Testors 1/4 Scale 426 Hemi

This is from my previous post from a few days ago:

If you are talking about the "Visable" Hemi, it is a very nice model. However, when motorized, either it turns backwards or the fan is made wrong! Go figure!

A note on building this model. I used Testors glue for clear plastic in order not to craze the plastic. This stuff works very well if you don't mind using rubberbands to hold it together until it drys. It took a while to build because of this. I didn't glue the valve covers down so they could be taken off to see the valve train a little better.

Also be very particular about getting the valve guides in correctly so that they don't bind up the valves. I put mine in, making sure everything moved easily then I took the glue and ran it around the edge of the valve seat and let them dry for a few days.

I also had a problem with the air cleaner fitting properly and the fuel filters and gas lines fitting right.

Overall it is a nice conversation piece.

Thanks, BigJim. I didn't think to go back and try to find if this had been covered before.

DD,
One more thing to be CAREFUL with is mounting the power steering pump. The thing to watch out for is that the belts/bands are too tight. I used regular glue on this and still had to use some super-glue as when I first installed the belt, it tried to pull the pump off. I also soaked my belts in some very hot water to soften them up and then tried to stretch them a bit. Solved the problem.

Good info .
CFR

Check out this thread from over on Scale Auto Magazine's forum.
http://www.scaleautomag.com/sca/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9721
It will answer everything you want to know about the kit.
I found the link the other day when I was researching my build of the kit. I started about two weeks ago (I build real slow).

I have the rods painted and the pistons attached, filled and sanded. I have filled the hollows in the crankshaft counterweights with resin and am now filling air bubbles in them before I paint the crank.

Since I wanted to be able to build up the pistons to the rods before assembling the crank I have had to modify the sequence of construction.

The pistons won't fit through the spaces between the main bearings so I have to build up the crank throw by throw, putting the crank pieces up from the bottom and the rods and pistons down from the top.

I did a test fit this morning and it looks like it will work fine.

This sounds like it would be a fun kit to build, something diffrent. I built one along time ago before I really had any usable modeling skills, and it didn't turn out so hot. I think it would be fun now, its just to bad they don't make a visable turbo charger or something like that to customize it with, that would be to kool!

As of today, I have called Testors TWICE asking for replacement bases for my two Hemis because they turn backwards. I now have a total of six bases that all turn backwards! I'll try again tomorrow.

Have you tried reversing the polarity of the connections to the motor?
Or another solution, find a larger o-ring for the drive and put a half-twist in it.

I think if mine turns backwards, as long as it doesn't bind or anything, I'm going to leave it alone.

Here's a pic of the con-rods all painted

QUOTE: Have you tried reversing the polarity of the connections to the motor? Or another solution, find a larger o-ring for the drive and put a half-twist in it. I think if mine turns backwards, as long as it doesn't bind or anything, I'm going to leave it alone.

Everyone,
When you pay for something, you expect it to work correctly. It bugs the heck out of me that when this thing is running the fan blade is spinning backward.

It bugs me even more that there is such a lack of quality control. This is after I was assured that someone would make sure that the bases would turn correctly before they were sent to me.

I also find it a bit disconcerting that any of you do not care that yours doesn't turn correctly either.

If your base turns backwards, give Testors a call at 1-800-962-6654 and voice your displeasure. They're getting another call from me today.

QUOTE: Originally posted by BigJim I also find it a bit disconcerting that any of you do not care that yours doesn't turn correctly either.

Sorry to bug you, I was just trying to help.

Progress on my Hemi:

Crankshaft

Block with crank, rods, pistons, cam and pushrods. I altered the construction sequence here too, gluing the top of the cylinders and the valley pieces to the block with the pushrods installed. I felt it would give a more secure glue bond to the block than gluing the head to the top faces of the block before putting the whole assembly together. I test fit the heads before gluing to make sure I can thread the pushrods through the head okay. It works fine.

 

Wow!! Thanks for all the replies, guys!! All of this info will certainly help me out once I start building my Hemi. Good Luck on everyone else's builds.

 

Further progress:

Block and heads, the intake manifold is just set on top.

Accessories

Close up of exhaust manifold. I painted it with a can of decorator's "Terra Cotta" spray paint to give it a cast appearance. It then got a coat of Tamiya metallic gray.

I tried replacing the "speaker" that comes with the kit with a speaker from an old PC but it still sounds like crap so I think I'll just leave it out.

Nice texture effect! Really nice. The build seems to be comming together quite well!!!