Cardboard Ambulance

Intro: Cardboard Ambulance

I was in the hospital with a very bad case of covid from Sept 26, 2021 until Jan 25th 2022. Almost 5 months I was on a ventilator and given up to die three times. While in there once I came out of a 30 day induced coma and gained use of my hands again I began doing drawings which my nurses enjoyed so much they hung them up in the hospital and made copies of them at physical therapy. I told them that once I got able to I would do a craft project for them and send it up there. So April I started on it and finished it up just recently towards end of June. I think they will enjoy it as well.

STEP 1: Cutting Out the Basic Structure.

I began by gathering up some cardboard and sketching the side panels out to the desired shape and size using hot glue to secure everything in place. Then I put a few coats of acrylic craft paint on and cut the wheels out to the desired size.

STEP 2: Making the Wheels and Mounting Them.

Next after getting the basic body structure and frame I cut the wheels out of cardboard. The inner hub which supports the wheel via toothpicks I used a hole punch to fit the wooden axle through. After trimming the toothpick spokes I used a generous amount of elmers glue all around the spokes and placed a rubber band around them. Once dry I painted the tires black and the wheels same color as the body. Some of the other stuff I worked on while waiting for glue to dry is windshield, dash, headlights and roof panels.

STEP 3: Making the Fenders, Running Boards, Spare Tire & Mount, Etc...

Now that I have the wheels mounted I start working on the fenders and running boards. Once finished I put several coats of acrylic paint letting the base color dry before adding the black and gold trim using gel and paint pens. I also did lots of little finishing details such as the instrument cluster which I use a toothpick to paint the small numbers and details on before putting a plastic sheet over it to give it a more realistic look. I make the steering wheel and shifter and all the other little details you can see in the final pictures and video.

STEP 4: Complete With Video

Since this needs to be handled carefully I secured it inside a display case as you can see in video. I ordered some little brass custom engraved nameplates with some information so it will present itself well. Turned out pretty much how I had envisioned it which is rare for something made from scratch and on the fly process. I already have an idea of the theme for my next one. Hope you enjoyed.

Comments

[jessyratfink]

So sorry to hear about your hard time with COVID but happy to see you're up and making now! :D

[Nesmaniac]

Thanks a lot :)

[jegatheesan.soundarapandian]

Wow nice work very detailed output......So sorry for your hard time and thank god for your happy times again...

[Nesmaniac]

Thank you :)