Hubley Duesenberg 'Speedline' Phaeton

[Junkman]

For those, who do not know these kits, this is already the result of hours upon hours of parts preparation:

First 'check' coat of primer:

Engine block mock up:

It is interesting to note, that the block of the engine is metal, whereas the parts which actually are natural metal on the real engine, are made of plastic.

Edited April 5, 2010 by Junkman

[Dragline]

I'll bet when it's finished it weighs a Metric ton too...

Looking good. I remember these from my youth. I woulda trashed it if I'd gotten one then I can tell you that.

Bob

[Modelmartin]

Those old Hubley kits can look real good with a deft touch. Biggest issue are plastic wire wheels. They look better if they are painted with just the hubcap and a trim ring around the rim plated. I do not know where Hubley got the name Speedline Phaeton. That bodystyle is called a dual-cowl sweep panel phaeton. Most of them were made by Lagrande which was Duesenberg's house brand nameplate. Actual construction might have been by several different coachbuilders including LeBaron. What is interesting is that it is on a long wheelbase chassis. Most Lagrandes were on a short chassis. The Derham Tourster was on a long wheelbase and perhaps they were trying to represent one in this kit. Anyway, I will be looking forward to seeing you finish this one. I love the full classics.

[Junkman]

Those old Hubley kits can look real good with a deft touch. Biggest issue are plastic wire wheels. They look better if they are painted with just the hubcap and a trim ring around the rim plated.

Since when are you clairvoyant?

I do not know where Hubley got the name Speedline Phaeton. That bodystyle is called a dual-cowl sweep panel phaeton. Most of them were made by Lagrande which was Duesenberg's house brand nameplate. Actual construction might have been by several different coachbuilders including LeBaron. What is interesting is that it is on a long wheelbase chassis. Most Lagrandes were on a short chassis. The Derham Tourster was on a long wheelbase and perhaps they were trying to represent one in this kit. Anyway, I will be looking forward to seeing you finish this one. I love the full classics.

I would not go so far as to try to figure out which real car Hubley tried to depict - because even they didn't.

I take these 'models' for what they are - Vintage kits that ooze character. I'm not even attempting to make this into anything authentic. I will do what Hubely intended me to do with it.

I would have loved to use real leather for the interior, especially since this particular issue didn't even come with the stickers for the door panels anymore. But, alas.

And yes, Dragline, this is really heavy metal.

[Duntov]

This is nice.....I always liked Hubley.....only had one when I was kid.....don't know where it went......this looks like fun.....thanks for sharing.

Regards

Bill (Duntov)

[Junkman]

You know how it goes, Bill. You first look into the box, almost get a stroke, then start to tackle it. In the end, they are great fun to build, but you can't really consider them 'scale' models. I find them charming and full of character. A bit like old Märklin railways.

Maybe I should post a few pics of the Duesenberg Town Brougham I have in untouched condition, so the ones not in the know can see how they are delivered?

[Duntov]

You know how it goes, Bill. You first look into the box, almost get a stroke, then start to tackle it. In the end, they are great fun to build, but you can't really consider them 'scale' models. I find them charming and full of character. A bit like old Märklin railways.

Maybe I should post a few pics of the Duesenberg Town Brougham I have in untouched condition, so the ones not in the know can see how they are delivered?

Christian.....I agree 100%....the character here is a big part of the thrill. Marklin equipment is an excellent analogy......keep pushing this....it's a great aspect of the hobby and a welcome change from the styrene dust!!!!

Regards

Bill