Message Index

• Got my magazine today. The Spotlight Hobbies sticker is a nice addition. Will you be adding your new Chrome Plating service to the menu for easy finding? *NM*
  • Yes! I have it ready, just waiting for our IT guy to fine tune everything and post it. *NM*
• Chrome Stripping Question: Does the "purple pond" strip the lacquer clear coat under the chrome as well? *NM*
  • For me, most of the time, no. The way that I strip the lacquer off is with using easy off oven cleaner. The yellow can with the nasty fumes. Don't use the fume free oven cleaner. Be careful using the one with fumes. It can do major physical damage to you. *NM*
    • Very seldom will something like Purple Power, or whatever, do it. Sometimes ELO will work. Original Easy-Off works 95% of the time. It's nasty, but effective. *NM*
  • Might depend on the part. I stripped some 80s or 90s era AMT 57 Chevy old-tool chrome, took it down to bare plastic. Try it first. *NM*
• M-9 45 Ton Trailer Build
  • Charlie, what do you use to slice long wide strips AND keep them straight/true? I have trouble with that no matter how I try. *NM*
    • Which part are you referring to?
  • Re: M-9 45 Ton Trailer Build...bummer! hit the post instead of review!!!
    • WOW! Just WOW! *NM*
    • Two Wows don't really seem to be enough..........truly amazing skill & ability on show, this deserves to be in a museum, thank you for your work. *NM*
  • I do not have your skills but you inspire me to build some Soft Skin models. Thanks *NM*
    • Found a decent way to do canvas tops for soft skin builds.
  • That's beautiful! *NM*
• I repainted the 88 Corvette today. *PICS)
• How about some random model pics for a Wednesday!
  • Cool pics David! *NM*
  • Great batch, David! *NM*
  • Thanks for the pics David.... I really like the Vette and Alfa drag roadsters... That early flathead rail is pretty sweet, as is the Willys panel. *NM*
  • Dig the phantom Willys Sedan Delivery *NM*
  • That's a unique build of the Club de Mer. That Alfa Romeo gasser is too cool! *NM*
  • Thanks for the humpday pictures, some very cool models there, wow! *NM*
• On the bench - 61 Impala SS *PICS*
  • NICE! *NM*
  • Nice job on the roof swap but why? Did you get one of the ones with the funky windshield and cowl? *NM*
    • I did, and got to looking at the rear window and C pillars, wasn't totally pleased with them either. I know this was a lot of work, but I'm happier with it. *NM*
      • My hat's off to you. The switch scared me off--put mine back in the box and on the shelf it has lived since. *NM*
        • The potential is there to make a lot of scrap, for sure - but - one other possiblity would be to start with the '61 convertible *NM*
  • Nice job on the morph, can't wait to see it in paint *NM*
  • Great job on that roof swap, I know it's not as easy as it looks! *NM*
• Most of us have been pursuing this hobby for a long time. *PICS*
  • Wow. I like the spatter job. *NM*
  • Nice work, Terry! I remember that issue, not sure if I still have it though. *NM*
  • You couldn't wash that filthy thing in 40 years Jessie !!! That is just being lazy !!! LOL !! *NM*
  • I guess I've been around a while. I recall having that issue. *NM*
  • How many times do you reckon that odometer has rolled over by now?? ;^) *NM*
• Anyone order from Rays Kit Decals before, what’s average turn around time? Have a order I made in August but not shipped/received as of yet *NM*
  • Terry, he takes a very long time. He has to send the art work out to a printer--at the printer's mercy. I've waited 3 - 4 months, but his stuff is killer good. Also, his wife died tragically from heart trouble some time back--does everything by himself now. Really nice guy. *NM*
    • Thanks *NM*
  • Like Munchie said, they make incredible decals but the wait time can be months. Joe Morgan is the US contact for Ray's and his service is amazing! *NM*
• Has Testors military colors, such as Blue Angel Blue been discontinued? Thanks *NM*
  • Yes, as far as I know all the Military Colors and/or Model Master enamels are gone. They don't make that color in any of their lacquer or acrylic formulations either.
