[manitouguy]

hi all - i am trying to recall some period literature which described the 'sparking action' for the
strombecker 1/32 custom rods

i have two here - the blue one clearly modified by someone with non stock wheels and tires, axle spacers and maybe guide flag?

they also very cleanly put in a front mounting post, although it wasn't necessary with the original snap in nylon chassis - as on the red car just a friction fit, mostly gripped from rear side mounts.

i suspect the red car may have an original chassis set up (same nylon frame, motor and wires) - it has a smaller guide flag and press fit strombecker wheels ... and a brass sheet to underside of car, which i think was to hold a small flint up against an added brass wheel on rear axle, surface of which was scored - as the car moved the brass wheel rubbed the flint for a hot rod sparking effect

at any rate - maybe those of you who clearly know your strombeckers could wade in and give us some schooling on the custom rod variations - did it always come with the flint sparker set up, or were some just standard strombecker set up?? ... and point me in direction of some instructions or older leaflet info (i am sure i have read somewhere) on the sparking action??

and do we know if anyone does a repro roll bar?? or would another member have one to trade? - i may do up a custom home job yet ... not sure

thanks for looking and any info appreciated

regards, Ron

 

[manitouguy]

... the advert for the sparking effect, may have been in a set where the custom rod was paired
with a modified version of their strombecker '62 galaxy (or the pontiac - but i think the galaxy) done up as a police car - they added a light on top, possibly wired to flash as car moved ...

does that sound familiar to anyone?

thanks, Ron

 

[SAMPSON]

Hi Ron,heres picture of the strombecker highway patrol road racing set(#9930-2495) made in 1963 thats in my museum.its an oval track with the push button on off controllers.both the pontiac police car & the custom rod sparked.the police car also has a light in the roof.these were used only in the set.the police car had a brass strip riveted in the top of the body which come down & rubbed against the scored brass wheel to make it spark.the police car uses a newer motor so that its faster than the custom rod.there was a flint in both .i think this set is not seen very often.now here is a picture of the custom rod kit #9345-395.it is stamped with the work shift !

the custom rod was also sold rtr on a cardboard & clear plastic top.last a photo of a few of my assembled cars.thanks,Bernard

 

[SAMPSON]

Hi,actually i think the riveted brass strip on the police car made the siren noise & im missing the brass under pan for the sparking. if anyone has one or knows where i can get one please let me know. thanks,Bernard

 

[manitouguy]

Bernard, thanks for all the great info !!!
are you sure the police car was to spark? my vague recollection from my second post here, was that the 'special' action on the police car was the light, and on the rod, the sparking - maybe your police cruiser isnt missing a brass plate? after all??

regards, Ron

 

[SAMPSON]

hi Ron,you are right. the police car has a siren & light,the custom rod has the sparking. thanks,Bernard