’72 Dodge Demon Drag Racer 1/25 scale

[AmericanMuscleFan]

23 hours ago, Straightliner59 said:

Looking forward to your progress!

Hopefully soon Daniel, I've ordered some very small cutting tools for the next step, I'm putting pressure on myself...

 

22 hours ago, BK9300 said:

Likewise!

As if I wasn't slow enough, I'm hooked on your project and the time I spend marveling at it reduces the time I have available for my own.  I'm going to have to concentrate!

 

22 hours ago, Pierre Rivard said:

Aaahhh Francis is back, how wonderful! 

Perhaps this is the motivation I need after staying away from my bench for 6+ months. 

Bring on the build updates Monsieur Laflamme, I NEED MY FIX!

Thanks Pierre, Is it a trend for modelers north of the border to take long breaks?  Ultimately, I don't think so, or perhaps our friend Claude is the exception that proves the rule! 😉   I started with a good dusting, I'll get back to it very soon! 

 

18 hours ago, Moparman18064 said:

Glad to see you back Francis. I always look forward to what you are going to pull out of your hat next, as it is always magical!

Thanks Rich, I've been thinking about the next step since I closed shop at the end of spring, it's time to make what I had in mind a reality.

[AmericanMuscleFan]

4 hours ago, Codi said:

Hello Francis......I knew sooner or later we'd hear from you and like everyone else, I can't wait to see your updates.  Having Randy back and sharing his pics and you back at your bench it would appear Christmas is going to come early this year.   Cheers sir,  Tim

Thanks Tim, I really appreciate your comments and your invaluable source of motivation!  However, I think there are several Santas on the forum, and your license seems to be in good order.  I'm really looking forward to seeing the new gifts you have in store for us, my friend! 🎅

[Ian McLaren]

I just wanted to add my voice to all of those that welcomed you back to the forum.  You were sorly missed my friend!!

[AmericanMuscleFan]

On 11/14/2025 at 3:40 PM, HankinWisconsin said:

Simply amazing work right here!  Wow!!

 

23 hours ago, Ian McLaren said:

I just wanted to add my voice to all the others welcoming you back to the forum, you were sorely missed my friend!

Thank you for your kind words, gentlemen!  As you have read in my recent post, I am back on this project after a far too long summer and autumn break.  

HankinWisconsin: There's still a lot to do, check back from time to time for more of the crazy things that make this project seem endless...  I am easily influenced and there are some little magicians on this forum (who recognize themselves...😉) who push me to try to do better and better, it doesn't look good for the future!  I see that I have the honor of your first post, so thank you again and welcome to the forum, don't hesitate if you have any questions or suggestions!

Ian: Thank you for your continued support and expertise in the world of drag racing, and your positive feedback makes me think that I make fewer mistakes and that my parts are more realistic over time.

Francis

[Claude Thibodeau]

Salut Francis!

Not a minute too soon.

For the benefit of our fellow modelers on this forum, you must know that Francis is a formidable modeler, but more than anything, a great friend and formidable human being. His time away from the bench was spent caring for his loved ones, and I know it's a priority for him, I could not even convince him (twice!) to join me and a good friend for shows. That tells you how much he cares for his relatives. We need more people like him. 

Now, to your tools young man!

CT

[AmericanMuscleFan]

16 hours ago, Claude Thibodeau said:

Salut Francis!

Not a minute too soon.

For the benefit of our fellow modelers on this forum, you must know that Francis is a formidable modeler, but more than anything, a great friend and formidable human being. His time away from the bench was spent caring for his loved ones, and I know it's a priority for him, I could not even convince him (twice!) to join me and a good friend for shows. That tells you how much he cares for his relatives. We need more people like him. 

Now, to your tools young man!

CT

Why didn't fate bring you into my life sooner?  I guess everything happens for a reason, as the saying goes!  Winter gives me a little more time, but my priorities remain the same.  I can't wait to see you again, my friend (and our other mutual friends), but I'll have to put in some extra time... in front of my tools... I need to post photos, not just text!  

I'm waiting for some new, very small cutting tools to complete the next step; I feel I'll have other purchases to make, it's a process that unfortunately doesn't seem to want to end!

Francis

[Randy D]

Francis,  count me in as another of your fans that look forward to this seasons updates!!!

Randy

[AmericanMuscleFan]

On 11/16/2025 at 2:22 PM, Randy D said:

Francis,  count me in as another of your fans that look forward to this seasons updates!!!

Randy

Thanks Randy, I'm working on it! 😊

[Mike Holland]

Exquisite modelling. A joy to view. Smiling now!  Mike..

[AmericanMuscleFan]

On 11/22/2025 at 8:25 AM, Mike Holland said:

Exquisite modelling. A joy to view. Smiling now!  Mike..

Thanks for your kind words Mike, I hope to continue to make you smile with my next update; I have the basics done and the tools for the details have just shown up at the post office.  I hope to do my first update in months very soon before I forget how to do it! 😔

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Hello everyone!

It is a great moment of pleasure and excitement for me this morning to return with new updates on this project.  I feel like my summer break was longer this year than in the past, but my pleasure in returning to my favorite hobby is still the same!

To make my latest parts, the valve covers, I was forced to buy new tools and accessories, as if I didn't have enough already...  I had planned to engrave the B1 logo like on the original valve covers but I didn't have end mills small enough to do it, my smallest being 0.015".  So I bought 0.006" tools, but this kind of ultra-small cutting tool requires very high speed rotation to avoid breaking on the first bite, so I had to get a pulley set from Sherline to be able to push the machine to 10000 RPM.  Thanks Tim (Codi), you were right again and I followed your advice, I think I won't regret my purchase.

I'm posting the photos without adding any further comments, but feel free to ask if you have any specific questions; I'd be happy to answer them.

The only advice I can give you is to buy quality end mills from reputable manufacturers, especially for such small sizes. They are extremely fragile and patience is essential, otherwise they won't last long...

I'm happy to be back!

Francis

The easy part!

And the rest!

Satisfaction and relief!

[Codi]

SAAAWWWEEETTT!  I always admire your ability to engrave and achieve such results.  This will be an epic engine for an outstanding car!  Cheers, Tim

[HankinWisconsin]

Total awesomeness!

Edited 1 hour ago by HankinWisconsin
Can't spell on Sundays.

[Moparman18064]

We have pictures again! What glorious ones they are too! The valve covers look absolutely perfect. They look outstanding on that RB block. You made my day!