Everyone wants to have a unique vehicle. However most really oddball,unique or very early vintage vehicles are really pricey which requires most of us to turn to the more common vehicles such as the Fords. I already own an 1897 Olds Trap replica and a 1903 Curved Dash Olds replica. Both run and drive, full sized very faithful to the originals in appearance. I wanted an early REO truck, but they are scarce as hen’s teeth and about as expensive. I wanted the 500 lb version, which had balloon tires and single chain drive. I found a cache of photos and with a few measurements obtained by a friend I set out to build one. From the ‘‘T’’ parts bin I used a set of Improved model demountable 19’’ wheels, an Improved model front axle, both left and right rear axle shafts, a ‘‘T’’ steering wheel 17’'. My homemade steering column I topped off with a brass gear case with the wheel mounted to a Speedway ‘‘T’’ shaft adapter. These items are classic in appearance and lend themselves to a nice, authentic appearing replica. I owned a '26 roadster for years, and though it’s been gone for a while I still enjoy the ‘‘T’’ forums. It’s a 1910 REO replica, diesel powered.
Your REO is beautiful! I’ve considered building a replica Curved Dash Olds myself and had gathered some information on CDO replicas over the years. What attracted me to the CDO (in addition to the car’s good looks) was the historical aspects of the CDO series produced at the turn of the 20th century. I was especially fascinated with the transcontinental expeditions that left San Francisco to New York City which included a Packard, Winton, and the CDO. I recall there was another long distance CDO expedition that involved a pair of CDO, but the details escape me at the moment.
I remember contacting the CDO club some time ago and when inquiring on information toward a replica they were not very helpful. It seemed as though there was a less than enthusiastic opinion of replicas from the club that promotes CDO survivor vehicles. Perhaps they were concerned about counterfeit CDOs since that CDO appear simple enough to recreate as a replica. I wrote to Oldsmobile and was directed to the 1950’s era Popular Mechanics article which describes the construction of a 3/4 scale CDO replica. Eventually I connected with the Horseless Carriage Replica website and purchased a set of their CDO plans. Although their plans were intended as full size CDO plans there appeared to be liberties taken in the design and that references to original CDOs and original source specifications were lacking. I’m sure the Horseless Carriage Replica CDO plans, when followed produce a wonderful looking replica and photos on their site suggest that, when I compared photos of the internal structure of actual CDO’s to the diagrams shown in the HCR plans I was disappointed at the lack of attention to detail the replica had in following the structure of the actual car. Apparently their intent was a simplified full sized version of the CDO for the home hobbyist. I was hoping for more authenticity.
Although my fascination for the CDO started many years ago, my failure to collect enough detailed material or suitable parts to build a convincing replica did eventually lead to my eventual interest and efforts to build a Model T. It is just so much easier to gather parts, information, and support for a Model T project than a CDO replica. As I learned more about the Model T I was drawn more into it’s extensive story. Which similarly to the CDO 6 years prior included a cross country race but from New York to Seattle in 1909 involving a pair of factory team Model T’s. In the long run I’d rather have a real Model T than a replica CDO. I’d likely never build a CDO replica but I enjoy seeing beautifully created examples of early replica cars as it appears you’re able to create. Thank you for sharing and posting your projects.
I like the clone. Its just seems to have more raunch. You could really tell with the first clips of Tush. When are the metro clones up for sale?
Jeff