Straightliner59

I generally just leave them on the backing paper, and finish the edge with paint, at least for models with the plates seated against the body work. I think flashing would work just fine, if it was hanging out on a bracket, and the back is visible. Once its protective coating is sanded off, it's plenty thin! The best thing about using metal, is that it can be bent.

I would love get my hands on any of the Monogram gassers! You might try punching some discs from thin aluminum sheet. This tank lakester is sheathed in Maid-O-Metal tooling aluminum. The discs are the same material. I used a punch made from tubing, to punch these...

That's a very cool project. Both of them, actually! I have several 1/32 scale kits, just because I think they're cool. If it was mine, the only thing I would change, would be to find some full-wheel discs. Nice work, Steve!

I agree that pinning is best. Even given that, JB Weld would likely be a good choice for adhesive for metal figures.

Search "eye decals for figures". There are tons of them!!?

You may want to consider Sheperd Paine's diorama book (published years ago, by Kalmbach). Used copies are available on Ebay, for reasonable prices. Also, some of Francois Verlinden's books can be very useful. Those can also be found online, at reasonable prices (unless you want new--in that case, prepare yourself, because the prices on new copies are ridiculous!).

Those look good! I have had the best luck when I've mounted them to a simple pedestal, so that, once the plastic's hot, I have plenty of room to pull it down, over the buck.

Hi, Tom. I simply used a short length of 1/32" tubing, and tapered the inside edge with an X-Acto blade. I just chuck it in a pin-vise, to use it. The tapered inside edge causes the tape to dome, as it's cut. Makes pretty nice snaps!

Tim is correct about that! Superb work, Francis!

Here is the completed gauge panel. I'm not completely satisfied with the engine-turning, but, I will keep at it until I figure out a way to get a uniformly-sized pattern. I just haven't found the proper abrasive, yet.

Thank you, very much, Tom. There will, indeed be a windscreen!

Thanks, Steve! I've seen a few articles and tutorials on using it, and thought this was as good a place, as any, to try it! It worked out well!

Summit, Jegs, Auto Meter. I have found usable images for gauges on all of them.

It looks to me like a mouse went at it for a few nibbles, and decided it wasn't worth it. Only thing I can think of.

The cockpit side padding is complete and installed. The gauge panel is done (no photos, yet). Most of the rest of the stuff will need to wait until the hood is sorted. As always, critiques, comments and questions are welcome. Thanks for looking!

Got the body closed up! Manufacture and fitting of the side padding has commenced. I can smell the completion of this project, even though it's a few weeks off, to finish the hood. The rest of it should be done in a matter of days.

I recall it as "Swirl-a-delic". At one time, I had a copy of the Car Model mag it was in,originally.

The upper body is mounted to the lower body! I set it on the wheels, just to get a look. Next major project will be the cockpit padding, and finishing the gauge panel. It's getting close, for sure!

Cool story! Those are beautiful kits, although I've never built one, so I can't comment on how well they go together. Nice work!

I have three of them! An aluminum Murphy's Rule, a clear, flexible Ivarule, and one similar to yours, but, without the logo. They are definitely handy!

Can never have to many of those! I think it's still the best early Hemi, in kit form (along with their Hemi Hydro(?)). It's a must for building '60s fuel dragsters.

Thank you, Art! I got the seat belts installed. That's the last major step for the lower half!

Thank you, sir!

Seat belts!

Very cool! There's just something about down 'n' dirty race cars. Give me one of them, over a showboat, any day!