Straightliner59 Posted August 13, 2018 Share Posted August 13, 2018 I built this 20 years, or so, back. It was built using a vac-formed drop tank that I found in a closeout pile at a local shop. I covered it with tooling aluminum. Tires and wheels are from the parts box. Rear tires were made by contact cementing two inserts from Revell's dragster/pro stock/FC kits together, then covering the seam with electrical tape. Wheel discs were punched from tooling aluminum sheet, as well. Radius rods, etc. are from the parts box. Rivets were made using the time-tested "scriber" method. I carved wood bucks to heat-form the scoops, and used an aircraft prop cone for the tail. The model was an exercise in trying new techniques, and design, and, clearly was never intended to be a detailed "replica" of a salt flats/dry lakes racer. Comments/criticisms welcome, as always! Mods, feel free to move it to wherever you think it needs to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iBorg Posted August 13, 2018 Share Posted August 13, 2018 It looks the part. I'm sure if we were on the salt in the 50's we'd see something very similar on the flats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PorkChopPaws Posted August 13, 2018 Share Posted August 13, 2018 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phildaupho Posted August 13, 2018 Share Posted August 13, 2018 This is extremely cool to see especially with it being Speedweek at Bonneville right now. Just read that Danny Thompson set a speed record with his father's rebuilt Challenger!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Zombie Posted August 13, 2018 Share Posted August 13, 2018 Looks cool. 20 years ago it was a top build I imagine, but even today it ain't half bad considering it was an experiment of different techniques. Awesome idea with the electrical tape!  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Goschke Posted August 13, 2018 Share Posted August 13, 2018 Wow, that is cool! Very realistic looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobraman Posted August 13, 2018 Share Posted August 13, 2018 Way cool ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olschoolkid Posted August 13, 2018 Share Posted August 13, 2018 That is an awesome build. A great test of techniques and ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcarfan Posted August 17, 2018 Share Posted August 17, 2018 I like it! Nice use of the aluminum too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted August 19, 2018 Author Share Posted August 19, 2018 Thanks, all, for the comments! The tooling aluminum is an excellent medium for applications in which malleability is necessary. It's soft, like aluminum foil, but of heavier gauge. I used it to form the splash aprons on the '34 I completed, last year. It was a natural, for the skin, on this model. Today, I am playing with an open-mold to cast a half of one of these rear tires. I used the sidewall insert from a Revell/Monogram dragster/FC slick and rounded the shoulder, and sanded off the lettering. By casting it in two halves, I can insert plastic sheet between the halves to adjust the width of the tires, if necessary. If I have success, I'll post results, etc., on the appropriate board. Thanks again for looking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterNNL Posted August 20, 2018 Share Posted August 20, 2018 Great think outside the box build. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted August 21, 2018 Author Share Posted August 21, 2018 Thank you, Tom! It was a fun, quick little project. Those are rare, for me. I tend to get carried away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
om617 Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 Very cool build. I bet it would be exciting to drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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