Shardik Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 I've just returned to modelling after a 25 year hiatus, so of course I jumped right in at the deep end. I found this oooold MPC kit, partialy assembled, at an antique mall and thought the price seemed pretty good for a kit of this scale; $30.00. It looked like everything was there so I took it home and proceded to disassemble what I could. This was made easier by the fact that the previous owner had left the plating intact, so the glue joints just popped apart with little damage. Next, I carefully sawed off the fuel tank ( it was a mess and would have to be replaced). Here's the engine, rebuilt, painted, detailed (sort of), and weathered. I shaved off some details and replaced them with copper tubing. The magnetos were reshaped and wired with solder. the linkage was made from styrene and music wire. I made a new starter because the kit part didn't match any of my refrences. The starter wire is a low E string from my guitar. Next, I cut .040" styrene formers using the remains of the kit fuel tank as a template, and "skinned" it with .020" sheet. The aluminum mesh isn't quite right, but it was the closest thing I could find. (of course, after it was painted and installed I found the perfect material!) More guitar string, and fuel petcocks made from Evergreen rod. The straps are .005" styrene strips and the rivets are resin decals from Archer. Here's a closer look at the strap tensioners and the rivet detail. More coming, but be patient: I work slow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Very nice work! The detail is incredible... this should be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragline Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Really? We are going to get 2 world class builds of this kit? OUTRAGEOUS! I'm watching this one. Oh, BTW, it's looking superb. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comp1839 Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 WOW! this will be another treat. your detailing is just......WOW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja-view Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 That kit has to be one of the best bargains out there. I had given thought to it a number of times with consideration of making it into some kind of street rod, but I have soooo darn many in the que I just never could pull the trigger. After some of the really high quality builds of it as a racer I might grab one sometime just to keep on the shelf if I ever get the itch again. I love what you're doing with it Johann. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shardik Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 Ken, Dave, Bob and Harry; Thanks for the encouraging comments. More photos soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shardik Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share Posted March 5, 2012 As promissed, more photos: The fuel tank, rear end and dampers have been installed. Here's a closer shot of the damper assembly: scratch built from .010 & .020 styrene, except for the adjusters which were carefully sawn from the kit parts. Also, like Harry, I shaved off the wrapping detail from the leaf springs and replaced it with thread. The cast texture was added to the axle housing with thinned putty and a peice of foam packing material. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baddgass Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 The engine looks great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Beautiful! First class building! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin T Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 Man this is looking gorgeous already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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