Badman C/A (ca. 1975)

[David G.]

Everything looks so "in scale"  ? 

Seeing this work reminds me of the model railroaders who scratch-build brass locomotives.

David G. 

[Ian McLaren]

Just when I'm getting used to the level of your detailing you go and jack up the bar another notch or two, the shifter and steering wheel look tremendous.  This has become a truly exceptional model my friend!

[Straightliner59]

3 hours ago, David G. said:

Everything looks so "in scale"  ? 

Seeing this work reminds me of the model railroaders who scratch-build brass locomotives.

David G. 

Thank you, very kindly, my friend!  I consider that high praise. Here's what those pedal parts look like, installed. I slipped the interior door panels into place, so I could fit and install the panel gussets, and set the wheel into place. I got the dash drilled, so I guess the switches and starter button will be next. Thanks for looking!

[Straightliner59]

I finished up the dash panel (I think!). I made the toggle switches from the pointed ends of straight pins. The rings are discs punched from aluminum duct tape. i also slipped a tiny length of black wire insulation over the base end. The plastic covers were made with drops of UV activated clear resin, then painted with Pactra acrylic red. I turned down a length (?) of 1/16" aluminum tubing, and some plastic rod, to make the starter button. Thanks for looking!

[David G.]

That's just cool.  

David G.

[Straightliner59]

Thanks, David! I've spent a few days working out the throttle pedal. NHRA's rules require a positive return device, so that the throttle can be "lifted", in the event of a return spring break, etc. After several false starts using other materials, I came back around to brass. It's since been dipped in Hobby Black. I have a couple of little things to add, yet. Anyhoo...this thing has taken way longer than it should have! 

As you can see, the return loop fits my test driver's foot. By using a figure, I can align him with given objects, to be sure that my model could actually be sat in, and driven, if it was 1:1. Due to his inflexibility, he can't always be positioned where he would actually be, and I have to rely on sight-lines. A couple of days ago, I was digging through some parts boxes, and found more pieces for another Monogram Sprint Car driver. I think that, at some point I will see if I can articulate one, to make it a bit more able to nestle into place. It's important to me that the things I build be at least practicable, if not entirely practical, or common. Part of that is making sure that everything the driver needs is actually within reach. Thanks for looking! 

[dwc43]

45 minutes ago, Straightliner59 said:

Thanks, David! I've spent a few days working out the throttle pedal. NHRA's rules require a positive return device, so that the throttle can be "lifted", in the event of a return spring break, etc. After several false starts using other materials, I came back around to brass. It's since been dipped in Hobby Black. I have a couple of little things to add, yet. Anyhoo...this thing has taken way longer than it should have! 

As you can see, the return loop fits my test driver's foot. By using a figure, I can align him with given objects, to be sure that my model could actually be sat in, and driven, if it was 1:1. Due to his inflexibility, he can't always be positioned where he would actually be, and I have to rely on sight-lines. A couple of days ago, I was digging through some parts boxes, and found more pieces for another Monogram Sprint Car driver. I think that, at some point I will see if I can articulate one, to make it a bit more able to nestle into place. It's important to me that the things I build be at least practicable, if not entirely practical, or common. Part of that is making sure that everything the driver needs is actually within reach. Thanks for looking! 

Just a suggestion, but we use these types of pedals with pull backs on our circle track cars. Of course, it's a metal rod with Heim joints from the pedal to the carb too. Something else to think about.    Speedway Firewall Mount Racing Accelerator Throttle Pedal

[Straightliner59]

4 hours ago, dwc43 said:

Just a suggestion, but we use these types of pedals with pull backs on our circle track cars. Of course, it's a metal rod with Heim joints from the pedal to the carb too. Something else to think about.    Speedway Firewall Mount Racing Accelerator Throttle Pedal

I found something I think will work, nicely for the rod. I think mine's a little too far back to mount it to the firewall. My test pilot's foot wouldn't reach it, there.? I built a very similar one, to that for my Model A coupe project.

[Straightliner59]

I used some Hobby Black, rubbed with aluminum powder, to finish the throttle pedal. The linkage arm will get attached to something on the firewall, so it looks like it's going to where it needs to be. I don't see any point to building the linkage parts that would be behind the dash, although I know how I'd configure them. I need to drill the firewall, where the linkage to the injector's "brain" will come through. 

I also had to narrow up the clutch/brake pedal assembly. That was relatively easy. Thanks for looking!

[David G.]

Using the figures is a great idea Daniel! I can't tell you how many model cars I've built that didn't allow for a realistic relationship between the steering wheel and the front seat, let alone a driver.

Excellent work on the petal too! I continue to be amazed by all the detail you put into your builds. You may be right, this level of detail on an N-scale model railroad could drive one mad.  

David G.

[dwc43]

16 hours ago, Straightliner59 said:

I found something I think will work, nicely for the rod. I think mine's a little too far back to mount it to the firewall. My test pilot's foot wouldn't reach it, there.? I built a very similar one, to that for my Model A coupe project.

Yep, I see where you're going with it now. Oh well, that pedal just popped into my head and I'd thought I'd share in case you could use it. Looking good by the way. Can't wait to see it finished. You have way more patience than I do. 

[Straightliner59]

19 hours ago, David G. said:

Using the figures is a great idea Daniel! I can't tell you how many model cars I've built that didn't allow for a realistic relationship between the steering wheel and the front seat, let alone a driver.

Excellent work on the petal too! I continue to be amazed by all the detail you put into your builds. You may be right, this level of detail on an N-scale model railroad could drive one mad.  

