Solido 1:43 scale 1946 Chrysler sedan converted into railroad inspection car

[Brian Austin]

I've had this Solido model since the 1980s or so, and I've been converting it into a railroad inspection car.  I cut a hole in the diecast chassis and fitted an AutoWorld slot car drive.  Metal railroad wheels were installed, with electrical contacts connecting to the motor.  So far it doesn't really want to crawl at a slow speed.  It likes to scoot around at a fair clip.  ? 

The interior detailing is basic, and the front seatback, rear floor and inner door panels were omitted.  Those were filled in with styrene.  I went ahead and represented bright trim and doorhandles even though in the end they may possibly not be visible through the window openings.  I "rolled down" the rear windows to remove glare and improve visibility of the detailing.  Four seated crew figures will be added in the future.

 

Edited May 19, 2023 by Brian Austin

[Brian Austin]

[Brian Austin]

This Dodge was the inspiration for my project.  It operated in the Midwest, and I've seen it in two railroad museums over the years.  It rides on special wheels and tires for railroad service.

[Brian Austin]

This is the saw I used to cut through the diecast chassis.  It's made by Tamiya.  The material leftover from cutting the hole was glued into the inside of the bodyshell for added traction weight.

Edited May 19, 2023 by Brian Austin

[Lucius Molchany]

Very cool indeed!