mikemodeler

Late model modern dump truck (either class 5-6 or class 8) Skid steer loader modern loader/backhoe pintle hitch style equipment trailer I like the idea of a Terramite or any other similar size equipment.

It's a shame someone could not take over the operation but it is understandable why. I am sure the overhead for someone who didn't own the building would be high and there seemed to be at least 5 employees there when I used to stop in there (10 years ago) and they need to earn a living too and that would add to the costs. I think the reason why GNH is closing is probably true for many hobby shops- owners want to retire and there is no succession plan. I remember a hobby store in my hometown closed over 20 years ago when the owner died of a heart attack; his wife was left to figure out what to do and had no clue as he was a small shop. There was a friend or two who would help him run the place when he was on vacation but they couldn't pony up the cash for the business. She sold off the inventory as she was grieving the loss of her husband and no doubt was taken advantage of by some vultures.

Very nice and realistic weathering! I am amazed at the accurate detailing of an American vehicle by our modeling friends overseas as they probably don't see these vehicles like we do in the US.

I will be watching this Chuck, should be interesting to see what you come up with! I have several of these to build and will be converting one to a shortbed.

All have been spot on and accurate! I took my wife with me a few years ago to a swap meet to unload a bunch of kits. She was thrilled to spend the day with me without kids as I travel with my job. Outside of me and a few others, she really doesn't know too many model builders so she didn't know what to expect but she found all of the above in one community center in South Carolina! She walked the table and looked at the models on display and very nicely said it was a shame I didn't bring any of mine to show, they were just as nice. She also commented on the lack of wives/girlfriends or women present and I explained that we tend to travel in packs of males only! She did talk about a few of the "characters" from that swap meet for a few days afterwards but was really more interested in what "we" were going to spend that new found fortune on! LOL!

Time and distractions. When I find time to sit at the bench I tend to get excited about finishing something and then I get distracted by other models.

I believe the same person who is working on the shortbed is doing a standard longbed version as well. One must be patient.

Sorry that the stress is getting to you Tony, hopefully the sale comes soon and you can get past this chapter. I helped my parents with several "junk reduction projects" and it is never easy but once you are done, it is a great feeling.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!

There is someone working on one as I write this but I cannot reveal who. Not sure if they will make them available for sale but they are doing a great job using factory specs to make it accurate.

I say model.

Wasn't there some copyright issues with the Shawn Carpenter items? I thought GM stepped in and had him stop his production?

Absolutely beautiful. Nice details and those little extras make all the difference.

Pursuing a patent can get expensive, especially if you enlist a patent attorney to help (I know from experience). Yes, drawings and a prototype help, but it should be something very clearly understood as someone else can come up with a similar product by having just some slight differences from yours. It can be an expensive journey with no payoff if there isn't any interest in your idea. Check and see if there is a local inventors network near you , they can help guide you and give you some feedback. Wish we had done that before spending $15,000 pursuing patents and attorney fees only to find no interest from companies in a product many friends and family said they loved and would buy. I recommend that you research this idea thoroughly and try to get a good idea of the market for it, the cost, and whether it has mass appeal. The majority of patents never see a store shelf or production lines. Just because you have a patent doesn't translate into riches, otherwise my wife would be rich 4 times over! If you haven't watched Shark Tank, you should. The things you would think make sense don't always and the people on that show are pretty savvy when it comes to investing in a product.

You are correct Danno, his work is outstanding and his pricing is incredible! Nice work on that Mustang, might have to do as you did and get the resin body to go with the kit. I like the wheel change and other details.

That paint is beautiful and the engine is looking great. What paint is that ?

I would swear that was a real Jeep and not a model! Your detailing is outstanding and so realistic. The little things you have added to this kit is making a huge difference, any chance I can send you mine and have you do it for me?

Looks great, nicely detailed and clean paint. I have a couple of those kits to finish someday...

Not as attractive but a simple solution would be to pick up individual plastic cases from Michael's or Hobby Lobby. The display cases for 1/24 scale models usually run about $7.99 and with the 40% off coupon they become real reasonable. Keeps the dust off the models and takes 2 minutes to put the model in the case. Nice idea to add your models into the bookcase, should look real nice when you have it done!

Looking very nice! Should be a beauty when you are done.

WOW! Congrats on the dream coming true. Nice build, details are excellent.

It's nice, but not that nice! I'll check the couch cushions for loose change and send it your way!

Great topic Rich and I agree with your opening statement. What I find most interesting here and on other forums is how people from other continents can build replicas of vehicles not common to their location and do it well. I think having the internet and these forums to help in their building has made them more successful and adds to the diversity we see. As far as this being a hobby that chicks will dig? My wife knows that I could have a bunch of other hobbies that cost more money and would take me away from home more. She is frustrated by the size of my stash and the space it takes up but she is always interested in what I am building and likes that I am down the hall instead of in a bar!

The kit does not have any lights for the snow plow setup, those are the ones I was referring to. Growing up there was an Amoco (Standard, actually) gas station that had a Jeep like this, except they had a 4 cylinder, with the half cab and snow plow setup. The mounting for the plow lift was similar to this kit as there was a hydraulic pump driven by the engine that supplied the power to move the plow up and down and angled left and right. Because of the push bumper, the Jeep didn't have any plow lights, just used the regular head lights from the Jeep as the plow didn't raise very high. There was a Union 76 station across the street with a similar Jeep, same plow and half cab. I am going to explore resin casting this half cab, if for no other reason than I have a couple of Daisy kits that I would like to use them on. There was a resin caster offering this half cab years ago but I haven't seen them around in 10 years.

I think Harry P. should apply for the technical manager position. Revell is not that far from where he lives now and his keen eye will help get accurate kits to market.