Dave Pye

I like details and I like a clean build which displays proper modelbuilding. I laughed at the "aftermarket conspiracy" line, and I think I am in a position to say I have never heard of such a thing. I have built for a contest, not in cars, but back in my model railroading days. The NMRA had a judging system that pretty much listed all the criteria to be met to be considered for a top award. Scratchbuilding was a big point getter. Now, at age 62, I suggest one should just like to build, and not necessarily a whole car. Every part of a car can be a separate model. I loved building chassis and suspensions. Engines were OK. I never could get the hang of super-glossy paint, so I chose subjects which fit my skill sets. Now, diabetes has taken its toll on my eyesight and other health problems severely limit my building. I'm not out of the game, but I am not investing big bucks like I used to. I never did it to win awards, and I did win. I spent what it took to satisify ME! And, I am just too darned picky! So, oddly enough, as a change of pace, I paint a simple military figure. It's fun and very different. When my back can't take sitting at the model table, I research and make notes. I have always liked research. I encourage Steve, my son, to build what he likes and push his skills every now and again. He enjoys scratchbuilding detail items. Good for him! So, I don't have any idea why some people like or think big-buck details will win a contest. I know a thoughtful, precise, throrough and correct build is how you win. The details are just for fun and enjoyment. Note I did mention fun first. And, I really doubt any well run contest uses amount of aftermarket as a "requirement" for a trophy.

I grew up around guys who were older (cousins and friends) and who were in college and on budgets. It was the early to mid '60s and there was something new each week it seemed. So, these guys (I got to tag along) went to the races, looking and asking about cast-offs. There were still a lot of 30's bodies, OHV Olds and Pontiacs, Hydromatics, finned drums, you name it. So, I learned to split wishbones to make radius rods. I learned to use Bondo-type stuff and primer. I learned to make a few horsepower here and there. And, I loved it all....even when I learned -- being "the kid" -- parts cleaning! (Automotive 52-card pick-up) So, with a fast forward to when I re-entered the hobby, I quickly noted I still could not get a shiny paint job, I didn't want to pay to rechrome parts that I cleaned up (or take a month to get them back), and foil was, and is, still a mystery. So, while I primarily build dioramas, they all feature a backyard budget build. Fits my tastes and abilities. Oh, I did get some SpazStick and some Tamiya lacquers and someday, I will use those coveted CAE hairpins, the quickie rears, the tube front axles, and chrome them all. They'll be under a shiny body...maybe a Fiat, a Bantam...maybe a '29 high-boy or a T-Bucket. But until then, it's just like the old days...couldn't paint shiny models as a kid, still can't. Spraying primer on the body of a (real) roadster stopped rust...now, it just looks smoother on my models than my attempts to paint. Just like the old days with real cars, the idea was to get 'em on the road. Today, it's get them done!

I like "traditional" hot rods. You know, strip it down, and make it fast. In my mind, I see the "perfect" rod as a highboy, maybe a '29 or '32, most definitely a 23-T Bucket. I think the "rat rods" are a movement against the billet-built, rubber-band tire, electronic-engined street rod. I think the owner, or builder, is trying to re-create something from the past. Maybe it’s a reminder of where street rods -- and just as well throw in pro street, etc. -- came from. Shoot, you could call it history or industrial art. Call it American, too. And remember that money mattered. It was being smart in a do-it-yourself, one-of-a-kind, I'll-figure-it-out sort of way. Not cubic dollars, but guys getting together or being a lone wolf, always stretching a buck. Speed isn't cheap. But, those guys had to make it cheap. Primer kept metal from rusting. OK, job done....candy apple is great if you have the bucks. Or, spend that money on a mighty motor. Paint jobs don't make you faster, so make it real, or else forget about it. About as much fad as I like is the bobbed pickup bed instead of the turtleback or fuel tank of a T- Bucket. I'd take a stripped '29 on '32 rails, add some juicers and baffle the pipes. Three 97s on an Offy is fine, sitting atop a flattie, Caddy, or maybe even an Olds. Small-block Chevys are welcome, but somewhat discouraged. American 12-spokes or Halli kidney beans on the front and American Torques or Halli five-holes work on the rear. So does a set of steelies, reversed or not, plated or not, maybe some Baby Moons....French some taillights, if you must.above the rear loop bumper. About as exotic as I would get would be a quickie on the rear, an Olds or GMC is fine. Call it cheap chic. Call it real. It's all about the beginnings and early days. Giving birth is messy...and wasn't always safe. Get my drift? One hundred forty with the top end floored...it was all about being different, better, faster...

Posted 01 August 2012 - 09:46 PM Dave. One question, though, do you brown the beef before adding it to the pot, or let it cook, as you didn't specify. Sorry, when I cut and pasted the recipe, a line got ommited. By all means cook the beef! Add it to the pot after the pork product and onions have just started to brown -- or before the onions start to look clear. It makes a good bowl of chili, in my opinion.

