim?

[peteski]

Anyone have a good method of making that classic Chrysler "wood" trim?

Scan the side of the model on a flatbed scanner. Import it into a layer in Corel Draw. Lock that layer. Draw the "woodie" artwork over the scanned side of the model, then print it on decal (white) paper,  trim and apply.

[Angus Shops]

Ahh, the Dodge Caravan. The only car I’ve owned from new off the lot to scrap value. Not nearly long enough between events. Never another Chrysler product.

[RAIL N SCALE]

Hopefully the Dodge Caravan will be welcomed to your layouts!
And maybe I can design some more US-cars. Suggestions are always welcome!

Regards,
Maurice | https://railnscale.com/

[Mark5]

How about a 1975 VW Scirocco? 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Anyone have a good method of making that classic Chrysler "wood" trim?

My dad did it on one of the GHQ ones.

I believe he used brown paint and then just a touch of a different brown in some light streaks with a fan brush.
The trick is to create the effect, if not the exact replica. This technique got close.

[Sokramiketes]

If you want to get really technical, the GHQ version was a mid-cycle refresh of the first generation. The original Caravan used dual sealed beam headlights until about 1986. From then to 91, they switched to a bulb-in-reflector headlight to streamline the front end. Sealed beam headlights were still an option right though to the generation 3 (jelly bean) redesign. Sealed beams were only available in base trim or the panel van version. I believe they were only intended for fleet or rental use.

Why, why do I know this much about the damn Caravan.

But you forgot to mention the turbo versions!