Ridge Rider

I couldn't have said it better. I really wish I had any models from my youth to do this.

This is one cool little Datsun, Fredrik. I would not have the patience to work with so many tiny parts. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks again everyone. It has been a year since I stumbled into this project just wondering if I could replicate the tires and wheels with the supplies in my stash. It has already exceeded my expectations and expanded my abilities. I love that with this hobby. I am hoping to dedicate most of my winter on this project but have to put in the bill paying work now. I am looking forward to getting back into this project again with the the focus and attention it needs. Thanks again, Steve

Thanks for the continued interest in my project guys. This will not die on my workbench but work is just crazy right now and the days don't seem long enough. I did manage to get 4 filters that somewhat resemble each other. I think they will look the part. Thanks again, Steve

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Harry.

That is quite a move but it is wonderful place for all the reasons you mention and then some. Good luck with move.

I have been framing homes and businesses for the last 27 yrs. I enjoy it but it is getting tougher as the body wears out.

Very cool. Is that a flux capacitor in the second to last pic? Time traveling ghostbusters

Harry, I went through the same thing. A year of PT and suffering trying to avoid surgery. In the end I had surgery for L5 SI nerve impingement from a disc bulge. I still have pain everyday but can now work and somewhat sleep without pain pills. Definitely research your surgeon if that ends up being the solution. I would also recommend a neurosurgeon rather than orthopedic surgeon if it is against your spinal cord as mine was. Good luck and better health.

I took it to another station today and they knew it came without a cat and it passed fine. They told me I should not have left the first test and called the DEQ and had the tech "educated" . What an unnecessary pain.

My irk today is the emission test/tax. I am the original owner of a 2004 Dodge diesel that has tested zero or next to zero emissions. I was just told they won't test it because it has no catalytic converter. It never had one from the factory and still put out next to nothing emissions. I had unkind words with the technician and plan to find someone knowledgeable with 2003/04 Cummins that run so clean catalytic converters were not necessary. By the way, they were only required on newer models because of regulations not need. I hate government!

x2

Those are some real beauties. That wagon intrigues me.

Thank you Ray and Jeff ! I hope it inspires someone to expanded on the idea and contribute their knowledge as well. We will all be better builders with contributions.

I had search the web for for the size and shape filter I needed but didn't find what I was looking for, so this is what I came up with. Start with a paperback book and remove the cover from the front, back, and spine. Water down some wood glue for the next step. The pages by themselves are too thin and crushable so glue is brushed into the spine of every other page to make two pages as one. From the spine out about a 1/4 inch of glue is all that's needed. After this fully dries use a sharp exacto or scissors (cutting a dozen or so pages at a time) and make the book about an inch wide. This makes less paper to cut in the next step. Mark and cut how long you want the filter. In this case it's 3/8" In this step I clamp and square up the 3/8" piece while pressing it against a hard surface. After the spine is straight I sand the leftover paper off the original spine glue and mark guide lines for cutting. To get the conical shape the cut needs to angle slightly and start about 1/16" on the short side. With a very sharp blade I slightly rock the blade and put downward pressure. Don't rush this and watch the reference cut lines on both sides. It can/will take many attempts to get the hang of it and the right look of the cone. When I have one I'm happy with I superglue the edge to .080" rod and let it cure. I then carefully wrap it around the rod and cut to length. When I'm happy with the fit I superglue the rest and wrap for the last time. The filter can be capped and colored to fit your needs. In my case I needed a skull detail on the cap and colored the filter with India Ink. It's not the easiest thing to do but it does look good for 1/25 scale filters. Now for things I learned. Not all books and glue are created equal. Hardbacks and books with thicker paper don't work well. Lightly used 200 page paperbacks work best. Some books are created using about 16 pages at a time-start the every other page gluing process between 2 such sections to prevent odd spacing when wrapping around the rod. I used 5 different books to find the right look and spine glue. If you try it feel free to add your experience and tips as well. I will try to answer any questions if I can. Good luck. Steve

Thanks for the support everyone. I'm still sort of taking a summer break but have been messing around with the filter idea. After many failures I think I have 4 that will work. I carved the skull detail on the front cap and then did a simple resin cast for the rest. (another first) I stained the filter with India Ink and added a styrene cap to the back. They are tough to photograph but it should work.

I like your creativity and weathering skills. Very nice.

That's funny Bill. I guess that's how we ended up with this.

Cool story. It sounds like an adventure you will not soon forget.

It's always a pleasure to witness your fabrication skills. Thanks for sharing.

That is one beautiful engine Harry. With my level of patience and effortless ability to lose small parts this would be shelved already. Thanks for sharing.

Nice tribute to your beautiful 1:1

Last time I saw a mouth like that, it had a hook in it. "Just when I think you couldn't be any dumber, you go and do something like this... And totally redeem yourself!" "I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom I can tell you I don't have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you, but if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you and I will kill you."—Liam Neeson, Taken Looks like Chuck's taking old one-eye to the optometrist.