Straightliner59

I stand to correct myself. There isn't the Unimat, on their website. It is in the last catalog they sent me, which might actually be a couple of years old, at this point.

My first lathe was one of those. My second was, too! They worked okay, but you really had to watch the load. Currently, Micro Mark sells a machine called a Unimat. I doubt it has anything much in common with the earlier ones. It's likely someone just paid for the name. I've had my Sherline machines for over 20 years now. I love them. My current skills don't deserve the mill, but, I'm getting a little more proficient with it, due only to more frequent use. It is especially useful in performing simple operations, like drilling a radial array.

Actually, most of that is a molded cover that shrouds the engine. I think it helps direct the air to the engine. There are a couple of little details I can add to it, but not a ton.

Thanks to Les, I believe, for moving this. It is appreciated. To begin, the kit's distributor was nothing more than a blob--which is understandable, as it doesn't appear too be readily visible, once assembled. I removed it, and made a simplified one, but with six holes drilled for plug wires, and of course, one for the coil. As I am prone to do, I overcomplicated things! In looking at photos of engines, one thing that stood out was the ribs on the fan housing (I guess?). To duplicate this, I needed .060" channel, which I didn't have. I did have some Plastruct .060" H-beam. I used the edge of a blade to shave off one side, resulting in channel stock I could use. I wrapped it around the molded fan housing. I also added the band that, I assume is the clamp that holds the fan housing in place. I'll add the tensioning bolts, as well. The outer pulley face is a miscellaneous bit of photoetch I found. It's been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Here we go, I reckon! Thanks for looking!

Gorgeous!

Always hhappy to help, my friend!

Wow, Bob! That's working even quicker than I expected! Looking great! Glad that was a help. You have a nice collection of parts, so far. Depending on how involved you care to get, here's a deal from National Dragster, back in the '80s. It includes the hi-lo idle control valve and the high-speed leanout. I have a ton of stuff on fuel systems.

Bob, you might give the Bud King a "bath" in sunlight. It works on old decals, sometimes; It might be worth a shot.

I will see what I can do, my friend. I am afflicted, after all!😀

Thanks for the kind words, Bob! Unlike the guy who built it, I think it has a touch of class!😅

Thank you, Ulbo!

Okay. It looks like this is my next project. A while back, my computer croaked (followed shortly by my external hard drive--taking virtually every photo I had taken, over the last fifteen years!). My neighbor across the hall, upon hearing this, and unbeknownst to me, ordered me a new laptop. He's always expressed appreciation, and lent encouragement when I share my work with him, so I thought I would repay his kindness by building him something. I asked him what his favorite car is. He replied that it was the 914 Porsche. I told him I just happened to have one, and, here we are! I plan to not get too carried away, but anybody who's familiar with my work knows that I struggle with that!😅 That said, I've replaced the molded-on distributor with one I made, that, even in its simplicity already looks better than the kit piece. It'll get plug wires, for sure. I'll decide as I go, how much (or little) more I'll do. I should have some photos in the next few days. Mostly, I just wanted to find this thread again, and bring it up, where I don't have to dig for it. Stay tuned...

The results make all the effort worth it, my friend! You have a fine collection of tiny models. Excellent work, Ian.

Thanks, David! I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. It feels like a cohesive unit, I think. Thanks, Larry. I appreciate it!

Thanks, Mark! I'm happy you enjoyed the build! I always hope, and try to insert some useful information, in those threads. I appreciate your comments, sir!

Thanks, David. There's a little more in the build thread, too. I loved the wheels the second I put them in tires, and under the car. I just thought they looked right!

Thank you, sir! Thanks, Carl!

Thanks, Mike. I wanted something subtle. I think it's understated.

Thanks, Jim!

You're right about these kits, Luke! I built this Super Stocker from the Chevy II.

Thank you, Rooster!

Thank you, David. That's an apt comparison, I'd say!

Here's the "Under Glass" post: