BC312 Posted July 22, 2021 Share Posted July 22, 2021 I want to build a replica of a M53 Cushman scooter just the frame and forks and see if its feasible to put an electric motor in it as a small project i have in mind. Just wondering if there are any blue print drawings with measurements about or i will have to take sizes from original scooter if so are there any owners in Hampshire near Bordon who wouldn't mind helping me having a measure up your M53 pride and joy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC312 Posted July 24, 2021 Author Share Posted July 24, 2021 Are there any Cushmans about, even if they are in a museum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenkinov Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 Hi Light be worth a look at Milweb there have been a number of Cushman on the adverts . Including a very reasonably priced 1946 one converted to wartime spec Post war Cushman are relatively cheap in The USA and it might be worthwhile looking there for o e without a working engine ? Jenkinov 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC312 Posted July 25, 2021 Author Share Posted July 25, 2021 (edited) I saw that on milweb dont really want to buy one, although that price for the 1946 model was a very good. I thought there were a few about in the UK but doesn't seem to be much about, i suppose being sold at stupid prices most are kept safe in bank vaults. I would have gone to the W&P show like i do every year but not on so I may try the Odessey show. Failing that a model kit the larger the better. Are there any active Cushman scooter forum sites about, quite a lot of sites are not active at all they have all gone to facebook. Edited July 25, 2021 by BC312 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatchFuzee Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 Perhaps in an archive? Textron is the parent company for Cushman:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushman_(company) From your last post, I assume that you have seen these already:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/27177372861/?ref=share https://www.facebook.com/Motor-City-Cushman-Club-1391560594434276/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/380606499564861/?ref=share Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatchFuzee Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 Useful manuals? TM 9-876 - Technical Manual ORD 789 G683 Illustrated Parts Manual, Cushman Airborne Scooter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted July 26, 2021 Share Posted July 26, 2021 (edited) There are some plans/drawings for Airborne Cushmans. join the FB group, they are quite active, but there is one guy who has copies of factory drawings, but he's not going to share them. below some basic sizes. Cheers, Lex PS, you have more chance if you post this in the Motorcycle section. Edited July 26, 2021 by welbike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC312 Posted July 26, 2021 Author Share Posted July 26, 2021 22 hours ago, MatchFuzee said: Useful manuals? TM 9-876 - Technical Manual ORD 789 G683 Illustrated Parts Manual, Cushman Airborne Scooter I have got the two manuals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC312 Posted July 26, 2021 Author Share Posted July 26, 2021 10 hours ago, welbike said: There are some plans/drawings for Airborne Cushmans. join the FB group, they are quite active, but there is one guy who has copies of factory drawings, but he's not going to share them. below some basic sizes. Cheers, Lex PS, you have more chance if you post this in the Motorcycle section. I joined up the Facebook pages. I can understand why this guy wants to keep the drawings to himself. I will just take sizes from an original just like aircraft restorers take measurements of original plane parts when they cant get the drawing. I will repost on the motorcycle section, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted July 27, 2021 Share Posted July 27, 2021 The original manuals are rarer that the Cushman itself! and fetch insane prices! Luckily I found mine for a little less. Cheers, Lex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC312 Posted July 27, 2021 Author Share Posted July 27, 2021 (edited) I got my manual from a Dutch guy who sells manuals on CD which are crystal clear ideal for printing of a page you need to study more for reference. With prices like that i would be scared to open the pages. Edited July 27, 2021 by BC312 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC312 Posted August 5, 2021 Author Share Posted August 5, 2021 Hard work finding measurement, people got them but no reply back, thats 3 times that happened, must be in bank vaults with the price they fetch. Could have bought frame and forks for a 1946 model for 30 dollars in Alaska but the seller didn't want to ship, Civilian M53 models identical that don't have Airborne, D day or 1944 added to their M53 scooter sell a lot less. One day i will find one. I seems to be easier to find measurements for a Tiger tank than this scooter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatchFuzee Posted August 5, 2021 Share Posted August 5, 2021 I, assume that you have tried museums, including the National Motorcycle Museum. Would a 1/35th scale Cushman be too small/inaccurate to take measurements from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted August 5, 2021 Share Posted August 5, 2021 (edited) Well, scale models as you might know or not, are very altered in their proportions, this is done, as if you would exactly