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19/04/2025 12:30 pm
I sort of took it for granted that this model was built by Ford and it turns out that the speedsters were basically stripped down by their owners and given whatever performance upgrades that were available. As it turns out, this particular model is known as the "RAJO speedster" for it's overhead valve conversion kit. RAJO is an acronym for "Racine Joe" Jagersberger. Born in Austria, a former Mercedes engineer, he set up shop in Racine, Wisconsin and began making performance parts for the Model T. His masterpiece, the OHV conversion hit wasn't released until 1918 and was produced up to the end of the Model T's production run.
To this date, enthusiasts have been know to trade whole race cars to acquire this kit. The hand mirror style windscreen was a common replacement. The V-shaped radiator replacement made from 1909 to 1916 designed for Fords by Livingston Radiator Mfg Co. of New York.
Now, to make a long story short, I found one example that was virtually identical to the Authentics model, that was also graced with the PAJO script pierced by an arrow in brass on the radiator, missing on this model. Despite being built with period parts, I think this car is a recent creation. Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carphotosbyrichard/40226297453/
19/04/2025 12:53 pm
Outstanding historical information & pics Rich! 😎 😎 😎
I'm familiar with some of that info but have never seen that 1:1 that matches P-100's replica - which is an EXCELLENT model except for (of course ) those stupid wheels. They're simply not up to par with the otherwise superb SCALE detail found elsewhere on the model.
Thanks to Geoff, I got the idea the to swap out those wheels and posted that project on this forum.
I would've re-spoked the wire rims if I wasn't so lazy. IMO, these "wooden rims" look good too.... and they're period-correct. 😏
19/04/2025 8:41 pm
- Initially, I painted the black ones with fines coats of off-white acrylic. They looked fantastic but the paint just wouldn't bond and would flake off. 😫 😫
- Then I noticed my 1/6 1909 Harley-Davidson. Hmmm.... 🤔 🤔
- I then pirated three 1/18 1909 H-D models, yielding 5 tires - which fit those "wooden" Model T rims like a glove and, IMO, look perfect. 😀 😀
19/04/2025 10:25 pm
Dang Chris, you are da "Master Modeler" !
Christopher Moroni and Marty Johnson reacted
20/04/2025 11:50 am
....thanks guys (I really do appreciate it ), but thousands do it better - YouTube proves it. 👍
Steve Jacobs and Rich Sufficool reacted
20/04/2025 2:43 pm
But we get you here all to ourselves 👍
Christopher Moroni and Marty Johnson reacted
23/04/2025 3:46 am
sure is! Chris has helped me with with his informative and constructive feedback a number of times!@100ford2003 - Yes, Chris most definitely IS!!! He is..... The Professor!
Marty Johnson and Christopher Moroni reacted
23/04/2025 6:52 am
.....again, thanks everyone, especially Geoff for the Speedster wheel idea!
Incidentally, for anyone who cares..... that 1/18 black 1923 Model T roadster didn't start out that way. Initially it was a "salesman" Snap-On tool truck. - just say'n 😏 😏 😏
