Misha

Just finished the old Monogram Scarab kit based on their slot car offering from the early 60s. The model depicts the single version built by Reventlow Automobiles Inc. (RAI) for Lance Reventlow’s use. It was later modified with a SBC equipped with four side draft Webers on a x-ram manifold (similar to the GS Vettes). At that time it became AJ Foyt’s ride to victory at the 1963 Nassau Trophy race. So here is my question... at this point I really like the look of the Scarab as it sits without decals, as it allows me to take in the great lines and proportions... on the other hand, it would be great to have the Mecom/AJ ride with numbers and sponsorships, even if takes away the eye from the overall look somewhat. I am only missing the round Wynn’s decal and the CanAm Race Series insignia. What would you choose? Why? Thanx Misha

Wow! I’m done! Thanks Snake for helping out to get this Shoebox on the road. Just in time for tonite’s meeting. Will be posting it “Under Glass” for more of a rundown on the story of the two bros who inherit Grandad’s 49 Shoebox... Cheers Misha

I recently built the AMT Phaeton and found Alan Barton’s comment to the origin of the one piece body to be the Aussie version. For my build I scratch built most of the interior, attempting to replicate the sectioned American version by using a panel behind the two bucket seats that were modified into a bench seat. The chassis and powertrain were also modified by fitting the R/M front suspension and Ford 302 from their Deuce series. The working luggage rack was also scratch built with an MPC trunk. Always have liked then Phaeton body style and quite happy with the tourer build. Cheers Misha

Got her fired up and plated! Back in 1966 a couple of brothers from Tucson inherited Grandad’s 49 Shoebox and decided to hot rod it along with mild custom touches and to focus on the interior and paint. Engine bay is complete with the last of the waterworks installed and the driveshaft connecting the drive train. Last items to install (before tomorrow nite’s club meeting) are the sidepipes, having been paint detailed with washes and the front grill, which has turned out better than at first impression, need to see how the install goes.

Wow, is right! I’ll join in with Phil above... It is great to see that version built now of such a classic kit. Nowadays we certainly have more modern kits, but they don’t build up anywhere close to your rendition. A treat to see! Cheers Misha

As a kid I remember admiring those big tailights on the new Mercs. Great job on this one Richard. Wishing you the best and a quick recovery! Cheers Misha

Getting closer still! Have a few major items left... sidepipes from the 56 had to be sourced from an earlier release since the recent issue has horrendous flash and slight misalignment In the ribbed area, the front grill is currently getting the Molotow chrome treatment (with less than desirable results), the engine is ready for installation having modified the driveshaft with movable tubing and original 57 u-joints, get the plate on and take it around the block!

Quick update, closer yet to buttoning it up! Glass is in and the headliner installed. Worked on constructing a sliding driveshaft to make final installation easier. Floating grill will be the last item to finish off... Cheers Misha

Chiming in with all the others, congrats Steve on your well deserved awards. I also enjoy the camaraderie of fellow modellers at contests and displays, meeting new people and exchanging ideas, in addition to all the great models on show! I always enjoy your WIP threads, Cheers Misha

Count me in as well, since I avoid FB like a lot of members here. Keeping it to Fords would be okay if there is a reasonable deadline, then perhaps Mopars and onwards... Cheers Misha

Been busy with my Inca Goldbox build of a 49 Ford coupe by AMT. part of the getting it done thread... Cheers Misha

Past few days have been spent on getting the interior completed and some of the detail bits. The engine now is wired and has the plumbing in place for the dual carbs. Next step will be installation once the body and chassis come together. Other bits have been constructing a head liner with sun visors and rear view mirror, installing the headlight lenses and tail lights. Congrats John #1 Model Citizen on completing your red Shoebox! Great to see the versions of that generation of post war Fords. Cheers Misha

Been busy at the workbench past few days and getting closer to my own deadline of mid-February when we depart for Arizona! Perhaps enter the DSC this year... The interior has not moved on much, while the engine is closer to completion with plumbing still to go in. Finished the elecs with plug wires (still need to attach the coil), starter cable and generator wiring. This will be a period six volt battery powered Shoebox. Have applied an overall wash with the dark grey wash from Vallejo. Also been using their new line of metallics! Usual prep of enamel gloss black, yet it allows for great detailing with a fine point brush. Much of the carbs, disc brakes and tranny were finished with it. Under the chassis most of the work is done; the rear end is in with its traction bars and shocks in place. (The brake line to the axle T junction is a nit over scale, whoops.) the front has airbags with springs from a ball point. Also installed disc brakes. Both are a nod to somewhat modern updates, were they available around 1964? Just requires the engine and driveshaft. The biggest advance is having the Inca Goldbox up on its wheels! Like the stance and general feel of the build so far. Have been busy with the Molotow chrome, also over top of gloss black. Quite happy with the results, especially after it sits for a few hours and sets up. Treated the side pipes and aircleaners with it. Next is getting the Y-Block sitting in the chassis, a tight fit. Getting the interior finished (still need to make a headliner). All the glass in and a couple of decals... Gettin’ ‘er Done! Cheers Misha

Whoa! Time for an update on the Inca ‘Box, haven’t spent enough time at the bench, although have progressed on the interior which had been a bit of a roadblock. Have only tries embossing powder once before, with adequate results, so my second try here has been an improvement with a few touch ups still required. While those are drying I’m onto the five minute stage with epoxy and getting interior pedals in, steering column attached to wheel, clear lenses on the instruments, and traction bars and shock absorbers on the rear axle!

