1960's formula racing

[rickh]

Hi. Sorry to have been lurking so long without contributing.

My interest is the post-1966 1.5 liter F1 era (which Heller addresses a little bit) and I'm most interested in building something different that the kit intended, just as Patrick did with his stable of Matras.

I've ben looking at the Brabham BT33, and just came across the fact that it was raced twice in 1970 by Chris Craft, for Ecurie Evergreen, but I can't find photos of same. Has anyone seen a photo of this?

And I keep reading that the Heller tires are bad. Maybe because I have encountered other manufacturers that produce tires that are not round, or more suited to be part of a toy, I don't understand the problem with the Heller tires. Can anyone elaborate?

Thanks,
Rick

[Patrick]

Model Factory Hiro has tires for 1970's prototypes that are perfect for the 70's F1 cars and to compare them to the Heller tires is eye opening! Your models will look light years better. See this site, only $10.00! www.stradasportsstore.com/modelfactoryhiro3.html

I'm working on a conversion of the Heller BT33...Jack's last Indy ride...a BT32-Offy. I may leave part of the engine covering off as its too much for me to fabricate.

I'll find the BT33 privateers photos for you. I have them. Somewhere...






Patrick

[Patrick]

Privateers' BT33...

Chris Craft's


Gus Hutchinson's (ran F1 Glen and F5000-glorious!)


"Big Carlos" Reutermann's Argentina GP


Charlton's Sud Afrique GP car


another...


Rolf Stommelen's semi team car


I hope this helps. Having Gus' car in the F5000 was a joy to listen to around all the 5 liter Chevys!

Patrick

[chaparral66]

Strombecker Brabham: Just received my eBay Strombecker Brabham 1/24 slot car which I believe is a BT-7. I've had this car twice before, maybe I'll hold onto it until my heirs sell off all my stuff (or throw it in the dumpster)! Anywho, I've toyed with the idea of using the Heller/Union Brabham F-III chassis (also reserved for a Mickey Thompson's 1962 (with Revell Indy Lotus slot car body-(pretty damn close)with the AMT Lotus 29 Indy DOHC engine with Webers. Question is: Did the Brabham have a Colotti trans or the Cooper clone VW trans? The AMT Ford DOHC is very small and looks to make a good Coventry-Climax V-8.
Thanx, John

[kurzheck]

According to my info a BT7 used a Hewland gearbox, so essentially a VW case flipped upside down with new internals. BUT Patrick is THE Brabham guru! The AMT/MPC Ford is indeed a great start for a Climax V8.

[beardogracing]

Sept 11, 2015 16:55:36 GMT -5 chaparral66 said:

Strombecker Brabham: Just received my eBay Strombecker Brabham 1/24 slot car which I believe is a BT-7. I've had this car twice before, maybe I'll hold onto it until my heirs sell off all my stuff (or throw it in the dumpster)! Anywho, I've toyed with the idea of using the Heller/Union Brabham F-III chassis (also reserved for a Mickey Thompson's 1962 (with Revell Indy Lotus slot car body-(pretty damn close)with the AMT Lotus 29 Indy DOHC engine with Webers. Question is: Did the Brabham have a Colotti trans or the Cooper clone VW trans? The AMT Ford DOHC is very small and looks to make a good Coventry-Climax V-8.
Thanx, John

Neither one Brabman's used a Hewland transmission It looks something like this: (this is on a BT-29)

[Patrick]

Here's something I know about. Yes, both Trevor and Beardog are correct about the transaxel. I think the Heller Hewland is correct enough to use for a BT7. The BT18 Spaceframe will work perfectly with a change in front suspension. The rear suspension is ok too for a BT7. The nose of the slot car body is a bit short and needs a 1/4" extension in it. The slot wind screen is for Gurney as it has the small extension on it. O'all an easy conversion. Get a set of Cox tires (correct for Dunlops) or Hasegawa Goodyears (smaller diameter tires) for the rubber. As for the Coventry-Climax...yes the AMT DOHC would work after some modifications and I used solder to make the bundle of snakes. Yes, it was me bidding against you. If I can help more let me know.