Galaxie Monogram Long John Dragster

[Art Laski]

Last month I decided I needed a short-term project so I can actually finish something this year, so I dug out of the stash a Monogram Long John dragster that my wife and I picked up in Vegas earlier this year (we passed a Hobby Town and so we had to stop, of course!).

I thought it was pretty cool too when the latest MCM came out and Galaxie Ltd. had a prominent ad for this kit while I had it in progress.

It's a simple kit, with a low part count, which is exactly what I needed, but that didn't stop me from making a few improvements. I cast a copy of a Halibrand quick change rear end that came out of the Pie Wagon kit, and installed it prior to gluing the body halves together, since some of the references I found that this kit was based on had that style of rear end. The only problem is, with the driver installed, you can barely see it, but at least I know it's there!

I made a rear bumper, since the original one was molded to the tail and I wanted it to look more like the real thing. I also added some plug wires, a few bolt heads and rivets on the valve covers, and some plug wires.

i also made a new dash, as I broke the molded in one trying to drill out some holes for the gauges I made, which probably should have been a little bit smaller. I also swapped out the steering wheel to match my references.

The front wheel camber isn't as off as it looks in a few of the pics. They're fairly loose because they roll, and I forgot to pose them straight before the pics got taken.

I have to also commend Galaxie for great customer service, as I had some silvering around the pin striping and they sent me another set that I trimmed a lot closer.

Thanks for looking!

Edited December 12, 2011 by Art Laski

[Art Laski]

a few more...

[Greg Pugh]

Nice job on this. Clean and simple!! I like it!

[Art Laski]

and the last ones. Thanks for looking!

Edited December 12, 2011 by Art Laski

[Art Laski]

Greg, thanks for the post... and fast too! I hadn't even finished uploading

[Casey]

That's very nicely done, Art. I love to see these old Monogram kits built.

[W-409]

Really great looking build. This is really Old School. Like the paintjob, it's shiny and smooth. Great job all over, it just looks nice and clean, without big mistakes. I like those wheels and tires very much too.

This would be great kit to have. Looks like it's not so expensive either, on eBay I found one for $17.99 (Buy It Now).

[Draggon]

Art, you did an outstanding job on it! I think that the true test of a skilled builder is making a very simple kit look as good as you did on this! I might have to get me one and try it out myself.

[Dave42]

I agree, this one looks great. The paint looks like glass and I like the satin/pastel look to driver, he looks quite realistic.

Did you paint or re-chrome the hub caps?

Just curious because I recently built a kit with similar caps and only (1) of the (4) was unscratched straight out of the box.

Oh, and sweet subtle heat staining on the pipes!

Edited December 12, 2011 by Dave42

[geetee66]

Man, that bad boy is CRISP!

I often wondered about how these kits look.

You did a 1st class job on yours. It's a beauty.

The geezer driving it looks good, too. I like the grimy sweater! Nice detail!

[peekay]

I never imagined this kit could be done so nicely.

[Dr. Cranky]

Art, honestly, that belongs on the cover of the kit. Beautiful job on the paint, and the decals, not to mention the fine work on the driver. It's a great model. Congrats.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Very nice job.

Have one of those in my stash just might do a quick build with it. Hopefully it will come out as nice as your did.

Did you use Alclad for painting the chrome?

Bobthehobbyguy

[Art Laski]

Thanks for all the kind comments, guys!

Did you paint or re-chrome the hub caps?

Did you use Alclad for painting the chrome?

Dave and Bob, all of the chrome is Alclad. The kit doesn't come with any plated parts, but I probably would have stripped it anyway.

[Dave42]

Even more impressive, thanks!

[rmvw guy]

I tried one of the old Monogram kits and was really disappointed, now you have convinced me how good they CAN look. Nice!

[John Teresi]

Art......this build is absolutely stunning!!!!!.......the level of craftsmanship is over the top for what you did to it......congrat`s on a beautiful model.......can`t wait to see your next build.

[caine440]

Very clean and really nice job with the alclad.

[Nitrozilla]

Outstanding Artsmanship !! That's not a word according to my spellchecker. Guess I gotta call Webster and submit it with a pic of your build.

[krazyglu]

Whoa Joe I like that word and will now include in my vocabulary I have to agree with the comments above, but I have to give you a pat on the back on the Alclad....you really nailed it. Awesome job.

[bbowser]

Congrats on a great job. The decals especially, looks like they were painted on.

[Art Laski]

Art......this build is absolutely stunning!!!!!.......the level of craftsmanship is over the top for what you did to it......congrat`s on a beautiful model.......can`t wait to see your next build.

Thanks, Buddy, for all the tips. The Alclad was applied with your method, as is the finish on the tires on this one. Thanks for all your support!

Outstanding Artsmanship !! That's not a word according to my spellchecker. Guess I gotta call Webster and submit it with a pic of your build.

I like that, Joe!

Thanks for the comments, guys. They are really appreciated.

Edited December 13, 2011 by Art Laski

[Nitrozilla]

Awww schucks Art. Just like with gurlz; every once in a while I get lucky.

[Dave Ambrose]

That dragster looks great. I'm getting to appreciate these vintage kits more as my skills improve.

[John Goschke]

Outstanding work! I love how you took such a simple kit and with some careful modifications and additions brought out the best in it, making it look more detailed than it really is. The nicely done painting and shading on the driver goes a long to add to the realism.