Harry P. Posted January 5, 2014 Author Posted January 5, 2014 The first step was to visualize exactly how I wanted the top to look. I decided I wanted an arched top, higher in the middle than at the ends (because it's "jaunty" that way... ). Once I had the design of the top in my head, I began by cutting four corner blocks out of basswood. Each corner block got a hole drilled in it the same diameter as the brass top supports: The arched side members of the top were created by soaking the basswood strips overnight, then clamping them around an object that had the diameter to give the side members the arch I wanted. (I used a large kitchen pot). Once the curved side pieces were completely dry, I assembled them with five crossmembers and the corner blocks, using CA glue instead of white glue (it's faster that way!)... Then I rounded the corners and stained the top frame... And finally added the top material, a slightly oversized piece of sail cloth left over from a wooden ship kit... glued to the top frame with a few dabs of CA: More to come...
Harry P. Posted January 5, 2014 Author Posted January 5, 2014 I painted the top a "canvas" color. The paint soaks into the cloth material and "seals" it, so that when I trim away the excess, the edges won't unravel. I also added a decorative piping around the edge of the top. The underside won't really be visible once the top is installed, so here's a look at it. I wasn't too careful about the paint edge along where the piping meets the wooden frame, as that will all be covered up when I attach the fringe:
Harry P. Posted January 6, 2014 Author Posted January 6, 2014 I might go back and lighten up the top... not sure yet.
Bernard Kron Posted January 6, 2014 Posted January 6, 2014 (edited) Truly wonderful modeling. What I find so exciting and inspiring all this is that this subject couldn't further away from anything I am ever likely to consider building (although as a total motorhead I must admit to having more than one book in my library about this era of motor cars...). But the eye for scale and texture, and the techniques used to achieve the realistic result desired, have me absolutely riveted. Thanx for sharing... Edited January 6, 2014 by Bernard Kron
cobraman Posted January 6, 2014 Posted January 6, 2014 I wasn't sure about the top but I have to say it looks very good.
Harry P. Posted January 6, 2014 Author Posted January 6, 2014 How did you do the fringe? A sheet of regular old white paper. I drew a pencil line parallel to the long edge of the sheet, about 5/16" from the edge... then went along the length of the paper cutting each fringe with an X-acto up to that line... then once I had the entire 11" length of the paper "fringed" I took a straightedge and cut the fringe off about 1/16" from where the fringe ends, leaving me that 1/16" area to glue the fringe along the edges of the top.
uncle potts Posted January 6, 2014 Posted January 6, 2014 Harry, this things awesome. I really like the top you added, and when finished, I don't think the spokes on the wheels look all that bad.
Danno Posted January 7, 2014 Posted January 7, 2014 Great job on the car, fabulous fabrication of the top. Definitely an over the top build!
Lovefordgalaxie Posted January 7, 2014 Posted January 7, 2014 This is looking awesome!!! That top alone would drive me crazy... And parts would fly.
Harry P. Posted January 8, 2014 Author Posted January 8, 2014 Check out the finished product "Under Glass"...
MoparWoman Jamie Posted January 10, 2014 Posted January 10, 2014 I like watching these kind of builds, and Harry, it's people with your kind of skills that makes these kind of builds really come to life. I really downright enjoy turning in to watch these come to life. Keep up the great work man! If you don't mind me asking, what do you think your next build will be?
Harry P. Posted January 17, 2014 Author Posted January 17, 2014 I like watching these kind of builds, and Harry, it's people with your kind of skills that makes these kind of builds really come to life. I really downright enjoy turning in to watch these come to life. Keep up the great work man! If you don't mind me asking, what do you think your next build will be? Aurora 1/16 scale 1911 Buick Model 14B. It's already well underway with photos taken... just haven't started the WIP yet.
sjordan2 Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 Aurora 1/16 scale 1911 Buick Model 14B. It's already well underway with photos taken... just haven't started the WIP yet.Does it have an engine? Most of the other Aurora brass-era cars are curbside.
Harry P. Posted January 17, 2014 Author Posted January 17, 2014 Does it have an engine? Most of the other Aurora brass-era cars are curbside. It does. Actually the kit is pretty well detailed, including full engine and chassis details. A real step above the typical Minicraft kits I've been dealing with (De Dion, Benz Motorkutsche).
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