[SAMPSON]

Hi,heres some photos of old Merit kits converted to slot cars.Thanks,Bernard

 

[loosesalute]

Beautiful cars Bernard,
Cheers
Kev

 

[dgersh]

Outstanding stuff Bernard! Where these made in the US or UK? And is that a Strombecker nylon steering unit I see on the first couple cars?

Always wondered why these didn't become the early standard...

Don

 

[SAMPSON]

Hi,the 1st 2 cars were made in the USA & do use Strombecker steering. The others were made in the UK.Several use the Strombecker driver. Perhaps 1/24th scale was too big & took up two much room ? Thanks,Bernard

 

[abie321]

Really awesome looking cars - thanks for sharing!!!

 

[scaleslotcars]

I think the Cooper 500 is one of mine, is it not Bernard?

 

[Phil Kalbfell]

These cars bring back some memories! Thanks for posting the pics.
We used to race these kits with triang motors, MRRC bevels. Wheels were usually home made with the kit wheels machined down to suit as inserts. I used to steal Dads brazing rod to build the chassis!

 

[SAMPSON]

Hi Phil,it may have been,i think i may have bought it along with a couple of other cars,but im not sure.Tonight i will post a photo of the underside which you may recognize.Thanks,Bernard

 

[dgersh]

Phil, I remember your 500 as having the guide further forward, and not using what looks like Mila Miglia front wheels! But then again, you're the only one I know crazy enough to have converted these...

Looking forward to the chassis shots Bernard, and don't forget the others while you're at it... (unless they're all closed pan, in which case open 'em up!).

Don

 

[scaleslotcars]

I've done a few 500s, they were very difficult to convert as they are so slim, the only motor you could use was a K's or Airfix Slimline, of course now there is the FF mabuchi that fits easily.
The driver looks like one of mine, every builder seems to have a particular way of painting the driver and I can tell mine no problem, even if they are from ten or more years ago.

 

[SAMPSON]

Well heres some more photos as requested,Phil i coulnt detach the body of the cooper but i did show the bottom.Also notice the 1 car with the 1st little red 6 volt can motor with long shaft by Strombecker.Thanks,Bernard

 

[scaleslotcars]

Definitely my work, I remember the Mille Miglia wheels and Slimline motor and the Strombecker guide.

 

[dgersh]

Thanks Bernard, fascinating conversions with the Strombecker chassis, and especially that little red motor with the long shaft! Nice looking wire wheels too - are those the 1/32 Strommie two-piece models from their early cars?

I wonder about that one with the nice aluminum chassis and Tri-Ang motor - what's a Cox gear doing on there?

Don

 

[Charles*Seattle]

HI

Yes, great stuff. I remember trying to get the Strombecker 1/24 cars to run just using the Strombecker steering and guide and could not get it to work. I think they had a later version that had springs involved to push the guide on to the track. A bit of weight would have done the trick. Those were the days!

all my best,

Charles