Don Garlits Swamp Rat 1R

[Doug McCabe]

I hope the pics from the museum did help. Looks good as I can see the real car anytime I want.

[Dragline]

They were a BIG help and I cannot thank you enough.

Glad you like the end result.

Bob

[Dragline]

So, I've said in the past that I wanted to try my hand at making a set of wire wheels for this build. Well, I'm at it tonight.

I got the instructions from Straighlinemodeler.org and the link is here.. http://www.straightlinemodeler.org/wirewheels.htm

I am using the kit rims and wheel centers but thinnned down the flanges with sandpaper and made the hubs from K&S aluminum tubing.

Here we see I've started to make the first pass.

These are the hubs and flanges.

Second pass.

I used Plastruct for the spokes.

I made this one tonight and for the next three night I'll make another till I have the four I need.

Models are fun.

Bob

[Bernard Kron]

Sometimes detailing is an end in itself and only makes a small difference to what is an already fine build, but rail dragsters, especially the more evolved ones where things like the engine ancillaries, decal and paint schemes, etc. become more of a "statement" than they first were, really are taken to another level by modelers with the skills and knowledge of subject to "go deep and get it right". This build is a perfect example. I know you've been posting right along as you worked your way through this and for much of the time most of us probably just stood around a bit slack jawed as we watched the proceedings. But believe me when I say:

Thanx for sharing!

It's been an inspiration as well as a pleasure to follow along, and I for one can't wait to see the finished version of this fine piece of modeling.

P.S. And you're right, models are fun!

Edited July 27, 2010 by gbk1

[Dragline]

Thank you kind sir. That is the finest compliment I have EVER received ever for any model I have ever built.

I have put my heart and soul into this car and the journey has been fun. This is the first build I ever posted here all that time ago and it seem like I've been working on it for a long time.

But, it nears completion. Except, I lost the completed nose piece! LOLOL

Don't that beat all?

Thanks again.

Bob

[Fuel Coupe]

Bob

Those look great.

Im building a set of wheels for the red stamp car. Hopefully mine turn out as nice as yours...

[Dragline]

Bob

Those look great.

Im building a set of wheels for the red stamp car. Hopefully mine turn out as nice as yours...

With your skills Shane I've no doubt they will be better than mine. I was intimidated at first, but then I thought, "why the heck am I worried?". Then, by the second one I was in a groove. I finished them today and as soon as they are dry I will hit em with Metalizer. The hubs are the key to the whole process I'll say that. Making sure it's centered is also very key. The rims should be free of blemishes and smooth as well. I dry fit em into the tires [plastic kit ones at that!], and they look real good. I used .015 when they recommend .010. Even still [all I had on hand], they look WAAAAAY better than the kit supplied wheels. Plus, they have wiggle room and can be tweaked as needed.

For my first attempt I'm pleased. You will be as well bro.

Go get em buddy.

Bob

[Dragline]

Got my wire wheels installed. For a first time outing I am pleased. I still need the nosepiece I lost.

I still have to attatch the throttle from the framerail to the throttle pivot and then connect it to the fuel block. My eyes are getting a break tonight though.

I need to get an airbrush pretty soon though. I need to learn how to Alclad. These wheels would look better than with the Metalizer I sprayed on em. Either that or I'm going to start sending parts out to be rechromed.

Still not done, but it may never be....... NOT without that nosepiece, that's for certain...

Bob

Edited July 28, 2010 by Dragline

[brett]

Wow man those wheels look great! Well worth the effort. Hope you can find the/a nose piece somewhere

[Dragline]

Once again, my favorite MAMA modeler Dave Zinn comes to my rescue to provide the missing nosepiece for this build.

Thanks Dave and the skate sticker pack is on the way.

As for Don Fahrni? I dunno. It's been a while since he's put anything new on the tables anywhere. He is also MY favorite drag modeler as well. I think John Teresi may eventually inch him out, but right now Don is still up there for me. His stuff is just soo cool. And to think how long ago he was doing all that superdetailing [read: 80's]. Before the advent of PE sets, and at the dawn of scale AN fittings. He has one Pro Stock car that is just soo over the top in terms of detailing. That's the car that has the scraped AN fittings that look like they've seen many a wrench. The whole dry sump just looks so perfect.

Maybe Don's a memmber here?

If you are Don, give us all a holler buddy. We'd love to hear from ya.

Bob

[gasser59]

How did I miss this? Love all the detail and truly an inspirational build of a milestone dragster. Thanks for allow us to peer over your shoulder on this one.

[oldscool]

Great work! I wouldn't even attempt those wire wheels myself. I have always felt that this was one of the most accurate dragster kits ever right from the box. MPC paid attention when they tooled this kit. I remember buying the box with Garlits in his Captain America fire suit for box art when I was a kid.

gus

[Dragline]

Thanks guys. I did end up getting the nosepiece from DoubleD and it's now in place. I also finished the throttle linkage and added a couple of last minute details.

Perhaps I'll update the pics at some point.

I appreciate it.

Bob