Dammit John FINISH Something

[lolagt00]

Afternoon Fellows,I find myself getting easily sidetracked onto a new project without finishing the older ones but this hobby is like an addiction, and like all addictions an Expensive one. EBay is a Tempting Mistress showing me things and saying you deserve these you've got the money. Watched some slot car bodies this week that were mighty tempting and I set a bid limit. I didn't really NEED any of them BUT thought would make good selling. Late night bid went up to $128.00 from $37.00,set my alarm for 0605 end bid time. Opened item and minute to go someone bid $337 with 5 seconds to go hit $448.00, WOW!

Researching the Internet is also a temping little Vixen saying look at these pretty things. I've got more projects than I can finish but still get more.

This morning researched Ferrari flat 12's for a 1512 project. Got on Open Wheel site and saw Patrick's 1512 2014 build. I'm doing the same but will build on a modified AMT Lotus 29 chassis with I believe a Pactra 1512 repop body, flat 12 is a Monogram 512 engine but I know dimensionally a 1 and 1/2 liter engine HAS to be narrower that a 5 liter. So, out came the hacksaw and cut glued heads from crankcase. Going to get off my Duff and go to Harbor Freight for a small Dremel type and some files this afternoon. So this will not interfere with "Big Ed jr", I need to finish that. The Cobra Daytona "Backbone" and the Lola GT MK 6 need finishing. Meanwhile the mailman is bringing more! Thanx for watching, John

[lolagt00]

After a 1/2 day of grinding,fitting and grinding again, got a picture of how the 64 Ferrari 1512 will look. The Cox 158 body fits like a glove to the AMT Lotus 29 and after a lot of grinding and notching between the Monogram 512 flat 12 engine and AMT chassis fits pretty good. The fuel injectors from the 512 have a good curve for the stacks but have a gap in the center. After cutting and spacing looks OK but still not happy. Was thinking of using the Gurney Olsonite Eagle DOHC injectors but decided to reserve those for the 64 158. But in looking at my reference photos for  the two bulkhead mounted alternators behind the seat made me dig in my '62 Corvette "Parts"box and Voila there's a nice chrome alternator that looks close AND the two 4 bbl carb small chrome air cleaners that look even better! Also pulled the Vette blower front and rear covers, they actually look good as rear engine transaxle end covers. Pictures of the above work will post tomorrow. Am pretty tired now,my eyes are not so good going to relax for an hour then get on eBay. Hope I win what I'm watching,two cars for parts only. Thanx for listening, John

[lolagt00]

DON"T CHOP THOSE WEBER's GUYs!! Not happy with using the curved injector intakes from the Monogram 512TR on my 64 NART 1512. I looked at alternatives. I had the 3 x 2 Webers from the Monogram Countach (upper left of attached photo) but want to use those on a 330P or 330 P3 but they do have a curved upper manifold trumpet and the spacing is right. The engine I'm using in the 1512 is the Mono 512M but heads and block narrowed. I still want to chop the overall length down but don't want to mess up the spark plug spacing, think I'll do a "Snoop" - (Chico Marx) from each end. Getting back chopping the Webers: I have three Burago 250 LMs I'm using for chassis for the early 330 series. The engine and trans are not bad and combined with Cox 158 parts make an acceptable transaxle. I also acquired two Burago 275 GTB which I only used the engines and transaxles for 330 P3s. The Webers are DIFFERENT between the two and while not super detailed actually make good 12 and 8 cylinder fuel injectors. Two different length stacks and carb body detail. I was getting ready to split them lengthwise between the stacks with a saw when I noticed a faint seam, Xacto knife spread 'em and Voila! Two hinged rows of six fuel injectors with great openings! Cut thru the hinge. So the photo shows the 250 LM Webers on the right, 275 GTB Webers on left, white Mono Lambo 3 x 2 Webers upper center, and yellow Mono 3 x 2 curved injector tubes lower right. The 64 1512 single spark plug used curved injector stacks on the head, the 65 1512 dual plugs used the injectors on sliding plate (MPC Gurney Eagle).