scale down the sizes, it just would look wrong, so that's a no-go. and then the scale is way too small. There is one in the Duxford IWM, but museums are all understaffed and there's not that many people that can take accurate measurements, or can read vernier, or even digital calipers. Most people that own a real one are not very happy with supplying measurements, for the following reasons, it takes days and days to do it accurately, unless you have basic drawings, that only certain measurements need to be filled in, if I need measurements from someone, that are a bit more complicated, I send them a sketch, with clear instructions what, and from where to where to measure, usually that helps, but I never have had the need for very complicated drawings of parts. Second point is, that owners are afraid of that their bike will go down in value, if many copies will be made, I had a young chap here years ago, measure up my Welbike, gave him food and drinks, was there for a week every day, and then after a couple of years, 20 replica's were made, and then fast forward to last year, some were sold as originals!! I can clearly see the differences but the average guy doesn't, and gets duped in the process, this happens more and more, with expensive stuff, and I have made some people very unhappy, with telling them they bought a replica. My two cents, Lex Below the Cush in Duxford, someone did some hefty modifications to it! Edited August 5, 2021 by welbike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted August 5, 2021 Share Posted August 5, 2021 You can call this Frenchman, he was selling these replica frames some years ago, many things wrong, but from 15 meter it was OK. Cheers, Lex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC312 Posted August 5, 2021 Author Share Posted August 5, 2021 I can see what you mean about making hundreds of replicas, watch the Chinese don't copy them, they are pretty good ant making copies of most things, not much you could do if they did. It would be good practice to see what replicas are about of any vehicle and how to spot one especially exchanging vast sums these go for. People in the states have converted Civilian models for airborne which can be picked up for peanuts, even harder to tell the difference between original against original from year to year. I myself will be taking the measurements when i find one as i know what i want. Drawings ready just fill the spaces. I have had people in the past take measurement for of other things by just holding a tape up to a photo, not good enough, very inaccurate. I do find that museums can be very helpful if they have the exhibit you want to take measurements from and usually prefer you to measure up yourself. I did consider a model if you can find one, i believe Gekco made a Cushman set in 1/35 scale. I will find one in the end, I will contact a French mate who can find out more of the French guy who makes the frame, as i have said i want to made an electric model as a project, anyway thanks for your input and advice, much apreaciated your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatchFuzee Posted August 6, 2021 Share Posted August 6, 2021 The Gecko kit is coming soon and is available to pre-order. One of the sellers:- https://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/product/1-35-m53-scooter-cushman-w-john-wood-m3a4-utility-hand-cart-mod-1943-us-paratroops-gecko-models-35gm0041/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted August 6, 2021 Share Posted August 6, 2021 (edited) BC 312, message sent! MatchFuze, there is a 1:6th scale model too, but was never able to find one, see pictures. Tried the toymodels link, but doesn't work for me! on this one the tyres are clearly too small. Cheers, Lex Edited August 6, 2021 by welbike additional info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC312 Posted August 7, 2021 Author Share Posted August 7, 2021 I have seen the 1/6 scale Cushman, you would think this scale size they would be spot on producing it in every detail. As for wheels and seats, i seem to recall Clements trading selling these a while back at the war and peace show plus some other bits. The correct size tyres 6.00x6 are the same size as Cessna aircraft tyres and hubs if i am not mistaken much cheaper than those from the states with original tread pattern. Is the seat original Harley or a dedicated Cushman style. As i am picking my way with bits and pieces of info on these scooter i was wondering if there was a book about them or at least a detailed write up at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted August 7, 2021 Share Posted August 7, 2021 (edited) Ok, yes, it could have been a lot better, but that is with most 1:6th scale models! Michel has no parts left for these, wheelbarrow tyres in 6.00 x 6 can be bought very cheap! but the best are the original thread ones that have been made in limited production quantity, and will not be made again in the future, I have helped with this project, and sent the company an original front tyre, that needed to be cut in half, but it was worth it, and they are absolutely spot on! A book is in the making, in the US, it will be very good!! Cheers, Lex Edited August 7, 2021 by welbike spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC312 Posted August 7, 2021 Author Share Posted August 7, 2021 (edited) They certainly look very nice. Let us know when the book comes out. Edited August 7, 2021 by BC312 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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