1tifosi

I assume we all do the same or similar things to torture ourselves in this hobby. I've been pleased to have a day a week lately that I can spend working on this project, but progress is slow. One of my issues is that I'm trying to match my scratch built parts to ready made kit parts. Trying to keep everything looking right, matching up all the parts correctly and keeping it all close to scale is time consuming. I've spent seven hours on templates for the rear bulkhead today and still don't have a useable part. This is part of the fun. Here's some pictures of my process. I'll sketch the part I need, then do a plan of it with rough radius' indicated. I cut them out of card stock, mate them to the what I have done on the car and make adjustments as needed. When I get a good template, I drill out the metal to these dimensions, then file them to scale radii. It's a lot of filing, but lots of handwork is the way I do it when restoring real cars, so I might as well do it here too. So here's some pictures of the work in progress. I'll post more when it moves to the next level. Thanks.

Several years ago I bought some expensive 1/12 scale models of mid-sixties Ferrari race cars. The P3 was a nice curbside from Conto. The 412P and P4 were from MG Models and represented as being very high end. The 412P is curbside and the P4 is fully detailed, at least more detailed. The scale was very close but there were some odd proportions here and there. The 412P was disappointing in their using a lot of the P4 molds that didn't represent the differences in the two similar body styles. I could have put the models together but the part that really bugged me was the interpretation of the chassis; half tubes cast against flat surfaces and flat stock where there should have tube stock. It really showed in the engine compartment, so I built a new sub-frame from brass tubes and attached it to the tub. Then the front end looked anemic, so I have built an entire new chassis from scratch. Before starting this process I made the decision to make a highly detailed 412P, which meant body and chassis detail differences and an entirely new carbureted engine to replace the fuel injected one on the P4. Since the doors didn't open on the MG kit I decided to make a new greenhouse that would match up to the existing front and rear lids. The more I got into it the more I made from scratch. I was involved with the restoration of one of these a few years back and have tons of reference photos to work from, without them I wouldn't have dreamed of taking on such a huge project. Also, one of the model maniacs who regularly contributes to this forum came by and gave me added confidence. I'll do periodic updates, but here's the pattern for the chassis and the beginnings of the center body section. I've got the rockers roughed out of aluminum stock, they added needed volume to the appearance of the sides. It's more fun as it begins to take shape.

I've got a track in Costa Mesa, CA. It's for 1/32 Scalextric Digital racing. A lot of people call it "scale model racing" because realism is stressed over top speed. Typically the cars are accurately shaped and finely detailed. One of the great features of digital is it allows six cars to run on two lanes, with lane switching in designated areas. This means you can pass slower traffic or just choose which lane gives you the fastest racing line. A lot of cars come with lights so we do some night racing laps too. Most 1/32 cars are compatible if they are retrofitted with a "chip" from Scalextric. These are usually under $20 and shouldn't affect running on traditional analog tracks. My track is about 66 feet with eleven lane switchers and includes a pit lane. Scale Model Racing Magazine is a good source of info and you can find out a lot about the hobby on the internet. You can see pictures and get directions at http://www.nhdclub.com under "Slot Cars" heading. If you are in SoCal and want to try it out, just let me know.