55 John Zink Spcl, based on the old Monogram toy

[arcticwolf]

I'm not a fan of curbsides, so I though I'd give this a try. Just added what would be seen, so the interior and the engine bay. Turns out I already had one of Calvin's resin upgrade kits (totally forget when I bought that!) so that made it easier.

Started with this

Made 2 separate modules, cockpit and engine bay (they're not joined yet)

added pedals, shifter, driveshaft, interior panels

Front frame will go in later

[arcticwolf]

Some carving up of the Monogram body required

Two halves glued together capturing the cockpit module. Much prep work needed and a royal pain of a masking job

Paint, decals - thanks Michael - clear coat

Yes, the pink is too light, but it's as close as I could get.

[arcticwolf]

Add one Offy, courtesy of Texas 3D Customs

Yes there's a hole in the floor

and it all fits

suspension is part kit and part me, whatever worked. I scratch built the brakes.

[arcticwolf]

Finished product. Not perfect by any means, but I'm happy enough.

cheers

[raceparke]

Sorry if I’m late to the party. This is what I used. Didn’t do nearly as much as you, the frame and such. Very nice work.

[raceparke]

I must have been posting while you were, didn’t see the engine and finished pictures. That’s a fabulous job.

[hurtubise56]

Wow, Paul, awesome re-work of a crude old kit! Dan, I like your color choice, looks correct to my eye. I'll probably go the curbside route with mine, just use Calvin's upgrade kit and new wheels & tires.

[arcticwolf]

Feb 1, 2024 14:11:51 GMT -5 raceparke said:

I must have been posting while you were, didn’t see the engine and finished pictures. That’s a fabulous job.

Thank you. The older I get the more challenging the small scale seems to get, but that's half the fun.

And I never would have thought of "watermelon".  The white letters show up better on yours!

[arcticwolf]

Feb 1, 2024 14:25:58 GMT -5 hurtubise56 said:

Wow, Paul, awesome re-work of a crude old kit! Dan, I like your color choice, looks correct to my eye. I'll probably go the curbside route with mine, just use Calvin's upgrade kit and new wheels & tires.

C'mon Brian, at least flip for a decent motor, lol. They're only $25.00!

[sandysixtysfan]

An awesome amount of work really paid off, it looks great.

Sandy

[hurtubise56]

Let's see, then I'd have to replace the grill screen, hinge the hood correctly, scratch-build better suspension pieces, and....wait a minute, are you getting a cut of each Offy sold, Paul?

Naah, just going to go curbside (already have Calvin's parts)!

Besides, the real race car needs some $$!

[kyledehart5]

Man, brilliant work elevating this old girl!! That’s some outstanding stuff.

[alwaysindy]

Paul:
👏👏👏👏👏
Wow, what a nice job! Love the scratch building and the paint!
Sweikert was the winner of the 1955 Indianapolis 500 (after starting 14th) and the 1955 National Championship, as well as the 1955 Midwest Sprint car championship - the only driver in history to sweep all three during a single racing season.
Congratulations on a job well done!
Tim

[Art Laski]

Turned out great! I love the detail you added. Nice work.

[indy]

Great job making this out of the old Monogram kit. I like the added detail including that great cage work!

Jordan

[lance]

Wonderful build!

[1961redlegs]

This is incredible! Thank you for sharing your build.

[bobbyc]

That's a great build!

[pntmachine]

Such a beautiful job you did on this build. Very nice work.

[indycals]

All I can say is WOW!

[arcticwolf]

Thank you everybody for the kind words. It was a bit of work but that's the fun, right?

If I ever did another one (not likely considering what these old Monogram kits are selling for - ouch!) I'd glue the two halves together and then cut it apart horizontally, like the AMT Watson kit. That way I could try a full frame with the top half of the body lifting off. That's an big maybe.

Thanks again.

Paul