Shadowman's Diversion


Aug 25, 2006
4,436
Alright here is a little diversion

Even when not twisting and tweaking on the big boys I still find myself tinkering with cool cars and scooters

The project being shown came as the direct result of me firing up an "OLD" line string version of a COX 57 Chevrolet (meaning the type where you pounded a nail in asphalt and simply watch the car race in a circle) two weeks ago. The particular 57 Chevrolet is a gas gal made popular after the movie "Two Lane Black Top" that was given to me as a gift from an employee over 30 years ago and in-between sitting in my office collecting dust, my son playing with it for the last two years I was doubtful it would even work.
Well I purchased a small amount of what is somewhat difficult to find .049 engine fuel; made a glow plug warmer out of a AA battery and some alligator clips because the original glow plugs clips are no longer sold and then spun the wheels to be quickly rewarded with the sweet smell of Nitro and the sound of days gone past. For the next 2 hours my son and I played with his darn thing as if two kids of the same age in the park. Needless to say it was a great experience and one that developed into this modern day version of the Nitro gals being purchased and assembled. Yes we could have purchased a ready to run gal however for me it all about the walk; the process getting there when compared to simply the experience at the end.

The gal shown in the pictures arrived as nuts, bolts and washers supported by a wonderful assembly manual. With my son leading the way we endeavored to complete each step in sequence and then "WHOLLA" what i consider to be a very cool miniature car unfolded. Now if you are a Motor-Head then you would enjoy the process and the results and if you simply like cars but have never worked on one this is a "MUST DO" exercise. During the build you assembly multiple differentials with ring and pinions and spur gears, you build the 2 speed transmission, you completely assemble the adjustable suspension including the building of the coli over shocks including adding the oil to set the dampening rate. You will also assemble and install the half shafts (I do not know if these are prone to failure) as well as the composite brake, etc. In a word, very "COOL"

This particular kit came with a Lamborghini body shell however we elected to set her up for the ...huuummmm GT body; go figure as such once the chassis was completed and the radio gear installed we began the process of trimming the body and fitting it. Now we are ready to install all of the window, stripe, light, and misc. decals on the underside before painting her the wonderful color of black.

I hope that you enjoy the pictures; as I stated this thread was simply a little diversion and yet one that seems to fit with the overall theme of the passion that drives this Forum

As they say; "Boy's/Gal's and their Toys"

Takes care

Shadowman

BTW: we elected to do the rear bumper delete on this gal too
 

Attachments

  • DSC03247.JPG
    DSC03247.JPG
    57.2 KB · Views: 416
  • DSC03260.JPG
    DSC03260.JPG
    65.2 KB · Views: 418
  • DSC03266.JPG
    DSC03266.JPG
    60.3 KB · Views: 414
  • DSC03267.JPG
    DSC03267.JPG
    63.6 KB · Views: 415
Thanks for the write-up. :thumbsup It reminds me of my childhood with my Dad building and running Cox planes and cars.

Of the seven senses, certain 'smell's' can just take me back to very pleasant memories?

There are certain smells;

the interior of a '50's - '70's era English sports car (especially a Jag)
an electric Lionel train set
fresh cut grass
etc....

Good times...good times....
 
Thanks for the write-up. :thumbsup It reminds me of my childhood with my Dad building and running Cox planes and cars.

Of the seven senses, certain 'smell's' can just take me back to very pleasant memories?

There are certain smells;

the interior of a '50's - '70's era English sports car (especially a Jag)
an electric Lionel train set
fresh cut grass
etc....

Good times...good times....


As I agree with you

I have always felt that for most the GT takes them back to place that makes them smile. Maybe because as a kid one saw a race, played with a MatchBox car, and or spent time with a slot car race track, when compared to the Lamborghini and the Ferarri owners which typically show others what they have accomplished.

An example that I share is that when The GT Guys were at my facility there were a stream of GT's in and out everyday for a week and to a person when they arrived they would get out of their gal and appraoch another to discuss his or her gal wheras when the Lamborghini and Ferarri folks arrive the first thing they typically want is for another to recognize their gal.

Now neither scenario is better; just different and I have and enjoy them all and yet the emotions felt as the result of the time spent with the GT's are very different.

Regards

Shadowman
 
Last edited:
There was never a hesitation when the Ford GT came out. It was only a matter of what color.

:biggrin I've still got my original white w/blue stripe Matchbox Ford GT (it was a real difficult decision to chose the all-black GT over the white w/blue stripes. I'm tellin' ya...it took several months and quite a few beers in the garage to decide), and my original Green Corgi Ford GT (Dad used to bring home a small diecast whenever he came home from travel...he travelled quite a bit).