    • Thanks Bill. That's good customer service. *NM*
  • Tamiya X-4 Acrylic or AS-8 spray are US Navy Blue. *NM*
    • Good to know, thanks. *NM*
    • They are both far too light. Probably for WWII U.S. aircraft. I wish Tamiya would list what FS number they are supposed to match. Always leaves you guessing.
      • So you're saying AS-8 is lighter than testors blue angel? *NM*
        • Not sure if it's exactly "lighter", but it has a lot of grey in it. Looks like the dark sea blue used on WWII Navy planes. Like on the top surfaces of this old Corsair. *NM* *PIC*
• So another one I started back in 2017, AMT 62 Corvette gasser (PICS)
• This picture from Ken's post below, I wonder if Revell would consider kitting the Hurst version of their Nova kit (of the Nova in the background of this pic)? *NM*
  • UGH! 🤦‍♂️ Here's the picture that's suppose to be in my post above.. *NM* *PIC*
    • I'd love to see that! *NM*
    • Any more pics of that Nova? *NM*
• You know... *PIC*
  • Terry....didn't you build a Vietnam Gun Truck??? Mind posting it??? Thx *NM*
    • I did. *PICS*
      • Thanks Sir.......I kinda blame you..... *PIC*
  • They are pretty cool hot rods and this one looks like it will be, too *NM*
  • You're gonna do it, right?? 8^)) *NM*
    • Yep. *NM*
      • You know that's a Model A cab, and I'm pretty sure frame as well. If you're so inclined to be faithful to the pic, I have a multi piece resin Model A cab you can have. *NM*
  • I'm just going to stick with the '34. I can build it pretty much out of the box and have a lot of fun painting it. Thanks for the offer, though. *NM*
  • As hot rods go, that truck really is up your alley, great start! *NM*
• Frank sent me a new batch of pics.... This time it's a model that he prepped and painted for a friend, who then finished it.... *PICS*
  • Mopar Frank!!! Is that Dave Krone's Dad's car? *NM*
    • Yes it is......Mike do you know them? *NM*
      • I used to talk to Dave a fair bit when he was selling on Ebay. Lost touch with him when Ebay started to restrict direct communication
        • Wow what a small world... Funny story Marty had posted my Corvette in his Randoms from 81-82 SMN about 15 years before I met Marty. *NM*
          • say hi to Dave for me. It's been quite a while since I've heard from him. He might also remember me by my ebay handle Rapid Transit System. I don't think I ever bothered to get his direct email *NM*
  • Thanks Marty.... Sorry the pictures look kind of distorted. Anyway, Dave is a my PenPal I deemed him a few years ago since we met.*****INSIDE*****
• 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible Hurst Edition *PIX* and *LINK*
  • Extremely cool!!!!! *NM*
  • Very cool! *NM*
  • Two thumbs up Ken!! *NM*
  • Nice replica! *NM*
  • Well done, Ken!! *NM*
  • very cool! *NM*
  • Absolutely COOL BUILD!! 👍 👍 *NM*
  • Awesome for so many reasons!!! *NM*
  • Could be my imagination, but the mags don't seem to match. *PIC*
    • Good eye. Looks the same on the other side too. Oddly enough I have another set of missed matched wheels. LOL. Guess I'll have to work on that. Thanks for pointing it out. *NM*
    • Curious why they didn’t use the Hurst wheels on either of them (hard to tell for certain but the Nova doesn’t look like it has them either ) *NM*
      • They were manufactured in only one size (14" x 6"), didn't work with disc brakes, and were on the way out. They were discontinued in 1969 with the leftover stock being scrapped *NM*
  • Another cool build Ken! *NM*
• Anybody doing a 1/25 3d Chrysler Hydro Vee boat like the MPC kit *NM*
  • Jim, I'm building the new Allison V12 Hydro kit....what MPC Chrysler hydro kit do you mean??......lol.. *NM*
    • MPC 1/18 scale Hydro-Vee boat kit...... With Chrysler outboard motor *NM* *PIC*
