3-wheel proxy idea?

[TuscoTodd]

A fellow forum member and I have been kicking around the idea of a bit of a "unique" car for a proxy and wanted to float it out to the group to see if there was any interest before committing to making a master to cast bodies, etc.

Car:
What we were thinking, is a body that would be loosely based on a three wheel Morgan type car- but a in a bit of the newer/retro style verses historical air cooled engine style. This should allow for a car that will be relatively simple to cast, paint and have fun racing with, that won't look "incorrect" if it isn't wearing wire wheels.
The thought was to have an enclosed engine bay - similar to:

or


With styling cues possibly taken from cars like this:

or

(if you can envision that with a single rear tire tucked inside the rear body section)

The goal is to create a body large enough to allow use of a regular FC130 type motor (verses having to go slim can). And rules that are tight enough to create the potential for some relatively evenly matched cars, while still loose enough to allow for a lot of creativity/fun, so to that end, this is what we were considering:
Motor: Plafit Rabbit
Final drive ratio: 3.00 to 1
Tires: urethane or rubber tires - width not to exceed "x" - overall diameter no greater than "y" in width (still researching what would look "appropriate" and be easy to source to possibly flag as a potential spec tire/wheel similar to what was done with the Maverick Proxy)
Min ground clearance: .050" (with exception of spur/crown gear - which will be .020" min)
Max width: 2.5"
Max wheel base: 3"
Requirement that the swivel of the guide flag be under the body when viewed from above
All weight must be inside the chassis/body
Cars to be fitted with a driver and to display a minimum of two car numbers/roundels (forum name to be noted on bottom as well)
Chassis design - open. (whether to make it front/rear/all wheel drive, from scratch or kit, from brass/plastic/wood/etc - at the discretion of the builder) :banana-dance:

Tracks -
The cars are to be run on both road courses and ovals, and would appreciate any volunteers who would like to host. (but that is not a "requirement" to participate)

Potential due date for builds to first track: October 1

So with that for a rough outline - please let me know your thoughts.
Thank you! :D

[Retro Racer 44]

How about like this one?

[Slot Therapist]

Hey Todd, proxy midgets might be a fun alternative. I think you was on to something at the track when you mentioned the single tire will be catching in the slot on a slide. Well.... if you round the single rear wheel enough..... it shouldn't catch.

[Slot Therapist]

So did some soldering last night. A urethane drag wheel is wide enough to keep the single rear from catching in the slot.

[TuscoTodd]

How about this as a design cue for a body guys?







Thoughts?

[Slot Therapist]

Both are beautiful bodies. I'm on board.

[Foamy]

Any idea on what tire sizes?

[studioRS]

Well awesome idea, now I'll just turn a 911 engine around so the fan is pointing to the front and build a three legged dog hanging on with a duck on its rear!


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[TuscoTodd]

Not sure on the tire size yet - we were waiting on the RSR Porsche proxy to kick off (which it has) - hope to have some updates for everyone soon! :D

[studioRS]

Todd, totally agree on one of your ideas up top, the blue BMW 2-cyl is cool.

Being an artist, I get these ideas and well, you know… gotta draw it! The idea I had is a front wheel drive, 3-wheel Porsche 904 front, Käfer fenders and running boards, Porsche headlights, RS60 spyder cockpit, 911 engine turned around up front and a 911 duck tail. Didn't have a napkin so used a State Farm envelope and designed something weird, 3-legged RS duck...


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[studioRS]

[Vintage 1/24]

The Vintage 1/24th Messerschmidt and Isetta kits are still more or less out there - A single kit with both cars included...

These 1950s microcars have such small dimensions that they will easily come in sized more like 1/32 cars, and would probably be better suited for using 1/43 running gear - even though the actual models are in the 'big' 1/24 scale.

I suppose the two kits could be cast up - the Isetta bubble car probably should be cast in clear like the original kit (if possible). The little BMW does have four wheels, but the back two have a very narrow track and could be replaced by a single rolling-pin or steam-roller type foam tire from the world of fast commercial racing.

I am especially interested in the Messerschmidt as it was raced in "Tiger" form in real life. It would make an unusual build for the collection.

And a Vintage 1/24th Morgan would also be really really great of course...

[buspor63]

Have you considered the Scaley sidecars? I've never seen one in person, but it does look as if it rides on the guide with an offset front wheel and a centered rear wheel... hmm, think I need to get one ....

[Retro Racer 44]

[Retro Racer 44]

I didn't know that. I remember when I was young, you could buy an Isetta for less that $1000. In fact, the BMW dealer in Toronto had a deal going for a while. "Buy a new BMW and you get a free Isetta for your wife." Not very PC I will agree, but that's how it was back then.