Okay guy and gals, try this: This is a recipe that was found in my grandfather’s journal, from back when he headed up cattle drives from northern Texas and southern Oklahoma up to the railheads in Kansas. He had a cook with whom he was so impressed, that he would try to hire “Cookie” (The cook’s real name Jim, but I like Cookie better) every year. He finally had Cookie scale down the recipe for home consumption. This is about as authentic as it gets. Traildriver Chili con Carne 2 pounds diced (course-ground beef) 2 onions, chopped up "Cookie's Spice Mix" (see below) ¼ pound salt pork, diced (bacon works for this) 3-4 cups water (or beef bouillon, I like the bullion) or more if necessary 2-4 Tablespoons masa (corn flour or masa harina, to thicken to your taste) and 2 Tablespoons water (to mix with the masa) Melt the salt pork slowly or sauté the bacon, and add onion. When pork/bacon is partially done and before the onion is cooked clear, and add the beef and cook until beef is browned. Add "Cookie's Spice Mix" and stir, cook for about a minute or so. Make sure nothing sticks to your pan (He used a cast-iron Dutch oven). If it starts to stick, add a little lard (butter or margarine). Add water/bullion and bring to a boil. Stir for at least a minute. Cover and simmer for at least a couple of hours. Give it a good stir every now and again .Finally, mix the masa with the smaller amount of water to make a paste. Make sure it is not lumpy, and you may need to add more water/masa to get it to the thickness you like. Just use the above proportions. Stir in the masa/water and heat to thicken. It does not fully thicken until chili is boiling. Just don't boil it too much; simmer it. You can cook it longer if you wish. Just make sure there is fluid and keep it stirred! Now, if you want to get all fancy and such, you can add some diced tomatoes, garlic, or some Tabasco. "Cookie" added tomatoes when they were in season, and the same was true with garlic. He relied on the seasonings and keeping it simple! He also made a note that beans went with ham hocks, not chili. The quote was, “Men don’t like too many beans, use beans with ham hocks, not chili.” But, people can still add them...if they must! Cookie would mix up the spices before the trip north to the cattle markets. I've also added a can of chicken broth, just to add a layer of flavor. Of course, diced onions, sour cream and cheese are options to top off the chili. "Cookie's Spice Mix" 3 parts ground up dried red chiles (Use powdered chile, NOT chili powder, there is a difference) 1 part paprika 2 parts ground up cumin seed (or powered cumin) 1/2 part salt 1 part ground up black pepper Mix together and keep in a tight jar.

I like to take my time with a build, and choose something within my range as a builder. I got to a point where I had a lot of half-done projects, and I figured out the "why they weren't built." So, with limited time available for modeling, I started to look at what i could reasonable get done. Plus I a, 62 and hhe eyes aren't what they used to be. What I found is a bunch of old-school (vintage) drag car parts which I picked-and-chose into my own "kits." Call it kitbashing, if you wish. As to detail, I chose subjects which I had enough information on to build into nicely detailed models. The time is quite a lot, but I am not in a hurry. So, for all the details I try to add, I learn or better my skil levels. THis takes times, but I convert that into "more bang for the buck" and am happy with that rationale. As much as I might like to build an XYZ, I either do not have the skills, do not have the time to learn them, or just can't get the correct kit, without some major mods. And, I have learned that I am just not a good painter. I have buddies who do that for me, mostly because i lack a booth. BUT, I do not compete with these kits, They are just for me....something I like. I offer my services -- gratis -- in return to friends who would get hung up with one of my better areas. It's all good...

Sheeze, you want me to break people's monitors, Harry???

I use Tamiya flat acrylics. Tamiya offeres a clear flat, as well. The paints are great, self-leveling, matte finish, and back in stock!

I know Steve Ripley of C/W group The Tractors, does that count?

I've played professionally, now just for the fun of making music. I am still well-geared, as is my son, Steve. He prefers his Gibson Flying Vee or a Strat (both real and vintage) and either an EB-3 or my P-Bass. I like my Tele and Strat. Depending upon whom you ask, one of us has a Marshall stack (100w plexi lead) with 1960a and 1960b cabs. I have a 1969 Twin with JBLs, two G-K heads and four 2x12 Neo cabs. I play through my Princeton Reverb a lot, while Steve like the Super Champ XD. We have a V-neck Strat, too. Let's see...a full PA....Yahama 12-channel board, JBL cabs, Shures...echo...lots of effects...oh, yeah, two Bassman heads and cabs....can't forget the roots....

Great looking build! One suggestion would be to dull the shine on the figures. Keep the shine to the car! I like the "downtown" look of the photo background, well done.

If the process of elimination helps, I see no referrences to colored wires in my 1971 Gratiot Auto Supply or Honest (Hisself) Charlie's catalogs. "Honest ain't mad, he's just being grilled!" -- From a catalog from Hisself.

I use mine frequently. Harbor Freight.

With the recent re-release of the Tweedy Pie, I found a started model that I think I'll finish. It's called the Tweedy Pye II, as there is a Tweedy Pye already on a diorama. I talked to Ed Roth years ago about how I was going to progress though a series of Tweedy Pye cars (He approved of the rename, it made him laugh....then I had to hear the old, "Pie are round, cornbread is square joke). Sorry about the photo quality and the lint, I took it out of storage and thought you folks might be interested in the next level for the Tweedy Pye. By simply sawing out the rear crossmember and inverting it, I could easily fit in the stronger GMC rear end from the Revell S-W-C kit. I added some stronger shocks (maybe the 421 Cat kit??) and then, the TP2 could handle the higher horsepower output of the now-dual carbed engine. The original had just one carb. Ed sure liked this idea, and so did I!!!!

Ahhh....the mighty EB-3...I've had a couple over the years. I prefer my Precision (refurbished 1968), but there is nothing like the EB-3 or a P-Bass. Steve (my 14-year-old son) has an EB-3. He uses a 100w G-K for practice, but there are a couple of '60s Bassmans downstairs. Then, for those Jack Bruce moments, there is the Marshall...