A few years ago, I decided to enter an English (UK) based proxy for Formula 1 cars from the mid 60's era...........I thought I could cobble up a chassis fairly easily, but the body would be another story, as I had my heart set on a Matra, and at that time, the only one available was the rather hideous looking thing from MRRC/Airfix.
So given that many of the cars in this series were quite gorgeous, I was concerned about the outcome..............transferring this :scared-eek: (with its grossly overscale motor/transmission)
Into something that somewhat resembled this.........I was no doubt apprehensive!!
I decided to build the chassis first...(generally my habit,as this lets me not have to worry about the body for a while!! ;) )
The chassis is a fairly typical "flexi-board" design, and was powered by an 050 motor, as per the rules. It uses 13" wheels (proper for F1) from RS Slot, and the inserts were cut down from some Lola inserts I had (only a blindman would notice the difference)
With the chassis done, it was time to get on with the body.......the first pic shows that I have stripped the bulky motor bits, and most of the transmission,... have cut out the molded in driver, and have test fit a new driver,....have built some injector trumpets, and, have made a proper rollbar from 2 pieces of bent piano wire.
I found some engine bits in my parts box..(the valve covers are from a Scaley Lotus 49).....I gave it a coat of Tamiya French blue, and added some great Indycal decals to create Mr. Beltoises' car........getting there!! :dance:
The front/rear suspension bits were made from aluminum/piano wire, mirrors were added, a little work on the new driver, a bit of detail paint, and she's done!!
Far from perfect in both execution and accuracy, but, I think it captures the "feel" of the car.....it is certainly one of my personal favs., and also, one of my better performing cars.
Cheers
Chris Walker