Paul Payne

Sawed off the rest of the superstructure and began grinding down the raised deck details. I suddenly realized some of you might not realize how big this boat will be. Here's a comparison shot between the project and the AMT 3 in 1 boat kit.

Well, let's look at the boat first. I have removed all the details on the deck, prior to sawing off and sanding down all the details except the actual planking which will be left as much as possible for a guide for the real wood. Many of the deck details were molded in relief, which meant a depression was created on the deck underside. Most of these have been filled with epoxy. I have also marked out the general cockpit locations and the windscreen location. The hull will also have some recesses on the inside filled with epoxy as well, primarily the prop shaft indentations and the inside of the bow, since I plan on some major rework in both areas. The runabout I am creating will have 2 propellers instead of 3, and 2 rudders as well. Once the cockpit and engine areas are cut out, I will probably add some filler plastic for strength. So, out comes the saw, with more progress pix soon.

Jeff, thanks so much for sharing! Now that I know what to look for, I will keep an eye out for one!

I think I heard some later Cords had 8 bars for a higher hood, and larger, more formal body work- limousines and such.

I have an idea about this, but no hard evidence. Anyone else with sure knowledge please correct me! All molds have parting fluid applied before each shot. Is it possible that a too generous application actually got incorporated into the styrene, causing a difference in the material? This would explain the paint failure. As far as I know, styrene doesn't need to cure like resin does- it gets heated to where it flows, then cools before ejection from the mold. If it's too warm during ejection, that is when warping can occur.

Tom, any chance you have a picture of what you started with? That little gem is really inspirational- still another project to put on the list!

Patrick, that art deco teardrop is to die for! Excellent design and creativity, great workmanship!

I'm going to follow this- great work on the body and great styling- looking forward to where this is going!

Christopher, the custom headlight treatment looks very interesting- I may have to track one of these down! I was toying with the AMT 57 T-bird styline front end with the triangular headlight covers, but not yet committed. Mark, the chassis is the T-bird one piece unit, cut and lengthened to fit, since the front end is longer to accommodate the v-16 engine. Will mostly be belly pan with minimal detail on the front suspension. I also tore apart the hood because I couldn't correct the mismatches between the cowl and forward section of the hood I was grafting to.

Everything has to be somewhere. If you start looking, try looking in the last place first. They need to add small ferrous particles to styrene so we can find them with a magnet.

Nobling, I have always wanted to build a larger speed boat, but didn't want to shell out for a Dumas or similar kit. The old pt boat allows me more flexibility in cockpit and engine compartment arrangement. Once I got that far, I realized I would need a trailer and tow vehicle. Now I have to figure out how to display it and keep the dust off!

Great interpretation of the inspiration! Shiny black paint is always good! I like your detailing on the engine and suspension components.

Larry, thanks for the encouragement! Still a lot to do, many details to work out (headlights, tail lights, etc.). I would be more than happy to consider any suggestions for these!

Has anyone ever used tongue depressors for a starting point? Laminate 2 or 3 together for thickness, then sculp to final shape? Popsicle sticks could work, too, maybe stain them differently for contrast.

This is more of an idea in progress than an actual project at this point. Some years ago I picked up a Galaxie LTD. trailer but with no real plans for what to do with it. Not long ago I got a built PT-109 that scales out to about 28' in 1/25th scale. I have the AMT 3 in 1 boat kit, but wanted something larger based on wood speed boats of the 1920's and 30's. About a week ago I got an Ertl Collectibles 1946 Dodge Power Wagon tow truck which I had had in mind as the perfect tow vehicle. I think these a the toughest looking trucks on the planet! The front of the trailer will be for storage since I have some goodies such as scuba tanks, etc., and perhaps a motorcycle? The boat came apart easily with no damage to the hull or deck. The rest of the superstructure will be removed and cockpit and engine areas will be cut out and rebuilt. The rear of the boat will be lengthened and reshaped as well. Revell's Hemi Hydro has a nice trailer useful as reference.

Well, it's still alive- got some more work done. I began to build the v-16 using 2 Chevy small blocks from the AMT 57 Chevy. Transmissions removed, axle holes filled with sprue. The bucket seats have had backs added and the open areas beginning to be filled. Lots more to do on these. Added extension sections to the hood, but I am not really satisfied with the overall cross section- doesn't match the cowl profile or the hood front as well as it should- adjustment may be required! Decided to throw some putty on the rear section- especially around some added material for the rear fenders and the tail light area. Cut out the engine compartment opening- everything stayed nice and solid. Still working on the egg crate grille- this is a much slower process than I imagined at the start but I will continue on...............

Great workmanship and I love the channeling job- perfect stance!

John, this is a great project! I fell in love with Bugattis as a kid and I have toyed with the idea of updating the Royale engine with dual overhead cams and supercharging, as well as altering the bore and stroke. Are you planning on building an engine to display next to your streamliner? Thank you so much for sharing your design and construction techniques- this is what the forum is all about!

Gary, thank you much for the tip- I will get some and try it!

My Dodge power wagon arrived today. It's the Havoline tow truck version by Ertl Collectibles. The detailing and overall quality are excellent. I plan on using it to tow a large wood speed boat, modifying a Galaxie trailer into a boat trailer. Not sure yet if I will do some weathering on the truck, also thinking of dropping in a fifties hemi for a little extra go. Will definitely sand the tire treads. I assume the Havoline logos are tampo printed- does anyone have experience with removing tampo without messing up the base paint? The Dodge power wagon defines tough truck and I really like the simple open sheet metal fenders.

Robert, a very period speed part for the flathead was a 4 carb manifold. However, one was never kitted, and no one in the aftermarket makes one either, so you would have to scratchbuild one.

Casey, in looking through my stash, I discovered the hemi in the AMT 53 Stude. Not knowing much about mopar, do you know anything about this one?

Casey, that engine looks like what I want- looks like excellent detail.

Casey, thanks for the info- I would like the hemi to definitely be from the fifties, whatever would be large displacement back then. Maybe 330 cu. in.?

Ordered an Ertl Collectibles 1946 Dodge power wagon, the tow truck version. Plan on using it as the tow vehicle for a wood speed boat made from a smaller scale PT boat which scales out to about 28' in 125th scale. I want to rebuild the power wagon and maybe install a fifties Dodge hemi- anyone know a good large displacement donor?