Pat Hollingsworth Posted January 15, 2019 Share Posted January 15, 2019 Roger, I'd like to make some really nice compliments, but the guys are way ahead of me in stating what a neat job that trunk lid ended up being. From the first posts beginning this huge, beautiful project, until these ending ones the journey has matched the fabulous model. What a treat to have been around for much of it. You and it are both treasures. Thank you! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 15, 2019 Author Share Posted January 15, 2019 9 hours ago, Luv2Wrench said: Yeah, that really looks good and it only looks better after Spinneyhill's picture of a "real" Mark II. I keep going back and forth between them and it is truly mind boggling... you'd think that *something* would be misplaced or not scaled correctly on the model... not so. The 'L' is a nice detail... I would have placed it further down to the chrome bar, roughly in line with the 'C', instead it is a little higher up. If you look at the "real" Mark II you'll notice that it is also a little higher up. I guess that's the difference between aligning on centers and edges. Great detail. Ah! Jeff and the lying pictures! I measured the distance between the "C" and the "L" to the chrome bar this morning. Maybe at 0.1mm the distance is the same. The vertical part of the "L" is wide, giving the impression that the letter is further away from the chromed bar, because the thin horizontal element is hardly visible on the picture. Thanks to all who take the time to answer and comment this construction. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 15, 2019 Author Share Posted January 15, 2019 8 hours ago, keiser31 said: Roger....I think your deck lid fits better than on the real car! Mmmm...Not so sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Macartney Posted January 15, 2019 Share Posted January 15, 2019 I also keep going back and forth between the photos of the real car and your model. I have said it before - I find the skill and attention to detail at this scale is absolutely amazing. No wonder the Swiss are know for watch making! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalef62 Posted January 15, 2019 Share Posted January 15, 2019 Roger, I have been with this build from day one! It has been an amazing ride! You are quite the craftsman and have done what most people only dream of. From the day you started this build with the tires it has been very exciting to see how you made each part and how detailed you were in recreating the Mark II, and your problem solving has been amazing. I know you have had many sleepless nights designing in your head what were the next parts to make and how you would go about doing them. Quite an amazing feat! Again, WONDERFUL JOB! And thanks for bringing us along to view. Maybe this summer we could meet as my daughter and son-in-law are in Bern now on a 1 year job assignment and we may travel there to visit them. Where in Switzerland are you? Dale 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 15, 2019 Author Share Posted January 15, 2019 Thanks for the kind words, Dale. I'm glad this construction did entertain many people! I'm living near Bienne, at about 20 miles from Bern. If you are in that region, you are welcome to visit me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 20, 2019 Author Share Posted January 20, 2019 (edited) I really took my time to put the letters on the hood! Like at the rear, I did a jig to help for the position of the letters. I glued some paper at the back of the guide but I remove it after the 3 first letters were glued. This time all went well without disappearing letter! I did also a method’s change: I put the glue at the back of each letter; at the rear, the glue was deposited on the paint with a toothpick; I could better control the glue quantity when it was at the back of each letter. Technically, the model was finished on January 19, 2019, not quite 9 years after the beginning which was on February 3, 2010. I’m glad I survived all that time and I’m glad YOU survived too! There will be better looking pictures when I can do them outside with a good light. Till then, well, it will be quieter. As I wrote some time ago, I have to finish the Toronado. If I can continue here with that finishing work, then my reports are not yet over. does it makes sense to relate my model's stories here or should I begin a new topic? What do you think? And what the moderators are thinking? Thank you to all who followed and commented this adventure. It was a pleasure to read those messages; they helped also to continue that mad project! I forgot something important to add: the final weight: front 1'686g, rear 1'798g for a total of 3'484g or 7.68 pounds. A real heavy weight! It's interesting to note that, despite the engine weight, the front axle is lighter than the rear one. Edited January 20, 2019 by Roger Zimmermann Weight added (see edit history) 9 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpage Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Wow Roger, that is amazing. I think we all can really appreciate your skill, attention to detail and tenacity to complete a project 9 years in the making! I wish that I had 1/10 of your knowledge and skill! The car is beautiful! It's sad to see this project end in a way but we can look forward to the work on the Avanti. Would there be any way to keep this thread active , other than continuing it, so it can be shared with others? Again, great work and thanks for sharing it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 20, 2019 Author Share Posted January 20, 2019 Thanks for your comments! I assume that the sole way to keep this thread active is to put new messages. Therefore I think it would make sense to continue here with the other adventures: there is that way only one thread dealing with scale models. Or, to make a comparison: unimogjohn and his thread "Avanti R2, 1963, refresh". The refreshing from the Avanti is long done, and he is telling his car's adventures on the same thread. By the way, I have about 1000 views more that John! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCHinson Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Roger, Feel free to continue posting about your other model in this same thread, or probably about anything else you want to share. I am sure that your friends here will be happy to continue following your adventures just like they are John's post Avanti work. