ea0863

Thank you James

The first time I built this model, I did it as a "what-if" project - creating what I thought a Howmet Mark III Turbine Experimental might have looked (see links at the end for the WIP and Under Glass posts for that car). However, while I was building my "Mark III", I was drawn into the history of the Howmet Mark II . This time around, I decided to build the model as close to stock as possible using the few photos I was able to find of this car. First up was the TS325-1 gas turbine engine. A few color photos of the Mark I showed it to be in shades of copper, thus I decided to go with that theme. The engine was done in Krylon Metallic Rust, while outlets were Krylon Metallic Rose Gold. The chassis was fiddly as usual, and reminded me just how important alignment is on this model to get the tubular frame to line up. Having said that, it came out quite presentable. While the kit is a fair representation of the vehicle, I noticed it had the wrong rims and sourced some suitable replacements from the parts bin. In buidling the Mark III, I had noted that the engine cowl refused to line up with the main body owing to warpage. In that instance, I had glued the cowl in place as the engine was visible through a glass panel. This time around though, I decided the warped rear cowl would have to open to show off the engine. Thus, I opted to fabricate a brass gusset glued under the cowl which could be bent as needed to re-align the meeting body panels. Finally, I tried a trick learned from Doug Whyte and used neodymium magnets to help with placement and alignment. Without further ado, I present to you my closest approximation of the Howmet Mark II Turbine Experimental: Here are links to the WIP and Under Glass posts for my Mark III: Now, I am off to build the Howmet Mark I - which is where I should have started all along!

I love it! I'm sure you've been asked this before, but where do you source the bodies?

Ken, your designs and execution are superb! This car could easily win at Pebble Beach!

Great job Ron, and I agree - - - the GM blue looks great on that car! Interestingly enough, your other pictures give the car a "Tahitian Turquoise" vibe, and it too looks good on your car!

That model is so beautiful it would make a grown man cry! You are a master of painting "Ferrari Red" in all its iterations.

Man, I'd forgotten what a sexy car the '73 Grand Am was! Great color choice and stance. Thanks for posting!

Such a tasty build, and you nailed the stance perfectly!

Bob, such a wonderful story and build. So creative!

Awesome lowrider! I especially love the deep and smooth black paint job!

Beautiful work. It looks totally realistic, especially with the various textures you introduced to the interior!

Very kool street beast, and great photos!

Great job on the conversion. I especially love the color combo!

Beautiful build. The paint job looks especially stunning in sunlight!

Exquisite work and detail!

I love the color combo!

Gorgeous build!

Coming out awesome! Cannot wait to see where you go with it next!

Just WOW Bob! Such nice finish on a 3D print. I am so jealous of your techno-savvy skills

Wonderful representation of a 90's customization!

Beautiful tribute build to your dad! Wonderful level of detail!

LOVE the creamsicle color combo on this 50's beauty! It belongs right in front of Arnold's Drive-In with Fonzie and Richie checking it out

Very kool kustom! I don't believe I have ever seen a car like this, and love the ingenuity!

Wonderful detailing on your great Jag!

Beautiful build, especially the lighting! Best of luck at the show!