Message Index

• I remember years ago an article in one of the mags about a homemade vacuum form. Anyone remember which issue it was? *NM*
• OK, I'm looking like an idiot. I just sprayed some Tamiya TS-13 clear on an old AMT hood and MPC fender. They look great. Every problem I've mentioned so far have happened with old monogram kits. Molded in black, white and orange. The black one was painted with .............
  • The only problem with the 1K clear is that you can not paint over it. I've tried Tamiya Semi-Gloss black, Duplicolor Semi-Gloss black and the Gundam Chrome pen. All crinkled up. *NM* *PIC*
• Another missing link. The first generation Mid-size Ranger Pickup. *PIX*
• I'm also working on a model of my friend Bill's '70 Camaro RS and I'm using MCG's photoetch grille. Have any of you done this?
  • Yes, I am working on one now did the grill about a month ago.Its tedious work dont take too much off shell at a time. I put mine in from the front. I am doing a full bumper kit.I don't think I have any photos uploaded. The grills on the real cars are a little different. *LINK*
• The missing Link Bronco, the Bronco II
  • PIcs in the above post. *NM*
• Hey everyone, I just got one of the old MPC/Airfix(?) Toyota 2000 GT kits and it's in great shape except no instructions. Does anyone have this that they might be able to scan and send to me? My email is:
  • If its any help, the UK's September 2023 Octane magazine, # 243, has a great feature on the Toyota 2000...I've the Hasegawa kit but its a curbside, nice detail of whats there but no under hood detail... I assume the MPC/Airfix is a full detail? *NM*
    • I have Hasegawa's kit as well. Yes, the convertible kit is full detail. *NM*
  • I've got you covered. Mail is on its way. *NM*
• Since I am here, I have a question. I am working on the Silvino's Modified and I want to wire the engine. I can't find a good picture of the distributor/magnito. Anyone know what they run and where I can get one for the model. I have several distributors but I .......
  • Here's an article showing the NASCAR spec motor, *NM* *LINK*
    • Now it's just finding a distributor like that. Thanks *NM*
  • Part no. B16 is pretty close to correct. It's just a large cap MSD distributor. You need some 90° boots, which I know someone sells. Easy enough to scratch build the top retainer ring. One big thing about that motor that really bugs me, is that the heads (and headers) have *PIC*
    • Did I also mention that the valve covers are incorrect too? *NM* *PIC*
• One more rung up the ladder and then I just had to mock it up. *3 IMAGES*
• I finally finished something. My last completion was July 7th. I can remember how long it's been since I have gone that long between finishing a model. I've been working on several and all have gone south so I threw this together just to see if I still could. PICs
  • It’s been over a year for me. Congratulations. *NM*
  • NICE! *NM*
  • Oh yeah... It appears that you've still got it!!! No need to feel bad about bot finishing anything in a few months. I myself have been unable to finish anything in about two years now....
• Back to my original question. What brands of gloss clear spray can I use over colored plastic without a negative reaction and that I can wet sand and polish? Ragtop Man already suggested Future and Duplicolor 1K. Can I have some more suggestions please? Thanks. *NM*
  • Testors One Coat Wet Look Clear lacquer IF you can find it as it's been discontinued and don't question what you've said as I seen the same info from Jameston. *NM*
    • I thought the clear gloss (wet look) in their Extreme lacquer line was still available...I know the clear gloss from the auto lacquer line has been discontinued... *NM*
  • When you spray the clear over the bare plastic, what is exactly happening? Is it crazing the plastic? *NM*
  • What kind of cleaning process are you performing before painting? Tamiya and Testors "lacquers" will not normally damage styrene. *NM*
• And ANOTHER thing about that darn '51 Chevy Belair kit. I NEVER found the gas petal.....and it's supposed to be chrome. *NM*
  • Jim...I've got a 1986 issue # 6607 & the instructions show the gas pedal is part # 9 which means its not on the chrome sprue, those parts start with "3" & have 3 numbers...and as I've been building my kit for only 36yrs I can't find that pedal anyway......lol. *NM*
    • True about the part number and all that, but my instructions say that it is chrome. It is no where to be found on any sprue. *NM*
  • Is a gas "petal" for "flower power"? *NM*
• I have never head of this kit. I wonder why we haven't seen it lately? *NM* *PIC*
  • It did get altered into the 66 annual *NM*
    • Basis fpr the HERO TV car too..... *NM*
      • Unfortunately the "Hero" version couldn't be built stock because of the adulterated front and rear bumpers. I got stock bumpers for mine but will also have to fix the truck area that had been cut out for the pickup version. Luckily the cut out panel was still in the box. *NM*
• Are any of the usual suspects producing gasser style front axles, so I don't hafta buy several kits to source them from? Like to get about a half dozen or so. Thanks. *NM*
  • I haven't found any. There is a ...