      • Thanks Marty....have never seen that kit.....not what I'd call a "Hydro" but what do I know....lol....1960's sytling I suppose. *NM*
        • Hydro-Vee is what the design was called by the manufacturer.... Not to be confused with hydroplanes like the racers. *NM*
      • Thanks for the pic. *NM*
      • Cover illustration of boat without driver is funny... why you make sure the motor is off and the anchor is down if you are leaving the helm *NM*
        • Maybe it was done in India? (yeah right). I've recently seen many drawings or paintings done in India, and they almost always leave the people out of places they should be. Strange deal. *NM*
          • Since that illustration was done back in the 60s when the kit first came out, I doubt it was done in India. *NM*
            • I know! *NM*
              • Maybe copied from an ad or brochure, and the thought was that the viewers would picture themselves in the boat? *NM*
                • Undoubtedly, some 'truth in advertising' crusaders ... "Where were the girls in the boat? I don't see them in the box!" *NM*
  • Oops....Jack. *NM*
    • MPCs large scale outboard boat from 1968 that was re issued a few year back . I think it was 17 ft Charger. *NM*
• Congrats! My dad smoked for many years and had a tough time kicking it, so I know how hard it can be. His 3 pack per day addiction was what made me never take it up. I feel happy for you that you were able to get there! *NM*
• Just a Shout Out to DA Graphics who make the Hydroplane kits...I needed a sprue and they were a prompt & efficent service......thoroughly recommend them for the kits. *NM*
  • Was something missing or deformed? *NM*
    • One of the 2 kits I got was missing a sprue but had an extra sprue, I offered to send the extra back but they said no & have sent 2 sprues so now I can build an extra V12.....yippee.......lol. *NM*
• ATTENTION Jim Meehan. Since you won't be in my will, I gift you this boxart......PIC....
  • Well, I'm kinda dissappointed.....but that's such a cool picture, thanks. Did AMT actually punch holes in the box top? *NM*
    • I acquired mine used with 5 open holes. They appear as if open when new. My kit was unassembled but the cardboard display garage was missing. *NM*
      • Jim, you have mail. *NM*
      • Those boxes did have the holes in them. I've got the roadster and the Victoria which came with a different display. The gas station was also in the Hillbilly Hauler '34 pickup *NM*
• Thank you everyone on congratulating me on my quitting smoking. I congratulate all of you who have quit smoking also. I am proud of all of you for accomplishing a difficult task. *NM*
  • I’m glad I never took up that habit. I suffer from sinus issues, still do, and that would be the last thing I wanted to do, then or now. Congrats on quitting! It’s a bad nasty habit. *NM*
• Indeed! You have a very long and accurate memory, John!
  • Thanks and I didn’t realize that it was that long ago. *NM*
    • I know. I keep thinking it must have been a month or two ago - because I just CAN'T be as old as all that! *NM*
• Long shot part request.... I am in need of one (1) front wheel / tire assembly from either a 1/32 Monogram Hemi Fiat, or Boss Willys kit.... *PIC*
  • I remember several years ago (pre pandemic) that the Model King wanted to re-issue those kits but the Fiat was missing. So Atlantis should have the other tooling. Would love to see them again. *NM*
    • Got a little kink for 1/32 - so anything that pops up would be more than welcome!
  • Sorry I don’t have any parts, but just wanted to say that these were one of my favourite kits as a kid in the 1970s as well!! Best of luck! *NM*
• Dec/Jan issue of Auto Modeler Magazine is headed to press.
