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The model is a MG TD Mark II and is loosely based on the cars used by the MG works drivers, Ted Lund, George Phillips and Dick Jacobs, in the early 1950's. (loosely means one black and white photo and half a dozen lines in a book. I couldn't find any other data.) The MG TD Mark II differs from the standard MG TD in a number of ways. The non-mechanical ones that can be modeled are the individual bucket seats that replaced the bench type and the fully chromed slats rather than painted ones on the radiator grill. |
| The model uses Dapol Ltd's pressing
of a MG TD plastic kit first issued in 1953 by Gowland
and Gowland. Considering that the kit is nearly 50
years old it is reasonable accurate although very
basic with few parts. The chassis is from a Caterham
7 which has the correct wheelbase.
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The kit body was built and then had the center of the floor pan cut out to allow the Caterham's cut down chassis to be glued in. It is only glued front and rear to allow the centre part to flex for motor removal if the need arises. |
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The cockpit details were built onto the Caterham's seat unit using the kits hood cover and a pair of bucket seats from the Airfix Sprite. The driver is retained from the Caterham. His flexible arms allow the bonnet top, and attached steering wheel to be removed for motor maintenance. He has a new head cast in resin from the Airfix Bugatti kit and fifties style overall details added with Milliput. The cockpit unit can also be removed to get to the drive-shaft when required. |
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The car was sprayed in a dark green enamel, the closest I could find to BRG. This wasn't an official colour for the car, which was either MG or Almond Green, but I think it is more suitable for a works car. The rest of the painting was done in acrylics with a biscuit interior and the driver in off white/grey overalls. Bare Metal Foil used for the chrome. The Caterham headlights replaced the kit's as they were misshaped and had no glass. The tape over the lens adds to the racing look |
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The only other alterations were to fold down the windscreen and make a fitting for the spare wheel which came from a third Ninco axle. The car handles nearly as well as a Lotus 7 but I've not really tested it yet. For a £1.50 kit I am pleased with the final result. |
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This car was my entry in the Christmas 2001 convert
a kit competition at Robert Schleicher, author of the new book 'Racing & Collecting Slot Cars' (available from Pendle) judged the competition and I am pleased to say although I didn't win one of the three prizes I did receive an Honourable Mention. Not bad considering that there were 23 entries, many of whom appeared to have a number of years experience of building slot cars. |
