WOW!!!
Just got an e-mail from Walt Schaub (oldphotos) that debunks Donald Davidson and his "no cracked block."
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Tim
The model looks great, just a few update on the car
In 1949 The car was the Kurtis Kraft Spl. #12, Parsons also won the Nat. Championship in this car with wins at Arlington, Tx. Syracuse, NY. Springfield, Il. and Langhorne, Pa.
In 1948 Tommy Hinnershitz drove the car at Indy it was a red #7, Walt Brown drove it after indy for a few races. Johnnie parsons took over the ride at Springfield where he finished 2nd
He also won at DuQuoin in 1948 in this car.
The car DID have a cracked block in 1950 it was discover the day before the race. the reason I know this because my Dad was the one who fixed the cracked block.
The Offy doesn't have a head, the block and head are all in one the crack was up in the domed part of the casting by the valves.
when building and Offy the valves, pistons, and rods all go in before the crank. With no head are head gasket is why they could run such high compression and not blow up the motor,
If they did blow up a rod most of the time when through the side of the block.
The car was owned by Ed Walsh from St Louis, He knew my Dad and called him to see if he could fix the cracked block.
In later Years before he pasted away I had the privilege to take to Ed Walsh and he confirmed this to me.
That's what my Dad did for a living, it was a patented process he had. and Like a dummy I wasn't interested in learning it when I was younger.
Back in the 50's teams didn't have spare motors or backup cars like today.
And yes the car with the same motor finished 2nd the next year.
Hope this helps you know more about this Race Car, This car won more races than anyother Kurtis Kraft Indy Car made.
Your model has done justice to this car.
Old Photos
Walt
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Again WOW!
A shot of the front suspension...
Acknowledgements:
Bill Jorgenson---------body/air cleaner size/wheel & tire size
Fred Cady-------------decals
Michael Potaro--------panel line decals
Russ--------------------rear trailing arms
Brian--------------------inspiration
Rick----------------------photos
Mark---------------------photos
Last (but certainly not least)----
Walt---------------------color and history
THANK YOU ALL GUYS: I couldn't have done it without you!
Tim