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 20, 2019 Author Share Posted January 20, 2019 Thank you Mr. Administrator! Matthew, I will do it that way. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 What a fabulous journey you have taken us on. Thank you, Roger! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luv2Wrench Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Roger, over the last nine years a lot has happened. My kids went from ages 9, 11 and 13 to 18, 20 and 22... one can only imagine the highs and lows during that stretch!! I bought one project (1913 Metz) and realized I needed a lot more capability to tackle it. I've spent years trying to add those skills and tools. I put it on hold and bought another easier project (1952 MG TD) and have enjoyed it. During the whole time a constant has been your amazing progress. Checking in on your progress has always pulled me back to the right state of mind... one that patience and perseverance are the keys to getting things done. I'm thrilled that you've started the thread on the 1956 Cadillac Biarritz and look forward to the Avanti pictures here. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S. Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Roger, first of all, thank you for sharing your passion with all of us. The Mark 2 is remarkable. Your skills go way beyond the modeling world. The Mark is a beautiful work of art. I have learned so much, from each and every post. Looking forward to seeing you restore the Cadillac. Thanks. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Wow, what a marvellous achievement! Your readers may be sad, but that is purely selfish sadness that there are no more wonderful posts of tiny work well done on this model. I have smiled many times when you show a new part with a little explanation of how it was done and I marvel at your skills. 0.75 g per pound is pretty good too. After the Toronado refurbishment, will you make a nice display cabinet with streetscape diorama to display your models? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957Birdman Posted January 20, 2019 Share Posted January 20, 2019 Roger, It has been an inspiration to see you work on and complete your Mark II model. I took great interest in it as the Continental is one of my favorites and one of the best styled cars of the 1950's. Your persistence and perseverance in overcoming problems you encountered along the way was awe inspiring. The final result speaks for itself. It is stunning. Congratulations on a job well done. You are a craftsman's craftsman! Sincerely, Lew Bachman 1957 T-Bird Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Hollingsworth Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 I'm going to be waiting for the 'finish photos' of the model because I know they will be remarkable images. The continuing story of the Toronado, or anything else. is going to be interesting enough to make the wait pleasant. I always feel better when I come here and browse for a little while. Or, a long while. Carry on, we await your posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 I must say that prior to this Continental model build, I was not a big fan of those cars. Thanks to Roger, I have grown to appreciate the fine automobiles that they are. Thank you, Roger! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 22, 2019 Author Share Posted January 22, 2019 Hi all! I just can say thank you for al the recent comments. I should respond to each one; you will understand that I will do it that way. I'm just amazed how many people followed this construction since the begining and were not tired by the slow pace nor from the sometimes abstract posts. Barry Wold had right: I will get here a large audience. Thanks again to all, but I will come back and maybe sooner as you are thinking! However, do not anticipate a large project: I wrote here what I'm intending to do next. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 22, 2019 Author Share Posted January 22, 2019 (edited) On 1/20/2019 at 7:41 PM, Spinneyhill said: After the Toronado refurbishment, will you make a nice display cabinet with streetscape diorama to display your models? As this is a concise question, I have to answer it: no, I will not do that. It would require a huge space which I don't have and I have anyway no envy nor talent do do a scenery. Look, I'm way from perfect! Edited January 22, 2019 by Roger Zimmermann (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randiego Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 Roger, Regarding your faulting the model and yourself........................BUNK ! Never have I seen such a creation as what you have done here. We know it is perfect as you would not skip or let a little "flaw" pass. You would think on it then come back with the answer showing us how you accomplished the solution to the problem. Now it is a MASTERPIECE. What is left to do on the Continental now? Are the windows in? Plus, did you get the license plates made yet? And the battery box. Just a few items that I was thinking about. We all come to this site like "moths drawn to the candle". We all want to see what you have done next. It is a rewarding release after all the pressures of the day to sit down and open the site and follow this great story. Do continue with the Tornado's work as we will all like to see what you do with it. What will be really amazing is to see the Continental in "low light" with the headlamps turned on and the tail lights and license plate lights burning. You are the master ! Randy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 (edited) Randy, the model is complete. The windows are in, the "license" plate is on; I did recently a picture from the front with the lights on (the picture is somewhere here) and, to my dismay, there is no light for the license plate! I'm now with the Toronado. There is here a lot to do as you will see later. Edited January 24, 2019 by Roger Zimmermann (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 (edited) Now that the Mark II is ready, I have to really finish the Toronado. Why did I not finish it many years ago? Probably because I was very busy with my real cars; anyway, the fact is that the electrical system was not finished and the seat was no