I will use the above process on the 64/65 158 also. The Burago 250 LM is a wealth of parts, I just ordered another to strip and also a Burrago 328 GTO to strip the V8 for the 158 AND the 250 LM tailpipes make good tapered 58 MM Weber manifolds for a Chaparral 2C. Whew, Thanx for viewing, John

[lolagt00]

Happy Thanksgiving to the "TIFOSSI" and All! Saw this morning on Pinterest. Never saw a NAKED 312T5 testing, driven by Gilles. Looks like a good project! ENJOY! Thanx, John

[lolagt00]

Entered a post a few minutes ago and the Internet crashed, had to reboot and reload. So, yesterday I chopped the Monogram 512 engine for my 1512. Chopped the crankcase off (1512 are dry sump) and shortened the block about 1/16 or so each end and the heads. Have to narrow about 1/16 - 1/8 each side, but that will wait till Tomorrow. Got to go get some Champagne and meet my neighbors family. Happy Thanksgiving, John

[lolagt00]

Afternoon Fellows, Spent about 3 hours on the 1/24 NART 1512. The engine (Monogram 512 TR modified) is basically done, I just keep Monkeying with it. Added a shifter from the Mono 512 TR, some 4 interior parts with a stem and ball but I thought "That wold make a Damn nice shifter so I cut about 1/4 and 1/2 inch from either end so i just had a box with stem and ball and glued a photoetch Ferrari shifter gate to it with some metal rod and Voila! a nice shifter. Chopped one side of the asymmetrical AMT Lotus 29 front suspension arms and tie rods off and went with equal lengths had to run the tie rod ends thru metal tube. Found the IMC Ford GT front Dunlops look great on the polished Cox 158 wheels. Chopped on the repop 1512 slot body (I Hate Lexan!) and the Cox 158 all fit good on the AMT 29. Now for instrument faces and modify the Cox Ferrari transaxle. Thanx for viewing, John

[lolagt00]

On my NART 64 Ferrari 1512 added front brake lines, instrument gauges front and rear housings with orange lines (to be silver and black). I noticed on a cockpit photo of Jimmy Clark's Lotus 29 that some instrument lines were coiled so I made two lines coiled I assume to allow a little flex in the line to prevent vibration breaking line. Adding steering column from metal rod. Cut down right side padding from AMT Lotus 29 seat and using padded seat bottom (with red edging) from Gurney Eagle. Assembled Lotus 29 radiator, drilled upped and lower inlet/outlets with smaller upper tube inlet, painted silver with black band for rubber coupling attached to modified oil tank. Used Lotus 29 upper hidden fuel tank as upper suspension cross member, opened tank, need to paint metal . Now to get back to those pesky fuel  injector stacks I can't get level!  Thanx for viewing, John

[jimhamill]

John,


I'm enjoying your build & think this is one you definitely should finish!

Cheers, Jim

[jj66]

Looking good! Waiting for more updates, especially your tires&wheels choice.

[lolagt00]

Just received a started double Testors 1/24 Lambo Countache and a Fezzaz F40 of eBay for $14.00 & shipping. Only needed the engines, transaxles, suspension, brakes and some misc parts that I can use on my '60s F-1 and prototypes. These both are excellent kits and I am impressed! Built the F40 engine and trans w/heads, installed a Cox 158 trans end housing from their static slot kit. Trial fit the assembly into my 1512 project looks good except F40 transaxle is about TWICE as long as the 158/1512 transaxle so I will cut it in half and shorten the bell housing. The F40 heads and cam covers are differ from the 158. Think I will trim the extra 512 items I have.

I assembled the Lambo v-12 and it looks nice,may use it for an 67 Eagle F1 if I can find a nice prepainted Lancer slot body. The Lambo has 4 separate exhaust headers that would great on a 67/68 Ferrari F2 V-6 Tasman series car. The Lambo also has some nice wheel covers that I will use on my languishing Mecom Lola GT Mk 6project. Anyone want the Lambo and F40 kits for FREE? Bodies and interiors and major chassis all there, just pay shipping. Thanx, John

[lolagt00]

It was the BEST of Times, all these guys were fierce competitors But FRIENDS and gentlemen. The same in whatever series they raced in, GT Prototypes, Group 7/CanAm, they and the other pro drivers they raced against were friends and would help each others crew out if they needed a part or some mechanical help. Their like will never be seen again!

