Shortly after
the J. C. MIDGE had been successfully launched and the 'patterns'
principle proved so popular, it became obvious that perhaps the
design of some vehicle other than the traditional style vintage'
Roadster could lend itself to this method of construction. The criteria
were that the car must have a very simple shape, preferably flat
sided with virtually no compound curves on the main body.
The style
of the 'LOCUST' appeared straight away to be an obvious choice.
The body tub is a small simple tapering 'box' with slab sides. Only
the GRP extremities of nosecone and wings carry compound curves,
the curved rear and bulkhead panels being simple to wrap with aluminium
by curving it through one plane only.
For those
of you not yet familiar with the method of construction, I will
attempt to simply describe the principles at hand. For £45, J.C.
Auto Patterns will supply you with a set of full size paper patterns
or templates from which the individual plywood and aluminium panels
an to be cut in much the same way as a seamstress cuts her material
from a paper dress pattern.
A comprehensive
set of instructions and diagrams for you to construct the main body
tub from plywood and aluminium sheet is also included. It is virtually
impossible to make a mistake, you simply stick the paper patterns
onto the plywood or aluminium sheet and cut them out with a jigsaw
following the instructions provided.
These dozen
or so panels are then assembled to form the main body sections of
the car. The method has also been likened to that employed by model
makers when building a balsa wood aircraft, some- thing that many
of you may be familiar with doing.
Just as the
plastic components of a model kit are supplied separately, in a
similar way, the LOCUST parts that you cannot make yourself can
be supplied by us. Namely the GRP wings the nosecone and the windscreen
complete with frame. These components are attached to the main body
by simply screwing or bolting them in place. Positioning instructions
are included with each item.
Construction
time is very quick. The method employed is very straightforward
(a bit like assembling a set of drawers). The materials used are
cheap and readily available anywhere. No special tools are required,
although a jigsaw with an adjustable foot is essential. These can
often be hired.
The approximate
cost of material is as follows: You may expect to spend about £70
on plywood: £50 on aluminium: £165 on the GRP wings and nosecone:
£55 on the windscreen: you will need a chassis from us for around
£200 - £250: the running gear and parts from the base car for around
£100.
So far, you
have spent about £650 in total but, don't forget things like lights
and seats Also you may decide on a set of fancy wheels and tyres
which could set you back a few bob! Although these could be added
later to spread the cost. A full set of weather gear and extras
is available from us.
John Cowperthwaite.
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