1/4 Scale Munro Special

[P Schack]

Greetings,
Well it isn't exactly *my* other ride, but I did a lot of work on it and it is rather unique, so I thought some of you might enjoy it. This all started as a result of wanting to build a quarter scale running model of the World's Fastest Indian or the Munro Special. So being a little picky, I needed some accurate dimensions to go by. Someone mentioned that the bike was owned by a guy about 12 miles from my shop. Is this a great country or what? The bike had been restored but had a broken rod. Basically it was over revved and scattered pieces of connecting rod inside the crank case. As a result it would need at least a set of rods and pistons. So the deal was I would make it run if I could measure it to build the model. Turns out it needed a bit more to run. I ended up making new cylinders and rods. Welded up the cases and machined the decks square with the crank center and bought new pistons. So here are a few photos that I hope you will enjoy.










These were taken in Morro Bay California just after the engine was finished.









These shots are of the quarter scale engine and cam gears.








Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Please be sure to check out my post in the Excelsior section about the rods that are available. Also if you need any parts that are no longer available let me know. I might be able to make them for you.

Thanks again,
Phil Schack

[Alleydude]

Phil, I don't think you could have packed more "WOW factor" into one post. The real bike is just amazing (loved the movie) but that little motor is just incredible! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep us posted on the progress of that little masterpiece.

Thanks for sharing!

[P Schack]

Hi Ken,

I am glad you liked the photos. Making a quarter scale running engine is a humbling experience. I have had a machine shop for 30 years, so I have seen a lot of different parts and designs go through here, but this is a challenge. It gives me great respect for the guys that have done it. One of the things that is a real challenge is the fasteners. As it is now small fasteners are made for the wrench sizes that are available. Unfortunately the hex heads are out of scale to the bolt size. So I have to make my own bolts and nuts to be in scale. As a result I have to make my own wrenches.



It is never ending. However it is an amazing amount of fun. I just wish I didn't have to make a living and could work on it full time. Here is a link to a video that was a huge inspiration to me. Talk about amazing. Have a good weekend.

Phil

[FatDog Racing]

Truly amazing. The talent of folks like you and the Ferarri guy exhibit make me want to give up completely! Humbling.

[P Schack]

Hi Fat Dog,

Thanks for the compliment. Don't ever give up. What you see is a function of persistence and experience. What you don't see is the weeks of hair pulling and frustration when it all goes wrong. Here is a box that represents weeks of work. None of which will ever be used. I keep this around to remind myself that nothing good comes easy. This was just to come up with the crank case halves and the the cam case.



Consider how many people own motorcycles in the USA. How many of those would ride their modern motorcycle across the country? Then ask how many would ride a 95 to 100 year old motorcycle across the country in a race. I would say you are in a pretty elite group. Be proud of it. I think it is great.

Best regards,
Phil

[P Schack]

Greetings,

A little progress on the quarter scale.



Way trickier to make then the big one.
The crank is finished. Should have the knife rod finished tomorrow.
The solid model is finished for the heads, so I can start on those towards the end of the week. Pistons and rings are next.
I will keep you posted.

Best regards,

Phil

[P Schack]

Greetings,
Some more progress on the Munro Special project.
Here are a couple of shots of the engine on the real bike.



I should have the heads finished this week.

Best regards,
Phil

[Alleydude]

(06-28-2010 11:05 PM)P Schack Wrote:  Greetings,
Some more progress on the Munro Special project.
Here are a couple of shots of the engine on the real bike.



I should have the heads finished this week.

Best regards,
Phil

That's just amazing! I want one...

[Tom Lovejoy]

Awesome stuff Phill ! keep at it and sending those photo's our way - incredible work!

[P Schack]

(06-29-2010 11:58 PM)Tom Lovejoy Wrote:  Awesome stuff Phill ! keep at it and sending those photo's our way - incredible work!

Thanks Tom.