[lolagt00]

Late afternoon Fellows, Spent yesterday removing inboard side short upper arms from four AMT Lotus 29 rear bulkheads, drilled holes for shock and longer upper suspension arms and cut about 3 dozen short pieces of Evergreen plastic square and round tubing for reinforced suspension mounts. The AMT nubs are too short and the arms fragile to mount the AMT Radius Rods and uprights. Today chopped off the rear section of the Testors 308 GTO V-8 transaxle (photo 2) I'm going to use for my 64 158. A second Testors 308 GTO will donate it's V-8 and transaxle to become a 1967 (I believe) Tasman Series V-6 F2 car. The Testors exhaust pipes (photo 1) are a good match for the Tasman and the V-8 will make an excellent V-6. Photo 3 show the Cox 158 end plate and photo4 shows the finished chop and a Cox "Sputnik" 158 static kit transaxle. I love the looks of the Tasman cars, a little shorter and Pugnacious and the BIG tires, WOW! Enjoy the photos, three projects at once.Thanx, John

[lolagt00]

Merry Christmas Fellows! Unboxed the 1/24 Testors 308 GTO I received yesterday and starting taking the non-308 parts for other projects pieces off the trees. The kit was partially (engine) assembled but I'm MISSING the left hand cylinder head! Guess I'll have to start using my Alumalite Casting Kit to duplicate. Can't afford to buy kits for just one part. Anywho, studied my 1967 or so Tasman Dino 166 and 245 refs and the GTO looks good to chop into a V-6. So chopped and sanded and glued and here is a photo comparing to the Testors 308 GTO V-8 and a now V-6, didn't chop the transaxle yet but the V-8 shows what it will look like. Done for the Afternoon time to take a ride before the sun goes down. Thanx for viewing, John

[indy]

I am enjoying all of these updates.

Where is Patrick when you need him? lol He would love this one!

Jordan

[lolagt00]

My last post for 2020. WHAT A YEAR, glad I'm retired and don't need to work. Went to local hobby shop and bought some packs of 00-90 brass screws and nuts for attaching suspension arms to uprights, plastic is so fragile.Stopped at Harbor Freight and got another 16,000rpm mini drill.They only last about a month before they burn up the bearings but for $9.99 they're cheap. This time I paid $3.95 for warranty so I'll just turn 'em in when they burn out. Also bought a Micro Carbide 20 piece Bit set on 1/8 shank TINY drills just what I need. Get 'em while you can, nothing smaller!

Question of the Day is:Attached is photo of what appears to be a 1966 F-1 race I need help identifying cars and drivers.The rear white car appears to be a McLaren M4 with 3 liter DOHC Ford Indy engine, but actually looks like a 289 because it has centerline intakes and looks like 289 valve cover. Is this a Camera car from movie Grand Prix? By the helmet, driver appears to be Phil Hill. Another question: Car in front of him left side appears to be a 1965 BRM but is WHITE or Yellow.Can anyone explain or confirm. An M-4 with a stock block would make an interesting project as would a White BRM. HAPPY NEW YEARS!John

[alwaysindy]

Race is 1966 Belgium G P...Phil Hill drives a “McLaren/Ford”... I did not realize that he ran a different Ford than the DOHC...Bruce McLaren DNS with a “McLaren/Serrenissma”(?)...car at the left (in front of Hill) is Denny Holme in a “Brabham/Climax”...no idea why it is white...Gurney is out of picture right in an Eagle/Climax...
Strange chassis/ engine combos brought on by the new 3 liter formula...
Tim

[alwaysindy]

Hill was “privateer” camera car for movie “Grand Prix”...completed 1 lap and pulled off...
Tim

[oldphotos]

The white car is Bob Bondurant in a BRM P261 for Team Chamaco Collect Bob wore a Chris Amon like helmet which James Garner used in the movie. If you look on eBay you can find a listing for this Die Cast Car

Hope this Helps

Oldphotos
Walt

[alwaysindy]

Walt;
I was guessing from the grid setup, but your answer is correct...it sure didn’t look like a Brabham from the back...
I thought you were the Indy Only expert but apparently you are also the Formula 1 expert! Nice call!
Tim

[lolagt00]

Happy New Years fellows, Seems like I've opened up a can of worms within myself. I forgot about the McLaren M4 with the unsuccessful Serinissima V-8 and it does have Weber carbs like my original post but the one I'm attaching on this post has low exhausts while the one with Phil Hill still appears to be a Ford GT engine. I'm also attaching the 3 liter destroked Ford Indy DOHC engined photos. Since they did use Ford GTs for camera cars, I suspect they used a spare GT 40 engine in the McLaren instead of an expensive Serenissima or DOHC engine. The Bundle of Snakes exhaust just makes too much sense. Lancer made an Excellent M4slot car body that was fairly available for awhile. Anywho an interesting project. Thanks for viewing, John

[jj66]

Jan 1, 2021 12:23:06 GMT -5 alwaysindy said:

...no idea why it is white...