  • AWESOME!!! *NM*
  • WOW! *NM*
  • Inquiring minds want to know: Will the Dec/Jan Auto Modeler Mag arrive before the Sept/Oct Model Cars Mag? *NM*
    • Correction - Oct/Nov MCM. Dang, I wish we had editing capabilities - I wouldn't appear so stooopit if I could fix my goofs. *NM*
      • There is no " Oct/Nov MCM". Issue 226 will be next, when they are ready to publish it. MCM announced that the bi-monthly publishing would end some time ago and they would just pub;ish by issue number *NM*
        • Wow, Scott! Way to walk all over my lame attempt at cheesy humor! LOL. PS: It was great to see you at Pomona! Great show, guys!! *NM*
          • It was good to see you as well. Thank you for being there and for your participation. *NM*
        • Missed that, but not surprised... please, let's hope they stay more or less on schedule *NM*
          • For sure. I hope so too *NM*
• IT'S OFFICIAL!!!! We are now offering a chrome plating service
  • Wooo Hoo!!!! I'll have to try this out! Good to have this option back again. *NM*
  • One question, which I'm sure others have also: can resin and 3D parts be attached to the same rack as regular molded plastic parts? Chrome-Tech did allow that but LMK did not *NM*
    • Yes! Resin & 3D parts can be mounted on the same rack as kit parts. *NM*
      • Excellent news. ,, and pleased to see you're keeping the price reasonable, similar to what Dale at LMKC charged. *NM*
  • Will you accept and ship orders from Canada? :) *NM*
    • Of course! We ship worldwide. *NM*
  • You are the best! *NM*
  • What a fantastic benefit to the hobby! *NM*
  • Now that is something! *NM*
  • Thank you! *NM*
  • I will have to try your service too! I have plenty of formerly chromed parts that need to be restored. Thanks for your awesome service guys! *NM*
• Nice pics, thanks! *NM*
• Well done! It'll be 25 years for me this coming January *NM*
• It's been leaked, so it's NOT official--the Roadkill TV show is dead. *LINK*
  • I figured when Motor Trend went all reruns, it was just a matter of time for the rest *NM*
    • LOL It got so bad they were running episodes of "Misfit Garage". *NM*
  • When I saw David Freiburger had his own YouTube channel, I suspected this was coming *NM*
    • Parent company of MT is $40Bbn in debt... so that ought to save a little
      • I used to watch a few shows on MT (Graveyard Cars, for one). Then they moved all the first-run episodes to Max, which is another doggone paid subscription. So I could no longer watch the shows (well, I chose not to). I wonder if that sorrt of management
        • The devil of digital is "Monetizing" - or - getting folks to pay for what they once got for free
  • According to MT some shows have a couple of seasons of programming left to air. Don't give up on the channel yet. *LINK*
    • Not that it really matters, but I see no mention of Graveyard Cars returning, OR being cancelled. Lots of people hate the show, but I always found it informative and interesting. *NM*
      • Main reason I return though the early AM show times are a pain. *NM*
  • I didn't watch many of those type of shows but in my opinion the best one was Rust Valley Restorers. It seemed much more realistic and much less drama and BS. *NM*
• Just saw that Hemmjngs Muscle Machines will also be ending , says March 2025, bummed as they carried a lot of great content including AMC stuff *NM*
  • Oh, man, really?! Damn... *NM*
• Well done! My father died from lung cancer. He smoked until he bled to death when the tumor eroded his aorta. *NM*
• Must have built a couple AMTs back in the '80s. And an MPC Cobra. **PICS**
• Another oldie, Revell 1962 Corvette (PICS)
• Resurrecting some old, stalled projects: AMT 1960 Corvette (PICS)
  • Here it is sitting on some wheels. I like the look. (PIC)
    • Great paint job. *NM*
    • Great mockup. It's inspiring me to move my 80s era reissue higher on the stack *NM*
    • I like it! *NM*
    • Nice one from back in the day when Corvettes were classic sports cars before the gradual transition to super cars or whatever the current crop are called. Great color combo on it. Post finished pics, please. *NM*
• Way to go Scott!! *NM*
• I screwed up a paint job with Testors rattle can. Again. Should I wait a few days before sanding on it, or can I start right away? Thanks. *NM*
  • Throw it in the purple pond or use ELO (easy Lift off) , it should take that enamel off to the bare plastic. *NM*
    • I don't have enough paint left to repaint whole body, just enough to fix area I screwed up. *NM*
      • If it's enamel, you will probably need to wait awhile for it to harden and dry thoroughly. *NM*
        • It is enamel, and that is what I thought, which is why I asked. Thanks. *NM*
  • Enamel or Lacquer? *NM*
  • Put your nose next to the finish. If you can smell it, it's still gassing out. If you sand it now, you run the risk of gumming up the sandpaper and making it harder to fix. *NM*
• Other than having to bury a child, I agree. My Doc said it is equal to trying to kick heroine. (Wasn't sure if I should feel better or worse after he said that...) *NM*
• Oh yes, love to see that one as well , I’ve picked up 1:43 versions of each but not seen/found any in a larger scale *NM*
• Reminds me when an offshoot club of the MCMA was started, around 25 years or so ago...
