BIG DRAG TRIBUTE - Canney's Garage

Project: BDT (Monogram Big Drag Tribute)
click the underlined links for pop up images

Monogram's Big Drag (PC84) is an 1/8th scale turtle decked model that was originally released in the early 1960's. The original model (PC84) was a variation of the hugely successful Big T (PC78) and the forerunner to the Big Rod (PC85) and the Big Tub (PC86). Each of these models all used the same T-Bucket frame, with the Big Drag, Big Rod and Big Tub each having unique parts different from the original Big T. At many times the retail price of a "regular" 1/24th scale model, only the lucky typically were fortunate to own and build all four. I mean really.. these retailed for a whopping $10.98 each when originally released. That may sound like chump change in the 21st century, but in 1963, that was 5 to 11 weeks allowance for this 11 year old boy.

Today of course, the Big Drag is more a precious memory to most older modelers, and to me, an elusive "must build, before time ends"

Although I imagine there may be a handful of mint unbuilt Big Drag's out in the world today, one is more likely to stumble upon a built one at a yard sale in pieces, or ante up and head to Ebay. They show up mostly built in various stages of falling apart. Occasionally, make that extremely rarely, an unbuilt Big Drag does appear, but that 5 to 11 week allowance cost is more realistic to what they go for on Ebay.

So follow along with this tribute build to the bad boy of Monograms 1/8th scale show rods. It won't be an exact clone, but it will pay homage to this iconic kit.

The basis of this build will be pieces parts I've accumulated from various sources. No Big Drags will be harmed in this project.

To start, I'm using a botched frame from the 2005 Big T reissue. Acquired off ebay, it was started, but when the original builder glued the trans mount in the wrong place, he apparently realized he was in over his head and abandoned it. I boxed the frame (white sheet plastic) to add rigidity.

The engine block pictured is from a different parts auction and is likely from a 1962 Big T. The front engine mount is broken off, so I'll be fabricating custom side mounts. The all chrome rear is from yet another parts purchase.

An interesting footnote is the engine behind the frame is an original PC62 block with clear block parts showing pistons 1 and 2 through the front of the block. That would be if the original builder didn't use 1/4 tube of glue on it. What is worth saving on it though, is the 3 carb intake which has "Edelbrock" clearly marked. Subsequent models eliminated the branding, so I will probably use the manifold somewhere else down the line.

Here is my solution to the transmission mount the original builder mis-mounted. Evergreen is used to replace the snapped dog ears (now hidden behind the boxing. I'll trim the end plates before painting.

The turtle deck below is from 2005 (China) and the T Bucket itself is from a Monogram Golden T, which was a gaudy modified reissue of the Big T that had gold plated parts in place of chrome plate. I chose this body because it has the exhaust holes on the sides filled as well as the custom antenna well eliminated that was molded into the cowl on the original and many variations that followed. (there is no radio installation scheduled)

What I didn't get in the frame set was the front engine cross member, so I came up with this arm chair solution. The hardest part of this yankee ingenuity was getting the frame, engine and rear end to sit still while I eyeballed the measurements. Yes, I suppose I could have come up with a more detailed multi piece engine mount design, I just went with the simplest solution. I have had too many projects come to a complete halt while I tried to reimagine and reinvent the wheel.

One of life's little challenges #1 : Never having owned a real Big Drag before, (and having never seen one in real life either), I wondered where the drag link to the left front wheel was connected with the butterfly steering wheel no longer using the standard column that the Big Tub, Big T and Big Rod used. A search of the internet yielded mostly unusable assembly scans. But with the help of my long time model bud Dr. Chuck Darnell, the realization is it modified the original tie rod by cutting one end and slipping it into a hole in the firewall.

The reissues eliminate this hole as shown below. On the left is an original with hole, and on the right, from the 2005 Big T, the hole no longer needed has been eliminated. (Hovering your pointer over either image will show the back side of each.)

While I'm waiting for the post office to deliver a resin repop of the Moon fuel tank, I decided to strengthen up the frame a bit. So I added a front and rear bit of cross tubing. It really did a lot to eliminate the flex, and I think it adds a bit of realism to a competition car.

At this point the frame is VERY solid and straight, (remember this started as a junk frame), and will be primed and painted after I figure out a remaining rear cross mount for the Moon tank.

In the past week, I've been wheeling and dealing with fellow model buddies who have graciously stepped up with Big Drag specific necessities I now don't have to fabricate on my own. Also, I've been assembling 2 other Big T frames for upcoming projects. (Like a Big Rod Tribute). I also dug out my air compressor and my backup Paasche VL airbrush to shoot this bad boy a more contemporary blue.

First test of potential blues is this Charger funny car body I used as a test mule. This also was a test of paint compatibility with the primer I have been using. This is 3 parts Cobra Colors Meridian Turquoise Metallic and 2 parts GM LeMans Blue Metallic.

I don't have an original Big Drag instruction manual, and the scans I have found on line are not very much help for detail shots. There was a special cross brace for the Moon fuel tank up front, but wasn't in the other 3 variations. Being able to find a resin repop of the original chrome Moon tank is just a testimony to how helpful the internet and fellow modelers can be. Large scale modeler Jeff Palmer in Canada came through a resin repop of the tank which allowed me to come up with this solution for the rear mount. I cut notches in the grill shell for the tank legs so it would sit comfortably on 'all fours'. I'm not sure if this is correct for the original, but without decent detail shots of the instruction sheet, this was the solution I came up with. (click the picture to see a few more detail shots in a pop up window.)

Here's something I never really ever thought I'd get my hands on in this fine a condition. It is the Monogram Drag Race accessory Set #AK203 direct from 1963 via Canada. This will truly expedite the final assembly of this project. Feel free to click on the picture below to launch a pop up javascript window with a couple more detail shots.

Here's the blue I have decided on. It is bright, it is blue, and metallic, it is Cobra Colors lacquer. Remember this is a tribute build, not a straight clone.

time to squirt: after dropping this hard to hold body I added these temporary braces using Evergreen styrene stock. The huge clamps are much easier to hold onto while waving the airbrush around.