StevenGuthmiller

I question the validity of the subject altogether. Does entering a model in a show serve no purpose other than just to take home a medal? I surely hope that we as modelers are not that shallow. Likewise, just because the man has written articles in multiple automotive magazines doesn't mean that he knows squat about models or the people that build them. Steve

That's my thought. If you have no interest in using the "best" materials available for your projects, you have pretty much limited yourself to silver paint or Sharpie markers. If you want it to actually look like chrome, foil is the only answer in my opinion. There are a couple of other even more difficult options than foil if you want to go that route. You can use silver leaf, which is much more difficult to work with than foil, or you can mask off all of your trim and spray it with one of any number of "chrome" spray paints, none of which really look like chrome. Either way, you can save yourself a whole bunch of headaches by just learning to work with foil. Steve

Let me know what sort of things you're looking for. Maybe we can work something out. Steve

HA!!!!! Looks like you got most of the good ones! Seriously though, the '65 Plymouth, '60 Ford truck, '65 Olds 88, '60 Buick hard top are all worth more than the price of admission! If you ever decide to shed the '65 Olds, give me a holler! Steve

Bingo! Steve

My take on the article posted by the OP? Know something about the subject you're writing about before attempting it. Steve

Before about 5 years ago, I had never participated in any contests or shows either, but since then, I have attended a half dozen or so. The show that I enjoy the most is not even a contest per say. It's the NNL North show in Bloomington Minnesota. There are awards given by some of the model clubs in the region and there are some plaques awarded for "peoples choice", but otherwise, it's a very laid back event. I don't care as much for actual contests for various reasons. I attended a small IMPS event last year, but it was quite obvious when it came to the judging that there was considerable "old boy network" mechanics at work. I much prefer events tailored just for model cars and trucks as well. The IMPS event I mentioned above was for all genres and had in all likelihood no more than a total of 50 entrants, yet there was an entire table full of awards! There were a total of 5 entries in the factory stock automotive category, and 3 of them were mine. Needless to say there are entrees in these shows that will take home a medal that wouldn't even get a second look in most shows. I hate to be too blunt, but the other 2 factory stock entrants in that category looked like an 8 year old built them, yet they both received medals. I guess it's only natural in this age of "everybody gets a medal" mentality that we should expect this. In conclusion, I've come to understand that it's not all about medals and trophies. Granted, it's fun to be recognized by your peers, but in my opinion, it's much more fun just to be in the company of your peers than it is to be in the company of some club members who want to make sure that their buddies have plenty of bling in their award cabinet. Steve

Fantastic! If you paid half of the $500.00 for this collection, your probably already half way to being in the black with that score alone! These Johan '65 Plymouths are getting rarer and more expensive every day! Steve

I'm clean! Steve

I just swallowed hard and went back to look at that glorious Gremlin again and noticed another detail that made me chuckle. Did anyone notice the stickers on the door jamb? Just in case anybody might want to know what the correct tire pressure should be for a stock Gremlin I guess. Steve

I was wondering what that color was called. Now I know. Steve

Today I started out by foiling the very tiny Grand Prix scripts, (especially the front quarter panel scripts) and then shot the final color coat, followed by cleaning off the scripts. I really didn't see the possibility of being able to foil each letter on the quarter panels separately, so I was forced to break the cardinal rule and foil the letters with rectangular pieces of foil. You can currently make out the edge of that piece under the paint, but it will disappear under the clear coats. Clear coating will commence over the weekend. Steve

They might have been able to save it if they would have removed a couple more items. Like say, the roof and doors! Steve

I usually just use the leftover scraps from the pre-wired distributors from M.A.D. that I use. I just strip the jacket and use the inner wire. Steve

Yeah, that's just hideous! You can tell be the swarm of admiring spectators crowded around it. Steve

It's not possible. Steve

The '63 Comet has triple tail lights as well. That plus the other features mentioned make me fairly confident that it's a Comet. Steve

Pretty sure that's a '63 Mercury Comet convertible Snake. Shape of the front of the hood is wrong for a '65 Impala, as well as the size of the cowl vent, upholstery pattern, "triangular" shape of the trunk lid and the fact that there appear to be fender ornaments. Just the overall size compared to the '65 Plymouth above it also tells me that the model is a compact and not a full sized car. Sorry Snake, but I'm pretty certain it's not an Impala. Steve

I usually wait several hours if not overnight. Steve

I'm not out of the woods yet! I still have to foil the scripts and then give it at least one more shot of color. Then there will be as many as 5 coats of clear to contend with! Steve

I use Duplicolor clear straight from the can. Steve

No problem Scott! I live for these old annual kits, so I've learned to pick out a good number of them. Good luck with your deal. You just about can't go wrong with this group. Almost all of them are at least relatively rare and desirable. Some are very rare! A really great find! Steve

Where do you see that one? I'm not seeing it. Steve

THAT IS A STEAL!!!!! Steve

It's hard to tell the condition of these models, but upon second inspection, it appears that the '65 or '66 Plymouth might have significant A-pillar damage. Just something to take into consideration. Steve