It makes me quite happy to see the pic's of the other Forum member's toy collection. I like to see the passion.
 
Now if you want to go vintage...in the 40s they haf tether cars......aluminum bodied about 2 feet long with mechanical engines and rubber tires.

The holy grail is something called a Dooling 'Frog'....its streamlined aero styled

http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/40...tegoryZ28233QQihZ004QQitemZ140121376372QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-Ohlsso...7183QQihZ016QQcategoryZ30QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
Now if you want to go vintage...in the 40s they haf tether cars......aluminum bodied about 2 feet long with mechanical engines and rubber tires.

The holy grail is something called a Dooling 'Frog'....its streamlined aero styled

http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/40...tegoryZ28233QQihZ004QQitemZ140121376372QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-Ohlsso...7183QQihZ016QQcategoryZ30QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Bill, great way to share time with your son.

I am gasping for breath, can't believe what the Dooling is bringing... wow!
 
Very cool. That takes me back... and the fuel smell is indeed unforgettable. :cheers
 
I loved the write up Shadowman! I can't wait to see the continuing development of the Baby GT!

Always a joy to have a glimpse into your world...
 
Oh man Bill if you keep this up we are all going to a statue of a man with a mask and pay homage to it.

Very cool walk!:wink

I like the tourqe thrust D wheels and the thought provoking movie of James Taylor drag racing.

Missed you last weekend but by Monday I had to pack it in and get the heck out of Tahoe.....getting a little to hot for me.
 
Thank you for the wonderful comments

Here are a couple more pictures as she gets closer and closer to having fuel pumped into her and then ............................ vrooooooooom

Needless to say my son is very excited

Enjoy

Shadowman
 

Attachments

  • DSC03275.JPG
    DSC03275.JPG
    62.8 KB · Views: 258
  • DSC03276.JPG
    DSC03276.JPG
    64.2 KB · Views: 257
That's awesome !!!!!:biggrin
 
Holy Cow, Shadowman! - I've got goosebumps!:eek Thanks for sharing this with us!:cheers
 
Well ...well...

Here is her body completed as I just installed the headlights, running lights, and thern completed a few other small details.

Once everything dries I will give her a bath and then reinstall the body as we begin the process preparing her for the tarmac.

Even the smaller version of our gals want to be exercised.

Takes care

Shadowman
 

Attachments

  • DSC03277.JPG
    DSC03277.JPG
    53.3 KB · Views: 133
  • DSC03279.JPG
    DSC03279.JPG
    51.4 KB · Views: 138
  • DSC03280.JPG
    DSC03280.JPG
    47.5 KB · Views: 138
  • DSC03286.JPG
    DSC03286.JPG
    57.9 KB · Views: 132
magnificent BILL!! what a father and son project!!
happy 4th!
daniel
 
Wow. The headlights and driving lights look very realistic. Amazing what they did with the decal reproduction. Looking very good!!!
 
Well, at least the learning curve is over for this one. Now you can concentrate on the perfect job in RED!
 
Well, at least the learning curve is over for this one. Now you can concentrate on the perfect job in RED!

Yes sir....................... funny you meantion Red because as much as my son likes my black gal he too said.."Let's paint it red"

I had to tell him that red would be slower to which he said "black would be nice"

Take care

Shadowman
 
Sounds like your son has a future in diplomacy (or politics). Great looking model. I used to build slot cars with the clear plastic bodies painted from the inside. That's how I fell in love with sports cars many, many years ago. That's also how I learned about Cobras, E-Types, and GT-40's. That led to the larger sized toys... Have fun! Makes me want to go out and build one too!
 
You know, many psychoanalysts say it's bad to lie to your kids - better correct that RED untruth. Remember, black has been the MOST WRECKED color on this website.
 
You know, many psychoanalysts say it's bad to lie to your kids - better correct that RED untruth. Remember, black has been the MOST WRECKED color on this website.

Alright how about I say that the red gals typically have to be driven slower because they are easier to see and more often stopped by the "Powers To Be" whereas the black gals are a bit more stealthy??

Here she is ready for a bath and some fuel.

It has been a great experience

All the best folks

Shadowman
 

Attachments

  • DSC03291.JPG
    DSC03291.JPG
    50.9 KB · Views: 106
  • DSC03292.JPG
    DSC03292.JPG
    54.2 KB · Views: 110
  • DSC03293.JPG
    DSC03293.JPG
    56.5 KB · Views: 104
  • DSC03294.JPG
    DSC03294.JPG
    55.3 KB · Views: 105
Last edited: