Straightliner59

I posted this not quite three years ago. I see people asking about wiring distributors/mags, all over the web. This is, absolutely, the best method I have found for doing it. It's inexpensive, simple to do, and avoids the "clump of wires poking out of a tube" look. I've been using this method for decades, and it's been foolproof (if I can't mess it up, neither will you!)...

I'd say this pretty much sums up the way I see it.

Hi, Andrew. I'm kind of sitting back, formulating my plan, and making sure that's the next step, before I proceed.

One point that inevitably comes up, in these threads, is that which states that, if one is scratchbuilding, and striving for perfection, they can't be having fun. Just because that pursuit isn't your idea of fun doesn't mean it can't be someone else's. I've seen many, many models that were/are superior to mine. Every time, my thought was "I want to do that!" I build a lot of curbside models and slammers. Even so, I try to add in a new technique, or improve a specific aspect of my modeling with each project. Is it always fun? Almost always! But, it is always rewarding. As I've aged, I've grown to enjoy the journey, more, and worry less about the destination.

Oh man! That's funny! Those early '80s Monogram kits are pretty pricey, when they turn up--the Charger, Camaro and the Firebird. They are pretty nice, too.

Just got this off Ebay for so cheap, I almost feel guilty. I really like these Matchbox kits, even though I haven't built one, yet. I just picked up the Surtees, recently, as well.

That is very cool, Ray. That blue is close to the color I am leaning toward. I like the catch can, too! At least I guess that's what the red and white cylinder is, at the base of the radiator.

Francis. No words. Just beautiful! Flywheel continues the amazing work, here!

There are several Ebay stores that sell it with or without lead for use as weight, in tying flies. It comes in diameters from .010"-.035". I have been collecting every kind of wire I find, for decades--all kinds of other stuff, too!

Aha! That explains why it looks so familiar. At one time, I had a Johan '60 Rambler. I might still have the sheet, in my big-box-o-decals.

Such magnificent work, as always, Francis. That Lenco is fantastic! Thanks for sharing your work, my friend!

Thanks, Barry! Much appreciated!

I was working in a hobby distributor, when they were released. We couldn't believe it, when we opened the first case! That was hilarious!

That is cool as hell! Nice work, Gary. Very, very interesting piece of history.

I got them from Jack Smith. I believe he still has some. The only way I know to contact him is through Facebook. If you're interested, I may be able to put ou in touch with him. Thanks, Carl! I love these old kits! They are just cool, ad a lot of fun, to build. Thanks, Steve. I must enjoy this type of modeling--I keep going to it!

1/32 scale parts are pretty difficult to find. If you CAN find any of them, Monogram did a series of 1/32 kits back in the early '80s that were beautiful! They were glue kits. There were a Nova, Charger, and a late-model Camaro. There were street machine versions of each, that had aftermarket wheels. Revell also did a series in the mid-late '80s that were more basic, but, that might have some wheel options. I know there was an early T-bird, in that series with custom wheels. I only recall that, because I recently found some around here to use on an AMT 1/32 Ranchero. I wish I could be more help.

It still needs a little work, and another shot of Dullcote, but I think it looks pretty cool! I used a lens cloth for the blanket. I coated it with white glue, and smeared some grey Gunze Sangyo paint on it. Then, I found a saddle blanket pattern that I liked, and printed it on clear decal film, and applied it to the lens cloth, then, I basted it with Micro Sol, like a Thanksgiving turkey. I shot it with matte clear, then made the fringe from embroidery floss on masking tape. It still needs to be adhered to the seat, and folded around it. As always...And, thanks for looking!

Thank you for your kind words, Misha. They are much appreciated! I love to huff nitro, most of all, but, I've always loved the lower class cars. Just good, old race cars!

It's yours, and it should be as you want it to be! I enjoy your work, and find a lot of value, in it.

Ah! Thank you, Francis! That is a brilliant idea! I now know exactly what I am going to do. I appreciate the photo! It's a big help. Broken and lost stuff just comes with this territory. There isn't a one of us, who hasn't spent hours of work on something, only to have to do it again!

We can all meet at Muroc!

Thanks, George! Yeah, they are a lot of fun!

I thought you might like seeing these! Yeah, that silly extra pipe. I made mine from Contrails plastic tube. I just discovered that I have an unopened package of that stuff, still! Thanks, Bill. I have discovered, through the years, that old Monogram kits hold a special place in my heart. I have built more of their kits, than any those of any other manufacturer, by far! Despite their flaws, with some work, they can be made into respectable pieces. Hell, I placed fourth in the circle track class at Salt lake, with the Indy car. No idea how that happened, because I didn't do anything to take away the "soul" of the kit, it's just an old Monogram kit that's dressed up, a little.

I took note of that, as well.

Beautiful work, Tim. Your hard work is certainly being rewarded! You and Francis have inspired me to learn more about, and experiment more with my mill. I appreciate your work, and the inspiration!