13 replies to this topic

[Lone Wolf]

Just picked up this group. I thought the Jersey boys would get a kick out of it. Owner was moving and it was destined for the trash.

Lots of references to O'Dowds Raceway in Pine Brook, NJ. There is a very cool warranty card for a O'Dowds three-rail with what I assume is the car. It was dated 12/26/66. You know where this guy went with his Christmas money .

Can anyone ID the wire chassis? Also, what is that mod to the red motor in the car on the right?

I can't find a name on the box, just the initials LSC. Anybody know the owner ? There is some more paperwork, one signed by Jose Jiminez? The box is loaded with super-cool decals and stickers.

I was going to break up the contents but I just may preserve it as is.

[Joe Mig]

Joe, did you wipe off your feet before you stepped into your house?
Because you must have steped in stuff.

[Lone Wolf]

Joe,

My shoes are still clean, I paid a lot for this junk and had to drive to Connecticut to get it! I'm afraid the days of the cheap vintage slot cars are gone.

[Joe Mig]

Now I see I stopped bidding at 68.00 http://offer.ebay.co...em=230317194954
but was willing to take a ride as well.
I thought it was destined for the trash from one of your neighbors and they gave it to you .
When you mentioned p/u in Con then I remembered that auction.

[TSR]

Joe,
The wire chassis are all hand built, not commercial items. The motor in the red Lotus is a K&B "Jaguar", their version of the Mabuchi FT26 motor with a unique yellow endbell only for them.
The red motor in one of the wire cars has its magnet-retaining tabs broken off and a set of Champion "ARCO 33" magnets and shim installed. I think that the price of the auction was fair for what you got.

[tonyp]

O'Dowds was close to Nutley Raceway. The racers used to go to Nutley for a lot of their "PRO" parts. Any chance of of more close ups of the rest of the cars? Could be a rare tonyp inline or Blazer rewind in there.

[John Streisguth]

Joe:
When I was in my early teens I used to drive my cars at O'Dowds (I didn't say "race" because at that time I didn't have a real clue how to make them "race"). That place was HUGE in size, if I remember 4 or 5 tracks, a couple that were probably 220 in size or more. I remember the banks were so steep (vertical) that slower cars would just fall off from gravity Great to see some stuff survives. Youre right about vintage slots not going cheap anymore, unless you find some at a garage sale.

[Lone Wolf]

Thanks for the info PdL and others. I hope seeing the cars and stuff brings a smile to peoples faces who were there at the time As per Tonys request I am including some more pics. Imagine having a Tony P Vintage piece in my collection - I will await your verification with baited breath. The three rail car is the one sold by O'Dowds on 12/26/66. I have also shown some more shots of the box with Jersey area speed shops and two Motion decals I have never seen before. Check out the yellow interstore discount card listing various participants on the back. Man, I love this stuff

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[tonyp]

That top one looks very much like the ones I was building for Nutley except for the piano wire rails..

[Lone Wolf]

That top one looks very much like the ones I was building for Nutley except for the piano wire rails..

Tony, Should I take that as a yes, no or definate maybe Joe

[tonyp]

A maybe no. LOL....It looks like mine but I am pretty sure I did not make it because of the Piano wire.

[Lone Wolf]

It's late '66 all over again. So far I've completed the resto on one chassis. Can't wait to give it some track time after 40 plus years. That little 26 still screams nice . To me, this is the most satisfying part of the hobby. Bringing things back to life after a 40 year hibernation in a box somewhere. Here are the before and after pics.

[Bill from NH]

Joe, that chassis cleaned up nicely! Any idea what you might have been using for bodies on it? The long brass rails running beyond the front & rear axles is a somewhat unusual feature.

[Lone Wolf]

Joe, that chassis cleaned up nicely! Any idea what you might have been using for bodies on it? The long brass rails running beyond the front & rear axles is a somewhat unusual feature.

Thanks Bill, The body that was on it was the Lotus in the bottom left photo of the box. I believe it is a Russkit judging from the chrome pieces. It has a couple cracks and I just sold the same body in mint shape on Ebay this week before I realised I needed it. What a moron I vow never to sell anything again The body has been mounted and it will be turning some hot laps at Port Jeff raceway here on L.I. tomorrow. Joe