  • I wouldn't want any structural part that thin as either resin or 3D print. Material too resilient will flex or sag, too rigid will be brittle *NM*
  • Why don't you get some Plastruct and make them, You could do either a tube or beam axle with the different shapes available.. *NM*
  • I agree with Wayne but I recommend Evergreen plastic. Much easier to work with. *NM*
    • Just curious David, what's the difference between Plastruct and Evergreen plastic? *NM*
      • Evergreen seems like a somewhat stronger grade of styrene. Most of the other stuff is kind of "mushy". *NM*
      • Evergreen is the same plastic (or very close) as kits are made of. Unless the formula has changed for Plastistruct, you can not use model glue on it. *NM*
        • I knew there was another reason I didn't lkie Plastruct. I think maybe PVC pipe cement might work on it. *NM*
          • The dark gray Plastruct has always been ABS. They do offer some shapes in white styrene though *NM*
  • FWIW, You can use stock vintage car and truck front axles from many common as dirt kits, or scratch build them from tubing.
    • Larry makes a good point. If you building a vintage gasser, most of the pieces were what they could get out of the junkyard for cheap. *NM*
• Well shoot, still waiting for the restock of Chevelle AWB kits. *NM*
• Dumb question, but gotta ask #2: Were AMT kits sealed in 1968? I seem to recall they were *NM*
  • Started with '67 annuals, Trophy Series were phased in as they were reboxed *NM*
• Tamiya has changed their paint formula, I guess around a year or so ago. I used to be able to spray clear over colored plastic and color tamiya over any plastic. Now, there is a neg reaction. You have to use Tamiya primer, ........... more .........
  • Lots of good ones from Future to Duplicolor 1K
  • I spray Tamaya lacquer right onto the plastic on a kit. No primer -
    • I have a Monogram 1940 Ford PU Early Iron series molded in orange. I sprayed Tamiya clear over it and ended up with dull and rough spots. Same thing with a black plastic Cop Out. So I bought another Cop Out in black and sprayed it Tamiya gloss black and had the same problem. *NM*
      • Is this their spray can clear? I just ordered a can of Tamiya clear to spray over colored plastic. *NM*
        • TS-13 clear. *NM*
      • Dumb question but I gotta ask: Are you sure it was the regular "TS" line and not that polycarbonate spray? *NM*
        • That's exactly what I was thinking. I find their paints fantastic! On many kits over the years, the plastic has changed, THAT could also affect something maybe? *NM*
        • Good point! They say not to use PS on styrene plastic, use TS. PS only on RC type polycarbonate. Light mist coats then wait 5-7 minutes before laying the wet coat. *NM*
          • I’ve used the PS paints on mine and other then it dries flat and is a bear to if you want to strip it , have not had any issues with it . I do use a primer whenever I paint so can’t speak to how it may react on bare plastic *NM*
        • Positive. All that I buy is the TS-13 clear. *NM*
• Heller Ferrari P3/4 Pix - Pandemic Build, and please pardon the dust
  • Nice build, and cool story! *NM*
  • Looks good and its nice to know I'm know the only one with these 30 year projects. Gives me hope I might finished a few of them. *NM*
  • Turned out good though and man isn't that a gorgeous car, wow! Nice story as well, so what restaurant was so great downtown back then? *NM*
    • Re: Turned out good though and man isn't that a gorgeous car, wow! Nice story as well, so what restaurant was so great downtown back then?
