AIRFIX 1/32 JAGUAR E-TYPE
CHASSIS
A ladder style chassis was made from pieces of brass strip, rod and tubing. This seemed both in keeping with an early '60's style slot racer and provided a good fit given the Jag's narrow track and deeply curved sill panels.
The axles, bearings and wheels are from Ninco while the guide and motor are standard Scalextric fittings.
BODY
Firstly, The sill panels were cut from the kit's chassis and glued to the upper body. The interior was then blanked off with plastic card level with the bottom of the dash and the steering wheel and seats trimmed to fit. The driver was reconstructed from a chopped up Scalextric figure.
The headlamp recesses were filled and the weedy exhaust pipes from the kit replaced with pieces of plastic rod. Plastic strip was then added around the side windows to represent chrome trim while the bumpers were left off for an added racey vibe.
The body was painted with Ford Highland Green and finishing touches added using MRRC's Classic Racing Decals. Bare Metal Foil added a sparkle to the chromework.
The body locates on the chassis by means of a brass tab which fits snugly into a slot cut into the rear valance. The assembly is then secured by means of a screw and a threaded circuit board mounting post (from Maplin) which is epoxied to the shell.
The car handles superbly, perhaps due to all that weight in the chassis keeping it stuck to the track, while the narrow tyres let the tail hang out - just like a classic should!
Bryan King
