Another Project...

[strummer57]

This oldie arrived today:





As you can see, there are quite a few parts missing.

Initially the motor (Mabuchi 15R) didn't run; I discovered that one of the brushes was "out of whack": that issue was quickly fixed and it now runs like a top...which, given its age (pre zip-code) is pretty impressive. And even though the parts list doesn't show it, a 1/2" 2-56 screw (dug out from my train stuff) holds the body halves together perfectly.

Judging by current eBay listings, finding a parts Maserati 250F would be easier to find; are certain parts (like axle spacers, gear, etc.) interchangeable with this Indy roadster? I know the 250F (and a lot of similar vintage Strombeckers) has the (more or less) standard frame set-up, whereas this is more like a Scalextric "clamshell" design.

As always, any help or comments are welcome!

Mark in Oregon

[strangebrew]

WOW!....I had one of those a LONG LONG LONG time ago.....Seems like it ran pretty good on the old Strombecker plastic track
on the ping pong table.

[RBPhillips]

I think it's cool that the detail parts, especially the long exhaust pipe for that upright 255 cube Offy, made the trip after all these years!

[strummer57]

Thanks for the comments guys. I never know if anything I post will be of interest...

As someone who grew up in the '60s, these roadsters have always held a fascination for me: the little portable radio, sitting on a picnic table during the annual family Memorial Day gathering, listening to Sid Collins "The Voice of the 500"...heady stuff.

Although the decals are more or less intact, the paint job is pretty awful, so I suppose stripping the thing and starting over will be necessary; unless someone has a suggestion as to how to remove the paint from the surrounding areas yet leave the decals alone.

As far as missing parts; does anyone offer "after market" pieces, such as the oil tank, etc.? I'm lucky in that the roll bar, gas cap and exhaust are still ok...

Mark in Oregon

[RBPhillips]

I'd layer ovals of .060 or .080 styrene, glued then sanded, to make a tank working from old photos. Evergreen stuff works and finishes up nicely.

[chrisguyw]

As far as missing parts; does anyone offer "after market" pieces, such as the oil tank, etc.? I'm lucky in that the roll bar, gas cap and exhaust are still ok...

Mark in Oregon

Look at the EJ's hobbies site.............."Strombecker" parts.

Cheers
Chris Walker

[strummer57]

Look at the EJ's hobbies site.............."Strombecker" parts.

Cheers
Chris Walker

Perfect!

Thanks so much Chris...

PS: Have you ever done one of these? If so, I ( and I'm sure others) would love to see it!

Mark in Oregon

PPS: Hmm...I tried twice to send an email to that vendor; both times it was kicked back as "undeliverable"...

[strummer57]

Update: got through to EJ's after all, so parts will be forthcoming; thanks again Chris, for the heads-up.

Began the stripping process:





You can really see in these photos how crappy the paint job is: was applied with a brush, I'm sure. The bottom half turned out okay (gotta love that 99% alcohol) except for the slight etching around where the oil tank will go...

Am just starting the upper half now: I suspect I'll lose the decals, but have found some replacements on eBay.

Question: were there ever after-market wheels made for this model that are more realistic than the stock "wire" type that Strombecker seemed to put on everything?

Mark in Oregon

[chrisguyw]

Question: were there ever after-market wheels made for this model that are more realistic than the stock "wire" type that Strombecker seemed to put on everything?

Mark in Oregon

Yes,........Wheels from RSSlotracing, with Halibrand inserts also from RSSlotracing, or, Dart Hobbies.

Cheers
Chris Walker

[strummer57]

Nice...will have to look for some of those, thanks!

Mark in Oregon

[strummer57]

Stripped, painted and waiting on parts and decals...







Mark in Oregon

[NHBandit]

I have one of these myself in the "fix it some day" pile. If anyone has the bottom half of a body I sure could use it. Mine is broken where the guide flag mounts and that part is missing.

[strummer57]

I have one of these myself in the "fix it some day" pile. If anyone has the bottom half of a body I sure could use it. Mine is broken where the guide flag mounts and that part is missing.

Good luck with that; finding parts for these seems very difficult, as there doesn't appear to be many parts that are common with other Strombecker cars of similar vintage...

Mark in Oregon

[NHBandit]

Good luck with that; finding parts for these seems very difficult, as there doesn't appear to be many parts that are common with other Strombecker cars of similar vintage...

Mark in Oregon

Not a big deal. It's rolling as it sits so it may always just be a display model. Just one of those things I keep an eye out for.

[strummer57]

I think I have enough parts in my little stores of spares to get this running...except for part #21: "Axle Bushings":



Plus, I'm not at all sure how the rear axle stays centered so that the gears stay meshed together. Seems like there should be some kind of "retainers" cast into the body halves to allow for that. Maybe someone has an example they can take a photo of...?

Mark in Oregon