
I added a new car to my stable! That is a stable of model cars that I used to build many years ago. Yes, I have another hobby besides photography! For the last few years, I have been meaning to start building model cars again. Finally, about a couple of months ago I dug up a model that I started building many years ago and put together a new toolbox with the minimum tools and paints necessary. The half-finished model was a 1937 Packard Formal Sedan and most of the chassis, including the engine, was done. The coach, the fenders, doors, etc. were all painted but not all in place yet.
Click on the images to see them larger, uncropped, and read their titles.



As I started putting some parts in place, I realized that my eyes were not as good, and my hands were shakier. The dexterity I once had has diminished significantly. Also, this particular kit was very detailed, with tiny hinges holding the doors, the hood, and the trunk, many parts disappearing between my fingers. I was determined to finish the model even at the expense of doors not opening. After all, anyone wishing to see the detailed interior could look through the windows!
Packard Starts to Emerge
It took me much longer than it used to, say 20 years ago, as I moved in small, careful steps. Missing some of my old tools and the kind of glue I used to use made things go a little slower than I expected. But, a couple of days ago, I put the finishing touches and finished the 1937 Packard Sedan. It reflects all the grace of the era, at least in my eyes.
I wanted to share some photographs of the finished model with the friends and visitors of this site. Most importantly, I wanted to share the photographs with my sister Binnaz who, after seeing the model in progress during a Skype conversation, indicated how much she loved it.
For the curious, it is about 13.5″ (34 cm) long and 1/16 scale. That makes the actual car about 18′ or about 5.5 meters long! They were cars! Here is the 1937 Packard Formal Sedan.
(Another model I built you may want to see is the Bugatti Royale.)
Paul White
Cemal,
It appears your post triggered many memories for us all. It was great to see your finished work.
Alas the years are not kind to us with fine detail work and our hands and fingers cannot do what the mind tells them to do. Patience as with photography is the key.
Cemal Ekin
Shaky hands or not, I started the new kit. We’ll see how it will go. My challenge now is with spray painting the body and a few other parts. I may actually go to a body shop I know, let the pros to paint the car. I am finding workarounds for shakier hands like clamps, rubber bands, small weights.
Thanks for stopping by, Paul.
Cemal