mikemodeler

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!

Tom, Best of luck in your venture, whatever that may be. It has been interesting to read the responses and advice in this topic. Not to sound cliche', but I think you realize that if you offer great customer service, your chances of success are much greater. I work for NAPA and it amazes me to see how some of the store personnel treat the walk in customers. Much like has been stated here, some preconceived notions can cost you some good business. Part of my job is to train the sales staff on my products and I have to constantly remind them of the value of the "add-on sale" ! If a guy is buying a thermostat, why wouldn't you ask him about coolant? If he is buying oil and a filter, does he have a filter wrench? Rags? Hand cleaner? The bottom line, which has been stated in multiple posts, is that in order to be successful it must start with you! Like I tell my customers, if you don't buy in to the program, I can't make it successful for you. I would try to encompass as many areas as possible within your store to have wide appeal Tom. You might find it difficult to carry all of the necessary items, but think of how much stuff can cross-over (tools, paints, accessories, etc.).

Check the toy aisle at Wal Mart or Target, they usually have some stuff that is pretty close. Another place to check is the Model Empire, they often have some small diecast ATVs, bikes etc.

But the question is, did anyone cheat? Honestly Harry, this was a relatively easy one, I am sure you are cooking up a better one for next week!

Well said Michael! Isn't it interesting to note that the aftermarket companies with the fewest complaints and the best service are also those that don't have flashy websites? Must be the fact they have chosen to focus on the customer that has made them successful!

Yeah Joe, I was that way for 41 years. Then a job offer came to move to Charlotte 8 years ago and am I glad I took it! Have only been back to Chicago 3 times in 8 years when the temperature wasn't at least 50 degrees, something about that cold and wind that is no longer fun to deal with. Supposed to be 60 and sunny this Sunday for the Panthers/49ers playoff game, might have to paint a couple of models at halftime!

Wondering if anyone has the flyer or date of this year's Milwaukee NNL? Might be in the area in April and would try to plan my trip around this event. Thanks!

That should buff right out! Seriously, hope no one was hurt and it can be replaced !

Looking good, should be nice when you get it done!

For me it will be the next box I open and start. I have the ability to create a model in my mind, just not with my hands as I get about 75% done and start on the next one!

I buy multiples of those kits that I like the subject. Jeeps, Chevy Pickups, Camaros, etc. Now, if I could only get a couple of them built......

Thanks for the article Chris, curious as to why the Revell issues weren't included in your write up?

That is a very nice black paint job on a very nice car! Great idea on the wheel thing, will have to try that!

That was my first thought when I saw this post! Hope you save some for the rest of us Chuck! Nice looking truck, have to pick one up and add it to the "to do" list!

I think a Pinto wagon would make a cool K-9 unit!

Very nice, looks like you could eat off the bed! That is one way to keep a truck looking like new! Very interesting on the oil filter mount. I remember my 88 S-10 with the 4.3 4WD had the remote filter on the left fenderwell but the 91 2WD I replaced it with it was mounted on the engine.