mikemodeler

I picked up a copy at the not so LHS the other day, good reading inside!

A fool and his money are soon parted........I think those kits MIGHT be worth the quoted shipping prices but nowhere near the $4K range.

Yep, and then they can start talking about how this is the Cubs year.......until June when they are eliminated from contention again!

You might want to ask your LHS to consider carrying the magazine. I have found it recently at a couple of LHS here in NC and when I asked when & why they carried it, the answer was "because someone asked us to". I try to pick it up when I can, as I hated the wrecked copies myself.

Thanks for the update Dave, can't stand the wait but I think it will be well worth it!

The bigger the shop, the more reason to protect yourself as your costs WILL go up. I suggest spending the time and money on a lawyer and run all possible scenarios past them so you are aware of your rights and how to deal with situations as they arise. Hopefully when you are quoting prices today, you do factor in your time and expenses in sourcing supplies. Many repair shops (body and mechanical) include either a flat fee or a percentage of the bill total to cover expenses related to various supplies and you should too. Make sure you explain that the paint, clear, tape, masking paper, sandpaper, etc. all are needed and there is a cost associated with them. Much like a carpenter would detail what a job would cost with his labor and materials, you should do the same and besides, a detailed estimate looks so much more professional!

Joey, A couple of points to ponder: 1. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. 2. An oil less compressor tends to run louder than one that has an oiled motor. Think about how you will use the compressor. If you aren't doing heavy auto repairs, a smaller unit that is portable might be the route to go. Inflating tires won't require much of a compressor but an impact gun or other air tool will. Beware of bargain compressors and air tools. I bought an 1/2" drive air impact at Sears 2 years ago on sale for $25 and it couldn't bust lug nuts loose while I could by hand with a breaker bar! If you do go to Sears, try to find one with a large tool department and ask if they have any floor models or a scratch & dent section, usually can save some money that way. Also check them out online, they might have some clearance models for sale cheap. Lastly, ask around. There could be someone at work who is moving or knows someone who is and has a compressor they can't take with them. Check for any estate sales too, sometimes they have compressors as part of the sale.

On that "other magazine" forum, there is an interview with Ed.

My exact sentiments.....

There is also a model car swap meet in February in Salisbury NC, about 90 minutes away from Rock Vegas straight up I-85. There is another SCMA show in May near Greenville SC. I have been there the last 2 years selling kits and it is a great show to see some nice models and also pick up some great deals on kits.

Kaleb, Not sure what/how you are painting your models with but as Casey pointed out, check out the how-to section for some tips and suggestions. If you are using an airbrush, Donn Yost has an excellent DVD that can be of great help! Welcome aboard here and be sure to ask questions! I once spent a summer in Wautoma, my uncle had a place there and I was used as "free labor" when I was 15.

Made it down there with my brother and nephew today, didn't stay long as we both had things to do this afternoon. Saw some people taking lots of pictures, including some for MCM. Also saw some modelers with some really nice builds. The swap meet section was a little thin, seems this show attracts more of the aircraft/military vendors than the automotive guys. My 13 year old nephew did pick up a couple of kits, a new 2010 Vette and a half started Enzo Ferrari, he is stoked to start on them soon which probably means he and I have a Saturday morning together in our future.

Coming up on 24 years this August for me and the Mrs. Some of our friends said it wouldn't last because I was wild and crazy and she was a good girl but we have outlasted most of the naysayers! Yes, she has tamed me quite a bit but mostly it is because she has made life great for the both of us and been my biggest supporter.

Forgot to play this week, probably would have struggled with it anyway!

Bummer, there goes my summer road trip plans! Don't lose the dream Tom!

Stopped in a Tractor Supply store, they were all out, supposedly some guy named Chuck had been in recently............. Looking good there Chuck, I will have to get one soon!

A fellow forum member helped me out and bought one for me as I am not a regular on eBay and PayPal like him.We were both disappointed at the quality and who the caster is as well. I will do my best to build this up as best I can but mine seems to be in need of some work. I hope to start cleaning the kit up and getting it ready for paint in the coming month. I agree with your Moebius comment, they could be our hope for a styrene kit!

Tom, I like the idea of the collector kits section, I remember the Model Empire in Milwaukee has just that and it's nice to look at some of the older kits and think back upon my childhood! Not sure if you have given much thought to aftermarket items but maybe some things like wheels/tires and decals to start and then gauge the success from there. Most HobbyTown USA shops that I have been in have at least one set of Pegasus wheels, either gold low rider rims or the 23 inch "T" s, and some decals. Don't forget the local Cub Scouts and their annual Pinewood Derby events. Maybe you could offer some workspace and help to the kids building their cars and get some kids hooked on plastic!

Charlie is on to something here Anthony. If you don't go the lawyer route, you most likely have a local bar association that can render legal advice and guidance. You will want to include some verbiage about having "X" number of days once the work is completed to pick up the contracted work before you can sell it. I would also advise that you take some in progress work pictures on each job to show what was involved.

Absolutely beautiful!

Looks like a couple more kits just got added to the "gotta have" list!

Very nice, you going to have that on the table next weekend? Like the color choices and the details are outstanding!

VCG resins sells some nice plow lights with realistic decals for the lenses, they would look perfect on the truck, similar to what is on the 1:1 truck.

Caught the WGN news last night (old habits are hard to kick!) and they were saying there are so many potholes in Chicago that they have crews working 7 days a week trying to get caught up! Doesn't help when the weather goes from 40 above to 20 below to 40 above all in a span of 7 days!

Sorry to hear that Mark, some people just don't understand. My sister-in-law has severe RA and has had similar experiences as you, but she just keeps on walking and doesn't let the jackwagons get to her. I personally would have let the air out of his tires if the bike was still there when I came out of the store, just to teach him a lesson. Next time you are confronted like that, get the police involved, idiots like him have to understand it isn't his job to enforce laws, it's their job!