Lola T-70 MkIII [FINISHED!]

keavdog

Member since
April 2003
From: USA

Posted by keavdog on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 5:20 PM

The finish looks fantastic. Shame to put a decals on it.

Thanks,

John

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 10:27 AM

Thanks! It doesn't get decals, it's a street car. It will stay "boring" like this.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 12:45 PM

I finally balanced the wheels/tires. Instead of using my little balancer (for real) I copied the weight sizes and placement on my real C6's wheels. The tape that holds them on collects grime and dirt so I copied that too.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Monday, January 30, 2023 5:45 PM

I made the engine cover latch handles. Machined each as a single piece.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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Project510

Member since
January 2022

Posted by Project510 on Monday, January 30, 2023 6:35 PM

Wow. Beautiful.

Scale-Master

Again, I was happy to see all the planning to get the engine cover to fit and operate on its hinges and to latch closed worked after everything was painted and all the tight fitting things that could interfere didn't.

I also re-test fitted the wheels to see where I am. Too bad it was an overcast day.

___________________________________________

- James

WIP:

1/25 Revell 64' Chevy Pickup - Git' r Done GB
Tamiya Lotus Type 79 (1978) - 2023 Formula One GB
1/64 scale TypeOne Garage Diorama

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 11:26 AM

These are the latch handles for the front hood section. Different design for a different application.

There are some people who assume that when parts are machined they just come out looking like they can be used as is. In some cases they can be, but in many cases some or a lot of hand finishing is needed, as in these latch handles. This is what these parts looked like after machining but before the hand finishing. The difference is the hand work.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Friday, February 3, 2023 1:51 PM

While there is a heavy screen built into the grille opening in the body, I added this fine stone guard screen too. The machined petcock has been installed, and I made a mask and stenciled LOLA onto the screen. A couple more fittings were machined and installed in this area as well.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 2:14 PM

Tow hook; machined aluminum. The lock nut is a separate piece. (Sorry for the poor photos, gotta work on it when I have time…)

Anodized red.

Installed.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 6:32 PM

After I lettered the spare I was really wishing these were Avon or Toyo or some other shorter name brand tire… Those outlines make for a tedious time too.

I tried the sort of new Tamiya LP-4 Flat White lacquer and found it to be quite workable.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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DUSTER

Member since
August 2007
From: back country of SO-CAL, at the birth place of Naval Aviation

Posted by DUSTER on Saturday, February 11, 2023 10:11 PM

Most of us, well me, have enough trouble getting the solid letters to look OK.

You do outlines!

I’m gonna sit in the coroner and count my toes for a bit.

Steve

Building the perfect model---just not quite yet Confused

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Monday, February 13, 2023 4:31 PM

I dirtied up the bottom a little bit more.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Friday, February 24, 2023 12:07 PM

Lots of incremental progress spread out over a couple weeks; can't rush at this point. The engine cover is installed, hopefully for the final time and the electrical loom has been run to the rear lights. The latches for the front clip are on as are the mirrors and fuel & coolant filler caps. The windshield has been set in and sealed (only took 15 hours…) and several more detail decals were made and applied. Too bad the weather is so nasty and I can't shoot it outside, or in the sun…

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Thursday, March 9, 2023 12:56 PM

After 46 full months I think it's done.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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bobbaily

Member since
November 2003
From: Nashville, TN area

Posted by bobbaily on Thursday, March 9, 2023 1:13 PM

Been following this build from the begining-your Lola is truly a piece of art and a labor of love. Fantastic build!

Bob

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wpwar11

Member since
January 2020
From: Maryland

Posted by wpwar11 on Thursday, March 9, 2023 2:17 PM

I've been on here for three years and have been watching too. This thing is truly bad ass! What a model!

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oldermodelguy

Member since
November 2018

Posted by oldermodelguy on Thursday, March 9, 2023 2:39 PM

The car type isn't my cup of tea but wow ! Nobody can knock that workmanship !

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keavdog

Member since
April 2003
From: USA

Posted by keavdog on Thursday, March 9, 2023 2:57 PM

Man she looks fast. Magnificent Mark! A true museum piece and thanks so much for sharing the build and your techniques all the while.

