Testors T Roadser

[FMW]

To break my pattern of decade-long projects, I figured I'd build something quick and easy. I picked the Testors pre-painted Ford Model T Roadster street rod. Well, it turned out that I was half right. It was quick (19 days start to finish - lightning speed for me) but it wasn't easy. The first thing I noticed that it was a really strange mix of screw, glue, and press-fit parts. As I worked I discovered an alarming number of interference fits, some requiring major surgery. Also, half the screws called out were too small for the holes provided. And the ones that were the right size weren't tapped deep enough, so a tight fit required the addition of super glue. It almost felt like the major assemblies had been designed by different teams, none of whom spoke the same language, with design information transferred in pantomime. I could go on, but I've probably complained too much already. Anyway, here is the finished product.



More pictures as available on:
public.fotki.com/FMW/ford-model-ts/

FMW

[Danno]

That's a good looking result ~ especially for a fiddly kit!

[FMW]

Well, it had some neat features like the pre-wired distributor, the heat discolored pipes, and poseable front wheels. It has some weird stuff, too, like the passenger door opens, but there's no sign of a driver's door. And you always see it photographed from this angle so you can't see how badly the pipes warp the (moving) drag link on the driver's side. You can check out the "dark side" of the model on my Fotki page.

FMW

[Danno]

Actually, the door situation is purely early Model T Ford original!

Henry didn't waste money by installing doors on the driver's side ... only on the passenger side. That way, you could only exit the car on the curb ... not into traffic. So, the T bucket body is true to its early Ford origins.