Pocher Alfa Monza Touring - 1/8

Woodphile

Woodphile

Joined
Jun 2, 2021
Messages
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Well as requested I will add my contribution to this Forum subject matter. Funny, Ship Forum posting a Auto build! But without further ado I present my finial attempt of my interpretation of a iconic Italian masterpiece. I have pretty much built about every kit Pocher produced with the exception of a few offered kits. My journey would begin while stationed in FRG, early 70’s. My 1st one was the FIAT. Since then, I have built 5 of these subjects. Pretty much have built the rest two to three times. Yes, I learned from each and everyone of. My fav? The one I am currently working on. What happened to those builds, every single one was sold to collectors, 2 Hobby Shops f/display and a Mercedes Benz Dealership! The toughest one to build too me was the Rolls Royce Phantom. Anyhoo, enough blabbing, let’s get to it.
Let me start with this, build for the fun of it. Over the years I have become the worst thing that can happen to a modeler, perfection syndrome.
Now, I build with as little modifications as necessary. I am retired and do not rush a build.
So this project will be slooooow and I plan to keep this rendering of the Alfa.
Here is what I am shooting for. Color scheme to me just pops. And yes, I understand this is a earlier version, but I plan to use these colors at this time.A80EBB8F-EF17-4E9A-BC0F-2468B57007EA.jpeg
 
Oh, here’s a teaser. The engine was two 4 bangers bolted together. The 2300 was a beast. I have pretty much assembled the upper/lower of the engine. Now just messing with to see what works best. Spark plugs from RB Motion. A little detail I picked up along the way. Wing nuts holding inspection panels on each side of Case. Just happened to stumble across and this is one of those details I have never seen. Most are bolted onto case.
Might I add, if you are building a Pocher Kit, contact Paul Koo and get the CD for your subject. Especially for a 1st time build. He will show you all those areas to correct w/o pulling hair out of your pate! Wait, I’m going bald.
Again new and old alike, his tips are worth the price. Get a couple of his drill sets too. You will understand why when you break enough screws!

499C0058-AA62-4C4C-9237-490BEFAD949F.jpeg1CA00CA0-DBB0-4383-84E6-9FE6E02BF368.jpegC009F6D1-B307-4405-89D5-E6F59777AE27.jpeg
 
Uwek, your welcome. I think it is way cool that the Forum, albeit a Ship Building Forum. Is open to any and all. That’s what puts this Forum on my Favorites. You have a great day sir.
Rick
 
Hello I have rhe spider touring gran sport kit found it back in the blurry mid ‘70s at of all places a K-Mart store closing sale the only one by its self buried on a bottom shelf of AMT kits I think I paid somewhere around $25.00 for it you don’t want to know how many K-Marts I visited in the following months haven’t decided when to attempt the build I started Rattlesnake last week thanks for the info I’ll be keeping your build in my sights thank you again
 
Hi Rick - I look forward to following your build. I have a 2/3 constructed Alfa Monza which has been staring at me for 30 years to complete - you maybe the inspiration I need to roll up the sleeves and get back into it.
I read somewhere that when asked what tools were needed to build one of the Pocher Kits - the stock reply was " a small screwdriver and a good Psychiatrist " Cheers Pete
 
PeteB said:
Hi Rick - I look forward to following your build. I have a 2/3 constructed Alfa Monza which has been staring at me for 30 years to complete - you maybe the inspiration I need to roll up the sleeves and get back into it.
I read somewhere that when asked what tools were needed to build one of the Pocher Kits - the stock reply was " a small screwdriver and a good Psychiatrist " Cheers Pete
Click to expand...
Best description of requirements I have read. As you already have seen, takes a bit more in the tool needs of a small screwdriver. You will experience total joy to the upmost of frustration during a build. But that’s the nature of these kits. Is not a shake and built project. Many and I mean many, have been shelved. Not because the project is too difficult. But rather at being frustrated over a single area that the very sparse instructions does not clarify. The secret to a successful build, stick with it. The designed for assembly by screws was for a specific reason! Take back apart. Example….RR working brakes. As described by instructions, impossible to function. But replace with a push/pull wire and correct spring location, the pedal will activate the brake shoes. Amount of time and testing makes for a project in itself. Or, better yet, fab a dead switch and make the brake pedal when pressed to cause brake light or lights, depending on which kit to lite. Is way more satisfying to me. Little things like that causes many to shy away from. Then the cost these days is hinging on insanity. So unless you are willing to invest the time, determination and research, pass’em up. But if you are willing, you will build a kit that can be passed down. Just my 2 cents worth.
Rick
 
beach dude said:
Hello I have rhe spider touring gran sport kit found it back in the blurry mid ‘70s at of all places a K-Mart store closing sale the only one by its self buried on a bottom shelf of AMT kits I think I paid somewhere around $25.00 for it you don’t want to know how many K-Marts I visited in the following months haven’t decided when to attempt the build I started Rattlesnake last week thanks for the info I’ll be keeping your build in my sights thank you again
Click to expand...
Yes, that is true. The story behind the K-Mart selling a kit that at that time in EU was still going for full price? A individual bought a warehouse full of them for pennies on the dollar. In time, he sold to K-Mart, which got them for little too nothing! Then sold them for $25.00 a kit 8(. I was stationed in Germany then and missed out. I scoured every K-Mart I went into and never once found a single kit. Did buy a Entex 1/8 Lotus for $25.00! That kit today, NIB goes for $1000.00 to $1200.00!
You lucky dog.
Rick
 
Up-date. Just returned from a little RR at the Cherokee Casino. The engine block is almost ready for the accents/wash’s. Then I will move onto the valve covers. A little clean up and ready for a coat of semi-gloss black. I should be posting some photos soon.
Rick
 
Woodphile said:
Well as requested I will add my contribution to this Forum subject matter. Funny, Ship Forum posting a Auto build! But without further ado I present my finial attempt of my interpretation of a iconic Italian masterpiece. I have pretty much built about every kit Pocher produced with the exception of a few offered kits. My journey would begin while stationed in FRG, early 70’s. My 1st one was the FIAT. Since then, I have built 5 of these subjects. Pretty much have built the rest two to three times. Yes, I learned from each and everyone of. My fav? The one I am currently working on. What happened to those builds, every single one was sold to collectors, 2 Hobby Shops f/display and a Mercedes Benz Dealership! The toughest one to build too me was the Rolls Royce Phantom. Anyhoo, enough blabbing, let’s get to it.
Let me start with this, build for the fun of it. Over the years I have become the worst thing that can happen to a modeler, perfection syndrome.
Now, I build with as little modifications as necessary. I am retired and do not rush a build.
So this project will be slooooow and I plan to keep this rendering of the Alfa.
Here is what I am shooting for. Color scheme to me just pops. And yes, I understand this is a earlier version, but I plan to use these colors at this time.
Click to expand...
Hallo @Woodphile
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Birthday-Cake
 
Woodphile said:
Up-date. Just returned from a little RR at the Cherokee Casino. The engine block is almost ready for the accents/wash’s. Then I will move onto the valve covers. A little clean up and ready for a coat of semi-gloss black. I should be posting some photos soon.
Rick
Click to expand...
........ Still waiting for the photos .......... ;)
How is the build going on? Hope to see more soon.
Regards, Peter
 
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