Model T Doodlebug Tractor

[Lunajammer]

Inspired by the article posted on this thread, I converted an AMT Model T to a doodlebug tractor. I didn't have any good truck wheels to have rubber drive tires so I made cleated wheels using slices of PVC pipe and steampunk buttons. The front PTO belt drive was scratch built using six or seven pieces from my parts box. The AMT Fruit Wagon double kit provided the vehicle. Build thread is here. 

It was more fun than I was expecting and scrounging to scratch build parts keep me in the spirit of the doodlebug practice. Weathering with oil and acrylic washes took a little practice and I didn't fuss over setbacks so there will be plenty of mistakes to spot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lunajammer]

 

 

 

[Jim B]

That's pretty neat!  Well done.

[Lunajammer]

Thanks, Jim!

[bobthehobbyguy]

Came out great. Definitely suits how they were  built.

[stavanzer]

I love the seat and the upside down steering wheel.

You did great!

[Lunajammer]

1 hour ago, stavanzer said:

I love the seat and the upside down steering wheel.

Much appreciated Alan! Kind of looks like an upside down steering wheel, but it's actually a parts box find. The kit wheel was a turd, so this was what I had that I thought was at least period appropriate to the 30s or 40s.

[stavanzer]

Ah! 

They would sometimes mount the Model T wheel upside down for a better grip.

[Lunajammer]

I mean... why, yes... that's what I meant to do. I mounted it upside down. In fact it actually steers.

[ChrisR]

COOL!!!!

[Mike C]

That's a good build.

[Lunajammer]

Thanks Mike!

[mchook]

That turned out great! I love the front belt drive too. Now all you need is a buzz saw and belt for it. These are my favorite types of builds, not worrying about paint, scratch building some parts, trying something new and most of all having fun! Thanks for sharing.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

I've seen quite a few of these in the 1:1 world. You did a great job on this one!! It looks great!!

[Lunajammer]

12 hours ago, DRIPTROIT 71 said:

It looks great!!

 

12 hours ago, mchook said:

not worrying about paint, scratch building some parts, trying something new

Thanks guys, means a lot!

Yes, it's liberating to do a build like this because mistakes and flaws, within context, may not be mistakes at all. So I won't point them out now but a keen eye can find a few that are not within context of the subject matter ?.

Paint flaws, BMF, buffing burn through, splotchy dash details, CA glue fogging, etc; all things that are laboriously managed on clean models don't much apply on builds like this. Plus, the kit's pretty simple so it leaves time to play around with fun ideas.

[PappyD340]

Very cool!!

[slusher]

A great build!!

[ewetwo]

That is very cool.