RatRod

Ok, but this is the only pic I have left....lol.

Thanks again for the compliments!!! I spent at least 400 hours in about 4 months getting this one done for a big contest, one that I had won 1st place in the coveted HotRod class two strait years prior....Yep, I was kinda dumb founded that this one did the Hat Trick, but really excited too!!! That year there were three full tables in the class, and all were great builds, so the competition was tough.

Paul....Actually, I still have it!! My reserve was so ridiculously high that I new it wouldn't go, but it did get bids...lol. I think I have sold most of my award winners, but I better keep this one. I might not ever get up the guts to do another of this caliber...lol. Thanks for the compliments.

Here's a few more pics....

Here's a build that's almost ten years old!!! I did this one back in 1998, and was without a doubt one of the most trying builds I have ever tackled. This started out as Revells Thom Taylor designed '34 Cabriolet, and anyone who has ever built this, or any of Monograms '34 coupes, knows that these kits aren't that great. About the time this kit came out Scale Auto had a sketchpad done by Mr Taylor, and had a drawing of a highboy version done in black w/red steelies, and the narrowed '37 P-up grille & shell. Not wanting to do it in those standard hotrod colors, I chose Dupli-Color Forest Green, and Krylon yellow as the main colors. It would take a day to type all that was done to this kit to finish it, so I will just let the pics do that, but I can say that I'm glad I stuck with it!!! When it was finished, I e-mailed pictures to Mr Taylor, and he was very impressed!!! That was a great feeling, kinda like Virgil's build of Jauris's "Frankie".

That's unreal!!! What a rush that would be to drive!!!

I agree, love the Hotrod look with the Americans and without the skirts!!! Kool idea!!!

The more I look at this one, the more I like the look. With the shape of the body being smaller in the rear, and tapering up in the front, the roof follows the the same shape. This will probably look even better when painted!!! What roof did you use on it?

Thanks for the input!!! As far as the tank, based on a 1927 racer, the tank was long and narrow. I started with a reshaped small tank, but it wasn't what I wanted for this particular build. Mike, the key here is "vintage style" this is a modern bike built with that old school racer look. I have tons of the old Imai Harleys, but one problem with Revells new kits is the scale seems more like 1/11, just a tad bigger than 1/12. The older shovel looks kinda small in this frame. I might reshape the heads a bit to resemble a pan for the effect though!!!

I like the look, but almost think the roof needs to be balanced a little better. Just my opinion.

That's sweet!!! I really like the turned rims, it would be a shame to cover them in paint.

Being an avid Harley collector, and a plastic menace.....I'm off!!! I have started with several frame modifications, one being the removal of the dip in the rear frame, and the other was shortening the front down tubes, and arching the back bone. I then set the rake to fit a white metal springer I had. And....Here's a little more progress in the mock up stage. The springer is set up, I did a pie cut on the tank, and shortened the height, the rear fender was cut to the desired length, and the sides were cut down. I scratch built the handlebars with a vintage look. I still have more to do before paint....Rear fender mounts, custom exhaust, seat springs, etc. More to come, when more gets done!!!

That is beautiful man!!! I used to do a lot of 1/43 too, but not as many anymore, my eye's are getting old!!! Is that a LeMans miniatures kit by chance?

For some reason the engine and header look slightly out of scale, but the build is totally awesome!!! Great job, and congrats on the award!!!

Another nice one coming from your work bench Lyle!!!

I agree, put 'em in a case, and preserve them!!! Great old stuff.

More kool stuff coming from Virgils great mind!!!! You've got my attention once again man!!!

It looks old and used.....I think you did a fantastic job on it!!!

Thanks for all the comments & compliments!!! This is a great place to hang out!!! Keep buildin'.....

Sure I remember Bob!!! Heck, I have even slept since then!!! I have more pics too if you need any. I have a restored Monogram Black Widow & Blue Beetle. I also have a black version of the Lil Viky drag '32 that matches the Art Box cover.

Kool Dirk, I hope to see it when your finished!!!

Man that is a great model Dirk!!! Just wondering if the wheelbase is stock, or slightly altered like the Year One Nova?

WOW!!! I have all the Muscle Machines JJ bikes in both scales, and have even cutomized a couple 1/18, but nothing like that!!! Those are very, very nice!!! Have any more??

What ever you call it, I call it one awesome build!!! Great job...... from an old guy!!!

Excellent results!!! I build tons of 43rd scale cars for customers, and that is one beautiful 1/24 K8!!! I have several of the 24th kits to do, and hope they look that good!!!