David G.

Yes, I think a model RR would be an insane pursuit for me to begin! I still think I might do a piece of wall art, some day, though. I have an idea, for that. Narrow gauge steam loco on a cliff face with a wooden trestle. Something like that, maybe.

The test driver (I call him!?) is something I have just started using. I've generally eyeballed stuff, and have avoided any glaring issues. Recently (which, at this stage of my life, I'd consider within the last five years!), I noticed him lying on the bench and decided to use him to align stuff. If I can build an articulated one, I think it could be even more useful. As always, thank you for your kind words, David!

17 hours ago, dwc43 said:

Yep, I see where you're going with it now. Oh well, that pedal just popped into my head and I'd thought I'd share in case you could use it. Looking good by the way. Can't wait to see it finished. You have way more patience than I do. 

 I appreciate the suggestion, D.W.! It's the best setup for anything in which the seat is close to the firewall. As far as the patience thing--it's just what I love to do! I don't place any deadlines on my stuff. I don't build for contests, although I enjoy competition. My models are simply my visions of automotive art, inspired by 1:1 cars I've seen. It might be an overall appearance, or just some detail I think is cool! I'm just having a ball, with it! Thanks for your kind words, sir!

[BK9300]

That’s an ‘all business’ interior you’re making - great craftsmanship!

[Straightliner59]

4 hours ago, BK9300 said:

That’s an ‘all business’ interior you’re making - great craftsmanship!

Thank you, Brian! I appreciate it. Yeah, that's one of the things I like about race cars, is that bare bones quality. 

[Straightliner59]

Spent some time fixing a couple of minor things--I moved the pedals forward a few inches (about 4"). I also drilled a couple of holes in the firewall for the throttle linkage and for the wiring. Moving the pedals forward led to extending the driver's side floor pad. The seat's painted, and the mounts attached. I added bracing to the rear of the cage, along with tabs for the harness. I started the lap belts, and have the wine bottle foil cut and painted, for the rest. It's coming along! Thanks for looking!

[Pierre Rivard]

Interior is no frills basic yet absolutely gorgeous. What color do you plan for the roll cage, painted or raw steel?

[Straightliner59]

7 hours ago, Pierre Rivard said:

Interior is no frills basic yet absolutely gorgeous. What color do you plan for the roll cage, painted or raw steel?

Thank you, my friend! Interesting you should ask! I just shot it with Krylon Satin Black. That made it the same color as the seat, so I wrapped a little Parafilm around the bottom, to keep the brackets clean, and shot flat clear on the seat. I am hoping to mount the dash, later! Thanks for checking in!

[Straightliner59]

@Pierre Rivard, Here's the (almost) latest...I had to cut slots in the seat back, for the shoulder straps, as I had forgotten to do that, prior to paint. They're barely visible. They aren't in these photos. The interior is coming together. I'm pretty happy, with it! Here's how it looks, mocked-up. Thanks for looking!

[Pierre Rivard]

Man this looks sooo good. I have to scratch build an interior for my BMW 3.5csl... you mind doing it for me? ?

[David G.]

In some of the photos, it's hard to tell that it's not a real car! ? 

I'm amazed to see all this in 1:25 scale.

David G.

[Bainford]

Just catching up to this build again. Fantastic detailing, Daniel, and an excellent display of craftsmanship. Everything is looking brilliant. This thing is going to be cool!

[Straightliner59]

22 hours ago, Pierre Rivard said:

Man this looks sooo good. I have to scratch build an interior for my BMW 3.5csl... you mind doing it for me? ?

Thank you, Pierre! I'm sure you'll manage, just fine, my friend! However, if you can use any advice, just send a PM, and I'm always happy to help!

21 hours ago, David G. said:

In some of the photos, it's hard to tell that it's not a real car! ? 

I'm amazed to see all this in 1:25 scale.

David G.

Thank you, my friend. Your kind words and encouragement are always appreciated!

18 hours ago, Bainford said:

Just catching up to this build again. Fantastic detailing, Daniel, and an excellent display of craftsmanship. Everything is looking brilliant. This thing is going to be cool!

Glad you like it, Trevor! I'm looking forward to seeing it with the decals on it. That's going to be a while, yet, but I think they'll really add to the cool factor! I think the harness will be next--maybe.? Thanks for your kind words, sir!

[Straightliner59]

Well, I got the belts assembled,  and the seat installed, and took a few photos. Then, the power went out! Transformer in back gave up the ghost. So, the photos I had hoped to post are on my camera, awaiting the restoration of power. I had hoped to get the belts/harness installed today, but a lack of light has delayed things. They're supposed to have us up and running again, in a couple of hours. That should leave enough time...

 

Edited November 5, 2024 by Straightliner59

[BK9300]

Awesome job on your interior - looks terrific!

[Straightliner59]

5 hours ago, BK9300 said:

Awesome job on your interior - looks terrific!

Thanks, Brian!

It's getting closer, now. Once the power was restored, I was able to get all the belts installed. I'll do a little highlighting and shading on them, yet. The shoulder harnesses aren't attached to the cage, yet, because the cage, nor the door panels are glued in, yet. The cage will be soon, then the side panels, last. Before those can be cemented, I want to be sure the body will drop into place, with no obstruction from the panels and overall width of the assembly. Shouldn't be too long! 

Once the interior's done, odd as it may sound, I'm thinking that the plug wires will be next. Questions, comments and critiques are always welcomed. Thanks for looking!