Thanks,

John

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Eugene Rowe

Member since
May 2022

Posted by Eugene Rowe on Thursday, March 9, 2023 4:18 PM

You really went all out on this build! outstanding quality and detail!

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Monday, March 13, 2023 5:22 PM

Thanks for the kind words guys!

It was a fun and sometimes challenging project, but I am happy it's done.

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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Greg

Member since
May 2013
From: Indiana, USA

Posted by Greg on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 6:10 PM

I can't come up with words to do justice to what you have done here.

Amazing workmanship and skillset. It's been an adventure just watching and admiring your progress from afar.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

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JoeSMG

Member since
January 2021

Posted by JoeSMG on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 7:36 PM

I don't make car models or follow car threads so I'm very late to the party here. What you have created should be in the Smithsonian or someplace preferably more impressive. Such perfection is rare and so far beyond my abilities that it hurts to think about it.

To sum up in brief: Nice Job!

- Joe the SMG

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Bugatti Fan

Member since
January 2011

Posted by Bugatti Fan on Friday, April 14, 2023 2:18 AM

Lovely remarkably detailed model Mark!

I have been following this build on other forums too.

Was wondering if this will emulate the success you had with the Caterham at the next GSL? Good luck!

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deja-view

Member since
April 2023

Posted by deja-view on Saturday, April 15, 2023 2:26 PM

I am one those who has followed you build of this Lola from the beginning. I used to be dallas 916 when we were on SAE forums. You have done some incredible work here, needless to say. I have a couple of these Lolas myself, but got stuck on the forst one when I found out the real Lolas used the Aston Martin engines first. I've been tempted to fake one, but ther eis a really nice one being sold by the guy in Belgium(?) on eBay for about $250. Tempting but I really dn't want to build the engine piece by piece from the inside out....just a nice finished motor to install in the car. Of course, then it would be important to "duplicate" the rest of the car in corect color and livery. That would be the easy part I'd hope. I tried making a real aluminim interior bucket and tanks for this one, but didn't have some of the tools necessary. Sure looked better than silver painted plastic, though. ;) Anyway, if I can ever get back to this model (from dozens of other WIPS), I'll try to use some of your well-researched modifications. Or....go back to "box stock". :( Again, great job! Oh...are yopu going top take this one to the LAST GSL in May??

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Scale-Master

Member since
October 2020

Posted by Scale-Master on Monday, April 17, 2023 6:48 PM

Thank you deja-view.

The Aston Lolas were kind of odd ball cars compared to the much more common Chevy powered ones. One of them had a unique rear body section too. The Aston engines really didn't come first. In fact in '65 there was a Ford T70. In '66 Chevy was the dominant powerplant. The Aston engines used were to combat the poor results the Chevy powered coupes were having in Europe due to the lower octane fuel. They didn't do too well either.

Best Balsa sells a conversion kit; maybe that's the one you've already discovered?

Yes, this will be at the GSL in a couple weeks. (I'm kind of obligated to be there since I won the Best of Show at the last GSL and agreed to do a seminar on how I built that model.)

Build what you want and build it for yourself, the rest will follow... Mark D. Jones

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DUSTER

Member since
August 2007
From: back country of SO-CAL, at the birth place of Naval Aviation

Posted by DUSTER on Thursday, April 20, 2023 11:49 PM

As is my usual trick I missed the finale. So, my apologies for this late comment. You can be justifiably proud of your accomplishment. The skill and perseverance and perspiration have paid off handsomely.

To quote an earlier post of mine, “WOW!” , Well Done sir.

Steve

Building the perfect model---just not quite yet Confused

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PatW

Member since
December 2008
From: UK

Posted by PatW on Saturday, April 22, 2023 2:27 AM

A fantastic build and full marks for using engineering talents that the majority of us can only dream about! On another level as a long term race marshall of 20 plus years now retired, these cars I saw in their first races here and were then and still now am astonished by their sheer speed, handling, poise and noise on the track! Now to be seen at the various tracks across the world in historic car racing!

Thank you!

Remember , common sense is not common.