AmericanMuscleFan

Glad to know you're going to venture yourself in such a complex process as machining the aluminum engine block and cylinder heads, it's my favorite kind of detail. I'm currently working on the fuel cell for my Demon project, and the engine block will be next. I'll be machining it out of aluminum me too; in fact, everything from the engine block to the accessories will be aluminum and/or brass. We'll be able to encourage each other! 😊

I repeat myself (this is probably the beginning of madness) but you know your subject Brian, the details of the firewall are more than credible, this leaves us with the impression that these connectors and relays are all functional, impressive is an understatement! 👍

Great work Steve, we recognize both Roger and your style since you share several tastes, the low to the ground position being the most obvious! In your own way, you are perpetuating the admirable work of a great modeler who left us too soon. Your passion for the hobby helps demonstrate that it can be much more than just assembling a simple styrene kit. Hats off my friend! 🎩

Nice paint job on the Sox and Martin car (actually on both cars), Bill. 👌

Cool Robert, it seems you have some nice tools too, I'm glad to see you're putting them to good use, the tank is well made as well as the cap. 👍 I'll be following with interest! Maybe you mentioned it in another thread, do you have Sherline equipment or is it a different brand?

There you go Daniel, the photos of the engine are superb, you had to highlight this jewel, you put so much effort into it!

Thanks for your kind comment Richard and welcome to the forum by the way! 👋 The hardest and longest part remains to be done (engine and transmission) so come back from time to time if you are interested. I hope to be able to start machining the engine block in the next few weeks. Francis

That would be nice Tim but we have to think of the others, those who hate winter, anyway, it's mother nature who will decide! I can't wait to start making the aluminum shavings fly! The only hint: RB block...........😁

This is absolutely FANTASTIC Tim, no need to tell you that I understand why you want to display these jewels outside the bodyshell, the spectators will then be able to fully appreciate the monk's work that you have accomplished! 👌

You mentioned: "The gods of styrene were talking to me in my sleep!" but I don't think that's true because I don't think you sleep at all my friend, to make such creations you have to stay awake 24/7 making you a hybrid between human and robot! 😁 Jokes aside, this is another quality creation that proves you can build anything with wheels no matter how many (4 isn't necessarily a limit for you)! The chances of coming back with trophies are greater when you are diversified and your arsenal will be impressive again this year! Make some space on your shelf my friend, it's very promising, too bad I can't be there to applaud you... 😔

More great details on the firewall Brian, the only problem is you have such great details all around this build, we won't know where to look! Nice problem isn't it? 😁

Superb engine bay Steve, the high color contrast between the engine, gold radiator top tank and the cabin is superb, another home run in the making! 👍

Very, very cool Scott, it's just on his four wheels and we can already tell that it's going to be a sure hit. There won't be many others on the table if you present it at a model car show!

Great work Steve, sorry I just noticed your project. I like that you went with the fleetside type box, I prefer this to the stepside version. These square bodies are so popular today and your plan to lower the suspension will produce a great look, a sure hit! I really like the moldings you added, they are very well done! 👍

So, if I touched you with my appreciation of your latest effort, I can make the same comment to you my friend! The goal is not to try to say better, I will end by telling you that by taking the time to write these words of encouragement (because it is!) you make me realize that all these hours making them and taking pictures of them were worth it! 👍 Francis

That's some serious bodywork you've done there Michael, you're no novice, it's very well done! It's a very interesting project, I'll come back and see your progress, with "Barracuda" in the title you've got me hooked! 😊

So, maybe this will give you an extra reason to keep going and push yourself like you do every time. I really enjoy this hobby, but the connections we create and the values we can decipher from our peers without knowing each other or having met in person (distance obliges) give this forum its full meaning.

Thanks Steve, this is more than just a fun hobby, sharing my crazy excesses is part of it and I appreciate that it can motivate others or at least get them to express their approval! 😊 Francis Thanks Andrew, that is to say, sometimes it is the simplest things that have the greatest effect, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! 😉 Francis

What a great build Ian, every photo shows superbly crafted and professionally assembled parts, this group effort (with the help of passionate and skilled people) has created another superb build. Backed by a story, a story of recognition of those who have made their mark on motorsport in this beautiful corner of Canada. Thank you for sharing your passion with us my friend, this simple hobby proves once again that it can produce much more than just a toy to display on a shelf! 👌

Great work Ismael, your project is obviously not from the same era as my usual builds but your methods and skills are evident, the detail work you have done so far on the engine is impressive, I really like what I see! 👌

Thanks Rich, The terminals may be a bit far-fetched as they say, but I've already tried to improve the realism of the photo-etched ones (which are also superb details), but I couldn't resist!😉 Glad to know you like them! Thanks Pierre, I see that you are not only a great modeler but also a friendly and talented man with a great imagination, it is reflected in what you do, your pen is not bad either as I can see! 😁 Thanks Brian, you know how it is, a lot of these things will barely be visible on the final product. That's kind of the reason for this WIP thread, I myself find things I didn't remember making when I look at one of my completed models after a while... 🙄 Thanks Robert, I would have needed to make a cut at the end so that the bolt could close the terminal (simulate...) but I didn't have a cutting tool thin enough. You have to know where to stop and my tool kit brought me back to reality! Thanks Bob, If you come back in a few weeks, I will hopefully be starting the long process of machining the powertrain. I can't wait to get started; it's one of my favorite parts of the project. 😊 Thanks again everyone, Francis

Thanks Trevor, I know (if I remember correctly) that you have a soft spot for machined parts. I hope to be able to start machining the engine block before the summer season arrives, the months fly by like weeks... 🙄 Francis

You can be proud Daniel this is a gorgeous build, you put so much love, care and dedication into this build, it's certainly one of you best achievements! I think you could have added a few more pictures of the engine bay view as you worked so hard and the engine looks absolutely beautiful. We all know that photos can't do justice to all this work, but the WIP thread will remain a reference for anyone who wants to see all the elbow grease you put into this project. Hats off to you, my friend! 🎩

Hello everyone, I've spent the last few days working on the battery tray and female terminals, this is a first for these and I'm quite happy with the result as the photo-etched ones are a bit too thin to say the least. I again used reference photos found on the web (model sold specially for this brand of battery) for the battery tray fabrication knowing that the tray must be secured (bolted) to the trunk floor to be legal for drag racing (no "J" rods allowed according to the NHRA rule book if I read correctly). The fuel cell remains to be fabricated as a significant part (before moving on to the engine), which is what I will do in the next few days that will be available to me for the hobby. Questions and comments are welcome if you have any. Francis The target (or something like that...) The base at early stage in the rotary table. I opened the bottom and drilled holes for the installation. The top support at early stage in the rotary table. The final part. I decided to not make the openings to keep it more rigid. Tailor made to fit the Optima battery I made last week. I added small bolts to simulate the bracket installation. One of the female terminal in the milling chuck. After a bit of finishing, I mocked up the clamping bolt and provided a hole to insert the cable. I think they will be more realistic than the photo-etched ones. One done, another to go. To give you an idea of the finished product.

I can't wait to see the final shots of this superb build. This one alone is already promising! 👍