1930 Cord L-29

[Sam I Am]

It's the little things that make it seem like it's taking forever.  Great job plugging along with all the details. I am getting excited as you come down the home stretch.

[David G.]

When I photograph my "finished" models I often find errors that my eyes didn't see. It's a good way to catch up on the little details.

Given the scope of this project, I'm impressed by what you've accomplished so far. I've worked on similar projects myself and understand the challenges. I had one custom build that took me the better part of a decade to develop the skills to complete.

David G.

[Eric Macleod]

You are both correct.  Part of the challenge is that it have a very different skillset now than I had when I started. That being said, it will be tremendously satisfying when this actually crosses the finish line.

[Eric Macleod]

Ive been waiting for a can of dullcoat to arrive and it finally did. The seats are done. You know you are getting close when you're putting in the interior.  I never thought I would say this but I realized I am probably only 3-4 hours away from completion. 

[David G.]

Cool!

David G.

[Eric Macleod]

You know how you get to that place with a model where all of a sudden you can't leave it alone? I'm there. While a couple things are still in need of attention,  we're getting close.  The interior is in and done save for a final trimming at the tops of the doors and gluing down the seats.  Both axles are in place permanently.  I still have to finish the top, trunk and windshield but man are we close now.

[David G.]

Ah, the "light at the end of the tunnel" stage. I know it well.

I can't wait to see it with the top and running gear.

David G.

[Eric Macleod]

8 minutes ago, David G. said:

Ah, the "light at the end of the tunnel" stage. I know it well.

I can't wait to see it with the top and running gear.

David G.

I hate to disappoint but this one is a curbside,  so the only running gear that can be seen is the undercarriage.  I made a pragmatic decision to eliminate the engine.  My thinking was either I try to finish it full detail, and flail in the weeds, or actually finish, knowing that I only open the hoods on rare occasions anyway. 

[David G.]

4 minutes ago, Eric Macleod said:

I hate to disappoint but this one is a curbside,  so the only running gear that can be seen is the undercarriage.  I made a pragmatic decision to eliminate the engine.  My thinking was either I try to finish it full detail, and flail in the weeds, or actually finish, knowing that I only open the hoods on rare occasions anyway. 

No worries, I was more referring to the lights, windshield, wheels, bumpers and whatever finishey bits you plan to use.

[Eric Macleod]

Today I worked on the modifications of the trunk. Here I tood sections out of a Duesenberg Town Car trunk to make the appearance match that of an L-29 trunk. Lots of putty will be needed.

Edited May 10, 2020 by Eric Macleod
Forgot photos

[Eric Macleod]

The last two major subassemblies are in the final stages,  the top and the trunk,  thought the jury is still out on the windshield.  I have a bit more to finish on the top and the trunk needs quite a bit of work.  Here's the progress from tonight. 

[Eric Macleod]

I told myself that I wasn't going to go crazy with details on the convertible top assembly.  In the spirit of non-craziness, here is the interior of the top.

[Eric Macleod]

The next major sub-assembly is done, the convertible top.  Eagle eyed observers will notice the top is a different color blue than the leather and trim colors.  That was intentional as dark blue Stayfast material is almost never the same color as the rest of the upholstery.  I feel like I am closing in on this one and will (finally) comply with the get it done rules of Snake's bring out your dead thread.

[Eric Macleod]

So what's the holdup now?  Funny you should ask! I am struggling with two things.  I am dissatisfied with the looks of both the trunk and the windshield.  So...if you've been following along you know what I am going to do,  scratch build both. I still think I'll make it before my self imposed deadline. 

[charlie8575]

Eric, I have truly been in awe of this build since I first saw it, and I think you've done a magnificent job on it.

What blues did you use for everything? That silver/blue combo is gorgeous.

Charlie Larkin

[David G.]

Wow! Fantastic work on the roof.

I went back and looked at a photo you posted that included the windshield to see if I could see what you didn't like about it. Other than some possible issues with the fit, I didn't see anything that stood out to me. So I'm curious as to what bothered you about the windshield.

David G.

[Pico]

Never impose a deadline on yourself. Allow the work to flow as it wants too. Keep it Zen.

[Eric Macleod]

On 5/23/2020 at 8:15 AM, David G. said:

Wow! Fantastic work on the roof.

I went back and looked at a photo you posted that included the windshield to see if I could see what you didn't like about it. Other than some possible issues with the fit, I didn't see anything that stood out to me. So I'm curious as to what bothered you about the windshield.

David G.

It is just a tad tall and the sides are too thick. It's probably me being too much of a perfectionist,  but hey, I've come this far...

[Eric Macleod]

On 5/23/2020 at 1:51 AM, charlie8575 said:

Eric, I have truly been in awe of this build since I first saw it, and I think you've done a magnificent job on it.

What blues did you use for everything? That silver/blue combo is gorgeous.

Charlie Larkin

Thanks for the compliment and question Charlie.The silver is Tamiya TS-30 Silver Leaf. The blue for the body is Testors Model Master FS 15050 Blue Angel Blue, with Testors Model Master Ultra Gloss Clearcoat (3 coats) over the top. The interior is the same but with one coat of Model Master Dullcoat. The top is Model Master Fabric Tan inside with Testors Model Master FS 15042 Dark Sea Blue outside,  with a coat of Testors Model Master dullcoat. The wheels are good old Testors 1203 Gloss Red. Probably more than you wanted to know, eh?

 

[Eric Macleod]

On 5/23/2020 at 1:44 PM, Pico said:

Never impose a deadline on yourself. Allow the work to flow as it wants too. Keep it Zen.

Zen and the art of model making? I like it.

[Eric Macleod]

I find I am quite dissatisfied with the relationship between the top and the windshield,  i.e. the top overhang is too much. I made the decision to take the front of the top off and cut the top back about 2 mm. May the Force be with me.

[Eric Macleod]

Here is the disassembled top front. Naturally I cracked it while taking it apart so it's fighting me every step of the way. 

[Eric Macleod]

Okay...I have it back together and feel much happier with the outcome of the relationship between the windshield and the top. It's subtle but no longer has a big overhang. 

[Bugatti Fan]

A very unusual model. Thanks for sharing your work in progress.

[Eric Macleod]

9 hours ago, Bugatti Fan said:

A very unusual model. Thanks for sharing your work in progress.

I believe it is the only one in existence, though the moment I say that someone will post another one! It is a very long way from a perfect model but is satisfying to see it heading toward completion. Thanks for the comment!