ModWrench

Thanks Carl and Charles, appreciate the feedback!

Thanks Joe! Fun little build, and have a few more ideas for additional TROG cars knocking around in my head.

Here is my take on a '27 Ford Tub built to The Race Of Gentlemen (TROG) specs. Went with a Frontenac 4 cylinder, scratch built front shocks and spindles, used a set of Ron Coons Resin front tires and wheels, and slapped on a pair of M&H Racemaster slicks for the Flabob drag runs. This was primarily a test mule for weathering, as this is my first attempt at adding a "patina" and race-worn look to a hot rod. I experimented with some different techniques and think it came out OK, made some notes on what to try on future builds. Posting a few different pics in the TROG thread of the Community Build section too.

Like this one, especially the artillery wheels and the door cards!

This is the first of a half dozen builds I have planned of the new asphalt modified kits produced by Wes's Model Car Corner. Going to backdate a few items on this one and make a Cavalier body. Will be a replica of the 1993 NASCAR Modified Tour Champ Rick Fuller's car, owned by Curt Chase.

Finished my rendition of a '27 Ford Tub. Went with a Frontenac 4 cylinder, scratch built the front shocks and spindles, used a set of Ron Coons Resin front tires and wheels, and slapped on a pair of M&H Racemaster slicks for the Flabob drag runs. This was primarily a test mule for weathering, as this is my first attempt at adding a "patina" and race-worn look to a hot rod. I learned quite a bit and think it came out OK, made some notes on what to try on future builds. Have a couple more TROG cars and possibly a bike that I will attempt to build as time allows. Posting a few different pics in the Under Glass section too.

Called an audible and switched up the build from my original pick of a '29 RPU to a '27 T. Dragged the body out of the weeds a slapped some rattle can numbers on over the weekend. Rebuilding the 4 banger and knocking the beach rear tires off the rims and mounting up some slicks.

The next 4 modified kits to be released in 2023 are all popular drivers and limited production runs, so we will continue to see these sell out quickly after they are announced. These will not be like the Salvino's Cup cars that have languished on the shelves at my local hobby shop since they were first introduces and every one subsequently released, including the new Camaros. There is another option for those who want to build these modified race cars and missed out on Wes' initial two offerings. There is a niche vendor called Hurd Hobbies(https://hurdhobbies.com/) who has made a similar modified kit (SMART Tour cars that run primarily on the South East coast of the U.S.). His cars/kits are all 3D printed. His kits are selling for ~$150 and the detail and quality look phenomenal. I have ordered a few individual parts from his site and they look very realistic.

Count me in. Going to build one for the 4 banger class. Trying to keep it simple, thinking stock running gear with an open cab.

Have the front and rear axels mocked up and pretty much locked in. I attempted to replicate some "dog bones" on the front end. Used some #1 crimp beads on the ends of the friction shocks and the inside of the wishbones to simulate the ends on the bones. I'll run some .035 rod thru them to connect the pairs during final assembly. Hoping it looks realistic enough. Rear cross member and quick change are hung and ready for some rear radius rods once I get the mid-frame internal section glued in.

This is a replica of the first car I helped build when I was a teenager. Late 1970's center-steer modified that ran on dirt tracks in Upstate New York. I have a copy of the blue prints for this frame that I found buried in my parents basement. Made a jig to try and get the dimensions dialed in and make accurate sides that I could then stand up and tie together with appropriate cross members. Working on finishing up the roll cage bars on this one, then start hanging the suspension mounts. We ran a 'Cuda body, but that will need a lot of massaging before it's ready to mount to this frame. The plan is to build replicas of the six cars I helped build and worked on during the mid-70's to late 1980's.

Have a few pics of some scratch-built short track race cars. First is an asphalt modified. Started with the main frame rails from an MPC kit, scratched the rest from evergreen rod.

Can you provide some more detail about how you attached these hinges to the body? And a couple more pics? I've opened up the passenger door on a '34 3W resin body and have been attempting to make some hinges, but this set up looks much better.

DustyMojave - Great photos, that track nose grill is giving me an idea for this build! Love the Falcon wagon too. Pierre and Kit - Appreciate your comments. Spent a little time today reacclimating myself with this build. I'll get some progress shots posted soon.

You are welcome. I've used that 2x4 plastic for main frame rails on a few scratch builds I have going on. Not T Buckets, but some replicas of 1:1 dirt track modified stock cars I helped build in the mid 1970's. I created a jig to get some consistency in making two sides that I could join together. Be sure to post some pics once you start to build up your hot rod frame. I'm always looking for new ideas!

I use Evergreen Plastic Item # 167. It's .080 x .156, which for scale model building purposes is a 2x4 frame rail in plastic. Comes 8 strips in a package.

I wondered when Chris made that comment if his salt attraction was self-induced, or influenced by those Rolling Bones guys?? Dusty - I am interested in hearing more, so feel free to post up your insights and stories. You won't offend me if you do it here! Life has slowed my progress a bit on this build. Between moving one of my daughters to New York City in June, working 50+ hours/week the past month and getting our race car prepped for the season, build time has been minimal. However, I have made some progress on the chassis and am getting the suspension hung and the stance dialed in to my liking. I hope to make enough progress this weekend to post some updated pics.

Thanks for the tip Daniel. I'll search for this kit, as I definitely want to use a dropped beam and friction shocks. I found a Rat Rod version of this kit for a reasonable price. On it's way to me, should have it in a couple of days. Thanks again for the suggestion!

Thanks for the tip Daniel. I'll search for this kit, as I definitely want to use a dropped beam and friction shocks.

Misha - Thanks for the note! I haven't worked with a lot of resin bodies, but the Flintstone coupe seems to me to be a nice casting. It is however really thick and I spent a fair amount of time sanding and grinding the interior side of the body to bring the appearance into a more scale-appropriate thickness. I did this because yes, I will be opening the doors and hood - undecided about the trunk at this time. Started making the first cuts and got one door opened up. Notice the top of the door is still too thick and needs the attention of a file and some more sandpaper!

This is my first WIP on this forum site, looking forward to learning the process here! I am gathering parts for a 34 Ford LSR-style three window coupe. My initial pile consists of a Flintstone resin body, '32 frame, V8 Caddy and trans from Revell parts pack, rear spring and quick change from Mapleleaf Model Works, and an assortment of odds and ends from the recent Revell '29 Model A kit. Still trying to decide on wheels and tires, but leaning towards a set I picked up from Modelhaus Tires. Open to comments or suggestions as I get this build started.

Found an old Rat Roaster kit at an antique consignment shop. Just returning to building after a 30-ish year "break," so never built one of these kits when they were new. My tweaks will include swapping out the SBC with a 392 Hemi, using some Modelhaus wheels and wide whites, and a bench seat instead of the small buckets.

I have heard that Larry will continue to cast his resins parts. Ordering, shipping and website updates will all be done through Mike's decals. This arrangement will allow Larry to cast parts, but not have to answer numerous phone calls and emails and run the business operation moving forward.