futurattraction

Hey Chris, Thanks for the note. I use TurboCad. It saves in it's own format, but can also save in a variety of other formats. I don't know if I can open files made by other programs, even if they are saved as DWGs. My etcher uses AutoCad, but they can open files in DWG, which is how I get stuff sent to them. I do have a DWG read-only program that I can open files with and look at, but I can't edit with it. I'm not sure where this leaves us... Scott

Super nice Dave. I always look forward to seeing your updates...

Nice job on the mounts, Chris. I'll be waiting to see what's next!

Yes, happy birthday! Sorry I missed it!

Thanks Steve. Is the Paper Studio the brand of it? It looks very convincing! Amazing work... Just thought of a question. What is the product number, or SKU on your ribbon package?

What ribbon, specifically, did you use for the belts? I was looking at various ribbon at Hobby Lobby the other day. Some look more convincing than others and am just curious. Your '57 looks absolutely fantastic so far. Your scratch-building skills are out of this world! Keep up the wonderful work!

There are a handful of extremely gifted builders on this forum and you're one of them, Rick. I always love seeing your work. You are so meticulous in every aspect of your builds. This one is no exception. I truly appreciate everything about it. Hand fabbing and casting your own spindle-mounting plates is a great touch. The color of the chassis and running gear is a standout.

Thanks Joe. I appreciate your feedback. We'll get it ironed out. Regardless of what I make, it will be in somewhat limited numbers until I can see how people get along with it and also to see what seems to work and what maybe doesn't work as well, then I can adjust.

My CAD doesn't like to play real well with other file formats. I have to save my files for the etcher as DWGs. The PE folks actually use AutoCad so can read DWGs. I'm not sure there's any way for you to draw stuff up where I can simply import it into my file, so, depending on your time allowance, you can either just take the pics with ruler or if you can give me some basic dimensions and I'll do my best at putting things together in my own program - it's up to you. I don't want you to spend a bunch of time drawing if I'm gonna have to go back and redraw stuff. Hmmm... :-(

Thanks for your input, Dave. I probably shouldn't have mixed that pro stock from 30 years ago comment in because it may cloud the issue. The point I was hoping to make was that a 4-1/2 collector was pretty much the norm when there were 700 HP engines 30 years ago. Displacement and power increases both would dictate, at least in 1:1, that we need to consider making something in scale that at least has the potential to accommodate a larger collector size. We just need to arrive at what that dimension is. What styrene tubing sizes are available, and how do those sizes avail themselves to matching up with primary tube sizes (hypothetical question)? What sizes of aluminum tubing might work to recreate a collector dia (again, hypothetical)? I don't care to be stuck with a bunch of PE that nobody wants because it won't work for them, which too small a dia would effectively do, especially as modelers are building more and more accurately and to scale...

Thanks Joe. I edited my previous e-mail while you were adding yours. I'm glad we've had a meeting of the minds, so to speak. Since there needs to be at least some clearance, both in real world as well as whatever scale we're talking, I believe it could stand to be somewhat larger than 9/32 ID. How much more, I don't know... Thanks for speaking up!

What program do you use? As long as you can save them in such a way that I can see them, we can try that. The problem that we may run into is I'll need to have everything in my program so I can incorporate the drawing(s) into my artwork that I'll send to the etcher. Maybe you could do some simple, sample drawing and send to me before you invest much time in doing the real thing... LMK your thoughts...

Thanks Joe. Your math is correct. Quarter inch would equate to a 4" collector, but that is extremely small in real world 1:1. Even 30 years ago on pro stockers, 4-1/2" was common. If they're too small, the bezels won't do anybody any good, so, if anything, I need to err on the side of being larger than necessary rather than smaller. I hope and trust that this makes sense to you.

It's time for an update and I also have a question for you all. I've received an order of Dzus plates in various styles and scales and they look very nice. I'm just about to finish up my .004 stainless steel drawing, which includes the corresponding Dzus self-ejecting buttons, and which also leads me to my question. What size ID should I be drawing the fender/exhaust exit bezels, i.e., what OD best represents the collector/dumps that you're building? I've done two styles of fender bezels, a picture of which is attached showing them and the window bezel. The fender bezels are currently drawn with what represents a six-inch ID in 1:1. Is that too large? Let me know! Scott

What are your current piston rods made out of? Those look fabulous, Dave. I think I'm a comp1839 junkie. I can't get enough of your project(s)...! LOL

Chris, Are your Deist belts the older lever-style? If so, if it's possible for you to take a good pic of the latch assembly, in profile, with a ruler held up behind it so I've got a decent idea of some basic dimensions, that should work. Dave (comp1839) was going to see if he could track anything of that style down, but I'm sure he's been busy and may not have access to something older anyway. He sent me drawings and dimensions for a camlock style, along with all the hardware, so the only thing I think I'm really lacking is the lever-latch style. Thanks! BTW, I'm getting close to having some .004 stainless stuff ready to send to the etcher, i.e., Dzus buttons in a variety of scales. I need to post an update on my PE thread I started several months ago! LOL Scott

I'm planning to... I've got dimensions, but wanted to learn a bit more about what the R&M ones are like, to see if there are any improvements I can make.

Guess I'm in the same boat as you other guys... LOL

How far back are you talking Louie? And any particlar make or model?

Me too! In fact, come to think of it, I have!! LOL

I suspect you'll get a kick out of it... I hope so anyway!

I think you must be thinking of a different film than this one. I watched the entire 11:25 minutes of it and they never interviewed McEwen. More to the point, the opening caption says Rockabilly Reunion 2012. The videography is also much more current than from the 70s. These cars all have current safety equipment on them like blower restraints, beadlocks, etc. It looks, to me, more like it's late-60s to early -80s bodies modded to much more current standards/practices. There are like four 69 Camaro F/Cs, plus a Satellite and various years of Mustangs. The picture quality is too modern, too.

click on this link, then click the NitroAmerica video link in the upper right-hand corner. First minute or so are a pure blast to see and hear those AA/FC engines and one camera angle is really cool... Be sure the speakers are up! LOL http://www.youtube.c...ture=feed-promo

Thank you much Ron. I appreciate your quick response. I've got some molding and casting in my not-too-distant future and this product sounded like it might be a good one to try. Thanks again! Scott

the article Gregg is writing about molding and casting resin parts, he mentioned a particular brand of clay he was told about that can be purchased through Amazon. I'm at work and don't have my magazine handy and was wondering if anybody could quickly send a note about what brand of clay it is so I can see about ordering some. Thanks for whatever help anyone can offer.