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Taxi!
Take me to the Marne, hurry!
An antique car like this is similar to those taxis used to transport french soldiers to the first Battle of Marne from the city of Paris in august of 1914. This delightful restoration shows some details to those interested to model one of such cabs. Of course, you must get many actual pictures of the particular event as possible for main reference. However, if you don't live near the Museé de invalides in Paris, you would never get colour information about the details and inards of those cabs. That's why I took these pictures.
Currently, I've located a few SMER automobile kits in 1/32 scale that are able to be converted in a generic taxi. Of course, considerable effort and a lot of scratchbuilt pieces must be required to achieve nice model.
General view of the restored car. The fenders are made of plywood, steamed to shape.On the hood there's a sign asking to keep their hands away.
Cab detail showing the wood and brass details of the driver compartment. Note the brass fuel tank, directly ahead of the driver's knees and the latches locking the windshield, that can be positioned partly open if desired.
Another view, at slightly different angle, shows the finely cast wheel rim and wooden spokes and the shiny wood fender.
Where's the engine? a little metal cluster and some copper pipes is just about everything under the odd shaped hood. And it really works!
