Straightliner59

I'm hoping a wash will hide the boogers between the fins. If not, I'll have to go back to digging, in there! I need to make the aluminum frame/mounting bracket, next. I've posted a shot of my scratchbuilt transformer with some of the kit pieces--one of which I started modifying, before I decided scratching it was my best option, as well as a few photos of a real one. I think mine captures the shape, much better. The kit parts look elongated and thin, compared to the prototype. I have a couple of parts left to add, and a decal to print, for the top label, but, I'm pretty happy with it. Questions, comments and critiques are always welcomed. Thanks for looking!

Your finishes on the engine and chassis are (insert stereotypical French chef fingertip kiss, here)! Love them!

Thanks, Mike. Yessir, it's 1/25. ? I have heard that saw, many times. I figure that, if you make any given subassembly a finished component, in itself, nobody can say you haven't completed a model! The ring clamp is one of those tools that looked like it could be handy to have around. I had no idea, just how frequently I would use it.

I've made some progress on this transformer. I've actually made some, since these photos were taken. I used the mill to cut the angles on the bottom of the unit. I've since done some shaping to the fins. I'll need to build the mounting bracket, too, as it appears to be somewhat integral to the unit.

It was at least a couple of years ago. I bought one, then. I really wish I hadn't missed out on that Black Hawk. That thing is so cool!

Excellent work! She's a real beauty! The interior is very nicely done.

I apologize for not updating this thread. Basically, I've been wrestling fiercely with the transformer for the mag. None of the kit ones are right--not that there's an abundance of them. Anyway, as soon as I have something...

But it can earn you a whole lot!

I agree. Photos are an excellent tool! I know a few others here, who'd also agree.

Beautiful work, all around! Wheelwells look excellent!

What about making a punch/die on the lathe and press the spats in tooling aluminum? I don't know if it would work, but a simple test could be done, to see.

There is absolutely no other reason to do this as a hobby , than your own satisfaction. Clearly, if it's your vocation, then you have a monetary reason. Even then, a sense of personal pride should drive you toward perfection. To reiterate what others have said; do what makes you happy! For me, that's a lot of scratchbuilding and detailing. I enjoy the journey, and always try to add new experiences, along the way.

Here's the overflow can I made for my Supermodified.

Thank you, Ian. Even though we build as we do, because that's what we enjoy, a little recognition along the way is encouraging!

I just love those wheels!

Thank you, John. I appreciate that! Thanks, Bob. Now I've taken it back apart, and I'm trying to decide what I am going to do, next!? Thank you, my friend! Yes, I thought it was a nice idea, them having a class, for that. I think there could be one of those, in its future. I think that would be some nice icing on the cake of finishing it!

Nice! Nope, not something you should pass up!? It's a great kit! Nice find!

I have some. I need to go through them. They said there were 216 entries, which is their most to date!

These. The Transtar is an original Ertl kit. The Indian can be had, but it's not super common. The Aurora engines. Well...

This one seems to be pretty rare.

Thank you, Steve. Indeed, it is. Here's a link to the build thread:

This thing won "Best Work In Progress" at a local contest, today!

I went to a contest in a hobby shop, today. I brought home a new cutting mat, 2 pieces of 1/32" brass tubing, 2 of 3/64" brass tubing, some Alclad white aluminum and pale burnt metal, a new bottle of Micro Set and a bottle of blue Vallejo wash. There were over 200 entries in the contest. I was happy to bring home a Top 10 award and the one for Best Work In Progress!

That would have taken part of my arse, with it!?

It's absolutely gorgeous! Fantastic work, Matthew!