Revell Shirley Muldowney Dragster

[themongoose]

Now here’s a classic! Took me 6mo to find a full kit. I actually started with parts, and finding the other Revell models based off the same chassis, thinking that may be the only way to get there. The guy who donated the full kit made me promise he gets the box back because he collects the box art, wow!
 I originally got this for a breast cancer awareness build that ended up not happening. So, an element of this build I dedicate to my mom and my sister who are both breast cancer survivors 🙏 and the rest is for you guys RED HOT and Roll’n! Let’s get to the good stuff…
Decided to start at the back of the book and assemble Shirley first,she’s all clamped up and drying




no chance these dcals are good. Glad i bought a decent set off ebay




and since i started backwards here’s the opening shot of the sprues




so now i need some advice. Is it oven cleaner i use to remove the chrome? And do i do the whole sprue all at once before i even remove parts?
1st time redoing chrome so all advice appreciated!
chris

[keavdog]

I've read simple green strips chrome but haven't tried it. I think I've tried bleach and Purple Power and both work, but may take longer. Neat project!

[buddho]

Looking forward to seeing this build come together.

[kyledehart5]

I use super clean to strip chrome and it really goes about it very quickly. Looking forward to watching this build. Very cool

[handiabled]

This should be great, following!

[TJ]

I remember watching the drag races when Shirley was driving. I'll be watching this

[406 Silverado]

First off, It's nuthin' BUT good news that your sister and mom prevailed over the cancer Chris.

Secondly, this is gonna be one cool build outta you. Have you sourced new decals for this or do you have a plan in rolling forward?

Lastly, a BIG welcome to the Red Hot & Rollin' GB!!

[themongoose]

Ok i feel like i denied you guys the box art teaser so today here’s what I’m shooting for…



Now this is gonna take some effort. May have to get my chisel out and do some work on her face. I feel like she’s 50 years or older. Maybe she’ll look better under primer?






And the last one. Check out the stretch armstrong hand! Definitely gotta clean up the seam on that helmet because she’ll look really weird without it in her hand

[Joe Rix]

What a wonderful tribute to your mom and your sister Chris. This should turn into one amazing build under your skilled hands. I have no doubt that you will get Shirley all cleaned up and looking the part. Just a really cool subject that you have undertaken. I will be along on this one for sure.

[Leon]

What a great tribute to your mom and sister Chris! I'll be following along.

[406 Silverado]

You're right about the face as she does look alot older than what she was supposed to be looking like. I do remember that box art and I might've tried one of these when I was younger had I not already tried one and realized that these top fuel dragsters are a bit trickier to build than most other auto subjects.

Looking forward to seeing what you do with this.

[deafpanzer]

So cool! I definitely will enjoy following your next build.

[themongoose]

Moving along at a casual pace so far. IPMS Regionals this weekend in Louisville so i’ll be out of pocket thu-sun. Mostly doing priming work right now. I like painting with enamels for 1 reason only, well maybe 2, i can paint on the sprue when needed and just touch up that little sprue gate (i do sand and prep the others i’ve cut off) with the same color, and the gloss coat os distinctly shinier than lacquer gloss.

[406 Silverado]

Sept 20, 2023 6:09:53 GMT -5 themongoose said:

Moving along at a casual pace so far. IPMS Regionals this weekend in Louisville so i’ll be out of pocket thu-sun. Mostly doing priming work right now. I like painting with enamels for 1 reason only, well maybe 2, i can paint on the sprue when needed and just touch up that little sprue gate (i do sand and prep the others i’ve cut off) with the same color, and the gloss coat os distinctly shinier than lacquer gloss.

Good progress so far and good tip with the usage of enamels.

BTW....that "sellers remorse" had me laughing. lol

[deafpanzer]

I was supposed to visit Louisville show this Saturday but I have been swamped at work so I will have to skip this time. However I am hoping I can go to Cincy show but I can't remember when it will be.

Have fun and please save me some good kits!

[Steve Zuleski]

What a trip, flash-backs, excellent project!

[themongoose]

In typical over-engineer it fashion…i’m thinking of putting Shirley in the car. Thoughts?

[406 Silverado]

Sept 20, 2023 17:55:43 GMT -5 themongoose said:

In typical over-engineer it fashion…i’m thinking of putting Shirley in the car. Thoughts?

With your attention to detail??!! That outta be a good show right there!!! I say .....GO FOR IT!!

[Leon]

Off to a good start!

[handiabled]

Sept 21, 2023 13:25:10 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Sept 20, 2023 17:55:43 GMT -5 themongoose said:

In typical over-engineer it fashion…i’m thinking of putting Shirley in the car. Thoughts?

With your attention to detail??!! That outta be a good show right there!!! I say .....GO FOR IT!!

I have to second that!!

[themongoose]

Ok my 1st experience stripping chrome … now, there’s a little bit of brown coloring left on a few parts. The container was pretty dirty from all the stuff it removed. I’ve rinsed ever. Do i need to recoat some of these and clean a little better or is this typical and I’m ok to prime?




i used the purple bottle of Super Clean.

[406 Silverado]

Hey Chris,
This is going to be a spectacular build and THAT'S for sure! For the front wheels, check out miniscurtr8zing on Ted's Modeling Marketplace for these wheels which will DEFINITELY set it apart. After getting a set of these I just can't go back to kit wires anymore. Ted's is currently down for maintenance but he'll have 'em in stock when he gets back up and running or you can contact miniscurts at [e-mail]
TruWires79 wheels:

[41chevy]

Sept 30, 2023 11:54:53 GMT -5 themongoose said:

Ok my 1st experience stripping chrome … now, there’s a little bit of brown coloring left on a few parts. The container was pretty dirty from all the stuff it removed. I’ve rinsed ever. Do i need to recoat some of these and clean a little better or is this typical and I’m ok to prime?




i used the purple bottle of Super Clean.

They usually put a coat of a clear on the parts before chroming. You may want to re soak them and use warm NOT HOT water and a toothbrush to give them a gentle scrub. Many time the residual clear coating will lift with a coat of primer or craze some with Alclad..

[imatanker]

Try some Tamiya X20-A. I've had good luck with it.

[themongoose]

Ok working on cleaning up those sprues. In the meantime I softened some pink plastic and Shirley is almost ready to race!



I cut a fine slit from the backside(hers, literally lol) and left about 1/16” of plastic intact. Then i slowly worked the lighter in close to soften the plastic. A slow turn and she was seated without having to fill some awkward cut and break that would mess up the pleats in her pants. An initial look indicates i have to glue her feet together so that her figure fits between the rails. I bought a long case so I envision lifting the wheels and showing her at the starting line with a tree. Anyone know where i could buy a model of the “christmas tree”?

[buddho]

shop.makeitrc.com/products/make-it-rc-1-24-scale-drag-racing-christmas-tree

[themongoose]

She’s a linebacker isn’t she! Gonna have to fill her chest (hollow inside) and then create new shoulders to attach her arms to. Ugghh

[buddho]

Yeah, they didn't do her any favors. Youll do her justice.

[themongoose]

Oct 1, 2023 8:01:44 GMT -5 buddho said:

shop.makeitrc.com/products/make-it-rc-1-24-scale-drag-racing-christmas-tree

Great suggestion, i ordered 2!

[keavdog]

Pretty amazing work on Shirley. I have this tree in the stash: www.bcsmodels.com/product-page/drag-race-christmas-tree-model-1-24-1-25-scale