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Post by mickgee on Nov 14, 2019 12:47:23 GMT -8
Hello folks, a while back I promised Chris K. Hale to post photos of my next project. This was here;
I'd like to proudly present the latest finished project, the dragster, The Old Master, vintage 1966, in scale 1:25.
This is a completely scratch built, and exact scale model in brass, and other metal alloys. Cast nickel and other brass alloys, aluminum, copper and steel wire and tubes. Motor is mostly cast nickel and chrome/cobalt/moly alloy.
Original plans from chassis designer Don Long, followed completely from researched photos and first hand information from former pit crew members and fellows of known knowledge of the times, and of the car. Also, Roger Lee added supplemental tips so this car could come together with a believable representation.
First off, here the original. Pink, gotta love it;
Pink is not pink. A difficult color to get right. Artificial light makes it darker, real shade in sunny environment is correct. Here, the model;
I realize this straightline forum is not very popular here, perhaps some members will enjoy a metal replica dragster car.
Thanks for looking.
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Post by arcticwolf on Nov 14, 2019 14:06:36 GMT -8
I've got nothing against drag racing.
For the record......
I SURRENDER!
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Nov 14, 2019 15:15:57 GMT -8
Simply OUTSTANDING, I am a huge drag fan, How could I not with my Dad Racing and building so many cars, inc. the Magwinder and racing in the early years with a guy named D.S. Gurney before he started AAR. Roger is a great guy & Good Friend and his Brass dragsters are also , right up there with Yours, Outstanding.. the attached is the Magwinder now in the Garlits Museum, as a kid we climbed all over it, Garlits called me almost daily for info on it while he restored it, one of my Idols. I have measurements and early frame photos to build it in scale too. Thanks for your photos of the Beautiful Dragster and engine your work is Top Notch.. Chris
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Post by Ben_B on Nov 14, 2019 15:36:14 GMT -8
Woah! That is beautiful! I’ve never been a drag fan but have always found those old cars with the engine in front and transmission between the legs fascinating. Those drivers must not have cared too much about having kids. Or walking! Was there any kind of armor around the transmission to keep the driver and exploding engine/transmission separated?
Ben
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mike_t
Full Time Ride
Posts: 217
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Post by mike_t on Nov 14, 2019 17:24:23 GMT -8
Well, you've convinced me to go visit my mom and get her to teach me how to knit. I can't keep up with this... Excellent work, sir! Very impressive. I've been a drag fan since the Snake and Mongoose days. Never had the pleasure of attending an NHRA event (too far from my neighborhood) but always wanted to. I've often said I would love to do a run in a top fuel car but it would be the last thing I do 'cuz I'm pretty sure I'd do myself in. But what a way to go...
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Post by robhart on Nov 14, 2019 18:20:32 GMT -8
Outstanding craftsmanship! Great choice of subject too.
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Post by afx on Nov 15, 2019 3:23:29 GMT -8
Impressive build.
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Post by Bernard Kron on Nov 15, 2019 11:40:15 GMT -8
Absolutely superb. This project represents a step change in your modeling IMHO. It's for two reasons. One is that it's a replica, which entails a forced discipline that all the proportions, details and colors must ring true. Having watched this come together in detail "elsewhere" I can attest to the care you took in researching the dimensions as well as the details, which contribute to the correct overall look that you've achieved. The use of metal, too, means that the thickness and patina of the surfaces scales properly, something which, as a plastic modeler, I can say is a constant concern. Up to now you've done your work in drag cars creating models in the manner of a particular style or class of car. As impressive as they were, and they were indeed, this is another matter altogether. If there's such a thing as photo-realism in scale modeling this model achieves it. And that brings me to the second change, which is that this car is far more true-to-type that its precursors - even if it weren't a replica its authenticity would be on another level to what you've done thus far. Congrats! A true masterpiece.
The Magwinder is one of the most ambitious creations of the early dragster period, an attempt to blend the lightweight, low slung aesthetic of the emerging British sports car designs (viz. Lotus 25) with compact efficiency and the theoretical (though ultimately illusory) advantages of the "sidewinder" engine location. I can't think of anyone better to create a scale replica of it than you. I've always been frustrated that, although it has survived largely unmolested, it exists today in its later yellow livery. For me it will always be iconic in its original red and white colors. I'd love to see it replicated as a model.
