geemoney Posted June 5, 2017 Posted June 5, 2017 Yep ... the photo above pretty much sums up the whole thing. Just add some carbs, arms and about 3 heads. Looking real good. 3 heads!!! I had to think about that............. great!!
Bernard Kron Posted June 5, 2017 Posted June 5, 2017 I was just telling RRR that I don't think many people here understand what he's building and therefor probably can't appreciate the work involved to build one from scratch. I have no doubt that this will be one of the best scale belly tankers around once it's finished. RRR has "the eye."In my experience nothing in hot rod modeling is more challenging than a proper belly tanker. And this one is shaping up to be "proper". Tankers demands the full monty of modeling skills. There are no kits, no rule books, and very few completed examples in scale for reference Even in 1:1 there aren't that many to go by. The "look" and proportions are critical, and the details will make or break you. I've had at least two swings at the apple on tankers and have yet to finish one - and I'm not one to leave very many projects unbuilt. RRR is the one to get 'er done, and done right. Looking forward to more, more, more...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted June 6, 2017 Author Posted June 6, 2017 (edited) In my experience nothing in hot rod modeling is more challenging than a proper belly tanker. And this one is shaping up to be "proper". Tankers demands the full monty of modeling skills. There are no kits, no rule books, and very few completed examples in scale for reference Even in 1:1 there aren't that many to go by. The "look" and proportions are critical, and the details will make or break you. I've had at least two swings at the apple on tankers and have yet to finish one - and I'm not one to leave very many projects unbuilt. RRR is the one to get 'er done, and done right. Looking forward to more, more, more.......now the pressure is on!!! Thanks for the kind words, Bernard. This one is well in hand....it's really a matter of planning, imagining the build, picking the parts, making the parts that don't already 'exist' and then bringing the build to fruition.... -RRR Edited June 6, 2017 by Rocking Rodney Rat
Dennis Lacy Posted June 6, 2017 Posted June 6, 2017 Here's some inspiration for you. I remembered that I had taken some pictures of a few different tankers at some shows 5-6 years back. Hosted on Fotki Hosted on Fotki Hosted on Fotki Hosted on Fotki Hosted on Fotki And this last one is a bit funky... Hosted on Fotki
misterNNL Posted June 6, 2017 Posted June 6, 2017 Those are neat tank photos.Thanks for sharing them.You have probably inspired more than a few builders to drag out some forgotten projects and start hacking up some styrene.
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted July 3, 2017 Author Posted July 3, 2017 (edited) I haven't been spending much time at the bench over the last six weeks or so...trying to change that over the long Froth of July weekend. Here's some updated pix on the belly tanker progress. I have mounted both front and rear axles, cut out the body to accept the front axle, mounted the engine, halved the top part of the body and added additional tubular bracing to the frame.... -RRR Edited July 3, 2017 by Rocking Rodney Rat 1
TarheelRick Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 Excellent work and engineering on an iconic salt flat build. I really appreciate the work you are putting into this build. Glad to see you put the seam around the body where the two halves of the original belly tank were put together, too many do not include that detail. Now more updates please.
OldNYJim Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 What a great looking build so far! Your scratchbuilding skills are truly something to be admired. Cant wait to see more!
misterNNL Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 I notice you said THE FROTH of July......so was there something FROTHY that impeeded your progress?:)
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted July 3, 2017 Author Posted July 3, 2017 I notice you said THE FROTH of July......so was there something FROTHY that impeeded your progress?:)Actually, truth be told, I have been having some slight double vision in my left eye. I went to the optometrist for a check up and apparently my cataracts are getting much worse. One symptom of cataracts is double vision in one eye. I was concerned that my building would have to come to a complete halt until such time as I could go under the knife. It seems the double vision has gone away for now....a trip to the opthamologist is in my future....yes, getting olde svcks. The frothy stuff usually inspires me, along with lighting the smoking lamp.... ;-) More updates soon..... -RRR
misterNNL Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 I hope your vision problem can be solved and you can continue to build as long as you want.I agree about the ageing not always being an easy journey.I ''ll be 75 this year so I'm right there with you brother builder.Some times I have to think that when I drop something from my workbench wether it's easier to make a new part rather that getting down on the floor and trying to find the first one!
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted July 4, 2017 Author Posted July 4, 2017 Okay, campers...here's today's update. I built out the driver footwell cage with rod styrene and a rectangular piece from one of the Revell Parts Pack Model T frames as the foot rest. I temporarily glued the piece in place to use as a guide to build the frame. I found an old instrument panel that I have had for literally decades and trimmed to top arch to fit the roll cage, added a piece on the lower edge for the steering to poke thru..... Does anyone know where that panel is from? Me, neither. I also got working on the steering. I believe it to be out of an old sprint car kit? I now need to figure out where to drill the holes in the body for the steering arms to fit through and fab up the mounts on the spindles.... -RRR
iBorg Posted July 4, 2017 Posted July 4, 2017 I have to admit when I read your first post and the use of the Long John body for the basis of your tanker, I feared you were doomed for failure. I never would have seen that possibility. Great imagination, great execution......this is going to be a great model.
Dennis Lacy Posted July 6, 2017 Posted July 6, 2017 Looking good, brother! I think you should drill out the simulated holes in the foot board.
afx Posted July 6, 2017 Posted July 6, 2017 Looking good, brother! I think you should drill out the simulated holes in the foot board. I second both comments.
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted July 7, 2017 Author Posted July 7, 2017 Looking good, brother! I think you should drill out the simulated holes in the foot board. Some black wash and you'll never know the difference!!!
doggie427 Posted July 7, 2017 Posted July 7, 2017 (edited) Every update on this build thread leaves me with a stupid grin. Love it !? Edited July 7, 2017 by doggie427
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted August 12, 2017 Author Posted August 12, 2017 Alright, alright, alright... I haven't been building too much as the summertime craziness took over for a few weeks. I'm happy to report I am back on it now after some real life (and death) kicked in for a bit. The belly tanker is now ready for the paint booth. I have been finishing up all of the "fiddly bits" (to quote our friend Bryce form Oz). Steering, exhaust, controls (pedals and such), not really worthy of too much picture taking and showing. Here are all of the parts before they go for a quick bath, in the dehydrator to dry off and then primer paint. This will be done as a "barn find" dry lakes racer, so it will be weathered and such....stay tuned... -RRR
alan barton Posted August 12, 2017 Posted August 12, 2017 (edited) This is looking fantastic Rodney and like Bernard said earlier, not many people get a belly tanker right! I am very much looking forward to your finished project. Looking at that unidentified dash you spoke off, I am fairly certain it is from the AMT Grant King sprint car or its derivatives. The big switch between the two gauges is the clue. That sprint car steering box is from the same kit. I produced a vacform for one years ago but never did get it finished - one day! The images that you and Dennis have posted are inspiring me to get back onto mine! By the way Dennis, that slightly funky car you referred to looks to me to be a replica of the very first tank, the one Bill Burke built as a front engine car before he started on his rear engined versions. Here's how far I got before I got distracted! Edited August 12, 2017 by alan barton Left something out! 1
larman Posted August 12, 2017 Posted August 12, 2017 This is a fantastic build! Top notch work on a great subject.....
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now