mikemodeler

Not sure Bob Downie appreciates that Pat!

Almost sounds like some of the political ads we are being bombarded with! John, the truth is if enough profit is not made, a company cannot continue production. If it only came down to "the machines are already paid for, therefore it is cheaper to make the next model" then we would still have MPC, Johan, etc giving us new kits all day long! Let's take a look at the recently re-issued GMC pickup from Revell. They basically gave us the same pickup truck they produced years ago with an added snow plow. Judging by the looks of the kit, they had to tool up 2 new trees for the snowplow and design some new artwork for the decals. By using an already existing tool for the truck, the investment by Revell was minimized but I would guess that they still have $40,000 in tooling for the plow. Add in the research and time spent verifying that the first run is correct and the costs add up quickly. There are many people who work for Revell who might not play a part in the development of the kit but yet rely on kits being sold to make a living. Assume for a minute that Revell makes $5 per kit (they might make more, not sure), so if they sell 10,000 kits, they make $50,000 and in the above scenario, they have begun to cover their costs, let alone make a profit. The profits are what makes it possible to get those new tools we all clamor for (50 Olds, 57 Ford) which will cost alot more than a snow plow! The re-issues of existing kits and modifying an existing tool into a new kit generates profits without incurring great expense for the model company. A good example is the Yenko Camaro tooling has probably been used to create parts for many different kits (think of all of the recent Revell kits with a big block Chevy!) and look at simple things like wheels and tires that can be shared across many kits. Despite what some might claim, this is still a relatively cheap hobby. How much you spend is up to you, and you alone. We all know of places where we can get models cheap, use household items for detailing, large cans of spray paint to get the job done cheaper, and trade parts and kits for those we want. Much like the 1:1 world, this hobby has folks who can build outstanding vehicles with very little expense while others will spend what most would consider an extreme amount to achieve the same result. Yes, I do spend a decent amount on my hobby but at the end of the day, I have few other outlets that I spend money on and I always use my spare "lunch money" before I would consider using family funds.

ANDY! Did you get the job at Model Empire??????? That would be a cool thing to get today! We are anxiously awaiting word!

Did not see anything at Missing Link but then they tend to have more available at shows or on eBay. I did see where VCG Resins had a 6 cylinder Chevy engine listed, although it did not say what all came with the engine (manifolds, pulleys, carb etc).

VCG Resins offers a Dana 60 center section in resin, you have to supply the axle tubes but this would be ideal to build your own front axle. They also offer a Ford resin transfer case. Great guy, nice stuff and quick service! He is one of us and offers some neat items. www.vcgresins.com

Pretty much the same story here for me too Rob. I am getting anxious for the iHobby show announcements, recent years have been pretty good for us!

Time for another order for me, I need some of those wheels and a couple of trailer hitches. Great stuff and service!

This would be nice to start with kits that are issued today, but what about the last 60 years of model kits? There are many parts from kits 10,20,30 even 40 years ago that are readily available as those kits have been re-issued and or updated over the years. Add in those old rare kits where some resin casters have taken some of the parts and offered them and you have more information for your data base. Then, you would have to format in such a manner that it could be filtered and sorted in a multitude of ways to appease many different people. The only sensible solution I see is for everyone to buy one each of every kit they run across and then they will have all of the parts they will need!

Great idea in concept but not certain how one would classify which part is the best? What if a long out of production kit had the best small block Chevy engine but it routinely went for $60 or more on eBay? Would you want to pay that amount just for an engine? I might be willing to accept a lower standard than you and therefore I could say "x-kit" had the best "part" while you may dispute that. Sorta along the lines of a movie or music review. In the end, I think just knowing what extra parts or certain parts that are in each kit helps YOU determine whether or not to purchase that kit or look for parts from it.

Thanks for the link Greg, they mention 60 years of Matchbox, it doesn't seem like it has been that long since they came out. Looks like some cool releases, kinds wish some of the model manufacturers could issue some of the same models!

