Article: 1/8th Scale Model T Racer Build Journal

[xken]

This build will be intended to aquaint those interested in working with brass. I will also keep it simple so as no sophisticated equipment is required. Everything will be hand built with hand tools. So of course if you have equipment you can build quicker. This will be a 1/8th scale Model T racer when completed. I have a picture posted in another thread. And I will find tune as I post.

Here is getting started by cutting out the profile of the side rails. You need real good light to cut down the scribe line. Once cut out the side rail may have some curl from cutting, very carefully with just your fingers form it back to flat slowly and carefully. The rails were layed out on 1" x 12" x.016" brass sheet. The angles were 3/16" x 36" x.016". When all soldered together the side walls will be 1/32" thick with the return flanges being .016. Working with brass is like playing chess; you have to plan ahead right down to buying your materials. Build the part in you head first step by step, then buy what you need, materials, tools etc.



Here is soldering the side rails to top angles. The secret to soldering is letting your iron get real hot , touch it to the solder end to gather a puddle on the iron and then to the joint. Remember solder will always flow to heat and since it is liquid is subject to the laws of gravity.
I apply the liquid flux with a paint brush to the entire joint before soldering. The tempurature is correct when the solder flows freely into the joint. The spring clamps also provide handles to hold the piece while soldering.



Here is a closeup of the above picture.



Here is a shot of adding the rail extension since stock sheet was too short. Needed another 11/16". Once finished up the joint is barely visible and I put this to the rear of the chassis where it will be less obvious anyway.



Here is how to file the bottom angle to fit the side rail. Double sided carpet tape works great to hold small pieces. I would recommend buying a steel block if you do not have one. I think MicroMark offers one. Also handy to hammer some parts back to flat. Be careful to slowly remove the part from the tape so as not to bend or distort the piece. The tape adhesive works well in holding it in place.



Here is the bottom angle cut and filed to fit. Working with brass requires patience and a good assortment of files.



Here is how to remove excess solder. Scrape , file, sand and polish. Note: Blades are stamped out as a result one edge is rounded down while the other has a sharp edge. Use the sharp edge to scrape . You can easilly tell the difference when you try to scrape .



Here is the finished left rail.



Now to finish up the right side. Then the next installment will be the crossmenbers.
Please feel free to post questions, and there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Ken

[xken]

Here I have cut out patterns in paper and have spray glued them down to two sheets of brass for both front and rear crossmembers of chassis.







I am not left handed; I just wanted to hold saw while I took picture with my right hand.



























If you are going to solder; you will need a roll of binding wire. This is what I use and it does a great job holding assemblies together until soldered.







Finished Basic Frame

[hot ford coupe]

Wow, Now we're talking. Ken, this is one of the best tutorials I have seen on the site. It demystifies the whole procedure and makes the steps clear as a bell. Thanks so much for taking this on. Speaking for myself, this is going to be indispensible when I go to do the brass chassis for the Coffin. This is what I live and breathe for.

[ScaleMotorcars]

It demystifies the whole procedure and makes the steps clear as a bell.

Couldnt have said it better.

[xken]

I will keep going the best I can; then migrate into the more advanced stuff that will require Lathes and or Milling machine like the engine and rear axles and things.

I am having a hard time finding info on the engine support crossmenbers and drawing of the stock engine. All else fails I will bypass until Hawk introduces their engine and then buy one for reference. If some some has this kind of info it would be a great help. Anyone one out there with a Model T engine manual????;';;';

In the meantime I will also keep pluging away at the Stearman to. I have to admit building this racer is fun and enjoyable and much less difficult than planes.

Ken

[ScaleMotorcars]

Ken try this link for some tech info.

Tech Corner

Detailed wheel building.

Adobe Web Photo Gallery

You may want to also try this site. Its a French Model T site but they have allot of info. You may need to register.

www.Ford-T.fr

[xken]

Thanks this will be great when I get back to building the wheels.

Ken

[Don Garrett]

Ken...lots of pages, info and drawings scroll down through some of the early speed goodies.

Dyke's Automobile and Gasoline ... - Google Book Search

[xken]

I have run across this site, unfortunately one cannot down load individual images or pages. I also happen to own a 1918 Original Dykes Manual that has a lot of these pictures in them; but not the ones of the engine views as shown in this version.

I am still looking, thanks for the help.

Ken

[ScaleMotorcars]

Ken. At the top of the page you'll see a little box icon with an arrow. Click that and then click and drag the pointer over any page you want. Its going to give you a pop-up with (share this clip) ignore that and right click the mouse. Select copy then past the image into any photo editing software. After that you can save it to your computer.

Hope that helps.