1939 Indy Winner Maseart 8CTF

[alwaysindy]

There have been others here before, but I have always wanted to build the Boyle Special...it is in the background here, but this shows the beginning...

I learn something every time I research a build, so here are a few things I learned:
First, the strange X-member underneath the seat...it is actually the oil tank...


Second, I always believed that the 8CTF was a weak Formula 1 car, incapable of matching the MB (W154) and Auto Union (Type D) cars of 1938...
Wrong! It led and set fastest lap in several GP's but was dogged by engine, gearbox, and brake problems...also, Maserati kinda' "abandoned" it's' F1 program for smaller classes...


Shaw and Boyle would have loved an AU or MB car, but Maserati was the only manufacturer willing to sell their GP cars...

This is how I modified the front suspension to make it more stable...


I also learned that in the USA racing scene, Indy cars had moved to methanol "fuel"...evidently, this change really helped the engine; that and Cotton Henning detuning it by 500 rpm...
Result? The Maserati brothers built a car perfectly suited to IMS without ever seeing the track or running on an oval...this iconic car is one of Indy's All Time Greats...what reputation would it have had if it had completed 3 Indy 500 wins in a row? Only a faulty wire wheel stopped that amazing result...

[2lapsdown]

I have this kit and every time I look it over I get apprehensive about it. That front suspension looks problematic and your idea looks good. Gary's kits are challenging as is, but when combined with his vague instructions can be downright confounding. I'll be paying close attention to the progress on this. Thanks for sharing it.

John

[alwaysindy]

Well, it's finished...

This is a challenging kit because of the grill and front suspension...

Not one of my better builds...I feel I could do it better if I started another one...

At least it's done...

Thanks for looking! At least the interior and steering whell came out OK...
Tim

[indy]

Tim, you did a great job. I love the color and the details. The metal pieces and steering wheel are really well done and give a nice period feel.

Jordan

[clm1545]

Looks great, Tim. As we discussed, the build would be so much easier if the grille was preformed. I discussed that with Gary several times, but as many of you know, that will not work. Again, great job, and another project headed you way this week, from what I have been told.

[indycals]

Nice work!

[Calvin]

You did good, Tim!

This is one of the best looking cars of the day.....its one of those cars that made everything else look out of date back then.

[Patrick]

What a fine job! Masers are cool!

Patrick

[racerbrown]

great job tim!
it seems like you solved the famous color debate.
what did you use for it?
duane

[gwstexas]

Very nice! Color and details are great!

Gary

[pje]

Your build looks really great!
I love this car. One of my all time favorite Indy winners.

Paul Erlendson

[Art Laski]

Nice job, Tim! One of my favorite cars...

[bobbyc]

I like it!

[alwaysindy]

Duane:
I used Tamiya Maroon...sorry it took forever to answer...
Tim