Ramchargers Dragster and Trailer

[dragcarz]

I was reading the book “We Are The Ramchargers” by Dave Rockwell some time ago and they told of the beginning of the Ramchargers Dragster.

A technician at the Woodard Garage, Dan Knapp, rescued Hemi block #004 after it had split some cylinder bores on the engine Dyno, and left for scrap. Dan had the block sleeved and started collecting parts to build the dragster.

Dan had built and raced gas dragsters so he began construction on this 140” wheelbase car, on his concrete floor, and built almost everything on the car. 

By September of 1964 the car was ready and Don Westerdale was chosen to drive. The first week out they ran the car on alcohol to be  sure the car was going to work. The second week out the ran the car on 50% nitro and went to the final round where they lost. The best time that weekend was a 7.90 at 189.37 mph.

I was intrigued by this story and the look of that first car and decided to replicate it.During all my research I came across a couple photos that showed their trailer in the background and I decided to replicate it also. 

I started with the MPC Ramchargers kit, I modified the front axle, glued the body together and then cut the cowl open. I used Splash Pearl White paint, Tamiya clear red for the strips,and finally Splash 2K clear. 
 
The trailer was completely scratch built using Evergreen Plastic tubing, and Evergreen metal siding. The entry doors are hinged and work, as does the tool box compartment. I made the roof removable to show the inside.

As always comments and criticism is welcomed. I hope you enjoy!

[ColonelKrypton]

Very nicely done.

They may be nostalgia now but there is nothing quite like a good looking front engine dragster. Hands down nicer looking than what passes for top fuel these days. 

 

cheers, Graham

[Charger Funny Car]

Excellent!!! Long live slingshots!! Would be awesome to build a what if Ramcharger's rear engine digger.

[bytownshaker]

Love both the Dragster and the trailer!!!

[Kanada Kustoms]

Great looking dragster... Cool trailer too!

[M W Elky]

WOW!! That’s one great rail job but let’s talk about that trailer it just knocked it out of the park . I can’t wait to see an appropriate dodge wagon to tow and push start it . I guess after that you’ll need to build a DETROIT DRAG WAY and Hodges Dodges dealer. Keep us posted 

[RancheroSteve]

Exactly - the dragster is great, but the trailer is especially impressive!

[dragcarz]

7 hours ago, ColonelKrypton said:

Very nicely done.

They may be nostalgia now but there is nothing quite like a good looking front engine dragster. Hands down nicer looking than what passes for top fuel these days. 

 

cheers, Graham

Thanks Graham,I agree with you,  I’m not even interested in what they consider Drag Racing these days.

[dragcarz]

3 hours ago, Charger Funny Car said:

Excellent!!! Long live slingshots!! Would be awesome to build a what if Ramcharger's rear engine digger.

Thank you Scott, I agree that a rear engine version could be interesting!

[dragcarz]

2 hours ago, bytownshaker said:

Love both the Dragster and the trailer!!!

Thanks Edgar!

[dragcarz]

2 hours ago, Kanada Kustoms said:

Great looking dragster... Cool trailer too!

Thanks Jon, much appreciated!

[dragcarz]

56 minutes ago, M W Elky said:

WOW!! That’s one great rail job but let’s talk about that trailer it just knocked it out of the park . I can’t wait to see an appropriate dodge wagon to tow and push start it . I guess after that you’ll need to build a DETROIT DRAG WAY and Hodges Dodges dealer. Keep us posted 

Thanks Michael, yes I’d really like to include the Dodge Wagon, is anyone printing them yet?

[dragcarz]

28 minutes ago, RancheroSteve said:

Exactly - the dragster is great, but the trailer is especially impressive!

Thank you Steve, I took it to the ACME Southern  Nationals and  no one really paid any attention to it, I thought it would be something really different for their Drag Racing theme,  but it didn’t draw much attention.