AirDave's Kool Wheelz Collection

[airdave]

...Korrect!

[airdave]

uh-oh...better update this thread...
the 2013 Krismas Model was released to much fanfare (thanks to all!)

Find info here: Dave's 2013 Holiday Model!


...
this request keeps popping up...
oddly, from the same person...
at first I wasn't really interested...
but he is wearing me down! lol...

even though I can't believe I am doing this...




I decided to take my focus away from the Centurion Tank for a while.
I guess I am a little burnt out on that project, and every time I try to
get back into it, I end up getting frustrated real fast.
So, I figured the best thing to do is put it aside and take my mind away.

And thats why I am fiddling with Honest Engine...
but, as I expected, it is becoming a real challenge.

Now before I go any further, let me explain...I know little or nothing about this
Monogram model (from 1971). Other than a few pics found on the internet, I
have very little reference material.
I mentioned here that I would appreciate some diagrams or drawings of this model.
I also posted over at Coffin Corner (where Tom Daniels himself, hangs out)
that I was looking for a scan of the Instruction sheets.

I've received no help so far, so I am proceeding with the few found
photos of built models and box tops.

SO...if you have anything to help me, please pass it along now.
If I don't see any more reference right away, I don't want to see it all! lol
Because I am using my best guesses for the design and I don't want to get too far
and then have to make major changes.
I'd rather just continue without any extra info.

Anyway, as usual, the challenge behind a Koolwheelz model is always to make the model as simple as possible while retaining the original look.
I like to keep the part count to a minimum, keep the construction as simple as possible...and keep it to ONLY ONE PAGE.
I have only ever created one two page model...the Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch Team.
And thats because the Horses can actually be a separate model sheet,
the Beer Wagon works as a single model
...and its a vehicle that has special significance to me.

Honest Engine is an attempt to fill a personal request (by Greg Perry) and an interesting challenge of a design.
The fact that it is a Tom Daniels design is the only other reason I have considered it.
(If it had been a George Barris design I probably would have snickered and left it alone!)

Anyway, no idea when Honest Engine will be done, so don't ask.
But I do have one question for you...?
Do you think the Engine works without the Tender?
You see, its possible that I might be able to get the entire model squeezed onto one page
...I'll know for sure when I get the Motor designed...but there will be no room on that page for the Tender.
The Tender could be a second, separate model?, but that doesn't make a lot of sense.

Another issue is the inside of the Cab.
Rather than enclose the Cab into a box, sort of like the way I did the rear of the Paddy Wagon...
I decided to leave it open, but I don't want to add interior layers to the Cab walls.
And that means, the interior will be bare white card.
I will have to specify that the builder should colour the backside of the Cab parts.
Does that sound like a reasonable request?

[modelperry]

If I find anything soon I will forward it! I am surprised I wore you down so fast...

I think Kevin helped wear you down too.

Regardless of the outcome, level of detail or lack of a tender, I will be eternally grateful for your efforts (at least until I die).

Oh, and I promise not to mention any other cool Tom Daniels designs of other non automotive type vehicles/machines in your presence again.

greg

[airdave]

non-automotive is not an issue.

Tom Daniel's design are so cool though!
My two favorite designers are Gene Winfield and Tom Daniels.
So, anything by either of them will ALWAYS be considered.

[rockpaperscissor]

That really looks challenging - even for you. I'm sure it'll be beauteous when complete.

[Vermin_King]

Hmmm, no one has touched on the question about the tender. For me, since this will just be sitting on my Kool Wheelz shelf, the tender would not add that much to the model. As far as leaving the cab open, I'll probably do what I normally do and mirror print on the back getting rid of the 'glaring whiteness'

[airdave]

Looks like the tender WILL be included with the Honest Engine!

After laying out the Motor parts, its obvious that this will not all fit on one page.
And if the model has to be spread out over two pages, then it may as well be
like the original Monogram model and include the Tender!

Arguments for:
1. Although I may want to produce the koolwheelz kits as single page models,
I guess its not been a rule written in stone...eg the Budweiser beer Wagon.
2. A Stream Train is incomplete without its Tender (an engine needs Fuel)

Even with my simplifying and modifications to the original design, this model
will still have the highest part count of any Koolwheelz model so far.
I can't give you exact numbers on past models,
but the Honest Engine will have in excess of 80 parts (I'm already at 83).

LOL a little more than the Koolwheelz Deora ...which has only 2 parts
(6 if you count the accessory Surfboards!)

Just too many elements of varying shapes.
And way too many wheels to assemble! lol
And these I can't do as flat discs
...nope, they have to be tread parts with inner and outer faces.
12 Wheels in total, means a total of 36 parts just for that!!

Well, I am getting close to a test build...hopefully I have the scale size right.
Stay tuned.

[modelperry]

Originally Posted by airdave

Looks like the tender WILL be included with the Honest Engine!

After laying out the Motor parts, its obvious that this will not all fit on one page.
And if the model has to be spread out over two pages, then it may as well be
like the original Monogram model and include the Tender!

Arguments for:
1. Although I may want to produce the koolwheelz kits as single page models,
I guess its not been a rule written in stone...eg the Budweiser beer Wagon.
2. A Stream Train is incomplete without its Tender (an engine needs Fuel)

Even with my simplifying and modifications to the original design, this model
will still have the highest part count of any Koolwheelz model so far.
I can't give you exact numbers on past models,
but the Honest Engine will have in excess of 80 parts (I'm already at 83).

LOL a little more than the Koolwheelz Deora ...which has only 2 parts
(6 if you count the accessory Surfboards!)

Just too many elements of varying shapes.
And way too many wheels to assemble! lol
And these I can't do as flat discs
...nope, they have to be tread parts with inner and outer faces.
12 Wheels in total, means a total of 36 parts just for that!!

Well, I am getting close to a test build...hopefully I have the scale size right.
Stay tuned.

WOO HOO!!!!

greg

[airdave]

work continues on Honest Engine...I started it, so now I'm gonna finish it.
The sooner the better! what a pain.

I love the interesting design...its all about new experiences and new challenges.
But I am constantly annoyed by the fact that it doesn't fit within my original
Koolwheelz idea. The model is turning out to be a little large in scale...I'd like to
shrink it down a bit, but I have already enlarged it once to make it more buildable.
As a result of the increase, I am struggling a little more to get all the parts on
two pages...another thing that is bothering me (I like one page models!).
I might reduce it again, I'm not sure yet.

Anyway, I have test built most of the individual components...just got some
final tweaking...and then I've got 12 wheels to assemble!

In the meantime, heres a teaser...a rough assembly of some of the components:

[elliott]

She's looking good Dave, hang in there!