’72 Dodge Demon Drag Racer 1/25 scale

[RIXprints]

Incredible machine work. My hat is off to your craft.

[AmericanMuscleFan]

6 minutes ago, RIXprints said:

Incredible machine work. My hat is off to your craft.

Thanks for your kind comment Richard and welcome to the forum by the way! 👋

The hardest and longest part remains to be done (engine and transmission) so come back from time to time if you are interested. I hope to be able to start machining the engine block in the next few weeks.

Francis

[charlie libby]

my favorite part the engine. 'glad to see it come together. more pictures please.

[AmericanMuscleFan]

16 hours ago, charlie libby said:

my favorite part the engine. 'glad to see it come together. more pictures please.

Thanks Charlie, It's coming soon for the start of the engine machining but I can't promise you quickly...😁

Francis

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Hello everyone,

OK guys, this will be my last parts (accessories) update before I start the long and tedious process of machining the engine and transmission.  There are still many more parts to make, the to-do list is still long but I think it's time to treat myself and move on to my favorite part of the project, anyway, it needs an engine!  Today I'm updating the thread with the fuel cell, I made the tank with Evergreen black styrene sheet that I bought specifically for this.  I could have used white styrene and painted it black, but why keep it simple when you can make it complicated?  Anyway, I think the end result is convincing and it eliminates any chance of scratching the surface and seeing the white underneath, the real thing is black plastic, right?  I used brass and aluminum for the other components, I am satisfied with the final result, do not hesitate to give me your impressions if you want.

I'll be a while without posting updates (that doesn't mean I won't be active on the forum), I plan to take it up a notch from my last effort with the engine block.  I've been doing more research and finding more references to guide me, this will definitely add to the machining time.  As they say, measure twice and cut once, it's better to take your time than to start over!

Francis

No, it's not 2001: A Space Odyssey! 😁  I made the tank with black strene, it's almost impossible to see the joints but I used 0.080" sheets.

I rounded the edges of the tank and drilled a hole for the outline of the cap.

Then I made grooves for the retaining straps.

The part around the cap that will be bolted to the tank at the start of machining.

I drilled small holes for the mounting bolts.

I then machined a seat for the cap.

Now completed.

The cap is machined from aluminum to provide color contrast.

Now separated from the rod.

Closer.

The small tab used to open and tighten the cap is handmade.

I used a small brass rivet to hold it in place.

The retaining straps were cut from aluminum sheet.  I've drilled holes for the fuel lines, I'll have to make the electric pump later.

In its place in the rear trunk floor compartment that I had planned when I worked on the body components several months ago.

[Moparman18064]

Wow Francis, that looks so real that I can smell the racing fuel from the Southern US!

[AmericanMuscleFan]

6 hours ago, Moparman18064 said:

Wow Francis, that looks so real that I can smell the racing fuel from the Southern US!

Thanks Rich!  So, I hope I have the same success with the engine and that you can also smell the exhaust emissions from your part of the country! 😉

Francis

[BK9300]

The black plastic is a good idea, Francis - looks good in its natural state and the result is indeed convincing.  Still trying to imagine how your rotary chuck is positioned perfectly for each subsequent hole in the brass seat.  Even if there are degree indicators, not sure I could get them to line up exactly 45 degrees apart from each other - maybe 44 or 46 sometimes - you're very precise.

Edited April 2 by BK9300

[rv1963]

Nice work on that fuel tank Francis, that little locking lever is a nice detail. I have one question is the fuel tank solid or hollow?

Edited April 2 by rv1963

[Pierre Rivard]

Lovely fabrication as always. Using materials in their natural state (no paint) is hard to beat. Nothing looks more like aluminium than aluminium right?

[AmericanMuscleFan]

13 hours ago, BK9300 said:

The black plastic is a good idea, Francis - looks good in its natural state and the result is indeed convincing.  Still trying to imagine how your rotary chuck is positioned perfectly for each subsequent hole in the brass seat.  Even if there are degree indicators, not sure I could get them to line up exactly 45 degrees apart from each other - maybe 44 or 46 sometimes - you're very precise.

Thanks Brian, I also think the black styrene did the job.  Apart from my hand which turns the hand wheel and the one which does the drilling in the "Z" axis, it is the rotary table which does all the precision work, you can have the precision of a tenth of a degree with this precious tool.

