AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 8 Author Share Posted January 8 18 hours ago, Musclecarbuilder said: Thank you! Can't wait to see the car when you finish it! Thanks Will but you'll have to be patient, I'm not the fastest builder on the forum and what's more, I chose the longest path... If you like it, let's just say that it will make the fun last! ? Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 8 Author Share Posted January 8 9 hours ago, Straightliner59 said: You're not alone, around here! I will always be more impressed by fine hand work, than I ever will by any work done by a machine controlled by a computer! It's art. There's a warmth to craftsmanship, while "manufactured art" has a certain coldness, to it. Guys like us are different than others. For us, an important aspect of what we're doing is the journey--the path is as important, and satisfying, as the goal. I've seen hundreds of guys, over the years who've spent thousands of dollars, buying aftermarket parts, just to arrive at the destination. Neil Peart once wrote: "The point of a journey; Is not to arrive" I think we share more than you think Daniel, you quote Neil Peart's lyrics and RUSH is one of my favorite rock bands, one of my favorite songs of all time is: Working Man. Maybe the song has something to do with my career as I left a management job to go to work (with my lunch box) as an employee in a factory. The good thing is that I now have a little more free time to do what I love... ? Francis 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musclecarbuilder Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 1 hour ago, AmericanMuscleFan said: Thanks Will but you'll have to be patient, I'm not the fastest builder on the forum and what's more, I chose the longest path... If you like it, let's just say that it will make the fun last! ? Francis Yes sir I'll be watching. I completely understand being slow, I'm the same way. The slower you go the better the car will turn out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 6 hours ago, AmericanMuscleFan said: I created my own version of 3D: Determination, Dremel and Dust. That is beautifully stated. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 10 Author Share Posted January 10 Hello everyone! The good times are flying by and it's already time for me to make another update to show you my latest progress. I spent the last few days working on the under-hood details. I usually sand the surface and add the structural elements but the hood was very thick (like the doors) so I decided to take the opportunity to engrave the details instead of adding them. The engine I plan to install (big block) will take up a lot of space so I need all the space available so the hood closes properly. The hood was about 0.080" thick but it's always a bit risky to take the route of engraving especially when you don't have another one to start over in case of disaster (the new Demon kit from Round 2 is not yet available here and it may be difficult to get your hands on it). Anyway, I'm pretty happy with the results and you can judge for yourself, I tried to replicate some of the original details but kept the center section free for when I add the scoop. I would dare say it's a hybrid between the OEM and an aftermarket replacement for drag car. ? I'm now going to take a break from the styrene elements (the majority is done) and start making some aluminum and brass components, I need to get this thing on its wheels. The time has come to make shiny chips... ? Francis The details aren't good, so I started by removing them and sanding the surface to find out how much thickness was available to work with. I drew guide lines for the engraving based on images of the real hood (sorry for the blurry picture). Here are the engravings after the first pass, the hood is still thick enough for me to add more detail. After the second pass and sanding. I drilled a few holes, glued a few strips of styrene. I don't want to add too much time and details because I'm going to make an opening later for the scoop. I had taken measurements at the beginning to be sure that the reinforcements would arrive at the right place. The fit is good and I'm happy with the results, I hope opening the hood scoop doesn't affect all this work too much... ? 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 That engine compartment is going to be utterly mind-blowing, based on what we're already seeing! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musclecarbuilder Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 5 hours ago, Straightliner59 said: That engine compartment is going to be utterly mind-blowing, based on what we're already seeing! I agree! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 10 Author Share Posted January 10 8 hours ago, Straightliner59 said: That engine compartment is going to be utterly mind-blowing, based on what we're already seeing! 