[Closed] As promised, pics of Dust and Glory models

As promised, pics of Dust and Glory models

Some weeks ago, while I was on vacation, David H. asked about the Packard Grey Wolf and Miller Golden Submarine. I've finally had a chance to take pics and research a little on the actual cars. I used to purchase directly from Phil Alderman's Autofare, getting #139 of 150 of each, and somewhere along the way I didn't receive notice of #7, but found it on ebay a few years ago. Original prices varied from about $125 to $165. Was there a #8? Were other models planned? Maybe Phil can provide answers. I believe all were mastered and built by MCM in France about 1989 to 1993, but again maybe Phil can elaborate.

D&G 1 - 1903 Packard Grey Wolf. This car was created and sometimes driven by Charles Schmidt while has was chief engineer at Packard. It competed in various races, but the most notable achievement was two land speed records in the 1430-lb class, the best being 68.8 mph over 5 miles in January 1905 at Ormond-Daytona Beach, driven by Schmidt.
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Note the extremely delicate wheels, which are packed separately to prevent damage. Photoetch abounds, including the seat back and the coolant tubing along the sides of the car. The black material along the side is actually vinyl - a true multi-media model. All D&Gs were provided with a resin display base, in this case a dirt road.

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D&G 2 - 1911 Marmon-Nordyke Wasp (no pic). I had this one, but sold it when I acquired the Carousel version in diecast. This was the winner of the first Indy 500, driven by Ray Harroun. The D&G of course was provided with a simulated rectangular "brick" base. Not a bad replica by any means but the Carousel is even better.

D&G 3 - 1917 Miller Golden Submarine. When Harry Miller's first racing engines came to the attention of Barney Oldfield, the two got together and came up with this beast. The enclosed cockpit was Oldfield's idea to improve safety and the gold color came from mixing bronze dust into the lacquer - the first metallic paint job? At its initial outing at the Maywood 250 in June 1917 it DNF'd due to engine problems, but did go on to win 20 of 54 races it was entered in.

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The D&G version again has very spindly wire wheels that were unattached in the box (recently one of these was on ebay with wheel damage - I wonder how many survive intact?). The window apertures are fine mesh p/e screen. The base represents a board track, with banking no less. This may be the ONLY 1:43 replica of a 1917 year automobile - anyone know of another?

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D&G 4 - 1910 Simplex Speed Car. The #8 car represents the winner of the 24-hour Brighton race, drivers Al Poole and Charles Basle. I guess you learn something new every day - I did not know there were 24-hour "grinds" in the US from 1905 to 1910, but the headlamps should have been a tip-off.

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Note the size of the fuel tank for this early form of endurance racing. The chain drive and fuel lines are particularly well executed. The font for the '8' appears correct based on period photos - great research. Dirt track base.

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D&G 5 - 1912 National. This is the winner of the second Indy 500, driven by Joe Dawson.

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This D&G is a nice one - p/e abounds in the screen mounted to the steering column, radiator screen, and rear number "banjo". Vinyl was again used for the body sides. The brick base has a different shape from that used for the 1911 Wasp.

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D&G 6 - 1905 White Steamer. An unusual choice, this is the entry in that year's Vanderbilt cup. It was driven by Walter White and was a DNF. Made by the White Sewing Machine company, contemporary photos show it to be a very low car.

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D&G's version is nice - I like the pre-vulcanized tires, various steam gauges, and the rear license plate is a great touch. The number '19' is accurate for the Vanderbilt cup entry. The base is a dirt road again, but oddly painted with yellow and orange splotches - are these flowers or leaves?

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D&G 7 - 1905 Peerless Green Dragon. There were various "Green Dragon" racers campaigned by Barney Oldfield in this early era, competing with the Ford 999, Olds Rocket, and others. No pretext of a body, no wonder an older and wiser Oldfield would later develop the Golden Sub.

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The D&G is superb, and shows its heritage with MCM Top Queens models of racers from this golden age. A center-hinged hood lifts to reveal great engine detail. Without a body, a lot of chassis detail is in view and very well done. The only drawback, on my model anyway, is a tendency for the thin frame to sag after display for a while. Base is a board track.

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Sorry if the pics are a little fuzzy - I did some enlarging and editing.