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Post by arcticwolf on Aug 19, 2022 19:38:28 GMT -8
Another one of my "car that never was but could have been". I decided to build my own entry for the 1975 Indy 500 out of, well, mostly junk. Not really a fair statement, it's parts from a McLaren M23 I got from Brian and parts from a Lotus 72 I got from Patrick, plus some goodies and some imagination. It's not a M24, it's supposed to be a M23 modified to USAC spec a couple of years before McLaren got around to it, in keeping with some of the other 1975 entries.
Started with modifying the rear bulkhead as this will not have a Cosworth.
Some heavy duty re-inforcement as this will have a heavy motor. A few layout sketches just to make sure the wheelbase will end up correct.
The tube is to accept the rod from the front of the engine
Indy rules specified no right side fuel tank for '75, plus moving the bulkhead forward, so I'll have to make the tank taller to get the required capacity.
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Post by arcticwolf on Aug 19, 2022 19:52:28 GMT -8
Cut the top off the tank and built it up with sheet styrene re-enforced from behind and glued the top back on.
I modified the Lotus cockpit fairing (just to give it a different look, plus I don't have the McLaren one anyway). A test fit:
Everything looks better cleaned up with a coat of primer.
I've installed the front end parts as they were (with some extra glue). The suspension is being converted to true rocker arm instead of the double fulcrum the M23 had. McLaren also did this to the M24. Also re-enforced the upper arms to take the extra loads of Indy.
I've been detailing the front end but the pics are still in the camera.
Later guys.
Paul
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Post by pnance26 on Aug 20, 2022 10:01:47 GMT -8
Cool stuff, Paul!
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Post by tatocorvette on Aug 20, 2022 10:53:13 GMT -8
This is really cool! Love it!
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Post by arcticwolf on Aug 20, 2022 19:59:37 GMT -8
Thanks guys. Sometimes I just like to create as opposed to trying to make a copy. The idea is to make something that would have been readily feasible at the time, within the limits of what was known and available. In this case, what could a good shop have done if they got their hands on a used M23, and before McLaren themselves got around to it.
So the upper and lower halves of the chassis are primed and now I can figure out the paint. A little tricky this time as normally I'd paint the parts before assembly, but we shall overcome, lol. It's going to be a team car to the F/A (F5000) that I built a while ago.
I modified a Lotus part to create a headrest surround, sort of blended it in to the gas tank, part of the aero upgrades. Also fabricated the roll bar, and the required fuel filler holes of course.
Slowly using some of Patrick's Lotus bits and pieces - and I still have 1 1/2 cars left!
Now to see if I can make it look any good.
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Post by arcticwolf on Aug 22, 2022 18:41:36 GMT -8
Uploaded the latest pics, in between power failures. 90 mm of rain, I guess something got wet.
To repair the front spindles I just drilled some holes and inserted a styrene king pin. It has the added benefit of stopping the hubs from wandering in and out. Yes they still rotate.
Once painted they won't really show.
The tub got sprayed gold, then aluminum, then out came the paint brushes. The details are all Alclads.
And the upper half, cowling temporarily in place - it will also be black.
Good old Testors clear coat as it doesn't eat my home made decals.
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Post by arcticwolf on Aug 22, 2022 18:52:55 GMT -8
So this is where I'm at, as of tonight. Body halves fitted together.
Cowling on just for fun
Front spindles installed. I just trimmed the excess off and quickly melted the protrusions with a soldering iron so they won't fall off, and a quick touch up. Wheels will rotate and steer.
For a bash kit it's looking OK so far.
Now the fun of building the business end of the beast.
cheers guys
Paul
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Post by tatocorvette on Aug 22, 2022 19:32:23 GMT -8
Outstanding work so far. Love it!
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Post by pnance26 on Aug 23, 2022 9:34:40 GMT -8
Glad to see bits of the old Lotus in there, Paul! Great progress so far!
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Post by arcticwolf on Aug 23, 2022 11:52:18 GMT -8
Glad to see bits of the old Lotus in there, Paul! Great progress so far! Thanks Patrick. I still have plans for the Lotus, I have enough of them left for another F5000 car - in between the Ferraris.
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Aug 23, 2022 17:34:46 GMT -8
This build is great I am enjoying every installment, makes me want to pull out the 1/16 Lotus 42F F5000 car I was scratchbuilding a month or so ago. Hmmmnnnn! Keep it coming Paul! Chris
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Post by arcticwolf on Aug 23, 2022 17:44:49 GMT -8
This build is great I am enjoying every installment, makes me want to pull out the 1/16 Lotus 42F F5000 car I was scratchbuilding a month or so ago. Hmmmnnnn! Keep it coming Paul! Chris If you're building Bill Brack's Lotus GTX car, I have complete decals for that car (designed and printed by me). They're in 1/12th but I could re-scale them and print a set for you if you need.
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Post by Joel_W on Aug 25, 2022 4:55:28 GMT -8
Paul, Just catching up as life issues just has the better of me.
Just an absolutely amazing "what if build". Following your design philosophy, it certainly has the looks of a McLaren M23 but re-engineered for 500 miles at Indy.
joel
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Post by arcticwolf on Aug 25, 2022 12:58:33 GMT -8
For those wondering what will propel this little rocket, well it's 1975, so the engine du jour would be a turbo Offy. Voila, courtesy of a gentleman in Texas, I have one, freshly 3D printed. What I got is this:
The 4 speed tranny is very nice, but I won't be using it. By the way, he prints in any scale you ask for, very handy!
So, stock parts only (except for 2 tiny coolant pipes), with some paint applied:
That's the Offy part, now to figure out the "turbo" bit.
I also started work on the nose, just filling in the rather useless scoops, who needs the extra drag at Indianapolis:
Thanks for the kind words
cheers
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Post by Joel_W on Aug 25, 2022 13:33:42 GMT -8
Paul, I was wondering just how you would conjure up a Indy Offy, and now I know. the engine minus the turbo looks great. Excellent idea on filling in the front clip duct as there's no reason to have it at the speeds the car will be flying around the track. Looking forward to your Turbo charger solution. joel
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