I'm planning a SCTA project, probably a modified roadster, and thought that it would make sense to lay it all out on the diningroom table before I started anything in the garage, or bought any real parts. I'm thinking about using parts from various model kits, like a body from a late Model T, a late 1980s Mustang running gear, and maybe even a Formula 1 for the front suspension. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about scale model kits. Where online would be a good place to shop? What scale would you recommend? I'd like something that's big, easy to ***emble, and that comes in a lot of different cars so I can salvage them for the above-mentioned parts. Thanks in advance, Matt
No one? I found links from Dave Mann's excellent website: http://www.roadsters.com/kits/ But I would really appreciate the advice of HAMBers who know scale model kits.
Well, as far as scale goes, the most stuff you'll find is going to be in 1:25th or 1:24th scale. It's not that big, around 5" wheelbases. Anything else will involve a LOT of scratch building, especially if you're trying to replicate real 1:1 stuff. The first issue involves the body you want to use. Nobody makes a late T roadster anything. The closest I've found is a T sedan. On second thought, I think Evel found a resin late T roadster body...PM him for details on where he got it, I don't know. As far as the late 80's stang and F1 parts, I'm sure you can find those but my "expertise" is in earlier cars. Are you looking for some kind of 4 banger motor and transmission, rear axle? And for the front, some kind of tubular control arm setup? The best online places I've found my kits at are at www.modelcarkits.com, and eBay. If the kit exists, you SHOULD be able to find it at one of those places. Good luck with the build!
Matt, The parts that you wish to use sound like a good combination. The problem is that the majority of the best detailed F-1 kits are in 1/20th scale. The most widely produced automotive scale models are in 1/24th-1/25th scale. In regard to "BIG" kits, there are very few out there. Revell recently released the Big Deuce ('32 Ford Highboy) which is a 1/8th scale kit. The cottage (aftermarket) industry has been slow to respond to the needs of the builders. One of the only ones is Replicas & Miniatures from MD. Norm has a few items for the kit such as finned Buick brake drums, Bee Hive oil filter, and skull shifter knobs. Personally, I am waiting for the Ardun heads and a SCOT blower in 1/8th scale. Lindberg makes some kits in 1/16th scale but they can be a tough find. Here are some places to start off looking: http://fantastic-plastics.com/ http://www.detailmaster.com This should give you some ideas of kits and parts available...
Thanks for the responses, guys. It looks like I'm going after 1:25 scale stuff. I actually did find a T-bucket kit that will have the proper turtle deck, doors, and cowl. This is going to be fun...
I guess I did it *** backwards. I built the 1:1 version, then I found an old AMT 1:25 kit and built the model.
Matt, Go here if you are interested in large scale. But there aren't many kits (old or re-issued) to work from and that restricts you to just a few kinds of wheels / tires, bodies and mills. But perfect for "traditional" builds. But there are lots of smart model builders there. There is also a good cottage industry going for resin parts and bodies. If you Kruz thru the photo galleries there you will see a lot of really nice stuff and a wide variety of interests. See. http://www.largescalemodeler.com/welcome.html Here is a photo of an 1/8th Deuce I made a couple of years ago, my first model car in some time. In that scale the parts are big and easy for old eyes to see. Perhaps it doesn't look it, but this model has a Z-d rear frame, new floor pans, etc. and uses parts from quite a few kits. It was so big it was almost like doing a real car. The down side is cost... kits are like 80 bucks each, and up. But the new releases of the Big T and Big Deuce are like the old 3n1 kits in 1/25 and have a lot of extra parts. As a counterpoint, I have a box of 1/24-25 frames, bodies and wheels / tires I collected from small scale kits over the years. Most of them are vintage Fords and the are very good for mock-ing up ideas. I never build them, just shuffle the parts around to test new ideas / proportions. I will mock-up my next 1:1 rod in 1/8th scale, just to work out some basic ideas before the body and frame arrive. Have fun. Gary Also see... just added... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2986600#post2986600
If you're going for detail, this guy sells ALL the kool parts, in 1/25 scale. (WOW!!!) Replicas and Miniatures Company of Maryland - TOP quality resin kits, engines, and parts 317 Roosevelt Avenue S.W., Glen Burnie, Maryland, 21061, (410) 768-3648 (call Norm Veber for a catalog)
In the real world no one that I have seen would use a Mustang front suspension on a modified roadster. If you want to build a Bonneville car, that's what you should build. Frontal area is your enemy. The road will be pretty smooth. The good old beam or tube axle is the choice of almost everyone for that reason. Perhaps you could subscribe to the Bonneville Racing News to get a look at some of the current cars. Of course you should have and understand the rule book. If attending Speedweek and looking at some cars you like is not possable right now, maybe you could travel to Maxton, NC for an ECTA meet and look around there.
Monogram 1950 f1 pickup has a nice Ardun in it! AMT/Model King reissues of altereds for front suspension and body stuff.
The Monogram Ardun set up looks ok, but if you are a stickler for accuracy it scales out at an inch and a half too short! But what the hell, I used it! Replicas & Miniatures sells the nicest one in 1:25 scale.
I think he was talking about an Indy car style IFS, but I could be wrong, and a Ford diff? That doesn't seem too far off base to me. Gary
There is also a HAMB plastic modelers group that you can join. There are allot of Knowledgeable people on there that would be glad to help out. Post a parts list and I will go through my box and send you some stuff that you might need. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=105
There's an AMT non-HAMB style Deuce roadster kit that has a neat IFS and IRS if that's your thing. Tall skinny Bonneville style tires are a hard find. The only ones I knew of were in the old Salt Shaker version of the AMT 37 Chevy coupe. I've thought about narrowing NASCAR tires to get the approximate height and to have the sidewall lettering. Today guys are running a lot of Goodyear front runners, but to me they don't have the right look.
I think he was talking about an Indy car style IFS, but I could be wrong, and a Ford diff? That doesn't seem too far off base to me. Gary........................... Rereading the post, I believe you are right. He is saying F1 IFS, which sounds rather pricey and complex for the job. But it's his dream and he can do what ever he want's.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
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