• Crazy question - anyone have a Revell Healey and a Miss Deal handy?
  • I think you're crossing into Frank and Marty territory now. Maybe they'll chime in. 😁 *NM*
  • Pulling a Fremont Racing resin Healey body and Miss Deal kit from my stash, my initial assessment is that the project would be way more effort than it would be worth.... *PIC*
  • In real life, the Healey and Austin A40 have similar wheelbases, and the Anglia/Thames and Henry J aren't far off. Wonder if any of those Revells would do the trick *NM*
    • That would work much better, in my opinion... Using the Anglia / Thames kit the wheelbase would actually have to be stretched just a bit.... *PIC*
  • Use the Healey chassis and reinforce as needed. I believe that's what the drag racers (Rob Ida, Norm Cowdry) did *NM*
    • I'll confess to admiring the inspiration of the Frank and Marty show...
      • You think the Willys frames were skimpy, take a look at an Anglia or Austin...
        • Cool stories. Do you have any pics you can share? Also, do you remember which part of Canada they came from? *NM*
          • Both came from Ontario. Not sure about the Prefect, but the Austin pickup had the name of a guy and "Norwood, Ontario" stenciled on the bed sides...
            • Cool stuff. Thanks for the info. I’m on the east (rust) coast and I know that old English cars were popular because they were cheap and there wasn’t a lot of money around. I remember seeing a lot of them around when I was a kid, but they didn’t last well due to
        • 40 yrs ago I helped a mate build a V8VW, had to use a frame with the VW wheelbase so I used an Austin A40 frame, welded 3/16 plate front to back on the inside with a 302 Ford, Mustang 2 style front end, etc, car was reg'd as a modified A40 & has done over 100k kms since. *NM*
      • I say take advantage of the hobby in that you are only limited by your creativity. Unless you are trying to replicate a particular vehicle, then why not build it as if you were building a 1:1 in your backyard back in the day? Take whatever frame works,
        • That has always been my philosophy... Build it however you want, "rulebook" be damned.....
          • Agree all suggestions - I think sometimes we do a little too much spectatoring on our own builds
            • Just have fun doing the build and post it here. It will always be a winner, and might just inspire others to do the same! *NM*
• Re: Saw that on a youtube video, too. Surprised that HMN is still going.
• Here is my Wallace & Gromit Austin van that I built last January for the 24 HR Build.
  • Very cool! Best rust I've seen. *NM*
• I've bought from them. Quality on par with Iceman Collections, VCG Resins, etc. All excellent vendors. *NM*
  • BTY, if the part is listed as 1/24 AND 1/25, it probably won't fit both equally well. If that doesn't bother you, then ignore this post. *NM*
• Dang Dave, that's sweet! Lots of fine scratchbuilding on that one! *NM*
• Neato Jim! *NM*
• By far the most under-rated of the Corvettes, I'm getting a sense that may be changing, tho
• Somewhere out there....is a restaurant or bar or someone's mancave, with a driver's side of a stepdown Hudson hanging on the wall...
• Agreed Marty. While I love the accessibility of digital media, I definitely prefer being able to hold what I'm reading, whether it be a magazine, book or the instruction sheet! *NM*
  • Another canary in the coal mine...
    • Yes on both points. The auto industry ain't what it used to be (IMHO much of the excitement is gone with a few exceptions).
• Thank you my friend! I tried to add window framing on my '67 Tempest project but it just wasn't working out. I think it was a little too thick of material. The notching is something I haven't done before. Thanks again! *NM*
• Rich, do me a favor, would you? Put me in your will for that kit. That is positively the best box art EVER! *NM*
  • It is presently stored in a box with other kits, behind more boxes, and under some boxes. If I get REALLY ambitious, I'll dig it out and maybe we can negotiate. 😎👍 *NM*
    • OK, LMK. *NM*
      • Jim, that tonneau can also be found in kit #2632 pictured inside.....PICS....
        • It was also in the kit with the blue & white striped promo box... *PIC*
          • That was the kit that I had that had the tonneau cover....
• I quit the day after my daughter was born in January, 1993 *NM*
• I'm not a huge hot rod guy these days but I like a low down rod with an unchopped roof. *NM*