• "I need a hero" ... Who says I don't like Mopars?
  • The wagon roof looks more at home with the Imp's lines than it does with the boxy Lincoln *NM*
  • I had planned that build.but will leave it to you as you will do it good.I built the Hero car as lawn company vehicle! Here is a PIC
    • Horns are the perfect touch - did they come in the kit? *NM*
    • "Lawn-Atics" for a lawn care business. I love it! *NM*
  • What Imperial kit was/is it? *NM*
    • The one pictured is the Hero, a '66 convertible festooned with a lot of cowboy themed accessories for a TV show that lasted thirteen weeks...
      • I'm guessing this was the Western Pickup (which I faintly recall) cos there is no evidence of builder-quality trimming or cutting on the body
        • WP may have had the lower body fringe removed. I have only seen a handful of those over the years, it probably didn't set the world on fire *NM*
          • How AMT missed Green Hornet with the Imperial - when every kid in America wanted to be Kato... *NM*
            • Aurora may have had exclusive rights to it and the Batmobile back then *NM*
      • So a stock Imperial kit is uncommon & $$$.....I've seen one 1:1 scale 65/66 Imperial 4dr H/top here in Oz...those glass fronted headlights are a neat thing. *NM*
• Mmmkay: For whoever wanted to see pics of my '62 Fury gasser / MP project and the straight axle dilemma...
  • Cool to have that survivor. I hope your packing and move all go smoothly. We never really realize just how much stuff we have accumulated until a major move, right? *NM*
• Another rung up the ladder. *3 IMAGES*
  • Getting there, John! Keep 'er goin'! *NM*
  • Looks good John. Where did you get those magnetic blocks? *NM*
    • I'd got them from MicroMark and they cost considerably less when I did. I suggest you Google: Rite Way Clamping System. *NM*
  • Spray it silver and it'd look like that point on the real thing *NM*
  • Making headway... nice! *NM*
• 57 Crew Cab Car Hauler - Update (2 Pix)
  • How cool is that!! *NM*
    • VERY KOOL *NM*
  • I like the detail on that tri-cab 348/409. *NM*
  • What a rig! Nice work so far! *NM*
• From the "Floats my Boat" file (photo courtesy Kustomrama) *NM* *PIC*
  • ? Boat must have sunk. *NM*
  • Aw, it resurfaced, nice color. *NM*
  • I'm surfing behind that boat... Love the stance and the color matches the style of the car. I'd for sure drive it on a date. *NM*
    • I knew you'd like it, Frank!! *NM*
  • I don't care for lowered rigs, but that is simply gorgeous. *NM*
    • Glad you like it. I like just about everything lowered. You know what they say..."Praise the Lowered"!! *NM*
      • ;^) *NM*
  • I can't stop looking at the photo. Now to get one of the Lindberg '61 lowriders to start with... *NM*
    • I've got one that Albert gave me that was almost done. Repainted it once already, so can't bring myself to repaint it again. Guess I'll have to find another one. *NM*
  • I love that style! A car you can actually use as a car! Beautiful styling to begin with, lowered, cool colour, nice wheels and a V8 rumble. BAM! I love it! *NM*
• Here is a kit review of the AMT '69 Galaxie by Hpiguys Workshop Gives a good breakdown on the parts.Gonna need this kit for the extra '67/'68 parts *NM* *LINK*
  • Interesting kit, especially since the extra seats/console/exhaust system/front & rear ends are obviously from another tooling & can't be used on this kit without some extra work....what are these from? *NM*
    • The 69 kit today is the final resting place for the ‘67-8 Galaxie.
