Papa's Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Model Build Thread - Graduated!!!

[Papa]

Well, I said I'd do this, so here we go. I figured it should still go in the Off Topic forum, so we'll see if it works out. After seeing the post about this model in early January, I decided I wanted to build this thing. I ordered the first of twelve "packs" with a monthly subscription that will deliver the remaining eleven packs over the rest of this year, the last will ship in December.

Pack 1 consists of six "stages" and includes what you see here:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160597&d=1642713492

It doesn't seem like there is any real rhyme or reason to how the packs are assembled, as some parts in pack 1 don't get used until well into the build. From a quick visual inspection, the metal parts are very detailed and feel substantial in weight. I also ordered a display case, but that hasn't been shipped yet as far as I can tell. I'll post more as I start working through the stages. There are 100 stages spread across the twelve packs. If you want to check out this and other models from Agora, you can visit their website (https://www.agoramodels.com/). They have some pretty nice kits that include a Shelby Super Snake Mustang and a Jaguar E-Type.

[Badfish]

Very cool! Will be following.

[mburger]

Looking forward to this Dave. :D

[egchewy79]

interesting they wouldn't send you parts in the order that you would use them.
just like the real thing :)

[Nigel Allen]

Will Gasn be offering sweet sidepipes?

[Papa]

interesting they wouldn't send you parts in the order that you would use them.
just like the real thing :)

It seems a bit like this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uErKI0zWgjg

[RJD]

Don't forget to get one of these - it'll save your back. :D

160623

[JDFinley]

Don't forget to get one of these - it'll save your back. :D

160623

HA!!! Maybe some jack stands (https://smile.amazon.com/ShareGoo-Adjustable-Lifting-Traxxas-Crawler/dp/B087QBWSPD/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1CKELC0KOMNQU&keywords=jack+stands+scale&qid=1642782339&sprefix=jack+stands+scale%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-5) as well??? :) They are 1/10 scale though... :(

[Papa]

Don't forget to get one of these - it'll save your back. :D

160623


HA!!! Maybe some jack stands (https://smile.amazon.com/ShareGoo-Adjustable-Lifting-Traxxas-Crawler/dp/B087QBWSPD/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1CKELC0KOMNQU&keywords=jack+stands+scale&qid=1642782339&sprefix=jack+stands+scale%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-5) as well??? :) They are 1/10 scale though... :(

What's the weight limit on that lift? The 1:8 Cobra weighs in at about 15 pounds when fully assembled.

[Papa]

My wife set me up in her "shop" to work on my model. She has quite the setup for crafting.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160686&d=1642803807

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160687&d=1642803807

I bought some small storage containers to keep the different sizes and types of screws organized. Some of these screws are near microscopic!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160689&d=1642803807

So are some of the parts.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160688&d=1642803807

[Papa]

The hood is the first thing you get to work on, starting with the scoop and then the functional latches.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160691&d=1642803827

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160690&d=1642803807

Next is one of the tire/wheel assemblies. The wheel center is metal. The tire is solid rubber that you put in hot water for 2-3 minutes to soften enough to get the wheel inserted into it. The completed tire/wheel assembly weighs over 1/4 pound. The spinner is held in by magnet.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160693&d=1642803827

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160695&d=1642803827

[Papa]

The rest of pack 1 consists of an odd collection of various parts that include a seat bottom cushion, roll bar, steering wheel, the intake, carburetor, air cleaner, oil filter, water pump, and side pipes.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160698&d=1642803850

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160697&d=1642803850

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160699&d=1642803850

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160700&d=1642803850

The air cleaner screen and intake manifold are metal. The rest of the air cleaner, carb, turkey pan, oil filter, etc. are plastic. The side pipes are plastic and must be assembled from eight parts each. I'm now finished with pack 1 (stages 1-6). It took about two hours to work through the entire pack.

[JDFinley]

Wow! That is very neat!! I often feel like a bull in a china shop with a full size car... suspect all those tiny parts create a real challenge! ��

[first time builder]

My daughter has a craft Room for her Cricuit.160778160778

[mburger]

If your wife designed that room, she did an amazing job. Joanna Gaines who?? :D

[Papa]

Pack #2 is on its way as is the display case that I won't need for at least ten more months. Pack #2 is the rest of the engine and transmission assembly.

[Papa]

Update:

I contacted Agora about having all remaining packs shipped now rather than one at a time over the year. I should have everything by the end of the week! On another note, the forum on the Agora site is, shall we say, interesting. I'm seeing posts by a few people complaining about the lack of detail; no starter motor, no fuel lines to the carburetor, etc. Others are commenting on things like the way the seat belts are attached to the roll bar. One guy stated he'd NEVER seen the belts attached this way in any photos he's seen. I couldn't resist posting some and stressing that no two Cobras are exactly alike. I may not be making many friends on that forum. :p

[egchewy79]

sounds like an excellent opportunity to "mod" your model. you could create a cottage industry of mini mods. drop trunk, RT turn signal, etc.