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Nov 15, 2019 16:19:23 GMT -8
Bernard, Yes I could only build this in the colors that it was for the many years it was at our house White with red !!! I questioned Don Garlits several times but He is a showman and the current livery was what he wanted..Thanks for your comments.. link public.fotki.com/pmodwrks/race-car-and-genera/magwinder/ for your enjoyment my Fotki album of rare photos from the Hot Rod Archieves of the Magwinder and a few other Sidewinder Drag Cars Chris
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Nov 15, 2019 16:23:33 GMT -8
Mick, I apologize, I wasnt Hi-jacking your thread on what is a True Masterpiece but sharing personal experience. Thanks for showing your beautiful Dragster with Us.. Chris
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Post by mickgee on Nov 15, 2019 23:45:54 GMT -8
Well fellows, these are just wonderful, colorful and amusing comments, that are just insanely appreciated. I'll have to write that probably you gentlemen are of an age where a few lines come along easily, meaning that grunting out a "not bad" or a "looks good" is under your level, especially when you're obviously touched by a finished model.
I'm touched sincerely by all of your comments, and as I'm writing and smiling, proud also to write now that I feel the project was really worth the effort, and that I'm happy to have posted the finished car here. I'm very proud now.
This was an amazing adventure. Bernard and I had lots of communication a few years back, and he must be given huge credit for getting me to even learn more about this particular car, and becoming really attached to this one, and about learning to research deeply and thoroughly before even beginning to build. I eventually knew every nut and bolt and where it belongs. The correct method of scratch-building a model or even a hot rod, amazingly enough, is exactly how a real car is done. Same procedures.
I do think if I was a younger man, with the knowledge I've gained with this project, I'd learn to weld and then acquire a hot rod and build away in my garage. I think I could pull it off. Just, a flathead Ford motor and nothing else would go in it.
I've learned a little about forming sheet metal, so the obvious next step is a full bodied Top Fuel car that would sit nicely along the pink one. The paint will have to be uni-colored, my painting skills are only average. I'm looking at the Yeakel Plymouth at this time, or even a Garlits car. I've contacted Garlits Family by mail for just a little info and data on the SW 13, still no reply.
Special thanks to Bernard, and Chris K. Hale. The Magwinder is truly amazing, beautiful and unique. I never even knew of its existence, so much for my racing background.
Thank you guys, I'm humbled.
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Post by mickgee on Nov 17, 2019 14:37:11 GMT -8
Further photos, as I was asked about details....chute, belts and such. Yes, the car has a clear windshield.
The front spoiler is doubled-over aluminum sheet, supported by the new for me...custom hypodermic needles. These things are a hit! To get the proper scale, I had to search medical supply depots for the correct diameter. These are 3.5" long! Great, just chop off the ends as needed and you have perfect stainless steel and brushed, polished, perfect tubes!! I got a box of 100pcs., for $15 to the door! Gotta love it. You cannot buy better quality scale tubing, period. Cheap too, in every imaginable size, just zero in on the metric (millimeter) size needed. Medicine runs in the metric system. Needles;
Further along here;
Next up are a few detailed shots of the chute and belt attachments to the chassis rails. Let me add here, my wife of 44 years has always supported my hobbies. She's an excellent hobby seamstress, sews her clothing from patterns, alters things to suit the times, and is always a wealth of information for our model hobby. Chute material, hypodermic needles, seat belt material, double-sided and super adhesive tape, real leather upholstery and blower belt material, along with the paintjob, is all a result of just asking my wife...."hey gal, how could I do this?".
Here a few close up shots of the rear end. The car is already on the shelf alongside other fuel cars;
Thanks for your interest.
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 10, 2020 13:12:37 GMT -8
Nice bit of info about the IV needles! We have tons of them that we throw away when the packaging expires. I need to do a bit more scavenging. I do have one hint for a use of medical supplies... gauze pads delayered and stretched out make great camo netting!
Beautiful build there, Mike! No need to humble yourself!
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Post by mickgee on Feb 14, 2020 13:16:08 GMT -8
I wish I had more needles, excellent quality...obviously.
Good idea too, with the gauze pads....
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Post by gasser59 on Jun 14, 2020 9:23:24 GMT -8
Mike - what can I say about this exceptional build of yours? I followed along on 'another' site and was completely mesmerized by your choice of materials, skills and most of all, your willingness to share each and every step along the way. This Old Master build deserves to be in a museum and I'll bet you take a gaze at it every time you enter and leave your modeling space, I know I would.
BTW - I had tentative plans to build this replica too but now I see no need. :-D
As for the needles, I get ss tubing from RB Motion where I also get my rod ends. I will never build without them.
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