  • Same here, I have a 67 with a messed up front suspension and missing exhaust. *NM*
• Modern Big Rig
  • Wow! They can just hope their truck looks as good as your version! *NM*
  • Looks great, Tim! How was the windshield done? *NM*
    • Windshields, you know my dislike for them. This one is thin clear plastic sort of rolled to shape then positioned over the cab and taped in place until the glue cured. *NM*
  • Re: Modern Big Rig....AMAZING! *NM*
  • Super scratch building result! *NM*
  • Nice. Is that their first cab with a one piece windshield, or no? *NM*
  • I like it! *NM*
    • I keep coming back to this and it just keeps getting better. Just Wow! *NM*
  • Excellent work! *NM*
  • WOW!! *NM*
• Attention Marty Neyrinck. I've sent you an email. *NM*
• I thought you pinched it from the '67 Impala new tool impressive scratchbuilding. *NM*
• Hope you're not doing anything for the next 1:43 or so - A4 modeler teeing up the Tamiya M-B 300SL *LINK*
  • It's mesmerizing to watch... I've viewed it many times... It's very zen... *NM*
  • I've that kit....got up to 35th minute, need a break....& I thought I was anal....lol...just mesmerizing, skill & ability is over the top....who is this guy? *NM*
  • Thought I would watch just a sample... yeah, I watched the ENTIRE thing! I was occasionally literally saying the full version of OMG out loud in an awed tone. Often it was when his thumbnail in comparison would show how tiny some parts were. Wow. *NM*
  • Holy Moly!! (that pivoting steering wheel...Lordy...) *NM*
  • Wish he would do more commentary even if its just captions. Also the sources for the aftermarket pieces, like were does he get that small aluminum tape? Also what is his references, I've got a bunch including one book just on the 300SL and they don't show some of that stuff *NM*
• I'm wondering how large Case traction engines get to thresher meets in the US. :-) *NM*
  • Over here everybody trucks them since we don't have the exemptions like they do in England. *NM*
• Mustang, huh? *PICS*
  • Uh hmmm ;^) *NM*
  • If only they didn’t screw up the greenhouse height. *NM*
    • I don't care. It'll look just fine. *NM*
      • No thanks. Unfortuntely, they hope people will think that so they can justify the “close enough”…”good enough”…rationale. *NM*
• Way cool stuff, Gerry. Great PIX--thanks. (didn't know there was a show--live 20 minutes east of Albany) *NM*
  • First I knew of it. Of course, I've only been in SW Washington since very late 2019. The IPMS club made both our SABA club and the LAMA club aware. So we went down to support. *NM*
• I love this stuff! Thanks, Wayne. *NM*
• Off the Bench: 66 Mustang !!! *PIC*
  • Here is model & box *PIC*
  • Looks really nice. Captured the box art very well. *NM*
  • Looks like fun! *NM*
  • Great build. Looks cleanly built. *NM*
  • Very nice build! *NM*
  • Looking good! *NM*
• Build Suggestion for the Board. Next April is the 60th anniversary of the Mustang. Our club here in Colorado Springs is planning on a group build. How about the board joining in. Any Mustang any year. What a perfect time to celebrate this iconic car. *NM*
  • Wel, I'm not a Mustang guy, but I've got several. Sounds like a good idea. Maybe you can remind us once in awhile about this. *NM*
    • I'm in *NM*
  • Sounds like fun! At the very least there should be a 'Post your Mustang build' day. *NM*
  • April 14th or 17th? *NM*
  • Count me in, too! *NM*
  • I've got zillions of Mustang kits, and while I have a terrible track record for these group builds, I'm all in, sounds like fun! *NM*
  • Now your talking my language. Mustangs are my favorite so count me in. Just don't be surprised if I never get it done! *NM*
  • I would totally join in on that one! *NM*
• You're welcome!! *NM*
• You're welcome! *NM*
• Good luck with that unless you like spending $200+ to build a model. Sure, some people have those deep pockets, but I’d rather see Round2 clone the body so we can all have a builder’s kit. *NM*
  • If you pay retail - gotta have a nose for the hunt and really watch the tables at the shows, keep an eye online
    • I wouldn't read too much into it...most of those parts were in the last RC2 issue *NM*
    • Years ago, I bought resin copies of both the '68 AND the '67 Galaxies. Time in storage hasn't helped either one--one warpe badly, and the other has broken A-plillars.