more functioning. In the seventies or eighties, a neighbors did for me a voltage reducer: the electrical motor for the traction is fed with 6V, but the motors for windows, seat and headlamps are fed with 2V. I had no idea if this device would still function, I never tried it. During the break in January, I did a case for four 1.5V batteries (it could be that then I did not continue because I had no 6V source) similar to the one I did for the Mark II. The first thing I did was to hook that voltage reducer and try if the windows would work. Nothing! However, the inside illumination was on, so I knew that the voltage reducer was active. As I had nothing to lose, I tried with 3V. The LH window came up, but with a high pitch noise! The RH window came up and down without noise, but very slowly. The quarter windows were OK too, but much slower than I had in memory. The seat would not move and the headlamps would not come up. The first work was to open the LH door and remove the motor. In retrospect, I did a very good job as everything is attached with screws. Once the motor was out, I separated the motor from the reduction gear and let it run with 1.5V. I had then the confirmation that the vibration came from the motor and not from the reduction! I put some oil at the output shaft, without difference. The back is closed; I tried anyway to put a drop of oil on it. I assume that the capillarity from the construction let some oil come at the right place as with the time, the motor went to a quiet mode. It’s now back in place, without noise. With 1.5V, it barely goes up and down when connecting the battery directly to the motor. Therefore, I tried again with 3V; it goes somewhat quicker, but you can almost get asleep in between. That’s a design flaw: to improve the situation, I should use the same motors as the ones from the Mark II; this would require heavy modifications at the doors because the transmission (or reduction gear) is square. To understand what was happening and continue the electrical work, I had to remove the rear seat. I discovered the electrical mess under it; if I have the schematic of the system, I don’t have identified the wires with the proper color, so I’m lost. There will be some detective work to find out. As some elements covered with leather were out, I cleaned them with a leather product. Despite the age (about 40 years old), they are in good shape; I must add that the mileage is maybe 10 yards! Edited January 24, 2019 by Roger Zimmermann Pictures added (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 (edited) As I had no motion with the switches, I had to assume that it was some oxidation there or worse, an open circuit. Again, everything is assembled with screws; I could remove the knobs to have a good view at the contacts. If the moving parts from the contacts were made with gold to avoid the oxidation, the pins were just brass and, indeed, they are black. A light cleaning was done as good as I could because, unfortunately, the switch base cannot be removed from the wiring. I will add some contact grease. When I was doing the switches for the Mark II, I wanted to see how I did the switches for the Toronado. I had unfortunately not the courage to remove all the parts attached with screws. It’s a pity because the master switch is almost a miniaturisation marvel and the way I did the insulation at the knobs was fantastic: I let first the knobs to be chromed and then I did the necessary insulation with 2K body filler! Easy, not a lot of machining and effective. I removed also the motor from the seat; fortunately, it’s not dead, it’s turning well with 1.5V. However, the seat’s tracks, a rod into a tube, was prone to jam. I will redo the tracks the way I did them for the Avanti and Mark II. The system itself with the string will stay because the mechanism I did for the Mark II could not be used here due to a lack of space. Cars were getting lower in the sixties! In between, I removed the hood because the mobile headlamps may require further disassembly. Edited January 24, 2019 by Roger Zimmermann Adding text and picture (see edit history) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 There is actually no way to tell if that last photo is of a real car or a model! FANTASTIC! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 You are too kind! Some wires are missing (like on the Mark II, adding tem just creates a mess) and the clamps at the water hose are missing too. I will however add the clamps. It will be like a general revision after 30 - 40 years! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCollar Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 Roger I am so glad to hear the saga continues. There are only so many good things to invest time on and I have enjoyed all the time spent reading and feeling your satisfaction in your accomplishment. Over 9 years on a build and never getting discouraged is the mark of excellence. Thank you for a wonderful build and thank you for sharing your journey. You are one of a kind. Nelson 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Hollingsworth Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Yeah, get those clamps on right away, or it'll lose the antifreeze. Nice picture of the engine, all right, but the one that got my attention was the door opening with the ''Body By Fisher" emblem on the scuff plate. How'd you do that back in the day? Neat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buick 59 Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 I'm another one of the guys that have been with you since the first post... you made 9 years goes by in a flash because each post was more amazing than the last. Thanks for educating and wowing all of us with your talents, skill, patience, and humbleness... I've enjoyed every second of it! I'm so looking forward to watching you bring some of your "older" models up to date! ~ Tom 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 25, 2019 Author Share Posted January 25, 2019 (edited) 17 hours ago, Pat Hollingsworth said: ... but the one that got my attention was the door opening with the ''Body By Fisher" emblem on the scuff plate. How'd you do that back in the day? Neat. It was a picture. I most probably got a print of the negatives; that emblem was with the right dimensions...Unfortunately, it's now blass. As I'm doing a major job on this model (the report will come tomorrow), maybe I will let do decals. @Tom: Thanks for the fidelity! In the next few month, you will have something to see with the Toronado! Edited January 25, 2019 by Roger Zimmermann (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hursst Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Truly amazing work. I would say that your car is worth as much or more than a 1:1 scale version. I would also think, and hope, that 100 or 200 years from now, these pieces will be in the Louvre or The Henry Ford, or some other place of honor to be enjoyed by all next to all the other masterpieces. I don't think anyone in the world could match this work. Congratulations. