mikemodeler

I have lived in Charlotte NC for 20 years. When I first moved here there were several Hobby Town USA stores as well as LHS in the area. Hobby Lobby as just starting to show up here and Michael's had a variety of kits. In the surrounding area (75 mile radius) there were several really nice LHS, some with R/C, that had supplies and kits to choose from. Today? Michael's has virtually no kits, Hobby Lobby has more stores and the closest LHS is 40 miles away and that is a Hobby Town USA that is focused on R/C. I get my stuff at shows or online because otherwise there's nothing to choose from. Can't remember the last kit I bought at HL as they seem to have all the same stuff I already had in my stash. Of the LHS that have closed over the last 20 years, most have been due to owner's health or lack of interest in continuing the business.

Been thoroughly enjoying the progress on this build and blown away by the details. This is truly a labor of love type build considering the amount of work and detailing that you have put into this. Those plow lights look infinitely better than what Revell and Moebius have put into their recent truck kits with plows, would be nice if those were readily available to those of us wishing to upgrade a build.

Here are some comparison photos using a resin body from Olson Bros. and the recent MnG Jeepster body:

I will post up some pics later of the last issue Mount-N- Goat and a resin body replica of the original Jeepster body comparing the two. The original grill is in the MnG version so its a matter of converting the body from the cowl forward to accept the grille and have the correct shape wheel opening & fender. Could be something easily done using a recent Jeep CJ kit, not sure. I bought the resin body years ago when Olson Bros was offering them, I think they used an original body as the master.

Nice tutorial on this kit. I have one in the stash and am thinking maybe a base build with L-6 250 from one of the 3D suppliers.

The Jeepster is slated to be out in July. Will be interesting to see which parts are included in the kit as there were several variations back in the day. My guess is that it's the Mountain Goat kit minus the 1/20 scale tires and wheels.

Those both came out very nice Brian!

Y'all keep asking for those MPC Chevettes are going to hurt my retirement fund as I have several kits and close to a dozen promotional models. I'm hoping they never bring em back and I can sell my stash off to take my bride on a Hawaiian vacation!

Nice looking build Chuck, that is magazine worthy!

That is an awesome, well illustrated and detailed tip! It's so cool maybe Moebius will consider tooling up some wider wheels just for the 4wd trucks!

I always enjoy watching your builds come to life. The details and craftsmanship are incredible.

Fireball Modelworks has a nice hitch and Wes at Wes's Model Car Corner will have one out in July. Both are nice pieces.

I used to fly every week for work and got to know the ins and outs of air travel pretty well. I have had a passport, real ID and TSA Pre Check for years and still am subjected to random searches and pat downs. I learned a long time ago that if you are nice to those people who can make or break your travel day, you get a lot farther and sometimes perks that those who aren't, don't. A wise man I know sums it up like this: Be kind to people, it doesn't cost you anything. I posted that link because there are some people who would view the whole real ID as nonsense and another attempt by big government to know more about you. Truth is that if you have filed a tax return the government can use that to find out more about you.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification Technically you can pass thru security checkpoints without Real ID, just be prepared for it to take a little longer.

Those tires are a great match for that stance, I say go for it!

I will be there bright and early. Nothing to display and really don't need anymore models but..........

He is a one man operation so I have always given him grace. Earlier this year I wanted a few items that were out of stock and he sent me a message when they were back in stock. I went to order 4 hours after he sent me the message and the parts were out of stock, someone had come along and cleaned him out. I messaged him about it and he said he would get some more made and set them aside before he posted them on the website so I would get them. That is great customer service and I appreciate guys looking out for their customers.

Many of the early haulers I remember from the late 60's and up were mostly custom fabricated / homemade units. Look at what many of the NASCAR teams had for haulers back in the day. Now when you go to the local tracks you see guys with elaborate set-ups that are easy 6 figures. There are still guys with open trailers and pickups, but not like it used to be.

Fireball Modelworks has plenty of lights and tires/wheels options for vehicles. Olson Bros have winches.

These look close to what you're looking for. https://www.modelhaustires.com/collection/801

The Revell 77 GMC wrecker bed is not even close in shape to the one in the picture, plus it is a hydraulic unit versus the static unit as depicted. Your best best, as mentioned, is to use the Sod Buster or Deserter cab with the Midnite Cowboy or Moebius wrecker bed.

Are you looking for anything in return? I am interested in them, PM me with details.

Placed my order on April 30th and it was in my mailbox today. 4 days total from order to delivery, Plymouth MI to Charlotte NC. Excellent service and nice looking product.

Saw a post on Facebook that Highway aka Matthew Brownlee has passed away.

There are only so many more versions of the Jimmy/Blazer that can be milked from this kit as it's mostly grille changes from 81-91. As Brian pointed out, modular design means new frame rails, body and interior and the rest of the kit can be used to make pickups and Suburbans. And if Revell has the 2wd front end suspension designed, a whole bunch of kits can be made. I suspect they will take a page from Moebius and milk this one for years!