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Post by arcticwolf on Apr 1, 2020 14:27:10 GMT -8
Looks like I'm the first in this genre. Surprises me. While cooped up in semi-isolation here in the woods, I decided "lets look in the closet", and I found, not in a box, a Watson roadster. An ancient ERTL kit (I know, run away). I'm also low on spray paint, but red I have lots of. Also off white. And I'm bored, so here goes.
I also secretly love space frames, comes from a lifetime of post and beam building design, and a Watson is a classic.
This one, of course, was warped. After assembly (glued together with various BSI super glues), I boiled it, twisted it, boiled it, etc. Now its straight. So between it and the Tiger, I have something to play with.
Now to build one of those lovely Offenhausers
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Watson
Apr 1, 2020 15:05:56 GMT -8
Post by tatocorvette on Apr 1, 2020 15:05:56 GMT -8
Cool! I'll be watching!
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Post by arcticwolf on Apr 3, 2020 2:06:13 GMT -8
This is a time consuming little bugger. You need to be a left handed octopus to put that rear suspension together. The worse part is, once the body goes on, you'll never see it again.
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Watson
Apr 3, 2020 4:49:09 GMT -8
Post by 4wheels on Apr 3, 2020 4:49:09 GMT -8
Another OLD kit (thanks, AMT) that was before its time, detail-wise. Kind of like the IMC kits, a little fiddly. Nice start on this one. I've started a supermodified build using this chassis, that was the eventual fate of a lot of the old Indy roadsters.
Brian
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Watson
Apr 3, 2020 5:06:54 GMT -8
Post by afx on Apr 3, 2020 5:06:54 GMT -8
I want to build this kit one of these days so I am taking notes.
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Watson
Apr 3, 2020 7:12:21 GMT -8
Post by illeagle10 on Apr 3, 2020 7:12:21 GMT -8
Keeping an eye on this one too!
Jim
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Watson
Apr 3, 2020 7:29:53 GMT -8
Post by Bernard Kron on Apr 3, 2020 7:29:53 GMT -8
I just received this kit from an eBay purchase. I've always been impressed by the amount of detail AMT provided, even though some mighty fine modelers have found plenty to correct or improve when doing their versions. I'm enjoying your project because you're staying pretty close to the original AMT kit. It looks real good so far. Build on! Another OLD kit (thanks, AMT) that was before its time, detail-wise. Kind of like the IMC kits, a little fiddly. Nice start on this one. I've started a supermodified build using this chassis, that was the eventual fate of a lot of the old Indy roadsters. Brian Id love to know more about how these chassis became supermodifieds. I hope you can post your w.i.p., Brian.
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Watson
Apr 6, 2020 12:36:13 GMT -8
Post by arcticwolf on Apr 6, 2020 12:36:13 GMT -8
Some progress, but I'm a bit stalled now.The chassis is more or less done, I've test fitted the body and tires and wheels aren't glued together yet. This kit has no alignment points, very few "pins and holes" as such. Throw out the instructions. It's very much figure out where things go by yourself, and keep test fitting. But it works, I haven't really modified anything, just careful alignment, and I think it will come together nicely. I really like these old cars, wish there were more out there. I have the body painted, but then the problem. See my post on "Fred Cady decals" for why. I have ordered a new set from Indycals, at least I know their quality. Anyway, as she sits:
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Watson
Apr 6, 2020 12:58:09 GMT -8
Post by arcticwolf on Apr 6, 2020 12:58:09 GMT -8
One big complaint would be the tires. They are plastic, and slicks where they should have tread. Indycals does supply resin tires for the Watson and Lotus kits, but I thought first I'd see what I can do with the kit ones. I took my drum sander dremel tool to the contact surface, got rid of the joint line and roughened them up, and painted them with Tamiya Rubber Black. They look like worn race tires, works for me.
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Watson
Apr 7, 2020 12:30:10 GMT -8
Post by Joel_W on Apr 7, 2020 12:30:10 GMT -8
Paul, What a pleasant surprise build. You did some job on straightening the frame, and then building up the rest of the car. I can't wait to see it with the body on.
The more old AMT kits I see, the more I get the itch to build one or two. I've got 3 AMT 1/25 indy cars that I do want to build as long as I still can see well enough with my #5 Optivisor.
Joel
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Watson
Apr 7, 2020 14:18:18 GMT -8
Post by arcticwolf on Apr 7, 2020 14:18:18 GMT -8
Thank you Joel. I actually like these old kits (glutton for punishment I suppose), and I prefer the era. I'm trying to acquire another Watson. But this one is stalled, it's all painted and ready to go except for the decals. So I wait..........
And I never got my Lotus decals from TB, they gave me a refund. I wanted the decals, not the money, so I had to re-order them. So I wait..........
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Post by arcticwolf on Apr 10, 2020 8:38:05 GMT -8
I finished it as far as I can. Figured I'd take some pics of it,since once the body goes on, you won't see 90% of it. Normally I would sand out the seams in the gas tank and the engine block,but as they won't be visible at all I didn't bother.
In its own right this kit is the equal of the early Tamiya 1/20ths, maybe even more in terms of authenticity. I mean all the parts are there, its a complete car. Just harder to fit together properly, you have to think 5 steps ahead.
Some of the frame looks like its off a little, it is, deliberately. I adjusted it to make the body panels fit better. Hope it works, test fit seems OK. I await decals.
Here she is:
I could install the drag link and steering arm, but I know I'll break it trying to fit the body, so I'll wait.
I always try to make the underside of my models look as good as the top, even though nobody ever seems to turn them over
Thanks for tuning in.
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Watson
Apr 10, 2020 8:43:43 GMT -8
Post by tatocorvette on Apr 10, 2020 8:43:43 GMT -8
That looks great! Don't cover it! Does the body at least have an opening hood?
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Watson
Apr 10, 2020 8:47:32 GMT -8
Post by arcticwolf on Apr 10, 2020 8:47:32 GMT -8
That looks great! Don't cover it! Does the body at least have an opening hood? Thanks. Yes the hood comes off, but thats all.
I know, I'm tempted to build just a frame and display it beside the complete car. But these kits are hard to find. And pricey!
(I'm trying to grab one as we speak)
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Watson
Apr 10, 2020 10:26:38 GMT -8
Post by jchrisf on Apr 10, 2020 10:26:38 GMT -8
Looking great!
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