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 26, 2019 Author Share Posted January 26, 2019 As some wiring is lose in the trunk compartment, and the trim non-existent, I removed the trunk lid to facilitate the work. I noted that the torsion springs cannot held the lid open; I removed the rear grille and had a look at what I did a long time ago: the rods are similar to the ones from a real car. I could not remove them, but I was able to bend a leg, giving more upwards strength; it’s now enough to keep the lid wide open. I then reassembled the master switch and had a good look at the small switch for the seat. After a while, I discovered a broken wire; no wonder the seat was not functioning! I cannot solder the wire to the proper place as the space is not sufficient and the switch too near from the door/pillar. The dilemma was: do I let it that way, reassembling all or do I remove the wiring to repair the switch? When I’m at finishing something, it must function, therefore the decision came rather quickly: I’m repairing the switch, which is a major job: taking the carpet out. I knew that I could not rescue it, but boy, it was well, too well glued! While I’m at that, the quarter trim panels are coming out too because the switches are not functioning. I had no clue how the wiring would look like; I completely forgot how it was done. I will have to cut the wires going to the door, repair and reinstall and solder together the cut wires. I will use less material to keep the wires together; the vibrations are so few that its not necessary to attach them the way I did. On top of that, the RH front window is more functioning! The motor is turning, but nothing is happening. Some more panels to remove! Some good news: the switch for the headlamp is OK, but the LH lid for the headlamps is jamming and is staying closed. Something more to repair! I have the impression that this model is like a real car which was technically neglected: good looking but not reliable. And each repair leads to another one. Nice! 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luv2Wrench Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Seems this is like working on a real car... try to solve one problem and then need to take half the car apart! Could you get a couple of shots of the dash? It looks amazing!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 26, 2019 Author Share Posted January 26, 2019 Yes, it's exactly like that! For the moment it's a mess. Here is an older one. Plus two from right now. I cannot put the camera into the car to have a good one! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luv2Wrench Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 WOW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughing Coyote Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Roger, You got so many posts going I can't keep up. I didn't go far enough back to see you had the Continental finished. Man I'm really falling behind. The Continental is just amazing and I applaud you on all the hard work you put into making it. Truly a one of a kind piece. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 27, 2019 Author Share Posted January 27, 2019 Thanks Martin! Yes, since the model is finished, there were a lot of messages. To make things worse, I continue with the repair of another model! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 27, 2019 Author Share Posted January 27, 2019 (edited) After I cut some wires to take the window’s harness out, I noticed that it was not coming out easily. Once away from the car, I noticed that I was not able to insert a single wire into the model from the hole in the A pillar! It was at that time evident: the dash must out. But how? Fortunately, I kept the drawings I did during the construction. Unfortunately, they are imprecise; I just found an incomplete description how the dash was installed: the heater and A/C module at the dash was put last and was glued. Fortunately, the glue after so many years is no more very strong: with a plier, I could take the assembly out. Behind that, a screw is attaching the left instruments assembly. When this assembly was out, I saw more screws. But, how to remove the instruments from the right side? My brain had to make some overtime and something told me that one of the radio knobs is the key. But which one? The RH one would not turn but the LH did. And, effectively, the assembly is coming out! After a while, I was convinced that the surround in leather must come out. I found the 3 screws but then, the steering column was in the way! It went out without too much trouble. However, the dash would not move a lot because of the light harness. Then, I saw that the light switch is attached with 2 screws; this allowed me to pull the dash. Fortunately, all went without damage to the paint or plated parts. I can now move to the seat switch; I think I’m doing another one which should be better. Edited January 27, 2019 by Roger Zimmermann (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark80439 Posted January 27, 2019 Share Posted January 27, 2019 Excuse me if I've missed this somewhere, but is there a link to Roger's Toronado build? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Zimmermann Posted January 27, 2019 Author Share Posted January 27, 2019 No, there is no link or whatever. I did that model between 1966 and 1980 (or later). What I'm showing here is the intend to finish it; indeed to repair and finish it. I have so few pictures on paper and it was done so many years ago, I cannot do a story like I did with the Mark II. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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