I was poking around on Google maps looking for boondocking spots when I noticed the Dwarf Car Museum icon. The museum is out in the middle of nowhere and even after looking at the museum website I wasn't sure what to expect but since we stop everywhere, off we went!
What an unexpectedly interesting stop! Ernie Adams started building wheeled contraptions with scavenged bicycles parts and appliance motors when he just a kid. At 22 he built his first dwarf car using old refrigerator sheet metal and simple tools,.
There are about a dozen cars in the museum, each built on a 11/16" scale with everything but the engines and transmissions made by hand. The attention to detail is amazing especially considering that many of Ernie's tools have been made or modified by him and one of the most used tools is a hammer. Watch at least part of the movie that runs in a continuous loop to see construction details.
The museum walls and shelves are filled with antiques and memorabilia. Visitors are welcome to roam the grounds where old metal appliances and other scrap metal is stored for future projects, although, at 82 Ernie is probably not going to do any more building. He is, however, on site most days and willing to answer questions. I spoke with him briefly and wanted to take a photo of him but unfortunately he went home before I got the chance.
Make sure to check out Ernie's original workshop.
The museum is accessible. There are several ramps where visitors using wheelchairs may need assistance and the grounds are rough in spots.
The parking lot is large enough for any vehicle. Museum 32.89585, -112.13603
Ha! Nice try, but you can't fool me. Those cars are all normal size. Tony is eight feet, six inches tall.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think anyone would catch that! ;)
DeleteThis looks like a really fun museum! We might get over there sometime ourselves!
ReplyDeleteDon't miss it of you're going that way. I think you'll enjoy it!
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