clovis

Nice job, Mark!!!!! How did you learn to create such stunning weathering??

I forgot to mention that I think model building is such and educational tool and a needed skill set that I am actually thinking about trying to teaching it. One of our local schools has an after school program that meets for an hour after school each day. The idea that I have is to team up with Revell, if possible, and use their Make and Take kits, and let the kids hammer away at them for the six week program while I offer guidance and the teaching of basic model building skills. I am just kicking the idea around in my head, Still lots of thinking to do, deciding if I want to make the commitment, and figuring out some of the hurdles. (Some of those hurdles: Where on school property can we safely primer and paint the bodies?; Figuring out how much the supplies would cost; Is there enough material to cover 6 weeks of a class?)

I think the learning and educational aspect is different with every age set. I built models all through my teens, and I was literally appalled when I got to college and discovered how many of my fraternity brothers didn't know how to use a rattle can. In my opinion, the learning is mostly about learning a skill set that will stay with you for the rest of your life. The attention to detail that I learned while building models has helped me earn more money in my life. Building models also taught me that things go together a certain way, and it gave me an insight to how and why something should work together. This was an especially important lesson that has helped me be a better rebuilder/fixer/restorer, even though I only tinker around the house. I am still learning...every project, and every model...I learn new things.

This thread is an interesting read. One thing that I'd like to add is the severe decline in model entries at the county 4-H fairs. The decline is shocking, to say the least. When I was in 4-H, back in the 80's, there were so many model entries that the fair board had to build even more shelves. I'm not talking about a small shelf. We're talking 60 feet of shelves, with three tiers, plus the floor, and there still wasn't enough room for all the entries. There are several reasons for the decline, but the biggest hit was taken when Walmart quit selling kits many years ago. When I talk to other 4-H parents, I hear the same complaints time and time again: 1. "There is no place to buy a model around here." 2. "We went to HobbyTownUSA. Have you seen the prices for models? They want $75 for ship model!!!" And truthfully, they are right. The nearest store is a 20 minute drive, and the prices are high, at least at one store. I am not a supporter of Walmart, but this hobby took a hard hit when they dropped models from their stores. You see, I believe that the $8 model purchased at Walmart was the gateway to becoming a model builder for many years afterwards. Not everyone is going to stay with models, but a fair percentage is going to graduate to better and more expensive models over time. Without the mass merchandisers, we are losing generations of model builders, day after day. For instance, when I first tried to encourage my 8 year old nephew to build for the fair, is first reply was "Build a model? Of what? Why would I do that?", and then he ran off, and returned with a handful of die cast cars he owned. "See, I don't have to build cars. I have some already." Then, his mother, said "I am not driving to ___________, and I am not going to spend a fortune on a model, just so he can enter it in the 4-H fair."

This one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/330774400134?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Hobby Lobby has been a lifesaver while trying to build up my supplies and on a budget. Those 40% coupons are just fantastic!!! We don't shop there very often, mostly due to the distance and all the traffic in the area, but HL is at the top of my list when I need something. .

We ran into the same question building a Mustang for my daughter's 4-H project. The hood hinges were ginormous, so we left them off, and for our model, a prop rod worked fine.

I received the book...it is very good. While I have read the entire book yet, I'd recommend this to anyone wanting to improve their modelling skills.

I'd say the guy who wrote the ad is just fine. I am guessing that some of you are taking this ad way too seriously. I laughed so hard while reading the ad that I actually woke my wife who was asleep. There are a few people in this world who are very creative, and think outside the box. I bet this guy is very funny and witty in real life, and if I were in Livonia, MI, I might stop in and "drink some Kentucky bourbon while listening to Johnny Cash" with the guy...and I don't even drink.

Very well said, sir.

That ad is hilarious!!!!! The two funniest lines: "Please don't walk up and tell me you'll give me $1000 for it. That's liable to earn you a Burmese-roundhouse-sphincter-kick with a follow up three fingered eye-jab. Would it hurt? Hell yeah." "There are only 235,000 miles on this four-wheeled hellcat. Trust me, it will outlive you and the offspring that will carry your name."