Hi Howard, Imagine you are in the midst of your build... how is it progressing? Been thinking of the builders doing this 24 hour build, yeah! Cheers Misha

Very cool, and a great build for 24 hour period, being in 1/43. ? Bravo! Cheers Misha

That’s a great looking build Tom! Especially the chassis paint and installation of the exhaust. Would really like to have my 62 Savoy build to turn out as clean and good looking. Cheers Misha

That’s a great idea ? Ken! It’s always interesting to see a different version/scheme of a car were are used to seeing in one colour, silver in this case. Be following your build, as I’m a fanatic about Vettes. Cheers Misha

I’m gathering info and parts for my CB entry of the four door Hudson from The Irishman, so with enough time I’m planning to join your Cobra on the starting grid! Here is a snap of my my 439 Combat Squadron Sabre...

A bit late posting my one build for the year...finished it in time for the North West Deuce Days held in Victoria B.C. The Phaeton represents a kit bash with the AMT chassis being modified to fit the Revell front suspension, the small block Ford powerplant, a scratchbuilt interior and detailed chopped canvas top plus a number of additions such as the working luggage rack and an MPC trunk. For the previous Deuce Days three years ago I built the “Blue Suede Vicky” which I also displayed this summer along with the Phaeton. Cheers Misha

Great job on this one Bruce! I always enjoy seeing “what ifs” because they offer such an imaginative look while still preserving the recognizable origin. This one is such a jewel in presenting an iconic Yunick look, congrats! Back when I was constructing aircraft I tooled up a Sabre in Canadian low vis camo, as we were still flying T-33s in that scheme. Cheers Misha

A small update on the Inca Gold Shoebox... getting ready to complete the Ford Y-Block and chassis. While I have most of the wiring mocked up (arrow points out the starter cable leading to the solenoid) the next step will be plumbing and installing the carbs. The chassis is nearing completion with the front suspension in place and the axle being prepped with simple traction bars and shocks. The plumbing for the brakes is in place, ready to be installed. Also applied slight weathering to the engine and chassis, as it will be street driven, not a trailer queen. Have the interior close to being assembled once the embossing powder is applied for the carpeting. Getting closer to gittin’ ‘er done!!! Cheers Misha

Here is an update on my Inca Shoebox build that ended up being stalled. So yes please, sign me up for the next round! My intention was to build like mad during the holidays, yet I misjudged how much needs to be done and a late surgical date really threw the spanner into the works, so to speak. Yet I have been at the bench puttering away. The body is getting closer with the application of Molotow Chrome, somewhat nerve-racking being my first body trim attempt. Pleased with the quickness as opposed to BMF. Then the focus was on the Y-Block with paint and wiring. Drilled out the kit distributor to accept the plug wires, then wired the generator and starter to solenoid cable. Detail painted the pulley/belt assembly, the heater motor and began getting the water plumbed. Still need to install the interior carpet to complete the interior. Hopefully it’ll zip along, as I’ve also joined in the Cannonball Run with the Hudson 4 door wheeled by De Niro in The Irishman! Cheers Misha

Thanks Bruce, I’ll be following your Cobra build of CSX3243 being a big Shelby fan. Spent the holidays recuperating from surgery by watching the movie and the Shelby American documentary which I found more entertaining. Plus barrelled thru a couple of new Cobra and Ford GT books. See you on the starting grid in December of 2020! Cheers M

Count me in for recreating the 1951 Hudson Hornet that De Niro wheels around in The Irishman. At first the thought of slicing and dicing one of the Moebius kits into a decent four door model was quite daunting. Then came across the resin body from Motor City and bingo, the hurdle disappeared! So how does one turn an early 50s four door sedan into a Cannonball competitor? Searching thru the stash the answer fell into my lap, the Foose Caddy approximates the same wheelbase as the Hudson, bingo! My plan is to combine the chassis and running gear from the Revell kit into the Hudson. The chassis plate will require a splice with the front portion of the Hudson plate. I’m unsure if the Caddy interior can be fashioned to fit the Hudson, as the aim is to have a comfortable and classy interior for the Cannonball run. Colour will be black with a red or burgundy interior. Will be ordering the Motor City Resin body this week, hope it won’t take long to reach Vancouver Island. In the meantime plan on beginning the running gear and adapting the chassis plates. Also will look for the 52 Hudson ragtop for the front grill and hood as it most closely resembles the 51 model. Looking forward to all the builds! Cheers Misha