I read the car was repainted white for the race at request of John Frankenheimer's MGM movie crew who were shooting 'Grand Prix'. Bondurant crashed on first lap, along with Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill in the same corner.

[lolagt00]

Good Afternoon Fellows, Checking on latest posts and waiting for the underside paint to dry on my 64 Ferrari 1512. I like to look at the progress on the Lotus 43/BRM (or as Road & Track once said in "Charlies Carlum": "British Racing Maroon") I thought I'd post my BRM projects gathering dust. I have one Eldon P261 (I believe) slot I like, two COX slot static kits (more parts and great plastic Dunlops) and a (I believe), Pactra 66 H-16 I picked up off eBay. The H-16 was inside brush painted and decaled but it is nice to I'll leave it alone, just mount on an AMT Lotus 29 chassis and scratch build an engine. I did find out you can epoxy Butyrate clear plastic slot body parts onto Styrene so the molded in H-16 cam covers and exhausts, I'll epoxy to a scratchbuild flat 16 block. The two Ferrari 308 GTOs I picked up kindly dontated their turbos to be used as water pumps for the front of the H-16 perfect size. Attaching photo of BRMs and Ferrari 1512 to show front of what BRMs will look like on AMT Lotus chassis. Thanx for viewing, John

[lolagt00]

Just fat-fingered and deleted prior reply so I'll skip the fluff. Nearly finished the 65 1512, went with the red and silver prepainted Lexan (in above photos)repop over the COX hard plastic 158. Was going to do the 64 NART white and blue but decided to do Surtees 65 Rosso #14 with white and blue stripes and outlined #14. Decals are from Denmark accurate but fragile, I'll have to clearcoat. Going to use COX slot mag wheels with IMC Dunlops. Will post photo soon, sprayed sticking laptop nearly new keyboard with 3M spray gun cleaner which caused keys to semi-melt. 'Bout time to get a new laptop anyway only about 20 years old. Thanx for viewing, John

[lolagt00]

Also spent the afternoon chopping the wet sumps off the Testors Ferrari 308s,and 388 V-8 engines since the F-1 engines were dry sump (so they sit lower in the AMT Lotus 29 chassis) and cut off my small wood paint brush handles and drilled out the wood and burned off the brush hair so I now have two set of chrome metal flared exhaust pipes for my 1960's F-1 cars. Metal ferrules are hard to find anymore. Keyboard sticking is driving me crazy! John

[lolagt00]

Just received the MPC (ex-AMT) Indy 500 Hall of Fame Set (my second) today and will separate the Lotus 29 and Watson Offy Roadster into projects unrelated to either but other Formula 1 and Indy cars from 1960-1970 and the Watson chassis into Roger Penskes (or John Mecoms) Cooper-Climax Zerex Special and some Shelby King Cobras. I've got at least Eight Lotus 29 tubs with Ferrari and BRM bodies trial fitted floating around. And I want to do Bobby Marshmans white car (got decals recently) and Parnelli Jones Gold Hurst Specal. Currently bidding on two more, THESE THINGS ARE ADDICTING!

[lolagt00]

Good Morning Fellows, Been trying to do something I've wanted to do for years,PUT AMT Lotus 29 or Watson Offy OR IMC Ford GT DUNLOP TIRE TREAD ON COX SLOT CAR DUNLOP SLICK TIRES!! I away Loved the Firestone tread on the 1964 AMT Indy cars. I've pondered this lately and it seems there may be TWO ways: Slice off the tread: Tried melting the center out to just before tread, NOT GOOD. Found a very sharp Exacto will trim to the tread line (in photo)BUT you can't get a smooth cut and the tread sets too high on the Dunlop. Electric Hot Wire? Just ordered a very cheap one from the UK, will try. SECOND Method: Why not coat the slick Dunlops with paint and roll the master pattern AROUND the slick tire? I tried this (see photo) with an IMC Ford GT Dunlop and it works BUT the gray paint does not absorb into the COX rubber and tires slide against each other leaving slick spots. But I do think this METHOD will work best but need a paint that will absorb into the COX slick and a simple roller jig that rotates the tire evenly against the slick. I'm thinking about black Rubber Stamp Ink over a gray tread base. Anyone out there ever find a way to do this? Thanx for viewing,John