MTFCA Forum

A few weeks ago I posted a question here to ask about 1911 Torpedo drawings needed to make a digital 3D model. First, thanks for all the responses here and others that I received by email. Several people have been very helpful. Second, as it turns out full drawings of that year's Torpedo do not seem to be available. But drawings for the 1912 Torpedo are, so I've decided go ahead with that one instead.

Making good progress with the chassis, hood and radiator cover complete. As work progresses on the body I'll post updates.

The model is unshaded (no surface color or texture) so renders as a light gray overall. Shading will be done once the model is complete.

Steve,
Nice work!
What CAD software you are using?

Thanks, Ken. Not CAD software but Autodesk Maya, which is primarily a character-modeling application. So most of the work is done by eye using the Benson Ford blueprints as references. Try to keep accuracy to within a half-inch or so, but there are compromises here and there.

Update. Most of the body is now in place. Front fenders were the most difficult part so far. They look simple but the shapes are surprisingly complex.


Will probably move on to the top next. The drawings that I have from Benson Ford do not include the top, but I found the drawing below elsewhere on this forum. Does anyone know if these dimensions hold true for the '12 Torpedo? Hoping they will because having the measurements will make things much easier.


I just want to add that I've really enjoyed poking around the forum. It's a busy place and everyone's comments are treated with respect. A good community. I've especially enjoyed the Foto of the Day thread. This Model T newbie (and non-owner) has learned a lot.

You are doing nice work. Hope you get a ride in a T soon if you havent already

Steve

This is a 1912 runabout top, but very similar to the Torpedo. Only a guess, but the front top bow and cover on the Torpedo is just a bit longer than the measures in this print. T-3800. 1912 runabout top assembly.

I am curious, what scale is this? Fabulous model.

That may very well be the 1912 Torpedo top drawing. Ford was sloppy with the drawing names for the 1911 Torpedo / Open Runabout cars and I suspect they were with the 1912 Torpedo, also. There are factory drawings named, "Roadster" and "Open and Torpedo Runabout" that are clearly only parts used on the 1911 T/OR cars, so it wouldn't be a stretch to say the same is true for the 1912 Torpedo.

Additionally, there is nothing significantly different dimensionally about 1912 Torpedos when compared to a standard production car, whereas the 1911 cars had the two-inch longer hood and the many different pieces to facilitate moving everything rearward with respect to the longer steering column, the seat being further back and lower, etc.

Thanks, all. The model scale is 1:1, which I use for everything so different models match when used together in larger scenes. When this is placed in the final scene it will appear in the middle distance and will be quite small, so there's more detail here than necessary. But much of the fun of 3D modeling is learning how things are put together, and it's easy to overdo it once a project gets underway. Each model takes on a life of its own.

Dan, thanks for the shot of the runabout top. The proportions look right to me. I'll defer to Walter and others here but my understanding is that the two 1912 runabouts were very similar. I may get in touch with Benson Ford to see about a high-res scan.

Keeping a lookout for local antique car events. Love to go for a jaunt in one of these some day.

If anyone's interested I maintain a blog to document work on the larger project, which is focused on the Erie Canal: dotsandlines.steveboerner.com.

Update. The model is pretty much complete. The brass details (headlamps, side lamps, horn, etc.) were done by eye based on photo references. Headlamps are Jno Brown Model 19, side lamps are Atwood Castle 204. Horn is double twist. From what I've read, there was a lot of variety when it came to these things and no real standards. Next steps are UV mapping and shading. I'm planning to use this set of photos as a guide as the finish appears to be historically correct: https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pg19 ... out/775098. (With the exception of the dash, which should be painted black inside and out, correct?)

Steve

No, the dash is not painted black, it is stained cherry.

You can also reference my 1912 Torpedo at this year's Old Car Festival. Other than the accessory magneto headlights, it is correct for a late 1912 Torpedo (note the horn bulb is mounted inside the door as opposed to the earlier 1912 cars).

Thank you, Bill, for clarifying that. Beautiful car!

Ok,send that program to Jay Leno's 3D printer and make us some nice New Torpedos!

Any chance of getting a copy of your drawing?

Finished shading the model so it's pretty much done for now. The green paint job on the body is a little too light, I know, but will be adjusted when the car is placed into a real scene. It also needs to be roughed up a bit with some dust and dirt. Let's just say for now it's just been driven off the showroom floor.

Thanks to all for your help with this.

Steve

Very nice work, Steve.

Wow. That did turn out nice.
Itching to see it in the scene!

Thanks. After posting the image something made me double check the encyclopedia and, sure enough, I found that the color should be midnight blue. That's fixed.