Straightliner59

I wasn't sure about posting a thread on this, but, it looks like this is what's coming off my workbench, next. Inevitably, I had to build a Badman. I built one fifty years ago, and I've always wanted to build another one. For some unknown reason, in spite of its flaws, it's always been a favorite, of mine. It came about, now, because, I suffered a modeling "depression" immediately upon finishing the N/TF car. I'd planned to do the Monogram Chaparral 2D, next, but it just wasn't "grabbing" me. I started fiddling around, with this, and for the last month, or so, have been kind of pecking at it. I decided to do it as an altered, rather than a gasser, because I always want to play with aluminum sheet! Gassers have to have upholstery, so...Also, I wanted to gut the front end. I still need to fabricate and install the door bars in the roll cage, and create mounting points for the shocks. It's going to be, essentially, a glorified curbside, in that, if something's not hanging beneath the chassis, and visible, I'm not messing with it--mainly because I didn't feel like dealing with the molded-in exhaust. I am planning to do a mechanically injected 427, with bent stacks, like Bruce Larson's Chevelle. I have the major decals done. I'll get into some detail about them, at some point. They feature a technique I have been working on that is similar to the way Fred Cady's decals worked, except with paint, and stuff (in this case, gold leaf!). I milled the timing cover. The rules recommend a push bar, in place of a rear bumper--okay! The rear axle housing is from Miss Deal. Springs, traction bars (I still need to build the spring mounts) and front axle are scratchbuilt. That thing sitting on top of the cage is the dash faceplate. Your comments, critiques and questions are always welcomed. Thanks for looking!

I've been wanting a set of WW collets for my lathe. I came across this deal on Ebay. Sherline sells the collet set for $106, as I recall. For $100, I got the collets set, and 20 assorted end mills, a set of Sherline center drills, a 3/32" chucking reamer, and a couple of other specialty bits! I couldn't pass it up!

Nailed it! Beautifully, too, I might add!

Excellent work, Francis. As always, I appreciate seeing your process. It's very helpful, and inspirational.

What a beauty, Pierre! The wheels just complete it. Everything looks just right--weathering--all of it. Excellent work, my friend!

That's neat, Jim! I have one of them, but I don't recall which one, of the top of my head. Bernard Kron did one as a 1/25 scale (I think) 'liner. It's on the board, here, somewhere. Nice work!

I completely agree. That means my Surfer's car will be authentic, as well!? Except, not on concrete.

Just like the real thing! I have been thinking for years about building an adjustable chassis jig, so that, by turning a screw, I could adjust the wheelbase, and another couple, I could adjust the ride height, to accommodate different tires. I just never got around to finalizing a design, and building it. Typically, I just mark it out on a balsa sheet, and start pinning and soldering. You're really making some great progress, Ian!

That's good advice, in any situation!

My guess is that's because critical-thinking skills are headed the way of the dodo and dinosaurs.

I think it was Cruz Pedregon who had Ratt on his car, at one time. NHRA had Stephen Pearcy's band doing intros, for a while, on their TV coverage. Capps is a hard rock guy, too. He hangs out with Dave Meniketti (Y&T), fairly regularly.

While, as always, your work is fantastic, that grille is super-impressive! It's utterly gorgeous, opened up, like that!

I have always preferred good ol' Micro Set and Micro Sol. I can't think of an instance in which they failed me. I have heard some guys say there are certain decal manufacturers on whose decals they don't really have an effect. I haven't run across that instance, however.

I didn't miss that. I have actually held it in my hands! It's amazing!

This has got me interested in trying something, even if it's of my own design, just to play with the technique! Something like an aluminum streamliner comes most-readily to mind.

Yes, this was an overreaction to Testors announcing the discontinuance of the Model Master line.

The ribbon is way too heavily-textured, as well. I have been using wine bottle foil, for about thirty years, now. I really like that I can "pose" it. It's a little thicker than paper, but, it will fit!

Gofer Racing makes some generic stock-type buckles. Some interior detail sets have them, specific to a car/brand. For domestic cars, one of the companies that would likely have them would be Model Car Garage, in some of his detail sets.

You're most welcome. I just figured that you'd appreciate what it was! It might be fun to actually scratchbuild something like that!

It's somewhat similar, but the Junior Fueler is built with a Ramchargers chassis. I've never been able to figure out what MPC was thinking, with that kit, making it a "legs under" chassis. The 1:1 Ramchargers car was a Don Long chassis! I think I have everything I'll need collected, so I'm pretty much ready to go!

The wire is another excellent idea! Going to try to remember that, next time I need it!

I thought this was scratchbuilt, but it says "box stock" right above "not a Metal Earth kit". I didn't even notice the former, until I just now looked again at the photos!?

@Ace-GarageguyThis was at a show i attended, today. I thought it was really cool, but, definitely thought of you, almost immediately. It's scratchbuilt, and really, really cool! Sorry for the quality of the photos, contest tables are never the best, for shooting.

That would be cool, if it happened! Max Webster is one of my favorite bands, ever! Kim Mitchell is a criminally underrated guitar player, I think. I've always heard that he's a great guy, too. "Paint by Max" definitely would be easier to sign!

Your brass work is beautiful! I saw the seat on FB. It's killer, Ian. Loving this project!