Francis

3 hours ago, rv1963 said:

Nice work on that fuel tank Francis, that little locking lever is a nice detail. I have one question is the fuel tank solid or hollow?

Thanks Robert, It's hollow, you can vaguely see the opening in the third photo if you zoom in.  However, the walls are very thick because I used 0.080" styrene.  My supplier didn't have any thinner in stock but anyway, I needed a certain thickness to make it strong and have enough material to round the edges.

Francis

2 hours ago, Pierre Rivard said:

Lovely fabrication as always. Using materials in their natural state (no paint) is hard to beat. Nothing looks more like aluminium than aluminium right?

Thanks Pierre, you couldn't be more right, I like to use a medium that already has the right color, I haven't mastered your art of brush painting and getting out the airbrush every time is not my cup of tea as they say (I must be a bit lazy).

Francis

[Ian McLaren]

The fuel tank is a seemingly simple part but as usual you manage to bring it to another level.  Amazingly realistic looking, to  rephrase an old saying, nothing looks  plastic like plastic, your material choice was right on.

Edited April 2 by Ian McLaren

[AmericanMuscleFan]

23 hours ago, Ian McLaren said:

The fuel tank is a seemingly simple part but as usual you manage to bring it to another level.  Amazingly realistic looking, to  rephrase an old saying, nothing looks  plastic like plastic, your material choice was right on.

Thanks Ian, this was fun to make and yes, I think the black styrene does its job perfectly in simulating the real thing (black paint would have done the trick too).

Now I've had enough to think about, it's time to put an engine under the hood, that's what I'll be busy machining in the coming weeks, hoping to have a few more before the nice weather!

Francis

[mustang1989]

Still knockin' 'em dead I see Francis. Aside from some of the fun tools that you have to work with I think what I like most about your work is the amount of imagination that goes into it. I've definitely been missing out on these updates of yours here and will be sure to tune in for the next updates on this beastie. 

Continuing to be blown away at the masterclass stuff I'm seeing here........

[Straightliner59]

On 4/2/2025 at 9:00 AM, AmericanMuscleFan said:

it is the rotary table which does all the precision work, you can have the precision of a tenth of a degree with this precious tool.

I love the rotary table! Not sure what I'd do, without it. As always, my friend, your work is mind-blowing in its authenticity. The tank is gorgeous, and the black plastic is perfect! Have you machined any Delrin? This would have been a good situation, for that. Excellent work, Francis!

[Codi]

Kudos Francis for how the tank turned out.  Love the material choice and it brings the tank to life along with the details you added.  Excited to know you're onto the engine next.  My favorite too!   cheers, tim

[AmericanMuscleFan]

8 hours ago, mustang1989 said:

Still knockin' 'em dead I see Francis. Aside from some of the fun tools that you have to work with I think what I like most about your work is the amount of imagination that goes into it. I've definitely been missing out on these updates of yours here and will be sure to tune in for the next updates on this beastie. 

Continuing to be blown away at the masterclass stuff I'm seeing here........

Thanks Joe!  Very happy that you stopped by and your comments are very much appreciated, we will miss you in this category my friend but I am also very happy that you have found motivation for another subject, aviation.  It's a great hobby and there's something for everyone. 😊

Francis

6 hours ago, Straightliner59 said:

I love the rotary table! Not sure what I'd do, without it. As always, my friend, your work is mind-blowing in its authenticity. The tank is gorgeous, and the black plastic is perfect! Have you machined any Delrin? This would have been a good situation, for that. Excellent work, Francis!

Thanks Daniel,I always appreciate your continued support and insightful interventions my friend.  Yes, I have machined Delrin, it machines really well but what I had on hand was too small for my needs.  The advantage of styrene is that it can be glued with liquid cement and the joints then become very strong, almost indestructible.

Francis

4 hours ago, Codi said:

Kudos Francis for how the tank turned out.  Love the material choice and it brings the tank to life along with the details you added.  Excited to know you're onto the engine next.  My favorite too!   cheers, tim

Thanks Tim!  You are a master when it comes to working with the right choice of material to produce the best visual effect, I thought of you when I chose to use black plastic.  As for the engine, you've made enough nods about it for me to get started, the day has come to start but I'm not promising you a delivery date! 😁 

I will do my best not to disappoint you but I have a good source of motivation by taking inspiration from what you do my friend!

Francis

[bobthehobbyguy]

 That fuel is stunning.  It's a great joy to follow this amazing project. Each part is truly a model in its own right.