1905 LOCOMOBILE 90 HP RACER in 1/8 Scale

[f1ford48]

since we have a handful of Brass era afficionados here I wanted you guys to see this.

this model was built by Peter Helcks neighbor in the late 40's-early 50s. it is mostly made of wood. Peters Grandson Timothy now owns it.

Edited March 1, 2014 by f1ford48

[f1ford48]

The top photo is Artist Peter Helck with model, 2nd photo on the left is Joe Tracy- driver of the real car and also Driver of ''OLD 16'' for the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup and Eliminations Trial. the man on the right is the model builder, I believe. the 2 black and white photos were taken in the late 40"s-early 50's

the color photos were taken recently- so you can see how well the model has held up over the years.

after studying this model it seems there was some pretty fantastic model car building going on 60 years ago!!

this car was known as the 90 H.P. GORDON BENNETT RACER. and was actually offered in the Locomobile Catalog for $18,000! [1906]

and of course it is the Predesessor of OLD 16. after Locomobiles Victory in 1908 the company pulled out of auto racing.

the real car does not exist anymore-there is a rumor that it was pushed into the Long Island Sound when some workers were cleaning out a shed at the Locomobile Factory in Bridgeport Conn.

Edited March 1, 2014 by f1ford48

[pharoah]

Wow - that is nice!

[Cato]

Fantastic post-thanks Frank.

[Pocherphile]

You know, I believe one could take a 1/8th Pocher FIAT, modify and though the engines may be differant, curbside it and make this car........just a idea!

Rick

[f1ford48]

on the top photo-for you ALFA fans-there is a clockwork P2 model- these are going for $5,000 these days- I saw a rare lavender colored one at the Turlock swap meet-guy wanted 8k!!!!! its nuts what some of this stuff goes for.

Edited March 2, 2014 by f1ford48

[Pocherphile]

Tell me about it...................but to addicts, the price is what it is, but there is a limit my working man's wallet will go. There is a certain Pocher kit I would love to buy and @ one time had un-built and sold.............same kit today, highest price I have seen is $3000.00.

Will give a hint, when this 1st came out, Pocher included a work trans, later kits did not have this.

I am aware of the clock work cars and I love them, but I will never own one I am afraid.

Rick

[Pocherphile]

You know, I have already stated I was trying for another "old 16" on eBay.........one could build as kitted, and then use the other to build one like this one..........ideas are a fly'n Frank...........

Rick

[ewaskew]

That is a very nice piece of model car history there.

God Bless

[f1ford48]

That is a very nice piece of model car history there.

God Bless

Thank You Earl-it was fun putting together the pictures and history.