Ford DOHC Indy Engine 1:25 Lotus 34/38 and Gurney Eagle

[eajonesgue]

I have wanted to build a number of mid-60's Indy race cars - 1964 Lotus 34 (modifying the AMT Lotus 29), a 1965 Lotus 38 (from the IMC kit) and a 1968 Gurney Eagle (MPC kit). It would entail quite a lot of work correcting the many inaccuracies if these kits. One of the biggest drawbacks is that the engines in these kits are so poorly molded. There is distinct lack of detail, the size is not correct and the 'bundle of snakes' exhaust is usually a blob of plastic. I have been in touch with a guy known as Mad Mike (on various forums) and was able to secure three engines that were 3D printed in the correct size for these 1:25 scale kits. Below are some comparison and test fitting photos for these three engines. I'm sure there are a variety of other kits that could use this engine.

1964 Lotus 34 - Here is the Mad Mike engine, compared to the AMT Lotus powered by Ford (Lotus 29) experimental engine. I have never seen a photo of the AMT engine, with these exhaust pipes, on any race car. The AMT engine is a bit undersized.

Here is the engine, test fitting into the AMT chassis, it needs to be lowered a bit and a transmission

1965 Lotus 38 - Jimmy Clark Indy 500 winner, from IMC kit. The exhaust 'blob' is replaced by 3D printed pipes.

Here is the engine test fitted into the IMC chassis

1968 Gurney Eagle - MPC kit comparing the two engines. The transmissions is extremely well done, there is even raised lettering on end pieces.



Here is the engine test fitted into the MPC chassis

I will post some WIP notes and photos when I get building one of these cars in the fall.

[firstturn]

Man, that 3D engine is amazing !
Where can I get a few for myself ..?
Thank you

[indydog]

That is a nice 4 cammer.

[kyledehart5]

Some really excellent work you’ve got going on here.

[shunter]

WOW!!!! That is stunning

[jamesharvey]

Look on eBay under "Indy 500 resin Model and Kits." I think these are done by Mike Bugel (stf models) who is on the Indy Car Modeling site. He also does wheels and tires for this era. Hope this helps.
Jim