More wheels.....

On occasion I feel the work I do is of a lower quality to that which I know I can manage. The latest effort however, apart from a few slight detail errors, comes close to what I would wish for.

The above picture is of course an ERA wheel, as used on the 'A' and 'B' types, front and rear. Both are 16" diameter. No wheel widths are available, though tyre sizes are, fronts being 5.25", rears 6.60".

The front wheels are 5mm wide, the rears 6mm wide, the intention being to attain an acceptable compromise between accuracy and practicality.

Painted wheels on the next post.

Peter.

Progress has advanced at an increasing pace, alas with a detrimental effect on other projects. Never mind.

As a compliment to the Mercedes wheels shown in the last post are those for the Auto Union, in particular the 'D'Type. It appears however that all cars used similar types, the main variation being diameter.

The image above shows a front R/H wheel from a restored 'D' type. These cars have the distinctive knock-ons, with the black (?) ears and aluminium centres. I have tried to replicate these as shown in the images below.

All wheels of this type are now spoken for. Apologies to those who have missed out.

Also using the same basic rims are the wheels for the Alfa 8C. this is a 72 spoke version of the 60 spoke 6C wheel made earlier. Wheels of both types are still available.

Work is now progressing swiftly on other wheel types with orders for parts shortly to be made.

ERA 'B' Type. One set not yet spoken for.

Talbot Lago. 13 sets spoken for, 13 sets available. These come with brake drums with either 6 or 8 holes.

Alfetta, with brake drums. plenty left.

Austin Twin Cam, brake drums and front backplates, picture soon? Plenty left.

BRM V16. Alas sold out immediately.

Peter

The Latest wire wheels.

At long last things are coming together with regard to the latest wheel offerings. The wheel in question is the Mercedes and Auto Union 19" wheel.

The existing 19" turned wheel parts are used with the exception of some special spacers which have been turned up on the Myford.

The etches, again drawn up on AutoCAD, have has a subtle change to a couple of tolerances, just a couple of thou, which has resulted in less fettling during assembly. Simple cleaning up of the tab attachment points permits an excellent fit, rather than the previous dressing with a file which was required.



The above wheel is from a restored W154/163 Mercedes. I have studied a vast number of pictures and it really gets difficult deciding what is wrong and what is right. Contemporary photo's suggest the wheel nut is correct, but I have seen at least one picture of a restored 154 type, and one of an original, showing wheel nuts with HANDED ears that I assume parts were used as required. Such nuts seem to have been standard fitting for the W25.

Here is the new 1/32 scale wheel, with the 'earlier' nut. A look at the first picture shows the drums to have holes in, emphasised by the brake shoes etc. The model wheel also has drums with holes in, barely discernable. I'll perhaps try a lighter paint.

Pictures of the Auto Union wheel will appear soon, togther hopefully with the newest 19" Borrani.

Unfortunately all of the Mercedes/Auto Union wheels are now spoken for.

Peter.

GTM ERA.

Another Turner model, this time the ERA B Type.

The wrong wheels are fitted to this car, the correct pattern wheels are on their way, not only for the B Type, but a very limited number for the C Type.

The Turner model seems to be based on Remus, the second ERA in the 'White Mouse' stable run by Prince Chula.

Peter

Talbot Lago from George Turner

Of the many resin kits available at present which cater for 'classic' styles is the new George Turner T26C Talbot Lago. I was tempted by the Proto/Ghost version of this car, but was put off by both appearance and cost combined. having already commited myself to making wheels for this car, the building of such a model was assured.

The above picture is pretty much as received, albeit with a coat of primer, chassis screwed in place and a set of my earlier (incorrect for this car) wheels fitted.

Here is the same body with a little progress made.

Peter.

A little more on wheels.

Contrary to my expectations, the latest drawing is now with the etching company, we are both making checks after which the go-ahead will be given.

The next stage is trying to decide which wheels should take priority, a complicated issue to a degree.

The new Alfa Borrani 19" types will be the first out as the press tools are already made and the rims and centres already in stock.

Next up will be the Mercedes/Auto Union where a similar situation exists, but new wheel centres must be made.

Thus comes the sad bit where I must order up a large number of turned parts. I will probably look at getting all expected parts made at the same time as price per part will be just a little lower.

As an advance on the earlier wheels, many of the new types will include extra parts such as brake drums and (in the case of the Austin), backplates.

The picture of the ERA wheel is included because this may well be the second of the wheels available.

Also being made are steering knuckles, made specifically for beam axle cars. new orders from those who have previously ordered wheels (and paid) will receive a set free of charge.

Peter.

A wheel upate.

After many delays for a variety of reasons, the next series' of wheels are now in sight. the original range has been reduced considerably with the potentially less popular types postponed for the present.

Those wheels now drawn up are;

19" for Mercedes D and Auto Union GP

19" for Alfa Romeo 8C 2300

18" for Lago Talbot. Three different specs will be available. D

18" Borrani. A variety of etches will permit a number of combinations. D

16" Borrani for Austin 7 Twin Cam. D

16" Dunlop for ERA, Riley etc.

17"/18" for BRM V16. D

Wheels with suffix D include ventilated brake drum etches.

The balance of original types proposed may be produced in the future.

Peter