Trantula - Corrected post below on wheels- oops...

[snapper]

I'm going for the strategy of less parts = completed model . I'm using this model kit and engine as an opportunity to learn how to work with chrome more - that has always been itimidating for me. The wire wheels and chrome work set me back more than I thought, but I think it's worked out o.k. I have started body work now. Thanks, Colby

[zbuckster]

I think you are learning quickly. That engine rocks.

[dan]

cool looking engine.

[carmikeman]

Engine like that needs alot of air-2 scoops. Nice jpb.

[Exterminator]

I like unusual projects. ;D Whats that gray stuff running down the seams?Almost looks like JW weld. Hows the chute strings look are they scale? Is the chute itself white or is it green like the body? The engine looks great did you paint it or was it box stock? Sorry about all the questions but I was thinking of buying this kit. Thanks in advance. Gary

[fireguy14]

Nice!

[whtchevy]

Just don't sweat the small stuff and it will get done.

[snapper]

Yeah, the small stuff is what gets me in trouble - thanks for all the comments! Still making some progress on this...

I learned a little trick from a website about cutting the bottom portion of the seat. This should allow you to attach the top, cover the seam, and then slide the seat in later through the front window gap - we'll see if that works....
I have been working on drilling out the headers exhaust pipes for a little nicer effect. I'm pushing my luck to go as deep and close as I did. I ended by smoothing it all out with a little safe plastic welder.

Gary - This kit is all of 66 pieces. Some of the experts here can tell you more, but as far as I know, it's still the original mold from '68. I added the butterfly? detail in the scoop, but everything else is kit and painted. The grey lines are Mr. Surfacer 1000 that I'm using to try and seal up the seams. There was no string in the kit, but I'll probably use floss or something. The history, unique engine, and overall fun of this model kit is what interests me the most about it. I'm posting a kit photo below. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you out.

[roadhawg]

This thing just screams "nostalgia", doesn't it? Looking good so far. I hope I can get to the club meeting this month and see it in person. Great job on the engine, is that belt a seperate piece?

[dogfish7]

Really clean work on that motor!

[snapper]

CORRECTION! Turns out these wheels don't need correcting after all. I got them mixed up with a different set of tires from another build. I thought they looked a little small on the mock-up. Doh! Luckily everything was easily repaired with a few inner wheel styrene posts and epoxy. Embarassing...
-------
Thanks fellas - no, Tommy, that belt is just molded in. Nostalgia is killing me now - the tires and wheels don't match up - I'm guessing the original kit had different, wider size tires? I couldn't let this one go, so I used the saw to cut the inner rim, sand it down, and then glue it back. The rims still don't fit nice with the tire, but I'm leaving it. This was a good hour set back, but I'm not taking any cool points off of the model.
Left on each is before, right is after -

[zbuckster]

Thanks for the heads up on the tire deal. I will be watching for that when I build mine.

[snapper]

Here's where she sits today. I have an idea for final paint that may completely backfire on me, but I'm going to give it a shot anyways. This is part of the reason why I'm using flat black in strategic spots. You can kind of see in the pic where the transmission housing type piece (cut from the seat piece) is up on pedestals - this brings it level with the seat as the kit originally intends. I hope the final fit with this works out good too.

[Exterminator]

Looks like Mr. Surface did a good job for ya.