sjordan2

http://whatsnext.blogs.cnn.com/2013/05/09/is-this-finally-our-flying-car/?hpt=hp_bn5

Can't vouch for the accuracy here http://www.the-blueprints.com/vectordrawings/show/1602/mercedes-benz_ssk_l/ This is a factory brochure drawing Here's a better image of the last one: http://www.mgussin.freeuk.com/plans/Mercedes-SSKL-1929.jpg

Keep watching the 1/16 on eBay. $80 is ridiculous, but up to $65 with shipping is reasonable. Bookmark this -- you'll find a Buy It Now for $49.95. Same kit boxed under many different labels. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=1%2F16&_sop=10&_osacat=2580&_from=R10&_pcats=1188%2C220&_armrs=1&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=1%2F16+mercedes+ss&_sacat=2580 By the way, the late Martin Swire was working on turning that kit into an SSK by shortening the chassis. It was his last work, and here's where he was at the time.

For more detail on chassis, etc., go back and look at the shots that Jurgen just posted in the Kit Review section.

kennb has moved on to the On The Workbench forum and it looks like he's off to a good start.

Spectacular.

Mercedes also has offered a 1:43 diecast of this car. http://mb143.ru/my-collection/road-concept-cars/road-cars-part-1/kleincoche-mercedes-benz-710-ssk-sport-cabriolet-karosserie-papler-köln-1930-tpo-open-1325.html

And, as mentioned above, they have partnered with Mercedes to introduce a new electric minicar, so they have a few irons in the fire.

This is what I have from my factory brochure...(click to enlarge)

I suspect most manufacturers are also pioneering electric technology, such as Mercedes (in cooperation with Tesla) for both minicars and supercars (4-pack). http://money.cnn.com/2013/03/27/autos/mercedes-tesla-b-class-electric/index.html http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/153697-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-a-740-hp-super-sports-car-with-one-electric-motor-per-wheel

More importantly, how available will parts and the proper replacement batteries be down the road? I shudder to think about finding parts for today's computerized cars in 10-15 years (by 2005, it was impossible to get important parts for my 1993 C4 Corvette from GM, and I had to resort to salvage shops and very limited offerings from aftermarket companies like Eckler). Let's see someone try to restore a vintage Enzo Ferrari in 2035.

Sort of like this? It's the intermediate fuel container on the SSK.

Jurgen -- almost all archive shots I have seen of the SSK/SSKL rolling chassis show it as completely white, including the drive shaft and axles. I know the visible parts of the axles and frame members are usually body color, but Mercedes also has an ancient history of showing a chassis in white (even the Gullwing) for PR purposes and reproduction in print. Would the SSK chassis really be all white or all body color?

The automotive press really likes it, and describe best points and shortcomings: Road & Track February test of a new higher-powered (and higher-priced) version: http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/road-tests/road-test-2013-tesla-model-s Car and Driver test of a pre-production version: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-tesla-model-s-test-review

I suppose it would be more illuminating to subscribe to CR and see their typical point-by-point checklist and detailed review.

I don't have a dog in this fight, but here's what CR says about how they test cars (click on Cars at the top submenu)... http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/about-us/whats-behind-the-ratings/testing/index.htm

The Prismacolor paint pen is the brightest I've seen for teeny parts like dash, interior and hardware details. Closer to chrome than typical silver paints. Looks like it would be good for touching up small BMF flaws and chrome sprue attachment points, though I haven't used it that way. Takes a steady hand. Fine Point is PM 118.

These are terrific, Dave.

Wonderful technique, very creative.

That'll be the day-o. How about Harry P.?

Consumer Reports says the Tesla Model S is the best car it has ever tested, scoring 99 out of 100 points. http://money.cnn.com/2013/05/09/autos/tesla-model-s-consumer-reports/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

He certainly is a remarkable talent. Have you seen his Toronado and Avanti?

Clearly, one semester of college German was not enough.

Get ready for a move to Q&A.