Straightliner59

I knew Ted Struse. He had this car in his garage. Ted also founded MSC Model Products, which was one of the pioneers of the model car aftermarket. He was a super nice guy. Those decals look great! At one time, I found an auction site that had a ton of photos of the car. It looks like this photo may be from that site. It had pretty much anything you'd need to build it!

Thanks, guys. Yeah, my heart sunk, when I heard that "snap"! At least I was able to get it fixed in one session!? Still a long way to go, but the chassis, itself, is done. I think I will finish the harness, next. Then I can get on to the rest of the cockpit details. Thanks again--I appreciate your kind words of support!

Very nice work, Joe!

Had this been virtually any other time in my modeling "career", those likely would have been famous last words. While I was installing the tie rod, I somehow managed to snap the right side spindle eye from the axle. That would have put it back on the shelf, in earlier times. This time, I cut a new eye, cleaned up the axle end and sanded off some of the paint, in order to create clean contact point for the electrodes. I then soldered the new eye on, cleaned up the axle again, and re-shot that corner of the chassis. I used kitchen plastic wrap to mask the tie rod, and the rest of the chassis, behind the axle. It worked well, because it clings without sticking. Within a couple of hours, I was repaired, and had the tie rod installed! I'd like to say it was fun, but...? I am happy with myself, for getting it fixed,, and not pushing it aside. Questions, comments and critiques are welcome. Thanks for looking!

Ya' need a photoetched and resin LaSalle grille for that thing??

Looking good, man! Keep it up, my friend!

Perfect! I was a little late with my response, as I just got home from work. I really love these old Monogram kits, and you are absolutely killing this! I love it!

I might just dry brush some white, on top. You might want to "dusty" them up, a tad, too. Maybe a little ground-up pastels?

It certainly does. I've used up a lot of elbow grease on that stuff! Steel wool cleans it off, best, I think. I'll be interested in your results. I definitely plan to give it another go, at some point.

That clutch is magnificent! I am considering doing one for my dragster. I would need to open the inspection holes, but, that shouldn't be a big deal. This is a wonderful project, and very enjoyable to watch come together. Excellent work!

But, it's getting there. It's gorgeous, my friend!

Thank you, so much, Pierre! It's much appreciated. Scratchbuilding/fabrication is my favorite aspect of this avocation. I'm really beginning to think this will see the light of day!

Here's something I posted a few years ago. It's a great way to save yourself some money! It's easy, too!

Yessir! That's always a big step in the process! Thank you, Francis. I think it's going to look pretty cool!

It's coming along nicely, Ian. Great Work!

Rear axle is installed, completely. I painted the spindles, so I could stand it back on its wheels. I may just go ahead and finish off the installation of the steering at the front axle, before doing the brakes. This is exciting! Thanks for looking!

Thanks, Ian. I got the third member installed, today! There are a couple of little things to do, before I install the axle stub ends, but, this is almost done! I made the nuts for the rear end mounts on the lathe, with .040" hex stock and painted them with Testors MM Jet Exhaust. I've since trimmed off the excess length of the bolts. I'll work my way out of the cockpit, installing cables and wiring, as I go. I think I have decided on a color combo, as well! As always...and, thanks for looking!

I finished the puke tank, except for bolts in the mounting tabs. I also built and installed the anti-sub belt assembly, and mounted the carriers for the third member. I'll be making the nuts for them, forthwith. I need to replace one bolt head, and the Strange logo on the differential, as well. I should have the rear axle mounted, today! Questions, comments and critiques are always welcomed. Thank for looking!

Nice work, Joe! Fits like it's supposed to, now!

Thanks, Bob. I appreciate that!

Thank you, Ian. It really is a nice color for bare metal chassis. I'm not surprised that you used it, as well! It really feels like it's getting somewhere, now. I'm putting the anti-sub belt together, now. Once it's installed, I can install the third member!

Thank you, Edgar! I feel like I need to rub some pastels into it, to tone it down a bit, but the color and sheen are fine, as they are. Thanks, my friend! I was pleased with how well it was cleaned up, once I could tell how much it was cleaned up.? It's pretty hard to tell, before paint, with the metal's shine. Fortunately, I didn't have to touch it, after the primer. Thanks for your kind comments!

I might respectfully disagree!?

I knew it wouldn't be long after it was painted that I'd be installing the seat. I should be installing the third member, before long. I guess I'd better figure out what colour(s) this thing's going to be!

Very nicely done, Ian! Looks great!