• I’m glad I was able to get people thinking about cloning Johan kits. It makes no sense NOT to do it. *NM*
• Coming along nicely John. *NM*
• Tamiya match for Ford Poppy Red?
  • Not sure there is a good match. TS-49 Bright Red might be your best choice. Although I think it's still a little too Red. *NM*
    • I agree that Poppy Red has a little more orange, but maybe not obvious to the average viewer. *NM*
  • When Model Master auto lacquers were available I purchased a can of Hugger Orange; thought it was close, but haven't used it *NM*
  • On the NASCAR board someone posted using Tamiya bright orange over red oxide primer for their AJ Foyt build (to replicate Poppy Red) *NM*
  • Bill Little's never ending quest: What is Poppy Red ... *NM*
  • Here's the standard for it: PANTONE 17-1664 TCX Poppy Red *NM*
• The cost is the same - maybe I wasn't clear at first
  • I'll defer to your expertise, but there must be a reason that we are seeing scanned updates of old kits vs new design tooling for the same subject matter. Either way there is a lot of nice stuff coming out and I'm happy about it. *NM*
  • Eventually non commercially viable won't mean anything anymore, then every one can kit what they please. *NM*
    • 3D is heading that way faster than we think/know. It's where resin was in the late 80's - early 90's *NM*
      • I’ve seen the 3D printed Cadillacs and they have quite a ways to go before I’d consider buying one. For some reason, they can’t seem to get the front grill shapes right and have problems with the windshield design. *NM*
• You mean the pink ute with green Flames, it is different. *NM*
  • Yes *NM*
• Yet some love th 57 thru 60 Mopars, 57 300 has been in the lineup for years as well *NM*
• Agreed. *NM*
• Bummer! Here in Northern Illinois, we are losing Rockford Speedway. A little 1/4 mile oval, that is one of Illinois' last remaining NASCAR sanctioned tracks, which originally opened in 1948.
• Test????? Oh man, I didn't know we were going to be tested!!!! *NM*
  • Chrome browser dumped hard and crashed......all saved info was wiped. thx *NM*
• The old Motor Racing Replica News was about half curbside/half full detail Depending on the subject matter, their attitude seemed to be "take what you can get" *NM*
  • If that suits you, great. Me: I like engines, I want engines in the kit, one of my favorite parts of building a kit. As mentioned earlier haven't bought much this year, but in the 3 or 4 years before bought a bunch and with the exception of an Aoshima and a couple
• Nice! I am enjoying watching your progress. *NM*
  • Thanks. *NM*
• Does anyone else get inspiration from Hot Wheels? Like their car hauler series or the Car Culture series *NM*
  • Yep!! I collect HW too.....but used them for inspiration.....
  • Why yes, yes I do! *NM* *PIC*
    • Jim are you going to be at the Spirit of Speed show this Sunday? *NM*
      • I just might. I'm by myself on weekends. *NM*
      • Are there usually quite a few vendors? I generally spend more time at vendors area than the contest tables. *NM*
        • Contest and vendors are in the same room. It's kind of 'cozy'. But remember, getting into the show also gets you into the N.H.R.A. Museum. *NM*
    • Pretty cool! *NM*
  • Here is the HW I am using...... *PIC*
  • Many years ago one of our former regulars did a series of builds closely mimicing classic "Redline" Hot Wheels. *NM*
    • Whatever happened to MustangGal/Jackie, anyway. Been a while since the last update. *NM*
      • I saw a post by her on a model related site a couple of months ago but cannot remember the details now. She goes by Jaqueline Whitecloud (or something like that reflecting her Indian heritage). I think she is in California now but just can't remember anything for sure. *NM*
        • On Fecebook: Jacqui Whitecloud (Lady Jacqueline Whitecloud-Neale) *NM*
  • these are a couple Ive done *PIC*
    • Awesome builds. I really like the Gremlin. *NM*
  • I got an inspiration from an M2 diecast.
    • Really nice Charger! I too see those M2s and get ideas from them as well. *NM*
• No pic *NM*