Recon Car - Ford Model T with Chase Track System
US Interwar

A.M. Chase ran an automotive company before being drafted by the US Army in WW1 to run a design center. After the war, he designed and patented a track system of fabric belts and metal clips that could be attached to a modified wheeled vehicle. His model T reconnaissance car with the Chase track system was demonstrated to the Army in 1921. Although it went no farther, it is another interesting example of the innovation occurring in this time period.

This is yet another interesting and obscure 3D printed 1:35 scale model subject from Vargas Scale Models. It is printed in gray resin with very delicate and easy to remove support structures. The parts count is low - about a dozen parts. The fit is good and 3D print striations are minimal. The included options for kerosene lamps and electric. I opted for electric.

I cleaned the parts in 91% IPA and gave them 60 seconds per side in my wife's UV nail curing device. The supports are extremely fine and came off quickly. I ran a drill bit though the mounting holes for the running gear to true them up. I gave the unassembled parts a coat of rattle can Mr. Surfacer 1000 primer to fill the striations. After sanding out the remaining striations, I gave the body another coat of Mr. Surfacer 1000 to ensure that it was smooth. After assembly, I painted the whole vehicle black. There was a surprising amount of detail painting required for this small model. I painted the leather seats with Vallejo Saddle Brown followed by a thin coat of Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna oil paint. I left the oil on for a few hours before wiping most of it off with a cotton swab. After that was thoroughly dry, I gave the seats a light dry brushing with Winsor & Newton Yellow Ochre oil paint. As the photos showed it covered in fine mud, and as I am not skilled at getting a good-looking high gloss car finish, I decided to cover it in mud spray and splatters. I created the splatter effect by flicking a wet brush over a toothpick. I used AK Dust Effects, Summer Kursk Earth, and Brown Earth Deposits in layers until it looked right. It is key to keep the splatter droplets as fine as possible. I was really looking for more of a mist coming off the brush.

I have newfound respect for car modelers after this little project. It is tough to get a finish and the details to not look toy-like. This was a fun little and unique little project.