When the car is tucked away, I regress to my youth - models.
Current build is Tommy Ivo's "Showboat" - a 4 engine/4wd monster he built. It was banned from competition, but did initiate the "exhibition" era of track events!
4 Buick "Nailheads", 2 each coupled end to end, forward & backward driving F&R axles.
It's been a long time since I've worked on Model cars, but Cale and I just put together a working engine model (4-cylinder version from Smithsonian, not the "Visible V8")
bowtie said
Jan 12, 2015
Looking good.
I've never really figured out what to do with my models when done. I have a couple in a glass cabinet and a diorama I made years ago, but the rest just get pushed aside and eventually tossed.
SShink said
Jan 12, 2015
I don't know John... with your attention to detail on all the model engine parts, I'm disappointed you didn't correctly date code the plug wires.
Seriously, nice work!
Lost in the 60s said
Jan 12, 2015
I thought I had a pic of it but it is his 2 engine, rear drive car. He did like the torque of the nail heads...
John D said
Jan 13, 2015
Now... lets see how observant y'all are. What's goofy about where the two banks of engines are in the middle, and what did they/he do about it?? (on this car and the twin engine)
Chassis' a roller, engines are coupled (1750hp - W32... eat that Bugatti!), and working on the final coats of red/clear/decals/clear/buffing of the body shells.
My tribute to Tommy Ivo's "Showboat" dragster is done!
This was a fun and aggravating kit to build.
The original kit was released in the 60's - and who knows how many 1000's of cycles the molds went through. Then re-issues, again, and again. The molds are really tired out. Lots of flash and parting line seams to deal with (read that filing, sanding, filling, repeat). Then the quality of the chrome parts tree was (being kind) fair at best. Many parts did not receive a good coating, and the red base plastic showed through, or the plating was pitted/pockmarked - and this thing has a LOT of chrome. I would consider this a kit for "advanced" modellers - I couldn't have built this as a kid/teenager.
Very nice, John. I wouldn't have the patience to build it at my current age...
dashboard said
Mar 29, 2015
Very cool, I also enjoy doing small detailing things like that to relax. The real thing must have really been something to see in person. But I'm curious why the engines are not painted Buick green.
John D said
Mar 29, 2015
I thought the Buick V8's were red...?
The portion of the clip with a track pass is from "Bikini Beach" in '64. Starred Frankie Avalon & Annette FullaJello.. uh Funicello. The flagman is non other than Don Rickles!!
dashboard said
Mar 29, 2015
Your flik sent me off on a Nailhead search and I found this. Interesting history including a 1954 Hotrod magazine story.
When the car is tucked away, I regress to my youth - models.
Current build is Tommy Ivo's "Showboat" - a 4 engine/4wd monster he built. It was banned from competition, but did initiate the "exhibition" era of track events!
4 Buick "Nailheads", 2 each coupled end to end, forward & backward driving F&R axles.
This is a model kit too!
I've never really figured out what to do with my models when done. I have a couple in a glass cabinet and a diorama I made years ago, but the rest just get pushed aside and eventually tossed.
I don't know John... with your attention to detail on all the model engine parts, I'm disappointed you didn't correctly date code the plug wires.
Seriously, nice work!
I thought I had a pic of it but it is his 2 engine, rear drive car. He did like the torque of the nail heads...
Now... lets see how observant y'all are. What's goofy about where the two banks of engines are in the middle, and what did they/he do about it?? (on this car and the twin engine)
It looks like the right side engines are staggered forward to line the exhaust pipes up evenly.
*edit* and I only count 14 pipes...
-- Edited by Derek69SS on Tuesday 13th of January 2015 04:50:58 PM
Two of the inboard cylinders have shorty pipes sticking straight down.
Pick away at it a few hours a week - therapy for me.
Got the plugs/boots & separators made, then routed the wires. Working on the fuel lines from the magneto pumps to the manifolds.
A little more done...
Made some more progress on the "Showboat"
Chassis' a roller, engines are coupled (1750hp - W32... eat that Bugatti!), and working on the final coats of red/clear/decals/clear/buffing of the body shells.
My tribute to Tommy Ivo's "Showboat" dragster is done!
This was a fun and aggravating kit to build.
The original kit was released in the 60's - and who knows how many 1000's of cycles the molds went through. Then re-issues, again, and again. The molds are really tired out. Lots of flash and parting line seams to deal with (read that filing, sanding, filling, repeat). Then the quality of the chrome parts tree was (being kind) fair at best. Many parts did not receive a good coating, and the red base plastic showed through, or the plating was pitted/pockmarked - and this thing has a LOT of chrome. I would consider this a kit for "advanced" modellers - I couldn't have built this as a kid/teenager.
Anyways... here's some final pics.
Very nice, John. I wouldn't have the patience to build it at my current age...
I thought the Buick V8's were red...?
The portion of the clip with a track pass is from "Bikini Beach" in '64. Starred Frankie Avalon & Annette FullaJello.. uh Funicello. The flagman is non other than Don Rickles!!
www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/automotive-history-the-legendary-buick-nailhead-v8-and-the-source-of-its-unusual-valve-arrangement/
www.youtube.com/watch