Big Jag back on track!

[Harry P.]

I suppose this could have gone in the "Big Boyz" section, but since it's also back "on the workbench", I'll put it here.

I actually started this long before I got sidetracked by the "Pocher bug". Now that my Alfa is done, I'm pulling this one out of mothballs and finishing up what I started...unless I get distracted again!

This is the mid-70s kit release, molded in bright yellow, but otherwise identical to the original, red plastic release from the early 60s. I'm doing a replica of a very early first year car...one of the first few hundred produced, with the external bonnet locks and the road draft tube (which was eliminated early on in the production run.) I've added a lot of details, like hose clamps, battery caps, coolong fan, various linkages and mechanical bits and pieces that were not part of the kit (however, no aftermarket stuff used...it's all scratchbuilt) using photos of restored cars I found on the internet, and a few books I have on Jaguar restoration. Still a few wires laying loose, but otherwise the engine is done.

[jbwelda]

wow thats looking great harry! i love these 1/8 scale models, it make my eyesight seem good again!

one love

jah bill

[MrObsessive]

I LOVE those big scale Jags!! That's one of my favorite big scale kits ever! I have one also, but it was partially started when I bought it (engine). When I build a couple more display shelves in the house, there'll be a couple big scales I'll build................and the Jag will be one of 'em.

Keep us posted Harry...............from what I see so far It's lookin' mighty good! Ya might even prod me to get started on mine, display space notwithstanding!

[patrol52]

Wow!

My dad built one of those back in the day. It was purple (one of the only cars I've seen that looks good in purple)

I still remember it from when I was younger. It had all the opening doors, hood and rear I think. I also remember the roll down windows. It was probably the reason I got interested in building model cars at all.

Unfortunately it got thrown out when the hood became unattached and other little parts had fallen off. I wish I still had it, as i could probably restore it now. Oh well, what's done is done, at least until later!

[Harry P.]

Here's a shot of the interior...

And the wheels.

I sprayed a coat of Testor's transparent black window tint on them to add a little depth ("before" on the left..."after" on the right)...

I removed the molded-in rear side window frames because I'm going to make them operable (swing-out). I also removed the gas filler door and rear hatch door so I can hinge them...

[Zoom Zoom]

Great model

Has anyone attempted a convertible from this kit? Seems like a natural, whether by Revell or by a builder's own modifications.

[Harry P.]

Great model

Has anyone attempted a convertible from this kit? Seems like a natural, whether by Revell or by a builder's own modifications.

I've seen roadster versions posted on various large-scale sites. I assume they were conversions of the coupe kit with scratchbuilt convertible top boots?

[sjordan]

I've seen roadster versions posted on various large-scale sites. I assume they were conversions of the coupe kit with scratchbuilt convertible top boots?

Here's one currently on eBay. Not the best I've seen.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-8-Scale-Jaguar-XKE-2...1QQcmdZViewItem

[Harry P.]

A bit of progress...

Here's a close-up of one of the scratchbuilt throttle linkages, using my "low tech" (no tech??!!) approach...paper clip wire and sheet aluminum cut from a pie pan!

The hatch hinges are made of sheet styrene and a bit of sprue. The size, shape and placement is based on reference photos in my Jaguar restoration books.

I managed to make wire hinge pins for the rear windows. The hard part was drilling the matching holes in the body, as there is no clearance to use a pin vise and drill at the correct angle. Also, how would I get the window frames into place?

I trimmed the hinge pins so that they extend only about 1/16" or so. That way I can insert the bottom pin into its hole, swing the window frame into place and gently snap the upper pin into position. This was a tricky operation, because I had to make the pins short enough to allow for the "snap fit", yet long enough to extend into their holes and allow the window to pivot.

Next step: creating working swing-out latches to scale!!!

[Harry P.]

...and here they are! Made of lengths of Evergreen rectangular strip bent over a candle flame, sheet aluminum hinge arms cut from a pie pan, and straight pins as hinge pins.

They're temporarily pinned to the outer window frame for these photos. I'll paint them silver before final installation...and they'll work!

[Modelmartin]

That looks great, Harry. I usually am not a big scale fan but that Jag could almost change my mind. What will be the finished color?

[Harry P.]

That looks great, Harry. I usually am not a big scale fan but that Jag could almost change my mind. What will be the finished color?

A medium metallic blue...you can see it in the engine photos. Not a correct Jaguar color, but hey...it's my model!

[sjordan]

I guess once you've tasted Pocher, OCD is the next step in this hobby. Unbelievable. The latch is dead-on. I retire from this kit in shame.

[Harry P.]

Actually, my latches are not exactly prototypically correct.

The real car's latches are rather small and delicate. I didn't think I could reproduce them accurately in scale and still have the sturdiness needed to actually operate more than once or twice before breaking...so I "imagineered" my own. They work on the same principle, but they're a bit larger than the real thing, scale-wise...but still close enough not to appear too much out of scale, I think. And at this size, they are strong enough to withstand repeated openings/closings...I hope! We'll see...

[lizardlust]

Mind boggling, Harry!! Although I will confess this much - sometimes, looking at your scratchbuilt operating features gives me a crushing sense of inadequacy, along with a mild headache.....

[Harry P.]

Mind boggling, Harry!! Although I will confess this much - sometimes, looking at your scratchbuilt operating features gives me a crushing sense of inadequacy, along with a mild headache.....

Take 2 aspirin and call me in the morning...

[Harry P.]

The missing underhood structure is done:

This will all be painted body color.

[Modellpularn]

Wow Harry, you've really added a lot of details! Those swing out rear windows with latches are truly mind-boggling!

However, I noticed something you missed; the carb flanges should have two bolts each, where the air cleaner is attached. I have an old friend who specializes in SU carbs, in fact he has a business called SU Service not too far away from where I have the summer house. Since you have added so many other details, I think you need to add some more. Check your reference photos..... and if you want, Google SU Service. Sorry, all the text is in swedish. Not sure if he's got an english version.

Edited September 25, 2007 by Modellpularn

[mr moto]

I'm doing a replica of a very early first year car...one of the first few hundred produced, with the external bonnet locks and the road draft tube (which was eliminated early on in the production run.)

Okay, I give up! What's a road draft tube?

You're doing beautiful work. It makes me want to build one or on the other hand maybe not! I think that kit is the only one that really captures the subtle form of the 1:1. The Aurora (later issued by Monogram) and Revell 1/25 kits both seem to miss it but in totally different ways!

Edited September 26, 2007 by mr moto

[jbwelda]

i built one of these back a few years ago, straight out of the box except some wiring and details i took from my friends 63 etype, but i have one on the shelf to build as a lightweight special one of these days. youre an inspiration but im afraid i got too many projects on the burner at the moment to start another. maybe when summer leaves and it gets cold around here i will go for it!

one love

jah bill