FWIW, I ordered a copy of the Brett Green modelling book. This is the hardcover version with 190+ pages. I saw the book in the Smithsonian Air & Space museum gift shop. We were in a crazy rush before they closed, and I had the book in my hands for literally 3 seconds. I thought it looked interesting, but had no chance to look it over. I found a copy on the bay for just $16 shipped. Again, thanks!!!

Welcome!!!!

We never download any coupons. We often use our iPhones while in the store, and look up the coupons, and then show the cashiers the coupon on our screen.

Mike-I knew that I'd seen or heard of paint stores that offered to shake rattle cans. I was beginning to believe that I had dreamed that up. Thank you for your reply!!! Pete- That contraption is brilliant!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

I stopped in our local Sherwin Williams store today. SW corporate policy must mandate that they hire no one over the age of 14. When I asked if they could shake a rattle can, this gal looked at me as if I were standing there buck naked, and then tried to politely explain that most spray cans have the directions printed on the can, and told me that I should shake it vigorously using my arm while holding the can in my hand. "You will hear a thing inside making noise" she added. I tried to explain further, saying that I was hoping a vigorous shaking on a machine agitator might help free any blockage inside the can, which of course, fell on deaf ears. Oh, well. I tried.

I wouldn't use the cans either. They are far too expensive for what you get. I still have my old school simple Badger that my dad bought for me in the early 80's, and the instructions show that you can use a spare car tire as an air source. Of course, you'll have to have a special fitting, and you will be limited with this tire air, but if you can make it work, the more power to you. I was explaining this to one of the young employees at the LHS, and at first, he looked at me like I was a three eyed monster and as if I were high on crack, but he did a quick check, and found the exact fitting, sitting on the shelf for $6.

Thank you for the reply!!! I had no idea that he was affiliated with hyperscale. A cool website...but I wish there were more 'how to' topics. I am way behind on the learning curve! Great idea on the book reviews!!!

The Sidekick you have pictured isn't bad.It is a little surprising how popular those are. The one I was referring to is the four door wagon/SUV version...what is it? A 5 passenger? With all that glass?

I'd like to make my next airplane the best one I've ever built. The last plane that I built was only 27 years ago, back when detailing and weathering was still a controversial subject. I'd like to hone my skills, and really build something super nice. Has anyone bought or read any of the Brett Green books on aircraft modeling? I think most of these books are published by Osprey. They look like nice books, but I hate to throw good money out the window. Thoughts or opinions???

As a spin off of the other thread, what is your Top 10 list of ugliest cars ever produced? Of course, this is a subjective list. Let's not get too worked up over each other's lists, and don't have hurt feelings if someone lists your personal 1:1 ride on their list. Here is mine, in no particular order: 1. Suzuki X-90 2. Suzuki Sidekick, late 90's 3. AMC Matador 4. Nissan Juke 5. Nissan Cube 6. Toyota Box (the first square body models) 7. Nissan Quest vans (the latest body looks like a hearse to me!!) 8. Nissan full size vans (the latest body/models) 9. Toyota Echo (anyone remember these early models?) 10. Dodge Colt Vista wagon( early to mid-90's...was this a Mitsubishi with a Dodge emblem?) What is on your list???

I think that the car companies want to be edgy in their design, to try to attract new customers, and some do it so they can say they were first in a new style. Either way, most of these smaller companies miss the mark by a mile, sign off on tremendously ugly stuff, and try to pawn it off to the consumer.

Thank you for the replies!!!!

I appreciate the continued replies!!! It is nice to hear that Airfix makes a decent kit. I feel better now about bidding on an Airfix should I find one on ebay. Again, thanks everyone!!!

I've been thinking about how and when I got started building models, and even though I started the thread, I simply don't remember. I do know that the first model I ever received was a gift, and it was a Steve Austin, 6 Million Dollar Man model. My dad glued it together for me, and I tried to paint it, which was a disaster. My mother later pitched it in the trash. I think I got a couple of car kits, and built those using a whole tube of glue on each one. I don't remember much after that, until I discovered model kits of WWII war birds, and then I was addicted, hook, line and sinker. Those war bird models stole my heart, and I spent seven years, from about 11 years old to 18, building planes. I gave up building until a few years ago, when my daughter entered 4-H. When we sat down and started that Revell Corvette kit, I couldn't believe how much I had missed the hobby!!!!