[Papa]

sounds like an excellent opportunity to "mod" your model. you could create a cottage industry of mini mods. drop trunk, RT turn signal, etc.

There is already a very strong set of modelers that describe the modifications they have implemented. Some are very impressive with details like heat staining the headers, adding cooling ducts to the interior, etc.

162644

[mburger]

Update:

I contacted Agora about having all remaining packs shipped now rather than one at a time of the year. I should have everything by the end of the week! On another note, the forum on the Agora site is, shall we say, interesting. I'm seeing posts by a few people complaining about the lack of detail; no starter motor, no fuel lines to the carburetor, etc. Others are commenting on things like the way the seat belts are attached to the roll bar. One guy stated he'd NEVER seen the belts attached this way in any photos he's seen. I couldn't resist posting some and stressing that no two Cobras are exactly alike. I may not be making many friends on that forum. :p

Instigator!! Lol
Been following the build. Good stuff!

[alexmak]

not agora, but Revell, and such a pain in a butt to paint and glue together.

162646

(another confirmation why choosing professionals to do a body paint was a right way to go)

[wareaglescott]

Interesting thread. After reading it took you two hours to complete the first month I was thinking to myself I wonder if he is glad this project will take a year to complete. Personally I could not wait like that without losing interest by the end.
Scroll down a few posts and I see the same applies to you as you have the rest on the way! haha

Looking forward to following along!

[egchewy79]

not agora, but Revell, and such a pain in a butt to paint and glue together.

162646

(another confirmation why choosing professionals to do a body paint was a right way to go)

your hood and trunk gaps need some work :) lol

[RJD]

Hope you have your slot reserved with 1:8 scale Kleiner - he looks pretty busy.

162655

[alexmak]

your hood and trunk gaps need some work :) lol

It only adds to authenticity of the FFR kits!

[Papa]

For those that thought the Agora 1:8 scale models are expensive, take a look at this!

https://www.amalgamcollection.com/collections/ford/products/ford-gt40-1969-le-mans-winner

[egchewy79]

For those that thought the Agor 1:8 scale models are expensive, take a look at this!

https://www.amalgamcollection.com/collections/ford/products/ford-gt40-1969-le-mans-winner

whoa! how is it possible that a 1:8 model costs almost as much as a real car?

[chmhasy]

Wow, you got it. will be following this thread

[Papa]

The first of two expected deliveries from Agora Models arrived today. It contained Pack #11 that includes the painted body of the car. It is absolutely beautiful! It's also quite heavy at about 6-1/2 pounds.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162855&d=1645385001

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162857&d=1645385001

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162856&d=1645385001

I'm also expecting a delivery today that contains the remaining 10 packs. Once that arrives, I'll start working through them in order and posting details here.

[Skuzzy]

Wow! Just Wow!

[Papa]

The remaining ten packs I was expecting were delivered!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162862&d=1645396561

[GoDadGo]

Hey Papa Dave,

Is it that cool to build one of these?
Absolutely Yes Without A Doubt!

Steve

[Papa]

Hey Papa Dave,

Is it that cool to build one of these?
Absolutely Yes Without A Doubt!

Steve

You bet your 1:8 scale asp!

[Badfish]

Where’s the body buck?!

Looks beautiful.


The first of two expected deliveries from Agora Models arrived today. It contained Pack #11 that includes the painted body of the car. It is absolutely beautiful! It's also quite heavy at about 6-1/2 pounds.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162855&d=1645385001

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162857&d=1645385001

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162856&d=1645385001

I'm also expecting a delivery today that contains the remaining 10 packs. Once that arrives, I'll start working through them in order and posting details here.

[Papa]

I completed Pack #2 tonight, which took a bit over two hours to work through all the stages.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162887&d=1645413282

Some of the details:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162895&d=1645413496

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162889&d=1645413282

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162890&d=1645413282

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162891&d=1645413282

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162898&d=1645413714

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162896&d=1645413714

[Papa]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162976&d=1645498500

[Papa]

Pack #3 consists of several stages that assemble the tube frame (all metal) and anther front wheel/tire combo.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163084&d=1645846264

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163085&d=1645846264

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163086&d=1645846264

It is quite stout and heavy.

