Hi, as I am new around here & there are sooo many posts to look through, I was wondering if anyone could help me out with Sculpting. I am finding alot more people are wanting their cakes 3D. I've done a few fairly simple designs, but I now have to do a 70 year old Ford Coupe. I would like suggestions on preventing the cake from crumbling etc. I will be using buttercream icing, I will probably just get in & get it done on the day, but leading up to it, I'm questioning how good I can make it look.
Any help & suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

To be honest.... I can't help you....

However, I wanted to say welcome to CC. You will become addicted before you know it.

Hi and WELCOME to CC!! You're gonna love it here... As far as sculpting, I personally haven't done it yet but I know that if you freeze it you can sculpt it easier!

Hope this helps...

Well I haven't sculpted a cake yet, but the one I did for Christmas might as well have been! I went to remove the cake from the pan and the bottom half stayed snug as a bug in a rug! I finally got it peeled out, tried to put it back together as well as possible, then froze it overnite. the next morning I put a thin layer of buttercream on it, refroze (about an hour) I was then able to ice as usual, just kinda heavy. Wasn't difficult, jut time consuming, not a crumb to be seen. Hope this helps!

Hi there..havent' sculpted much myself, but you definitely must put your cake in the fridge and get it nice and firm and then start sculpting...It will most certainly make your life easier...As for decorating the same day, I also suggest at the very least do it the day before...That way you have time to panic and fix what you don't like...

Thank you for your suggestions & the warm welcome
I have 2 days to figure out what I'm going to do, when I get the cake done I will be sure to post it for you to give comments on..

Cakewiz, you will need to start with a very firm cake. A pound cake or mudcake would be best. I usually let my cakes sit for a day in the fridge before cutting, especially if im going to be adding fillings. I fill then let them sit in the fridge for a day before attempting to cut.
Here are some car cakes to give you a few ideas. None of these are mine, i found them on the net.
Nati

I never use a special cake, I just use white, less crumbs!!!! I always put in the fridge to sit or you can quickly freeze a bit. Keep the design simple, then add your accents after you ice.

I can't wait to sculpt my first cake.

It is the Braves Tomahawk that will sit on a sheet cake.

The wording and decorations on the tomahawk will be done in royal icing colored deep, deep blue.

I'm thinking about airbrushing it red instead of using red icing.

Getting excited about this

There is a really good recipe on here for a "Durable Cake for 3D or Carving". It is very easy to carve. I have only done this twice, both times for a VW new Beetle. (The first one was a practice cake!) I highly recommend working from a model if at all possible, that way you are able to look at it while doing your carving!

I always trim a little away at a time, you can't put it back after you've cut it off! Also, remember that after you finish carving your cake you still have to ice it and/or cover it in fondant. You will lose so me of the details from your carving, so my carvings are a bit exaggerated before I ice. That way the subtle details still show through when you are finished!

Don't forget to take lots of pictures while you are working! They make a great reference tool in case you ever need to do this or a similar type of cake again!

Thank you all for your help, you have all settled my nerves a little.. Cakes are in the oven as I type!
Nati thank you sooo much for putting those pics up, they will help with some of the design.

I am overwhelmed by the help you have all offered. It's great to find a site as friendly as this

ok. here we go. Ford Coupe is finished, Please let me know what you think.
I'm sorry pics aren't real great, my digital is not working, so I only have my camera phone.

Wow, you did such a fantastic job!! You should be so proud. It's a pity that your digital camera is not working, as this is a really fabulous cake.
Well done!!!
Nati

Thank you Nati.
I will find out when I deliver it if they liked it. I'm happy with the way it turned out, which is what counts since we are our own worst critics. I surprised myself with how easily it came together, I started it early in case I had to scrap it & start again, I didnt want to be racing against the clock to get it finished, but here I am waiting til delivery time which isnt for another 16 hours yet.

Your cake is very pretty...great job.

Wow what a cool cake. You did a fantastic job! I bet they will love the cake.

Great Job! Your cake turned out fabulous!

Wow! What a great job! Let us know what the customer says.

The pictures are amazing! Great job on your cake!!!!!!!