StevenGuthmiller

That’s the problem. It’s generally not too difficult to preserve the window frame, but depending on the design of the cowl vents, it can be very difficult. I don’t build drag cars, so I usually leave the molded in wipers and just try to detail them to the best of my abilities, but I have removed them on occasion and replaced them, as well as opened up the cowl vents if possible to add even a little more realism. It worked quite well on my ‘68 Coronet, but there have been others that I won’t even try. Steve

Looks like you’re on the right track! Steve

And a little flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce for dessert. ? Steve

I usually have a bunch of work colleagues over for a meal about once a year, but this year I decided to simplify things and forgo the usual "sit down" affair and do a wine and cheese thing. About a dozen people showed up, and we offered them a fair spread. I believe everyone had a good time. Steve

Love it! I'll be following along. Steve

I don’t recall anyone in this discussion stating that Gundam modeling is not “real modeling”, and I agree that model building can encompass just about any subject that you can imagine. When I brought up the idea of “real”, I was merely referring to things that have actually existed in the real world, whether that be a car, a plane, a tank, a building, or whatever. Modelers generally strive for realism in whatever their particular genre may be, and that’s possible through reference to actual items that they see in real life. whether a builder is building a factory stock or an all out custom vehicle, they’re still using references that they have gained through observations of things that they have seen in actuality. With a Gundam subject, there is no reference to reality other than what someone has dreamed up in their imagination. Is there anything wrong with that? Of course not. But it seems to me to be an entirely different concept than trying to “replicate” something that has a basis in reality and has to follow certain parameters in order to be considered a “scale model” of a subject that truly exists. That’s all that I’m saying. Steve

That is certainly true. Steve

That’s understandable. Just as there are probably vastly more model car builders that don’t do shows than those that do, I would imagine that the same sort of ratios would apply to Gundam as well. My only point is that if the ratio is any where near similar to other genres, you would certainly think that you would see many more examples at shows with such a seemingly fast growing segment of the hobby. Steve

Probably very likely. There are dozens of model car related Facebook groups. I would imagine that it would be similar for every other genre. Steve

I have no doubt! ? Steve

I suppose. But for a genre that proclaims to be growing by leaps and bounds, it certainly seams to be underrepresented on the show tables, at least as far as I’ve seen. I sometimes wonder how much of it is going to end up being just another passing fad. I know that statement will probably irritate some, but with all other genres there is some sort of historical reference. With Gundam there’s really none of that. Steve

It seems a little weird to me that apparently the interest in Gundam has grown so exponentially in recent years, yet when I attend an IPMS show, which allows for all genres, I see very few of them, at least in my locality. In all honesty, the last show that I attended boasted over 500 models, and I don’t think that there could have been any more than a half dozen Gundam subjects displayed. Then again, I’m not 100% certain of the number as that was the only table that I petty much passed by. Although I build exclusively model cars, I can really appreciate the other genres for the most part. Some of the Military and ship models are absolutely fascinating! Aviation models to a lesser extent for me, but the fantasy and Gundam subjects just leave me absolutely cold. I guess it has to do with my disposition that a “scale model” has to be a scaled down representation of something that has actually existed at one point or another. Just me. Steve

Steve

I used many of the parts from the Revell 1968 Dodge Charger kit, including the firewall. I dressed it up a little. Steve

We’re praying for you folks down there. Hang in there. Steve

Almost every AMT kit that has it’s origins as a promo or annual kit has those top mechanism wells, unless the vehicle was not offered simultaneously in hard top and convertible configurations. There were a few kits that had that detail added to the top boot instead of the interior tub, or as I said, models that were not offered as convertibles, such as the ‘64 Pontiac Grand Prix for example, didn’t have them. The vast majority of kits were molded with convertible interiors regardless of the body. Steve

I agree. Never rely on instructions and the hope that everything is going to go together and fit as imagined, because it almost never does. The only way that you’re going to get everything to assemble and look as you want it and that’s with plenty of mock-up and test fitting throughout the project. Resist the temptation to make painting the body or any other parts the priority. It always amazes me how often I see complete assembly failures, to the point of the modeler throwing the model against the wall, and then exclaiming that the kit “is junk”. Those problems can be avoided EVERY TIME if the builder would have been more careful and had just taken the time to inspect, test fit and mock-up prior to jumping in without any idea of how things are likely to go together. Steve

I didn't widen the rear seat on the '65 Plymouth interior as the seat shape allowed me to just add a little material to either side and still keep it believable. The shape of the rear seat as it correlated with the shape of the rear package shelf prohibited widening the seat without involving reshaping the rear package shelf as well, so it seemed to be the most logical fix. I did however, have to widen the rear seat on my '68 Coronet project. (This was before the new Round-2 '68 hard top was issued) My solution was to split the seat and add material down the center, as well as adding some material to the ends of the seat as required. Some added piping was then needed as well Not an entirely accurate solution, but it appeared to be the easiest approach. This interior was of course much more involved to correct as the door panels were much "busier", but I somehow managed to persevere. It pretty much required that I make the door panels basically from scratch. In this circumstance, by the time I had finished the modifications to the interior, the only original parts to the kit remaining were the seats themselves. (modified of course) and a very small portion of the upper door cards. Steve

Yeah, I think sometimes people feel that if they come up with some sort of wild, elaborate base that it's somehow going to sway the judges into giving their project more consideration. Any judge worth his salt is going to zone out what the model is presented on and give all of his attention to the model itself, as should be the case. The ONLY reason why I included a simple mirrored base with with my model in this season's shows, was so that people would be able to at least somewhat view the chassis without picking up the model. Anything else is just unnecessary window dressing if you're competing in a reputable show. Steve

Very doubtful. The huge majority of these old annuals had, and still have, the convertible top mechanism wells so that the manufacturer didn’t have to tool two different interior tubs for coupe and convertible. But of course, all is not lost, as it is entirely possible to convert the door panels and rear seat to a coupe configuration, but not without a considerable amount of work. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it to you, or not. Personally, after doing a couple of these conversations, those top wells have become something that I can no longer “un-see”, so it’s always part of the modification list for me when building a hard top. Steve

I lost Lucy about 4 years ago after a several month long battle with intestinal cancer. She was my baby and followed me wherever I went. when she passed, we had her cremated and her ashes sit on a table in a window where it can absorb the sunlight all day, every day. (One of her favorite pastimes) Now my Marcy has taken the baton and picks up where Lucy left off. It might sound a little bizarre, but even after 4 years, I still put my hand on the box holding Lucy’s ashes every night on my way to bed and whisper “good night. I love you”. It’s my way of making absolutely sure that I think about her every day and never forget our time together. Lucy. Marcy. Steve

I could just open my patio door and smack one in the back of the head with a stick!! ? Steve

Understandable. Not "blaming" anyone. It just is what it is. I have had to deal with these kinds of issues on numerous occasions with re-builders. As a matter of fact, my current project has numerous areas of "glue rash" that I have to deal with. You just have to work with what you have. Sometimes it's repairable, sometimes it's not. Steve

For $800.00, I would have been more than happy to lose. Steve

More turkeys. Our cat waits for them to show up every night. ? Steve