Duesenberg SJ
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Hi All,
Presenting a 1/48, Duesenberg SJ.
History (very brief):
The Duesenberg J was a luxury automobile produced from 1928-1937, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The straight eight engines were designed by Duesenberg and manufactured at Lycoming Engines, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Beginning in 1932 the model SJ was available with a 420 cu in, supercharged, 320 horsepower, engine. The SJ's reported capability was 104mph/167kmh in second gear and a top speed of approximately 130mph/209kmh in third gear. With 0-60 mph/97kmh in 8 seconds and 0-100mph/161kmh in 17 seconds.
One Duesenberg slogan stated;
“The only car that could pass a Duesenberg was another Duesenberg….and that was with the first owner's consent”
Build:
I am not a car builder, this just my second car kit, but I wanted to build this car because it's a vehicle powered with a Lycoming engine. I know there are larger, more detailed, kits available, but I also wanted to keep to my preferred 1/48 scale.
Being a kit from 1977 (based on the Renwal 1966 boxing) I was expecting a “rough build”, but surprisingly it went together fine with little trouble.
This was also the perfect opportunity to try Molotow liquid chrome pens. I was happy with the outcome and plan to use them on future builds when I need a chrome look.
I prefer the convertible look, so I left the top off. Given the lack of interior detail, which was now exposed, I added seats, scratch built with green stuff putty, and scratch built front and rear instrument panels….excuse me….dash board panels.
I found this quick build quite enjoyable.
Stepping out of one's “norm” boosts one's mojo. Who knows, maybe more cars in the future.
Thanks for stopping by. As always...KEEP IT FUN!
Kit:
Revell, Classic Jewel Series, 1/48, 1934 Duesenberg SJ, No. H-1268
Paints:
Primer, Mr Surfacer 1500, Black
SMS Premium, Insignia Blue FS15044
Molotow Liquid Chrome Pen
@gwskat - Looks great Gary. Sure would have been fun to drive one of these beauties!
Thanks, Brian. Totally agree!
This is a great result, Gary @gwskat
Hard to believe you are not a car builder.
Never heard about this car but it does look beautiful
Thanks, John.
That's rally nice Gary.
I can report that the Duesenberg is as cool as everyone thinks they are. 25 years ago, I managed to snag an invite to Jay Leno's Garage (aka Gearhead Heaven) and he naturally had two. He took one out and decided to run it around Burbank for a quick ride. I really enjoyed being the passenger.
Thanks, Tom.
Wouldn't turn that ride down! A few years ago Jay toured the Lycoming facility. Unfortunately did not get to meet him.
That’s very nice, Gary, adding the interior details has brought it to life.
Thanks, George. Glad you like her.
She's a beauty Gary @gwskat, great job on your second car build.
Thanks, Bob!
I'm not much of a car guy, but that's awesome!
Thank you, Chas. I appreciate cars but I'm the same with you.
Fantastic result, especially for the scale, Gary!
Great write up!
Thanks, Spiros. Takes me longer to do the write ups than the build LOL
Great looking build!
Thank you, Butch
Pardon me, but do you happen to have some Grey Poupon? Nice work Gary.
"why, yes, I do"
Thanks, Tom
That is a great car model, Gary @gwskat! 👍 Man, I'd say you have the knack for auto models, you should do some more for sure! 👏
Thank you, Gary! Ya never know...
No limit to your modelling talents, Gary! Fantastic build and presentation!
Thanks, Paul. Glad you finally are able to see the build.
gary sausmikat (@gwskat)
You have hit a home run here. I can't believe this is only your second car model built. You have some serious skills.
Years ago I worked in a machine shop as an automotive machinist. I usually rebuilt engines and the like. One time I actually had the opportunity to rebuild a cylinder head for a local gentleman who was restoring a Duesenberg. It was from a big straight 8 inline engine. What really surprised me was the advanced technology they incorporated into the design.
It had 4 valves per cylinder, with two intake and two exhaust valves. The combustion chamber and intake / exhaust ports were fairly smooth and looked as if they had been polished from the factory. It also had a dual overhead camshaft.
All of these things I mentioned were well ahead of the times. They also helped to make these cars very fast, just as you described. Back when these cars were the "King of the Road", the typical automobile had what was called a "Flat Head", where the valves were located in the actual engine block. Because of this, the performance from these kind of engines were not on par with the Duesenberg.
I really like how your model turned out. The use of the Molotow chrome pen looks great too. These have become my go to accessory as well. The background you have chosen also looks fantastic.
I like everything about it. Well done my friend.
So I made sure to click on several of the various "like" buttons.
Thank you, Louis. Those old cars are works of art.
Ah Gary the Duesenburg SJ, is a massive car when you see it in person, big and fast, and fun to drive. We had a detail shop in Buena Park back in 78-80. Inside the Movie World Cars of the Stars/Planes of Fame Museum on Orangethorpe in Buena Park, Ca. In the back we had our shop and twice a year they held a classic car auction, Jim Brucker owned the museum which had a Panther in the parking lot. That week as vehicles showed from around the country and some from foreign sellers would arrive with instruction to detail some of them. One was a Dusie SJ, it took 3 days to do the car in and out, most of the time was all that chrome. The car was owned by a local which had appeared in parades at Disneyland and the Christmas parades in Hollywood and Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Your model represents a car that was powerful and elegant, the standard of the day. As a roadster or towncar, graceful and fast. In my opinion the Rolls Royce of the US automotive industry. It shows in this scale, if memory serves me right I belive Monogram had one in 1/24th scale. Gary you have built a classic car with skill that shows how our view of the road in the 30's was like and how far we have come along. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the comps, Chuck, and sharing the story.