StevenGuthmiller

I think everyone understands that for modeling purposes, what we call chrome is in fact vacuum metalization. I think the huge majority of modelers have called vacuum metalized parts contained in model kits “chrome trees” since time and memorial. All entities offering “chrome re-plating” services for the hobby in the past have all used the vacuum metalization process. I doubt that there’s any confusion about that. Steve

Also the first I’ve heard. Hopefully not just another rumor. Steve

And it’s not just the “look” of the chrome that’s in question. For me, it’s all about durability. If someone produced a chrome paint that approached the same reflectivity of chrome, as well as something close to the same durability, I’d be on board. To this point, there’s nothing that comes close. Steve

That would be quite the revelation if true! They could corner the market in an instant. Zero competition! I hope that they plan accordingly for the inevitable heavy load that they’re likely to receive. I know that I will undoubtedly use their service should it materialize. I have zero interest in all of the chrome paint incarnations of the past few years. Chrome all the way baby! Steve

Since Fireball began producing these, and I discovered that they were available, I use them on every project that uses this style of door handles. The scale seems to be perfect, and they look so much better than the vast majority of separate handles included in most modern kits. They carry GM style, Mopar and Ford, and even GM style truck handles, and they are designed to be used for 1/25th and 1/24th scale. Steve

Just shave them off, sand smooth, and order some from Fireball Modelworks. They’re not expensive, and a lot easier to deal with than drilling them out. Steve

Looks like the Moebius ‘ 65 Belvedere will fill the Bill. Close anyway. Steve

Absolutely! Steve

Looks considerably better just by adding some primer. Nice work Greg! Steve

Looks way better! In this circumstance, I think I'd re-scribe all of the panels and seats. Seems as if all of the detail is extremely faint. Steve

Steve

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