Straightliner59

You could use the original to make a mold, then pour that solid, with resin, and use that as a buck to vacuform or thermoform a new one. I would probably try thermoforming one over the original, first. I've had decent luck, doing that with windshields.

Thank you, Ulf. I appreciate that! Thanks, Hanjo. I'll consider this an extra-complimentary post. It's much appreciated! Thank you, Bob! It really is almost how I envisioned it, way back when! I'm very happy with it! Thanks, Christopher!

Of that, there is no question! Great work, my friend!

I finally got some better photos, so I created an "Under Glass" thread, here: I appreciate everyone who followed along, here, and lent your words of support and encouragement. I am happy that some of you have been able to garner some useful information from this!

I completed this last Monday, but I was unsatisfied with the "glamour" shots I took at the time. I spent several days trying to find the posters I use for a backdrop to shoot on. I couldn't imagine what I'd done with them. This apartment is small, and I had looked everywhere those things could possibly have been! Except one. I looked there, earlier this evening, and shot a huge batch of photos. These are somewhat better than the previous session's results, so, here she is, in all her glory. I am very happy with this model! The result, here, is pretty true to the vision I had, for it, back in 1997, when I first began work on it. I got it fairly along--the chassis was built, the first body was built; I had begun work on the cockpit and driveline details, when I began to doubt my confidence in being able to complete it. I likely had the skills to do it, I just didn't believe that I had those skills, so it got shelved, until November of 2022. At that time, I knew it was time. Roughly 14 months later, I submit these photos of my proudest achievement, to date. Thanks to everyone who followed along on the construction thread: And, thanks for looking!

Mr. Color and Mr. Metal Color are decent alternatives. I also like Humbrol Metal Coat, but the selection is limited, it seems; at least locally. I bought a lot of Model Master Metalizer once it had been announced they were discontinuing it. I didn't see having a decent stock as reason to stop looking for alternatives.

That Double Dragster is a parts gold mine!

I appreciate that, Randy! Thanks for your kind words, my friend. There were definitely a lot of things I redid, because they just didn't "feel" right. I like to say that, a lot of what makes a good modeler, is simply a willingness to "do it over". It was good meeting you! I'm glad you got to see this, and I am happy that I was able to truly appreciate that beautiful Maserati. The 'Runner is sitting right above my bench, reminding me, every day that my display case needs a road racer! I took a couple of days planning my 24 Hour project, and am currently on that for another 11 hours, or so. The Chaparral is getting the heavy lean, for sure. Thanks again. It's good hearing from you!

I really enjoy following your projects, because you're not afraid to just try stuff! I love doing that. Get an idea, try it; if it seems feasible, refine it. I appreciate you putting new ideas into my head!? It's kinda' like science! I'm running low on wine bottle foil, because I haven't been inclined to drink any, in several years, now. I found several sources on Ebay, in fly-tying supplies. Semperfli is the brand name. It's .2 mm thick. I bought a small sheet, but haven't tried it, yet. Glen Moray Scotch might have it, but, I haven't had any of that in a long time, either! I think I saw some other small sheets that said they were .010" thick. Lead foil is more expensive than I expected.

I defy anyone to come up with any logical reason not to! Hey, it's not lazy, it's smart!

Yep. Why not? If you slip the boots on, before inserting the wire, you can push it to the proper length, slide the boots down to the "plug", and cement it. Nobody but you, will ever know!?

I truly appreciate that, Ian. I don't think anyone could hope for more than to help and to inspire their fellows. I'm still a little amazed that it's actually done!? It was certainly an ambitious undertaking--a little too much, back when I originally started it. Since I first started building, I've been fortunate enough to have other modelers share with me, and I am always happy to share--especially when it's beneficial to others, as well. Thank you for your encouragement, throughout the resurrection, my friend--it's been appreciated! @absmiamiThank you, Andy! I consider these a badge of honor, whenever you bestow me with one.

I absolutely love metal for belts! I have been using wine bottle "lead" foil, for many years, now. I really like that it can be "posed". I agree with your assessment of the other materials, as well. Good thinking!

Even Walmart. Do a search for stuff like Vevor hobby machine stuff, and one of the sellers will be Walmart. some things were a lot better, when everybody wasn't trying to be everything to everybody!

Great job with the engine, my friend!

Some of them are quite small, too! I had somebody tell me that guitar strings were too big to use for throttle return springs. I showed him, otherwise!

It is a bit stouter, for sure. Cheaper, too!

I don't know how to make tildes and such, so this will have to do...Merci!

I had to shoot them, together!

I truly appreciate that, Francis! It just kept hanging around the workbench, awaiting its day. I really am happy with it. I think it's the first of my projects that there's not something that's bugging me, about it! It even looks good in photos that provide far more than the naked eye can see. It really feels like a level above anything I have done, before. That's all I ever hope for, in this pursuit. Thank you again, my friend!

Thank you very kindly, Edgar!

Thank you, Pierre. I greatly appreciate your kind words, my friend. I am happy to have had you along for the ride! Thanks for coming along!

You have some really great fabrication going on, my friend. Beautiful work!

Excellent work, sir! I like that the rules matter, to you, as well!

I use aluminum duct tape, the same way!