1933 Indy Winner

[jamesharvey]

Louis Meyer won his second Indy 500 in this car joining Tommy Milton as the second two-time winner. Meyer would become the first three time winner in 1936. This car, only one of five, was built in 1931 by Harry Miller and was his first new design since 1928. It featured a De Dion rear suspension and a new "Big Eight" engine. A sister car driven by Ralph Hepburn finished third in this inaugural outing. Wilbur Shaw drove the car at Indy in 1932 retiring with rear end problems while leading the race. Meyer qualified 6th in 1933, led 71 laps, and finished three laps ahead of Shaw. Parts of these cars appeared at Indy through 1949. There have been discussions about the color of the numbers and logo. I went with the red and even had a little fun with the radiator. It is fun to build a model knowing that no one else probably has one quite like it. My good friend, Kyle, is going to post some photos when he has a chance. Enjoy! Jim

[kyledehart5]

Photos up! Another beautiful build Jim, and I really appreciate you sharing your builds. Great work!!

[alwaysindy]

Jim:
Bravo! Very well done! Love the history and the build!
Tim

[Calvin]

Nicely done!

[jamesharvey]

I failed to mention that this is a Gary Doucette kit. I really miss Gary and all he did for us. I am sure that several of you knew Gary better than I, but I loved to answer the phone and hear "Gary Doucette calling." He forgot more about Indy racing than I know. He just loved to talk about racing and what he was working on. He filled a great gap for us filling in Indy winners that had not been done along with historic cars that were of significance and interest to him. Otherwise, there would been no model of the Detroit Special, Shaw's Pirrung Special, or the Autolite Epperly. I think most of Tom Faletti's unbuilt kits have been sold on eBay but if you see one of the kits by Gary, Lance, Chris Ertzel, Silver City or Calvin, you need to pick it up. Enjoy the day.
Jim

[kip]

Jim, my feelings exactly. Gary and I talked at least once a month. I really miss that. We worked together on a few kits. I made brass push bars and front and side "bumpers" for a few of his kits--and even some cars that he used to make molds. Fun times.

kip

[hurtubise56]

I, too, chatted with Gary a few times, but what really impressed me were his personal notes that I got each time I ordered kits from him. They included hand-written build notes, which were much appreciated, but he never failed to ask about previous kits I'd purchased, how they were coming along, and many times included better cast or updated parts for previous kits, without my asking for them. A very generous person with both his time and knowledge. True dedication to Indy history and our hobby.

Jim - Great looking build! You've renewed my interest in an old Doucette kit, thank you!

[raceparke]

Always like to see another Miller. The colors on your build are perfect as are the wheels. Nice job!

[racerbrown]

Great job Jim! Gary would be proud!
Duane

[1961redlegs]

Great job on the kit, it looks great!

[jj66]

Great build!

[indy]

Fantastic work!

Jordan

[jamesharvey]

Thanks for all the kind words. I am working on completing the 1920 and 1930 Indy winners which is going to take a while. I appreciate the reminder about Gary's personal notes which he included when he was preparing the kits to mail. I have one plastic bag with my name on it that I use with every build I do. You are a special group. I am glad to be here. Good on you.
Jim

[pntmachine]

Jim what a fantastic job. It was always great to see something written in Gary’s kits. He often had words of encouragement as well as thanks. He also noted he was available if I ever needed help. Greatly missed. You really nailed it with this one and thanks for sharing.

[shunter]

Simply stunning work, it looks incredible.