There is a 6 cylinder Chevy engine available from MCW Automotive Finishes. It has a generator and alternator depending on which years you are depicting.

Replicas and Minatures of Maryland show a Dana 60 rear end in their catalog, and I believe that Ma's Resins has one as well. Not sure if Alan is taking orders again, give Norm a call at RMoM- 410-768-3648.

Harry says this as he is already looking ahead to next week's "Real or Model" !!!! :D Very nice job there Greg and I am sure your friend will be happy with the finished model, maybe it will serve as inspiration to work on the 1:1!

What, no Pontiac Aztek? No 77 Cutlass 4 door humpback? No 84 Caprice Estate Wagon? I agree that the Camaro and Solstice do NOT belong on the list and would take a 67 Vette over a 63. Where are the Cadillacs and Buicks of the 50's?

If this wasn't on a model forum I would swear that was the real thing! Tom, your ability to accurately detail WHATEVER you work on is truly amazing! The work you have displayed is among the best I have ever seen and leaves me speechless and envious! I remember the Clark stations in Northern Illinois where I grew up and looking at this is like going back 40 years for me! Like others, I am anxiously awaiting the next installment of this story!

just be careful if a certain forum moderator tries to leverage his position over you with your employee discount!

A quick look at the display case would say the Revell snap tite 69 & 06 Camaros! I have many multiples of about 6 kits and plan on building them..................someday!

Black is a very appropriate color for this car. I remember many of them back in the day being black where I grew up, not sure why but they did look beautiful! Keep it coming!

Roger- Casey mentioned in his post above that chain from Michaels would be correct, just make sure you keep it close to scale. There could also be some chain available in the train section at a LHS, although I am not 100% sure. The wheels in the kit are indeed 8 lug and they should be 6 lug. The older Monogram '76 Chevy Stepside kit has the factory ralley wheels with the correct lug pattern. There was someone on here making resin copies but their name escapes me at this moment, maybe someone will remember? I plan on using the factory ralley wheels or plain steel wheels on my builds. The painting instructions for the plow components isn't 100% accurate either. The undercarriage, trip springs and plow frame should be black instead of red. The plow motor and blade should be the only parts painted red. Hopefully I will get some better weather for painting as I am itching to get this kit built!

nice job and great details! Shiny paint and great job opening the doors.

Best of luck in the job search Andy! If you get on at Model Empire, just pace yourself with purchases because the reason for taking the job was to bring in money, not spend more at work! I once took a part time job at a Sears Hardware store about 20 years ago and found myself using the employee discount to fuel my need for new tools! Back on topic, I did get my package from Tower Hobbies on Friday that had the '77 GMC pickup/snow plow kits in it. I have already torn the plastic off of one box and have used white glue to assemble the plow to see how it will look up against a few WIPs I have and I can see I will be buying more of these kits! I hope to get some better weather to start painting again (high humidity and 70 degree dew points) so I can post some pictures.

Patience Grasshopper! I doubt your Dad rushed his work on the 1:1, so take your time and honor him with a nice build. If you get frustrated, take a breath, step back and walk away for awhile. This will be a nice tribute to him John, and we are here to help you if you need us!

Just don't follow the painting instructions in the kit! They are incorrect on a few pieces if you truly want to match what they should be. I did notice that this snowplow closely resembles a Western type although it is not referenced as such, probably to avoid the licensing fees. This is a much nicer kit than I anticipated and will definitely be building more than the 3 I already have! Santa are you listening????

If I were to figure out just how many WIPs I have, I would probably cry. The sad thing is I am always adding 2 or 3 new WIPs for every 1 I complete! Just today I received 3 more kits and already one of them is on the bench and I am starting to build it! Sick? Naw, I am just a regular guy like the rest of you!

Gerry, You better do that before Casey bursts with over excitement! I am planning on getting mine out here in a few minutes and getting started!