2 hours ago, Musclecarbuilder said: I agree! Thanks guys! I am very happy with the work accomplished so far. However, it will be good for me to machine a few parts, it will give me a break from styrene, I think some people prefer aluminum and brass, there will be something for everyone if I may say so! ? Francis 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claude Thibodeau Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 Hi Francis! Wow... but why am-I not surprised? Seriously: when you mill wide surfaces like those, you need to compensate for the slight curvature of the hood at the center. How do you do that? Adjusting the head while it whittles styrene? Intriguing... CT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musclecarbuilder Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 14 minutes ago, AmericanMuscleFan said: Thanks guys! I am very happy with the work accomplished so far. However, it will be good for me to machine a few parts, it will give me a break from styrene, I think some people prefer aluminum and brass, there will be something for everyone if I may say so! ? Francis Are you going to completely machine the engine like you did the 70 GTX? That car looked absolutely stunning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobthehobbyguy Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 What an improvement in the underwood detail. Saying it is impressive is a monumental understement. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bainford Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 Super impressive Francis, as always. I love what you have done with the underside of the hood. There are many things to enjoy about what you do, but the incredible cleanliness of your work always gets my attention. I am always amazed at just how tidy everything is. Cheers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absmiami Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 It appears that the hood material was removed with passes by that silver tool in the pix - but i’m not familiar with it - I’m sure that we’ll get clarification fr our builder fr the recently frozen North … 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 11 Author Share Posted January 11 On 1/10/2024 at 11:51 AM, Claude Thibodeau said: Hi Francis! Wow... but why am-I not surprised? Seriously: when you mill wide surfaces like those, you need to compensate for the slight curvature of the hood at the center. How do you do that? Adjusting the head while it whittles styrene? Intriguing... CT Thanks Claude! No magic here... I put pressure with my hand (I only have one free...?) on the part when cutting to prevent the end mill from making grooves in the part. It is in these moments that it would be practical to have a third hand and that is why I do not have a photo of the process to show you! ? The rest is sanding, it's boring but you know very well how to do that my friend!!! Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 11 Author Share Posted January 11 On 1/10/2024 at 11:53 AM, Musclecarbuilder said: Are you going to completely machine the engine like you did the 70 GTX? That car looked absolutely stunning! Yes Will, that's the plan! I don't know yet if it will be a HEMI or wedge engine but a big block for sure. There is a guy from my little village who races with a '72 Swinger equipped with a 528 Indy block, it would be a great challenge to reproduce, perhaps with B1 heads...? It's funny that you refer to my GTX's engine because it generates more comments than my D100 pickup which I think the engine is much more elaborate and accurate but you are not alone. I think the GTX is a more plausible car than my pickup, but most of the machined parts are better executed in my opinion, It's a question of taste! For now I'm going to put the car on its wheels, this will be a long process as there are a lot of parts to make. Thanks for your question by the way! ? Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 11 Author Share Posted January 11 On 1/10/2024 at 2:13 PM, bobthehobbyguy said: What an improvement in the underwood detail. Saying it is impressive is a monumental understement. Thanks Bob! These are the kind of fairly simple details that I like to create and which, in a certain sense, can be done by any model who wants to go a little further into the details. Of course, most don't have a milling machine, but I have done it several times with good results using simple good old hand tools back in the day, but it takes more time... ? Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musclecarbuilder Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 16 hours ago, AmericanMuscleFan said: Yes Will, that's the plan! I don't know yet if it will be a HEMI or wedge engine but a big block for sure. There is a guy from my little village who races with a '72 Swinger equipped with a 528 Indy block, it would be a great challenge to reproduce, perhaps with B1 heads...? It's funny that you refer to my GTX's engine because it generates more comments than my D100 pickup which I think the engine is much more elaborate and accurate but you are not alone. I think the GTX is a more plausible car than my pickup, but most of the machined parts are better executed in my opinion, It's a question of taste! For now I'm going to put the car on its wheels, this will be a long process as there are a lot of parts to make. Thanks for your question by the way! ? Francis Oh man I can't wait to see it! This car is going to look killer! The 69-70 Roadrunner/GTX, is probably my favorite muscle car of all time! That and the fact you did such an outstanding job on it. It looks amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 12 Author Share Posted January 12 On 1/10/2024 at 3:21 PM, Bainford said: Super impressive Francis, as always. I love what you have done with the underside of the hood. There are many things to enjoy about what you do, but the incredible cleanliness of your work always gets my attention. I