Because I don’t have enough Lotus kits. ...

[Bainford]

The lower shock mount is a curious arrangement. Not sure I've seen this anywhere before. The two components must be designed in concert.

Edited August 15, 2024 by Bainford

[absmiami]

But the parts had the wrong included angle - because i was sort of winging it - so plan B was to cobble together a jig to secure an imaginary rear axle at the correct height / location - the jig was made from a couple of drill bit cases - 

[absmiami]

Bford - the design was unique to the Lotus 12 - 15 - and 16 -  the reason you haven’t seen it before is because no one copied it - thats because everyone began putting the engines in the back in ‘59 and ‘60 - so even Chapman discarded the design when he drew up the 18 - as we will see - at some point …

[absmiami]

With the jig i got the correct angle and scribed it on the flanges that sandwiched the tubes - the joint is strong - lots of other parts will break before this does …

[absmiami]

Now i’ve assembled the shock and i can measure the length of the hub assembly to the frame pickup - and then reduce the height of the part …

[absmiami]

Then: saw away the excess length of the horizontal tube and glue on flanges that form a bracket for the trailing arm - the Sixteen had single trailing arms left and right …  OK - now rinse and repeat for the other side …

[absmiami]

Left  and right - now time to make something else …

[absmiami]

The brakes on the Matra kit are OK but not great - here’s a good auction house shot of the Girlings on the left front wheel of the Halford 16 …

[absmiami]

I’ve tried to make Girlings before - was never quite satisfied with the results … but I’m trying again ….   This is the Tamiya Seven kit part combining the caliper and the rotor - gonna try to use the rotor casting with a more accurate Girling - sand off the kit brake …

[absmiami]

Once again - Evergreen strip and rod and lots of Tamiya liquid glue … this is the basic housing - need some details …

[absmiami]

You never need the Tuner Model Factory photo-etch stuff - until you do ….    

[absmiami]

These super small nut/washer bolts are still gettable - - but hideously expensive - almost a dollar per ….  Can’t possibly justify them ….  Thank you sir / I’ll have another …

[absmiami]

Sixty years ago ….

[absmiami]

Drive shaft is .047 Evergreen with U joints made fr .100 square …. 

[absmiami]

Here’s where it goes …

[absmiami]

Is there enough room for a seat?  Maybe …

[Gramps46]

Looking really good.

[Pierre Rivard]

Extensively researched and beautifully fabricated chassis and mechanical components, You don't do easy kits do you?

[absmiami]

Thanks Gr

PR - there’s a straight line there somewhere …

[Bainford]

Calipers are gorgeous. The overall chassis shots are model builder's porn. 

[absmiami]

sorry Bf  -  in Miami, this is not considered model porn ...

well  ...  maybe

[absmiami]

Teating.  Testing 

[Straightliner59]

2 hours ago, absmiami said:

Teating.  Testing 

That's not going to end well, once gravity returns!

[absmiami]

Gravity is over-rated …

[Straightliner59]

6 hours ago, absmiami said:

Gravity is over-rated …

Yeah. That, and friction!