mikemodeler

I remember getting the 1/32 kits as a kid because they were cheap and I could knock them out quickly. I grabbed these two off of eBay earlier this year, also have the Atlantis 69 Nova that was reissued as well as the Revell 07 Shelby Mustang.

Very nice, those tires look period correct on those two.

Texas 3D Custom has a new printed grille for the Chevy van, might want to check it out.

Don Mills makes some really nice slam locks that will make that look spot on.

Not sure how they add new items, might be based on the ability to get a full container shipped in from China, but would guess that is the case and with shipping coming down in price, maybe some new stuff will finally be on the way.

I believe the frames are identical so in theory it should work. I am not an expert on the Ford drivetrain so it could be the transfer case is different for the 78 and newer Fords so that might be the one thing to look at if you are going for accuracy. As far as the Bronco? One could swap the heavier axles and leaf springs, especially if you are building one with larger tires and lift, remember some doing that back in the late 70's/early 80's.

The problem as I understand it is that the molds have a shelf life and only so many parts can be made before they have to be replaced. Now that 3D printing has emerged as an alternative to molding and casting, I wonder how long before resin vendors decide it isn't worth the work?

I have ordered from them probably 6 or 7 times, never had a problem, always got my order within 10 days. Last order was earlier this year.

Look at this listing, it should help you understand how they built these vans in the 1:1 world. This is an actual kit from long ago. https://www.ebay.com/itm/134192544320?hash=item1f3e7fba40:g:f0MAAOSw7J5i7q9T

Considering that you are talking about using a Ford axle under a GM and while it may fit, would be considered incorrect. The 4x4 conversions of the GM vans used leaf springs and not the coil spring/control arm set up that Ford used.

Why not use the chassis from an MPC GMC Deserter pickup? It's the correct scale and more accurate for a GM van than using Ford running gear.

Just saw where Olivia Newton John has passed away from cancer at the age of 73.

Fireball has some very nice wheels and has tire options to go with them. Great product and service.

Welcome to summer in the Southeast. I have had several outdoor projects that I planned for late afternoon literally get washed out because of Mother Nature- painting, car washing, lawn mowing, yard work, walking the dog.

The inability to read and follow the rules was pointed out and apologies were issued and you are still offended? Maybe the internet isn't for you.

Order placed. Looking forward to the S-10 grilles, had a couple of 1:1 trucks with that grille.

I have been in touch with Danny and his website is still shut down as he is dealing with some health issues. He didn't say when he would be back up and running so I would just say check in periodically to see if he is open. If I hear something I will be sure to pass it along.

I wonder if anyone from Tamiya has approached HL about their paints? Considering they had the primers and some supplies at one time, I am guessing they know about Tamiya. I would have to guess that given the number of stores and the volume they represent, it would be a large undertaking for Tamiya to have inventory on hand to ship to HL. Considering their production is done in Japan and the lead times to ship from there as well as the cost to ship, I would surmise it is next to impossible to supply HL at a price and service level acceptable to both companies. I have resigned myself to online shopping and buying at shows/swap meets unless it is a common kit at HL because there aren't any hobby shops within 40 miles of my house.

If the prices of model kits today trouble you, then maybe you need to find another hobby. The price we pay is in direct correlation to manufacturing costs and distribution. Why can't the local hobby shop compete with Hobby Lobby? The local hobby shop is not buying at the same level as HL. There are many other hobbies where prices have risen over the years and people have bemoaned the increases without realizing so much else had gone up too. Would I like to revert back to 1980 and get kits for $4.99? Sure, but then I was only making $3.25 per hour and there was other things my 17 year old self was focused on besides model kits so the real answer is no, I am better off today then I was then.

Modelhaus Tires has a nice set of resin wheels and tires. They show these out of stock but check with them, they are probably in the process of making more. https://www.modelhaustires.com/collection/802

Bring your lunch money, I will be there with some goodies to sell! Kits, Parts, Resin all priced to move!

My thoughts exactly! As I type this I have a closet with 300+ kits staring at me and I surely don't need anymore as I won't live long enough to open all of them, much less build them!

Check with Joseph, might be easier to get one now before he puts them on website!

While he has yet to update his website, in a recent conversation I had with Joseph at Fireball he mentioned that he was bringing the F-250 conversion kit back and has simplified it a bit. Not sure what all that means but if you truly want a F-250 4x4 conversion for the Ford kits, his is top notch!

Might be able to find someone to trade you the decals so you don't have to buy the kit.