1934 McQuay-Norris Streamliner
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For your eyes only.
http://gearheads.in/showthread.php?3415-1948-Buick-Streamliner-by-Norman-E-Timbs
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Frustrating that I cannot find any reference as to why the car ended up in a junkyard in the desert. Maybe his surviving family members didn't share his appreciation for his beautiful creation.
This was definitely a case of form over function. The only seam in the body was where the rear end of the car lifted up hydraulically (the only way to access the engine or change a rear tire). In his efforts to keep the body as clean as possible he even eliminated doors. He probably agonized over even having to add a step pad on the fender.
The cockpit could hold two people (if they were very friendly). There was no roof, and no place to carry anything other that what could be fitted in with the driver.
A misleading photo from the Oct 1949 cover of Motor Trend. She looks like she's reaching for the door handle, which would have been difficult considering there were no doors. Misleading but probably a better choice than showing her climbing into the car in that dress.
Everything I found states that he used a Buick V8 engine, but this sure looks like a six-banger to me.
I can't imagine the skill and patience it must have taken to hand form that perfectly streamlined body. Almost like he was building it to make a land-speed run on the salt flats.
Unfortunately making a model of this car is beyond my capabilities. Curved surfaces are very difficult for me given my primitive methods. Maybe someone who knows how to use Subdivide and Smooth could tackle it. Would be great to see it in 3D.
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I can't be sure, I'm looking on a tiny screen, but I'm thinking that distributor cap has an 8 lead configuration. You can see 5 and the coil lead, so there should be space for the other three hiding back there.
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@box said:
I can't be sure, I'm looking on a tiny screen, but I'm thinking that distributor cap has an 8 lead configuration. You can see 5 and the coil lead, so there should be space for the other three hiding back there.
Good eye, Box. Yep, you're right about the distributor cap, didn't notice that. But that single valve cover screams "six-banger" to me. Where's the other valve cover? I suppose the other four cylinders could be hanging underneath the block, but I really doubt it
.I have little doubt that this is somehow a Buick V8 (especially given the distributor cap), I just can't figure out how.
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I enhanced the photo, and another, to show more detail but still can't see a V8 anywhere
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It's very challenging for have the good exact result with Artisan or Subdivide and Smooth because it's no predictive!
@unknownuser said:
Would be great to see it in 3D.
Maybe it's time to try Moi3D
@unknownuser said:
her climbing into the car in that dress.
or simply walk along the middle of the car from the back to the front!
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The link I gave before says:
@unknownuser said:
The car was based around a 1947 Buick “Super 8” engine which powered the 2200 lb car to 120 mph
Could it be this one?
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@unknownuser said:
It's very challenging for have the good exact result with Artisan or Subdivide and Smooth because it's no predictive!
If a modeler of your talents thinks it's challenging I guess I feel a little better about giving up on the dang thing
@unknownuser said:
Maybe it's time to try Moi3D
Too old to try to learn anything new. Haven't even figured out SU yet
@unknownuser said:
her climbing into the car in that dress.
@unknownuser said:
or simply walk along the middle of the car from the back to the front!
What?! And get footy prints all over that beautiful body? (the car
)@gilles said:
The link I gave before says:
@unknownuser said:
The car was based around a 1947 Buick “Super 8” engine which powered the 2200 lb car to 120 mph
Could it be this one?
I checked my references and they all say it was a V8, but a straight 8 would explain it. Your photo does have the dual carbs. Yeah, that's probably it. Whew, now I can sleep!
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Just as well that I chose not to model this car, somebody is already doing it. Don't like to model something that has already been done (unless their model really sucks and I think I can do it better)
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but what a car!! I mean, they just don't make things that scream passion any more. Just epic.
I love how porsche maintain their design approach through each iteration of the 911, keeping its sexy curves, but most other manufacturers are going very bland and predictable IMO. Just generic crap coming off a production line. I never used to understand the appeal of classic american cars but now I love them....real presence and impact.
Pilou is right about moi3d....fantastic program.
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@olishea said:
but what a car!! I mean, they just don't make things that scream passion any more. Just epic.
I love how porsche maintain their design approach through each iteration of the 911, keeping its sexy curves, but most other manufacturers are going very bland and predictable IMO. Just generic crap coming off a production line. I never used to understand the appeal of classic american cars but now I love them....real presence and impact.
Pilou is right about moi3d....fantastic program.
I couldn't agree more. In their few pitiful attempts to make a new car look "retro" they have failed miserably (like the T-Bird, the Prowler, the PT Cruiser). One of the few exceptions is the Mustang. I think they did a wonderful job with that one, captured the essence of the original Stang perfectly. Unfortunately I read somewhere where they're gonna give it a complete makeover.
With very few exceptions I can't really tell the difference between cars nowadays, they all look like they came from the same cookie cutter, no real character. Of course you have to keep in mind that I'm an old fart that grew up around those classics, and most kids today don't know anything else.
I've really gotta get to work on my time machine. Back to the future!
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