am always amazed at just how tidy everything is. Cheers. Thanks Trevor! No matter how hard you try, it can always be better, but at some point you have to tell yourself that the primary goal has been achieved and move on. It would be hard to hide that I like super clean and well defined parts, the under hood detail elements are a good example of cheap improvements that a skillful modeler can make. You just have to convince yourself that it's worth it and do it for your own satisfaction and according to your limits, the effort is always rewarded! Speaking of effort, it's still going to take me quite a bit to finish this thing... ? Francis 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 12 Author Share Posted January 12 On 1/11/2024 at 8:40 AM, absmiami said: It appears that the hood material was removed with passes by that silver tool in the pix - but i’m not familiar with it - I’m sure that we’ll get clarification fr our builder fr the recently frozen North … You're right Andrew, I use these kinds of scrapers and chisels all the time, they are very useful and effective for carving fine, precise details in styrene or resin parts. I bought them many years ago and still use them today, it's the kind of tool that remains relevant even today with all the technology. ? As for the cold, I think it keeps us awake around here and it's good for the hobby! ? Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 12 Author Share Posted January 12 7 hours ago, Musclecarbuilder said: Oh man I can't wait to see it! This car is going to look killer! The 69-70 Roadrunner/GTX, is probably my favorite muscle car of all time! That and the fact you did such an outstanding job on it. It looks amazing. Thanks Will, I'm a Mopar guy as you can see so it's hard for me to say which one I prefer but the '70 RR/GTX are really nice cars. I'm not making a replica or a tribute car so this will give me a certain freedom to put the "inspiration of the moment" under the hood without making connoisseurs cringe. On the other hand, I will stay in "the family" when it comes to the engine, the price of the components is not an obstacle when you make miniatures! ? Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musclecarbuilder Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 3 hours ago, AmericanMuscleFan said: Thanks Will, I'm a Mopar guy as you can see so it's hard for me to say which one I prefer but the '70 RR/GTX are really nice cars. I'm not making a replica or a tribute car so this will give me a certain freedom to put the "inspiration of the moment" under the hood without making connoisseurs cringe. On the other hand, I will stay in "the family" when it comes to the engine, the price of the components is not an obstacle when you make miniatures! ? Francis Mopars are my favorite muscle cars, right above the mustang. When I came across that GTX I was drooling over it as you could probably imagine. The color of your GTX is one of my favorites for Mopars. You did such an amazing job on the GTX! I can only imagine what the Demon will look like! What color do you plan on painting it? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iBorg Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 Just checked in today....as always very impressed. I appreciate your showing the scratch building. Truly educational and inspirational. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absmiami Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 7 hours ago, AmericanMuscleFan said: You're right Andrew, I use these kinds of scrapers and chisels all the time, they are very useful and effective for carving fine, precise details in styrene or resin parts. I bought them many years ago and still use them today, it's the kind of tool that remains relevant even today with all the technology. ? As for the cold, I think it keeps us awake around here and it's good for the hobby! ? Francis Think UMM sells some scrapers like these - gotta ch out their site this weekend - maybe they sell ice scrapers too ?? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 20 hours ago, Musclecarbuilder said: Mopars are my favorite muscle cars, right above the mustang. When I came across that GTX I was drooling over it as you could probably imagine. The color of your GTX is one of my favorites for Mopars. You did such an amazing job on the GTX! I can only imagine what the Demon will look like! What color do you plan on painting it? Thanks Will, your comments are fuel to my engine! I love all Detroit muscle cars from the late 60's to early 70's, regardless of manufacturer, I am just more in my comfort zone with Mopar cars. I also love Mustangs, the '70 BOSS is my favorite but the '69 isn't far behind. As for the color for the Demon, it's a bit like the rest of the build, nothing definitive but probably a light color as black or dark colors tend to make details less visible. I had even thought about pearl white and satin black hood but I will be open to suggestions. ? Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 20 hours ago, iBorg said: Just checked in today....as always very impressed. I appreciate your showing the scratch building. Truly educational and inspirational. Thanks Mike, it's a pleasure to share even if it takes my some building time, It's not a race anyway and that makes my WIP more relevant I think! More to come soon! Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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