[Gordon Steadman]

Hmm.....now that would be an interesting project. No balsa required - I've run out - and I reckon I could do it all in plasticard.

Might be fun. I've run out of projects for races.

Fancy doing one for me Gordon? Happy to pay.

So long as you aren't in a hurry, I may well give it a go.  Slot cars are on the back burner at the mo as I'm doing work to the house in an effort to get the lazy gits who might buy my house to actually do that thing.

Why is it that everyone wants to walk into ready made perfection these days? When we see a house, it's the "what can we do to it to make it perfect for us?" That usually means getting off your bum and actually doing something. I've just spent a week painting the ceiling in the lounge after the builders installed it. It has always put buyers off when they see it needs doing. 
Sounds a long time but it's 7 by 5 metres and it runs up to a mezzanine so it's 5 metres high at one end. Scaffold towers and that nonsense.  

Assuming I get round to it, I'll get the basics done and then you can decide on the colour scheme. I do like that red and cream one myself.

[JasonB]

Nice one Gordon. I'm certainly in no hurry.

I also agree about buying houses. I've always looked for houses to do up, but I guess some people aren't very practical.

[KensRedZed]

Gordon.

Here's another suggestion to balsa. The shape of the body lends itself to being thermoformed. Since you are already a carving expert. Make one carving out of hardwood. Seal the pores. Then make hundreds of copies until the cows come home.

You can make your own thermoforming machine at home with a shop-vac. Don't forget to tell your wife that you'll need the kitchen-oven for about an hour. Youtube how to make one. It's easier than you think for a person mechanically inclined.

Start selling the bodies to your friends. 

[KensRedZed]

Gordon. If I had your carving skills? I would start making everything out of hardwood and thermoform everything that moves on the track.

Lexan bodies may not be legal at some clubs. But every home track will want one one of your cars that no one else might offer. You have an undiscovered market just waiting for you to expand.

Cheers,
Ken

[Gordon Steadman]

Gordon.

Here's another suggestion to balsa. The shape of the body lends itself to being thermoformed. Since you are already a carving expert. Make one carving out of hardwood. Seal the pores. Then make hundreds of copies until the cows come home.

You can make your own thermoforming machine at home with a shop-vac. Don't forget to tell your wife that you'll need the kitchen-oven for about an hour. Youtube how to make one. It's easier than you think for a person mechanically inclined.

Start selling the bodies to your friends. 

Nah! Not interested. I do this for fun, it's therapy of a sort that keeps my mind and fingers nimble.

If I started doing it for money, I would lose all interest and it would become a chore. At 73 years old, I've had enough of that stuff. Even when I was working I objected to having to do things for money. I hated selling my guitars for instance. They're mine....mine I tell you.  Typical artiste type  

Seriously, money just means a roof over my head, food in the stomach and enough for the occasional slot car. We haven't had a holiday since we moved here in 2007. Living here and being retired is holiday enough and I am not about to take on anything that smacks of pressure now.

[Gordon Steadman]

Quick rough sketch  
   

[JasonB]

You've obviously got a good eye Gordon (or perhaps two ), that looks fairly accurate to me.

I'll throw these up anyway, in case they're any help.

   
   
   

[Gordon Steadman]

You've obviously got a good eye Gordon (or perhaps two ), that looks fairly accurate to me.

I'll throw these up anyway, in case they're any help.

Great, thanks Jason. I did have a look around but only found the dimensions. It's good to have a proper drawing.

[Scuderia_Turini]

Ah!  The Austin version is called Austin 101.
I want one!

If Gordon makes the master, hopefully someone can make a mould and cast some. I'm more than happy to alter the grille to the Austin version.
My Austin van fleet needs a 101.

Leo

   
Photo from www.jtypevan.com

   

[JasonB]

After exhaustive research, I've managed to find a little known but hugely important part of the J type's history.

Believe it or not, this plucky little van actually fought to save the world.

Picture the scene...

It's 1959, and a deadly enemy threatens humanity's very existence. What could possibly save us? That's right, it's time to break out our secret weapon, the J van.

       

Spluttering into action, the brave little Brit speeds straight to the scene of the invasion, and leaps fearlessly into the action.

       

The J takes on several fiendish foes in unarmed combat. "Take that you dastardly Dalek!!!!"

       

Please note the multi directional headlamps Ken, you wouldn't get that with those fancy modern integrated systems.  



Sadly though, things didn't end well for the cute little chappy, but his bravery in action will never be forgotten.

       

I don't actually know what happened to the invasion, but since we're all still here, I presume Dr Who managed to sort it all out in the end, but not without the help of our plucky little haulage hero.