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So...should I build it?

Discussion in 'Collectables, Literature, & Models' started by Daryl, Aug 27, 2013.

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  1. Daryl

    Daryl Formula 3

    Nov 10, 2003
    1,035
    Barrington Hills, IL
    Full Name:
    Daryl Adams
    #1 Daryl, Aug 27, 2013
    I was always an avid model builder as a kid. In 1961, when I was 12, I got the best Christmas present ever. It was the original Visible V8 assembly kit by Renwal. It was motorized and had red lights in each spark plug that were "fired" by the distributor, valves and springs, the whole deal. Building it was a terrific, and instructional, experience. I was especially proud of the fact that it worked perfectly on completion. Unfortunately, our family moved a year later and the movers destroyed the model. I was getting distracted by girls and didn't think about replacing the Visible V8 until years later. By that time Renwal was gone and Monogram Models had taken over the Visible V8. The newer version was not electrified and was just operated by a hand crank. I wasn't interested and just forgot about it.

    Fast forward to current day and through the magic of Ebay I now have a complete, virgin, untouched 1961 Renwal Visible V8 kit sitting on my desk. It's like Christmas 1961 all over again. I am as impressed with it as I was back then. Also, I have since learned that my successful assembly of the model back then was no small accomplishment, as there are a couple of errors in the original instruction book. (I seem to remember having to do something slightly creative to solve a clearance issue.) I have also obtained a DVD from a model builder who has documented the assembly process, correcting the instruction errors and listing state of the art techniques, assembly lubes, etc to assure a perfect build. So the question is....do I build it?
     
  2. phrogs

    phrogs F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 13, 2004
    7,346
    Kzoo Michigan
    #2 phrogs, Aug 27, 2013
    Build it!
     
  3. Scaledetails

    Scaledetails F1 Rookie

    Nov 19, 2003
    4,211
    Daytona Beach, FL
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    Stephane
    #3 Scaledetails, Aug 27, 2013
    +1!! Build it.
     
  4. Carbuilder

    Carbuilder Formula Junior

    Aug 18, 2012
    550
    Bolton, ON
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #4 Carbuilder, Aug 28, 2013
    I remember having, and building, mine so many years ago. So build it and then buy the visible chassis to go with it!
     
  5. jm3

    jm3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 3, 2002
    4,364
    United States
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    JM3
    #5 jm3, Aug 28, 2013
    Build it and buy another in the box. Then get the Entex Wankel rotary.......
     
  6. bobzdar

    bobzdar F1 Veteran

    Sep 22, 2008
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    Richmond
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    Pete
    #6 bobzdar, Aug 28, 2013
    Build it! I had a Revellversion that actually was still electrified and built it as a kid. At some point it broke and no longer ran, and ended up at a buddy's house and who knows where it is now. I'd love to have another one but I have 3 real motors apart in my garage that my time would be better spent working on....
     
  7. k wright

    k wright F1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    2,544
    North East TN
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    Kent Wright
    #7 k wright, Sep 12, 2013
    If you want to keep it there are newer versions available but without the electric motor. A hand crank is used to turn the motor over. No "spark" plugs.
     
  8. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 26, 2012
    3,821
    Tinton Falls, NJ
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    Bob Ferraris
    #8 drbob101, May 22, 2014
    I just came across this thread and it struck home.

    My Dad bought me that visible V8 model when I was a kid, circa early 60s I would think. I remember it so well and have recently thought about model.

    Having two girls, I never did that for my kids but last year was at Algar and had a moment when I was in the service area talking to the service manager there about how I wish my Dad could have experienced this Ferrari thing with me, etc. I told the service manager about that model as he just had a boy and he took keen interest.

    I hope other Dads have introduced their sons to the combustion engine with that model as I was. It was a great learning experience that here 50 years later is fresh in my mind.

    Did you build it?

    Mine had little light bulbs for the spark plugs and I do believe an electric motor.
     
  9. kevfla

    kevfla Formula 3

    Nov 20, 2003
    2,086
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    gone 4 good
    #9 kevfla, May 22, 2014
    Another vote for building it. Bet you will take better care of this one!

    In the same era, mid-1960s, do you remember the motorized, clear-bodied P-51 Mustang model?

    I had the best dad!!
     
  10. Carbuilder

    Carbuilder Formula Junior

    Aug 18, 2012
    550
    Bolton, ON
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #10 Carbuilder, May 22, 2014
    Yes, I remember the Mustang on the stand. Retractable landing gear, spinning prop, and dropping bombs if I remember right.

    Rick
     
  11. Mr. V

    Mr. V Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
    1,247
    Portland, Oregon
    #11 Mr. V, May 22, 2014
    Nothing is like it was when we were kids.

    I set up my Lionel trains this xmas and quickly grew bored with them.

    That never happened when I was a kid.
     
  12. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,677
    virginia usa
    #12 LARRYH, May 23, 2014
    Brings back memories I had this when I was a kid and built it .. really learned a lot as a kid.. save it ...
    or build it with a future car guy (i.e. young kid) either way cool...
     
  13. texasmr2

    texasmr2 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Gregg
    #13 texasmr2, May 23, 2014
    Build it.
     
  14. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2005
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    Pap
    #14 PAP 348, May 25, 2014
  15. Glen_Lloyd

    Glen_Lloyd Formula Junior
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    Dec 13, 2003
    785
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    Glen
    #15 Glen_Lloyd, May 25, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. texasmr2

    texasmr2 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #16 texasmr2, May 27, 2014
    Sweet!
     

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