More Airfix Beetles

My first motorcycle/moped was a Zundapp, 3 gears with grip twist change and the clutch leaver was fixed. Exchanged an amplifier for it

If memory serves, the bloke who designed the Beetle engine (no, it wasn't Dr Porsche) was a former Zundapp engineer.

Having owned both Beetles and Russian flat-twin motorcycles (often regarded as BMW copies, but very definitely not when examined closely, containing elements of BMW, Zundapp and NSU design), it's quite possible to see some quite tightly intertwined strands of DNA in 1930s air cooled engine design. I've never been up close to a Tatra, but I'd bet there'd be some overlap there too.

Pat

The air-cooled flat-4 was designed by Prof Porsche in 1910 and first saw service in an aircraft in 1911.

The first BMW flat-twins emerged in 1923.

Your information is greatly at variance with history.

Trisha said:

Pat

The air-cooled flat-4 was designed by Prof Porsche in 1910 and first saw service in an aircraft in 1911.

The first BMW flat-twins emerged in 1923.

Your information is greatly at variance with history.

Click to expand...

I don't deny that Porsche had worked with flat 4 units previously, but, according to the first VW history I've managed to dig out from under the bed, the Beetle engine had its origin round about 1935-36, designed by fellow Austrian engineer Franz Reimspiess. It would appear that my memory did mislead me regarding the Zundapp connection, and the design was more influenced by NSU practice.

I see the usual crowd have gathered to admire your next Beetle. I like the BRM wheels on the Beetle cabriolet, i saw them on a Beetle some years ago, a great design that stands out.

Great use of a plastic card to make the rear wing.

Grey is just a light shade of black 😇 😉😄😂🤣🏴

Laurence,
A most interesting use and repurposing of bank card.

I only hope your Mrs. Grumpy doesn't partake in SFI perusing or sooner or later SWMBO (and worshipped) will happen upon your Beetle thread and finally realise what happened to her "lost"/misplaced spending weapon, taking revenge by spending double in the coming weeks to make up for "lost time", once replaced.

It may have been wiser to post these recent additions under a pseudonym for anonymity and ultimately safety.

PS: could you please make some recommendations based upon your knowledge and experience on likely kits for conversion (Airfix?) as I would be interested in giving one (or more) a go.

Cheers,
Martin

Martin

My thanks to you again. Will reply asap. Mrs Grumpy on a mission to change the universe, and has dragged me in.

Actually, she's bought a new wood store, and surprise, surprise, "it's more difficult than I thought."

"A tricky one, Jeeves. All that banging and wotnot. Dashed hard work, whatever that is..."

"Indeed, Sir. I only wish I could help but self-preservation prevails."

Martin

Having wiped blood away and applied bandages after building Mrs Grumpy's new wood store (the latest fad) I'll try to answer your question. Airfix/Revell kits are all excellent quality so please buy one that appeals to you.

For a further £15 Pendle do a complete PCS chassis kit, which couldn't be easier to build. I'm shortly to start a new Porsche and, if it's any help, I can easily post a step-by-step guide to construction. Please shout. This thread has a Beetle building guide from page 56.

Having acquired all the bits, the next stage is to buy your wife a new pair of shoes. It softens the blow when you get glue on the dining table, and paint on walls in the kitchen...

Incidentally, if Mrs Grumpy starts reading this Forum, I'll probably ring for two ambulances. I'll be off to A&E with severe bruising in one, and Mrs Grumpy will be conveyed to the local Nonsense Palace for a spell of residential healing in the other...

More anon.

I look forward to it!