MY FAVORITE MODEL(S)—AND THE REAL ONE

THE JULY 2024 ISSUE OF Classic & Sports Car and subsequent sleuthing confirm that I am not the only person absolutely whacko about the 1933 Napier-Railton. The fact that I actually drove (!) this fabled machine enriches my enthusiasm. Here are tidbits prompted by the C&SC article about Antonio Martinez-Fresneda and by my Internet sleuthing.

AMFModelcars. Mick Walsh writes in C&SC, “Techniques have changed since the world of expert modellers such as Rex Hayes and Gerald Wingrove. Modern computers and 3D printers make it possible to create rare and unusual subjects, as Spanish enthusiast Antonio Martinez-Fresneda has proved, but the skills required to master today’s tools are just as clever.” 

“Modern technology,” Walsh notes, “is no shortcut: each subject takes up to 300 hours, depending on complexity. The CAD process starts with the wheels and tyres to get an accurate scale, before designing the chassis and suspension; the final stage is the engine and gearbox. When printed, the resin parts have a rough finish and need hours of hand preparation and detailing.”

Martinez-Fresneda works in a variety of scales: Several of his commissions are rendered in 1:18 scale, like these 1952 Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 Disco Volante Coupé and Spider. The 1936 Riley 1 1/2-Litre TT Sprite Competition Sports is 1:12 scale. This and the following image from Classic & Sports Car, July 2024.  

I’m reminded of my GMax modeling of vintage aeroplanes: I use wingspan to establish scale. Basic shapes are only the beginnings of CAD GMax modeling.

My Fav. Walsh describes, “Among the most spectacular of Antonio’s models is the Napier-Railton. ‘I have never seen John Cobb’s fantastic machine, but a friend offered to measure it for me,’ Antonio says. ‘He also sent me a wealth of reference photos.’ ”

The amfmodelcars Napier-Railton and sweet little Austin Seven Ulster are available off the shelf, both built or in kit form.

“So far,” Walsh recounts, “Antonio has produced both 1:18 and 1:12 scale miniatures, but he also plans to recreate the Napier with full engine detail: ‘I’m looking forward to seeing the car at Montlhéry this year.’ ”  

Evidentially John Haddock’s Fav As Well. My Internet sleuthing identified the magnificent 1:8 Napier-Railton built by John Haddock.

The Napier Lion’s “broad-arrow” three banks of four cylinders have pistons and other components formed by 3D printing. Below, the engine’s bottom end with sump removed. These and the following from Haddock’s 71-page pdf on “Building a 1:8 Scale Napier-Railton Race Car.”

Haddock describes “The chassis is largely of brass construction but the engine, drivetrain and radiator assembly are largely built from 3D printed acrylic parts.”

The Haddock Napier-Railton chassis.

Haddock continues, “The body panels were also 3D printed, of 0.8mm thick nylon, since my skills in brass forming would not be up to the task. Like all highly detailed models construction takes time. But I think the result is worth it!”

Above, the cockpit. Below the completed model.

Do peruse Haddock’s pdf—and, like me, you’ll be utterly awed by it.

My Modest Napier-Railton Memorabilia. When I last visited the Brooklands Museum, I came away with a very nice jigsaw puzzle of the car along with a key fob of sorts.

I treat the latter as a miniature model; it’s actually oversize for the pocket.

And Fav Photos, One of Them Well-Traveled. My brief drive of the Napier-Railton took place in 2007’s Monterey Weekend. 

Above, prior to my drive. Below, zowie!!. Both photos by John Lamm, rest his soul. 

And, apparently through the wonders of digital finesse, John’s art photography is available from Imagekind Art as “Napier Railton 1933 by Road & Track.” Indeed, it also appears at ebay.

Image from Imagekind Art.

The digital finesse was ridding the image of yours truly. It’s done reasonably adroitly, though there’s some loss of bonnet louver sharpness on the right—where I usta stand in the original.  ds

© Dennis Simanaitis, SimanaitisSays.com, 2024