"The Bug" dragster. Not a VW Done ! 9-22-12

[cobraman]

Now that the Gremlin is done I need another project. I had posted that I needed ideas of what I could make from the parts I had left over from the Fiat in the Double Dragster kit. I had used just the body for another project. I got some good ideas but the one I liked the best was from Glenn who suggested I build " The Bug" from the 50's. "The Bug" has been credited with being the first rail dragster according to my research. What I plan to do is build " The Bug 2". I want to build a car with the same flavor and elements of the original but updated just a bit as if there was a follow up version using 60's parts. Purely a fiction build but could be fun.

Edited September 23, 2012 by cobraman

[Foxer]

Looks like a really interesting build.

[W-409]

This is going to be cool build. I've been thinking also of building something like this, but now you're already building. Can't wait to see more.

[Fuel Coupe]

You now have my full attention, I as well have this one on the list to build..

[Bernard Kron]

"The Bug" or something like it, is on my list, too! Dan Himmel, proprietor of the fabulous StraightLineModeler website (http://www.straightlinemodeler.org/index.htm) has built a very fine example with which he won the Replica class in the 1990 GSL XI. Here's a link to the first of the four pictures of it Dan has put on his Fotki: http://public.fotki.com/straightliner1/my_models/bug1.html#media. Check it out!

Also, a couple of years back I built a simple late 50's style rail job using the chassis from the Polar Lights Undertaker kit and a Revell Parts Pack Cadillac V8 with a brace of 97's on top. The brutal simplicity of these things is a great canvas for your creativity. Have fun, we all will enjoy following along, I'm sure.

[Dr. Cranky]

I've seen Dan's model, and I've always loved the idea of building one of these. I say go for it and have fun. This one is almost borderline camp mule-ish!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Minimalist race car built from junk. The best.

[cobraman]

I just checked out the photo of the model. Fantastic ! Looks like the real one. Mine will not. I have a couple days off and hope to get to it tomorrow ( after I finish some honey do's : )

[FASTBACK340]

I snapped this shot at the Garlits Museum.

[southpier]

i cannot even imagine what it would be like to drive that.

[cobraman]

Nice pic John. I hope my "Bug 2" comes out as cool. But it won't. : )

[Draggon]

Glad you decided to do this one Ray!

[cobraman]

OK. Got some work done on "The Bug 2" today. Most parts are coming from the Fiat chassis from the Double Dragster as I have said so keep in mind this is not going to be a replica of the original car but kind of a Bug 2.0 . I cut down the body from the kit that was a part for the rail dragster and that will be the cowl for this build. Fuel tank is from the parts box as it the helmet. The "mailbox" scoop for the engine needed something. What good is a mailbox if it doesn't have a red pick up flag ? The frame is out in the garage drying. Most of this build will be mostly black as it the original car but I will try and have at least some contrast with some other dark colors and 3 shades of black. Thanks for looking. As always comments good or bad are welcome. \

Edited September 19, 2012 by cobraman

[Randy D]

Hi Ray, Looking foward to the assembly on this one! Great idea :)

Randy

[cobraman]

Worked some more on "The Bug 2". More to do but almost done. I need to get a white gel pen to to the name on the cowl. I tried with a small brush and also a toothpick but the results were less than desired. Still needs some work and some touch up but should be done by the end of the weekend. I hope I caught the flavor of the original but the jury is still out here. Thanks for looking.

[John Teresi]

Ray........I think you are doing terrific job........you did this fast too.......GREAT job!!!!!

[Bernard Kron]

It really is Bug 2.0! I really like how you adapted the Double Dragster stuff to the theme of the car (like the blackened Moon tank hanging off side, for example). Very cool.

[cobraman]

Thanks guys for the nice comments. I am not all together happy with it is it kind of looks like I put it together with my feet !

[Bernard Kron]

  On 9/20/2012 at 11:22 PM, cobraman said:

Thanks guys for the nice comments. I am not all together happy with it is it kind of looks like I put it together with my feet !

Now that makes me laugh! I'll have to remember it for how I feel about some of my builds...

A couple of thoughts: First off, a personal peeve regarding the front tires that come in the Double Dragster kit. They're the standard AMT's and they're too big, IMHO, for a drag car. See if you can't find something a bit narrower and smaller. It would look better and might help. The other thing is, I noticed early on you committed yourself to a black on black paint scheme. Perhaps it's gone a bit too far and could stand a bit more contrast. How about using some Testors Metalizers in various shades to help pick the details out? Things like the valve covers and supercharger need highlighting, IMHO. Maybe doing the front wheels over in a none-chrome finish. You can find them at your LHS and apply it with a brush with good results.

I still think it's cool and very imaginative. Definitely V. 2.0 You've got me thinking about trying my hand at one...

[cobraman]

Smaller front tires would make a difference I think. I will have to see if I have any and maybe I will switch. I did shoot dullcoat on the wheels to tone them down. About the black, I wanted to stay with the look of the original. I used flat, semi and gloss but I get your point. I did use some dark metal color on the blower and the drive shaft. If you do go ahead with one please lets us see it.

[Mooneyzs]

Ray.... Looking good man. You are making great progress with this build!! Very cool one as well.

[southpier]

the original car is less "solid" for lack of a better term. it doesn't even have a floorboard for crying out loud! so there's less to be black if that makes sense.

but it does look like the child o' bug - and that was what you were trying to accomplish, yes?

[vintagedragfan]

great progress Ray looking awesome!

[cobraman]

Just need to find a white gel pen today and I can finish this thing in about 15 minutes.

[Draggon]

Lookin great. I love the simplicity if it, both the real one and your version!