P-BOP A Parts Box Open Proxy Idea

[Retro Racer 44]

Hi All;

I have an idea for a cool proxy. I know there are several proxies on the go right now, so I'm thinking the fall or winter, if people like my idea.

P-BOP is a parts box open proxy. In other words "Run what ya brung". The cars could be made from whatever parts you have laying around. Old plastic chassis, old motors, gears etc.

The chassis could also be brass or aftermarket, as this is an open proxy. Use whatever wheels, tires, guides etc that you have. You don't have to go out to buy much for this one.

In keeping with the parts box theme, I would suggest we go with any North American car body made before 1948, in other words, Hot Rods and Jalopies. Most of them were cobbled up from spare parts that were applied to an old wrecked car.

I'm sure if we scrounge around we can come up with appropriate bodies and our illustrious casters can supply the needs. I already have a Shotgun '40 Ford, just itching to be raced.

What do people think, is there an interest in such a proxy? I'm sure if there is, HRW is the place for it.

Keith

[waaytoomuchintothis]

Its an interesting idea, but I wonder if we ought to limit such a thing to ovals. Less variation in track shapes make for better handling cars when its something cobbled together.

[Ember]

Interesting idea.

[padirtfan]

I might be up for this one. It pretty much fits the description of all of my cars.

[TuscoTodd]

Sounds like a neat idea and a great way to use some parts that may be collecting dust or to try out novel design ideas. :)
Will have to see where this one goes as it could be a lot of fun! :D

[waaytoomuchintothis]

Just checking in on the Rebop-a-Rebop idea. Anybody getting their thoughts together on this?

[J Y D]

I would like to play too.
I think the tracks should be both kinds ... ovals & road courses ... then everybody is covered.

Just my 2 cents worth ... J Y D

[TuscoTodd]

[Retro Racer 44]

Since my idea for this is a truly open proxy, I would think races could be run on plastic or wood ovals, road courses or commercial tracks. Because some cars do better on one type of track or another, it shouldn't always be the same car winning and, most importantly, it should be fun.

Keith

[SRQSloter]

Is this gonna be a 1/32 or 1/24 scale proxy?

[Retro Racer 44]

I think having it 1/32 makes it open to more racers, as they could start with a stock car and add any parts box bits and a pre 1948 body to it. I have raced 1/24 back in the 60s, but around here we only race 1/32.

[SRQSloter]

Agree on the 1/32. The pre '48 don't leave much to choose from on bodies.

[Retro Racer 44]

I recently bought a Revell Snap Tite 34 Ford 3 window coupe for under $10 at Toys R Us. It could easily be used with or without the fenders. Now I have a choice of Dave's 40 Ford or that one. There are Lindberg kits around for this era of cars. They are slightly small for 1/32, but that really doesn't matter since it's all for fun anyway. I bought a 37 Chevy coupe for $3 at our local Dollarama store. One of my club-mates made a 37 Chevy convertible into a really neat slot car using parts in his junk box. Carrera makes two versions of an early 30s hot rod, and several versions of Willys coupes. There are probably others as well, either as slot cars or static kits.

I don't think we should use vacuum formed bodies though, as they would be a big weight advantage over plastic or resin and usually aren't as realistic.

Keith

[TuscoTodd]

I have a couple old 1/32 Lindberg '30's coupe model kits that I think will be a nice source for this! This should be cool! :D

[TuscoTodd]

Love that body style! That one and the '41 Willys are probably my two of my favorite from the pre-war era. :D