[Papa]

Pack #4 is pretty small, but you install a couple of floor panels to the frame and then the completed engine gets mounted.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163087&d=1645846509

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163088&d=1645846509

The last part of this stage includes the initial portions of the rear end. The differential, axles, one hub assembly, and the control arms and coil over shock on the left side.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163089&d=1645846509

[Papa]

Pack #5 covers quite a bit of ground and gets us to a rolling chassis.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163100&d=1645907616

We start by assembling the front and rear suspension:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163101&d=1645907625

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163104&d=1645907693

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163102&d=1645907635

Assembling the rear tire/wheel combos requires heating the rubber to allow the rim to go in:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163103&d=1645907666

We attach some inner fenders and a panel on the lower-rear of the car and now we have a roller:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163105&d=1645907710

I added some zip ties to hold the front suspension tight and prevent the shocks from separating. It isn't too difficult to get them back where they need to be, but the zip ties ensure I'm not fighting with it before the rest of the front-end gets assembled later on.

[Papa]

Pack #6 is where the bulk of the cockpit gets assembled.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163139&d=1645933110

The trans tunnel, floor, and rear wall are flocked to simulate carpeting. The accelerator and brake pedal operate micro switches that will operate the brake lights and engine sounds.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163142&d=1645933110

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163143&d=1645933110

The dash has some amazing details right down to the Lucas controls. The lights are controlled by a micro switch that is activated by pressing the knob.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163140&d=1645933110

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163141&d=1645933110

Completing this pack represents the half-way point of the build.

[Skuzzy]

Just amazing. So cool!

[Papa]

Pack #7 completes the batteries, cut-off switch, cables, seats, seat belts, and the main electrical circuit board and cables.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163194&d=1646015098

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163195&d=1646015098

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163196&d=1646015098

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163197&d=1646015098

[toadster]

OMG - the WANT level just increased!!

that's a SPECTACULAR!

[Papa]

I completed Pack #8 today, which included the fuel tank, fuel pumps, and firewall.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163393&d=1646429073

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163394&d=1646429088

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163395&d=1646429103

[chmhasy]

Papa, Is that a speaker behind the firewall so it can make zoom zoom sounds?

[Papa]

Papa, Is that a speaker behind the firewall so it can make zoom zoom sounds?

It is, and it's activated by pressing the accelerator pedal. Brake lights come on when the brake pedal is pressed, and lights come on with a press of one of the knobs on the dash.

[cgundermann]

What an absolutely detailed kit! Very, very impressive! Thanks for sharing.

Chris

[Papa]

Pack #9 is complete. It included the steering shaft and tie rod (metal), the trunk lid, and the doors as well as some additional firewall details.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163451&d=1646510899

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163453&d=1646510899

The door latches are actually functional:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163454&d=1646510899


https://youtu.be/xlpEdkBaah0

[Nigel Allen]

Don't forget to do the door latch mod. While you're at it, might as well do the Kleiner quick jack mod as well.
Hmm, imagine a 1/8 scale Kleiner...

[Papa]

Pack #10 assembles the windshield and starts assembly of the radiator, oil cooler, and fans.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163457&d=1646533872

The windshield frame is metal, as are the hinges for the wind wings and sun visors.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163458&d=1646533872

The oil cooler is metal mesh and the fans spin:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163461&d=1646534110

The radiator is assembled with a plastic core covered with black metal mesh.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163460&d=1646533872

[Papa]

Pack #11 is where we start working with the body and assembling several items from previous packs.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163462&d=1646534626

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163463&d=1646534626

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163464&d=1646534626

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163465&d=1646534626

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163466&d=1646534626

[RJD]

The level of detail is amazing.

Wondering if the windshield will get a mini crack in it a few weeks after completion. :eek:

[Papa]

Pack #12 is the final pack and completes lights and a ton of small parts all over the car. It was very difficult to get some of these parts installed and it took a little over five hours to finish all the stages.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163502&d=1646612661

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163501&d=1646612661

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163505&d=1646612683

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163509&d=1646613170

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163504&d=1646612683

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163503&d=1646612683

The build manual:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163507&d=1646613095

That's it! Now I just need to have the display case show up so I can put it on display. I'll also need to pick up some batteries to try out the electronics.

[first time builder]

Looks great , I see the header/side pipes fit like FFR LOL

[Papa]

I found some batteries and had to see what it looked like:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163512&d=1646614065

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163513&d=1646614065

The button on the dash activates a horn. The accelerator makes engine sounds, and the brake pedal brightens the taillights.

[Papa]

Looks great , I see the header/side pipes fit like FFR LOL

Definitely. There are some simple adjustments they could make to allow for a better fit. I've sent them a note with a recommendation.

[egchewy79]

see if breeze will make you some mini wedges for the side pipes :)

[UpNorth]

Wow! Very cool.
Congrats!

[wareaglescott]

Very cool. Thanks for documenting the build.

[Papa]

The display case I ordered with the model finally arrived:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=165536&d=1650123455

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=165537&d=1650123455

Now I need to figure out where I'm going to put this thing. It's huge!!!

[Papa]

I needed a place to put this large display case, so I decided to wall-mount the TV in my study and use the TV console table to proudly display my model.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166040&d=1651263959

[Skuzzy]

Very nice!