mikemodeler

Although I have not posted any pictures of my builds (yet, new camera so maybe soon!), I do agree with Marcos as the cluttered backgrounds make it harder to "see" the builds, especially those that are posted in Under Glass. Imagine your reaction if his beautiful red Impala had been photgraphed on a cluttered workbench or in a display case with 10 other models!

Tim, you wouldn't recognize the area these days, which is probably sad but they do call it progress!

Toyota employs more autoworkers in the US than Ford does, but Ford is considered a domestic company and Toyota is foreign. I work in the auto parts business and quite honestly, getting worked up over the whole domestic/foreign thing is worthless. Parts are made globally and supplied to manufacturers around the world. The important thing, if you have been paying attention to our economy, is the jobs that are available to AMERICANS ! Buy a Dodge pickup and you keep Mexicans employed, who do not spend their money in our country, while if you buy a Toyota Tundra, workers in San Antonio Texas contribute to their local economy and pay US income taxes. My Camry and my wife's Hyundai Santa Fe were both built in the US while my Dad's Buick was built in Canada yet I am the bad guy for having a Foreign car, in his eyes. Never mind the fact that the Chevy Equinox we traded for the Santa Fe had LESS domestic content than the Santa Fe! Thanks for the topic Harry.

Nope, that was last month's issue (June). July has part 2 of the Bee Camino and 8 pages of NNL pictures.

I went with the popular vote and said "REAL".

I have scaled back my model buying but in reality I buy a kit when I see it, and price is usually secondary to availability. Let's face it, if you have been in this hobby for any length of time, you have seen the demise of retail locations for kits. Hobby Lobby and Michael's are the two biggest remaining retailers but they are not up to date with new releases and their inventories are hit and miss, depending on location. I used to shop there on a regular basis but my recent purchases from them have been mostly in the clearance section or supplies. With the exception of a couple, most of the Hobby Town USA stores in the Carolinas charge close to if not full retail so I usually just window shop there and pick up some paint or glue. The one closest to me seems to have better prices and I will pick up kits there as they seem like nice folks and willing to keep their inventory fresh. I have and will continue to shop the internet but when I purchase, it usually is a larger order to take advantage of shipping. I like the fact that places like Modelroundup and Tower Hobbies offer discounted MSRP prices and I can order at 6:00 AM if I want. Swap meets are where I can find those old kits or the resin kits that I want to see before buying. I have also found some good deals on detail items at them as well. Bottom line, our hobby is not as big as it once was, IMO, but I think due to the internet we have the ability to see and learn more about it!

Johnny, You need to get to Milwaukee and visit The Model Empire. They have that old time hobby shop feel and a selection that I have yet to see elsewhere. I will be headed to Southern Wisconsin in 2 weeks to visit family and stopping at The Model Empire is near the top of the list. Steve, Next time I am up near West Jeff I will have to seek out the Hobby Barn, sounds like a great place. My problem (if you want to call it that) is most of the hobby shops have moved into the RC business, can't say that I blame them, but it has left us plastic modelers buying off the internet.

"Nickey Chevrolet with the backwards K" ! Yep, even though I grew up in the far north suburbs, I remember all of the big Chicago dealers advertising on TV. At one time I think Z Frank was the largest Chevy dealer as they supplied vehicles to fleets nationwide; one company that I worked for got their salesman's company cars from Z Frank, which meant about 90 cars every 2 years. Whenever we went to Chicago to visit relatives, I would ask my Dad to drive past Mr. Norms or Nickey to see their cars but he would claim that we didn't have time. Ahhh, the memories of the good old days!

Just came in from the mailbox and found the July issue among the pile. A quick thumb through and it looks like another good read. Glad to see Gregg's note about it being available at the bookstore, I won't be able to renew my subscription and will have to look for it when I can afford to buy it.

I live in Charlotte, moved here 7 years ago from the northern burbs of Chicago, which is where I was born and raised. I have enjoyed living here, wouldn't move back North if you paid me, and like the pace of life here. Only thing I would change is to have some of the neat hobby shops that seemed so plentiful back in the Chicago/Milwaukee area. Still learning about some of the history that surrounds Charlotte so I can't say I know much about the area to comment.

Is it the enamel or lacquer turquoise? Like Bill said, lacquer can be hard to strip but if you have runs and sags, stripping the paint and starting over is probably your best best.

Might have to head up to Mt. Airy and have me a pork chop sandwich and visit the Andy Griffith museum. May he rest in peace.

I swear if that model did not have those goofy out of scale mirrors, Harry could use that car in his Real or Model contest! Absolutely beautiful, excellent details and very deserving of the cover shot and awards, thanks for sharing!

Casey, What is the likelihood that Model Empire will have these in 3 weeks when I am up there? I sure would like to pick these up, along with a few other goodies, when I make the annual family vacation trip to Cheeseland! Your mirrors should go out tomorrow. It finally cooled off to the mid-90's this week and I can go out to the garage without melting!

Very nice and great details.

Oh yeah, well down here in the land of NASCAR, we had 3 straight days at 104, today we cooled down to a chilly 93! Weatherman just said we will be in the 90's for the next 7 days, which is higher than average, but we have fared better than you Chicago boys so far this summer as you have had more 90 degree plus days than we have! Strange weather around the US this year, not sure if hurricane season will be affected by the heat and wildfires but we will soon find out!

Looking good, glad to see some progress! Are you building the fifth wheel or tag along trailer to go with the truck?

The Modelhaus has resin wheels that are copies of the AMT Snap Fast Duallie from 1996. While not exactly period correct, they do work on the '72. They have them with and without tires and come plated or unplated, your choice. Reasonable price and great service & product.

Looks good from here, nice colors and clean building!

Jeez Harry, you put "amazing find" in the subject line and knowing that you are from Chicago, I immediately thought you were gonna post a picture of an honest politician! I could not imagine finding a car like that in the garage and not knowing that my Grandfather had it hidden for that many years. I agree with Rob that Jay Leno will be among the bidders.

Jim didn't say so I will .....SHINY! Nice job and great detailing!

And here I thought the Hokey Pokey was what is was all about Harry! :D Great tip, gonna have to try it next time!

And your problem is what????????????????????????????????????????????????????? We all suffer from modelers ADD, some of us have it worse than others. I would guess that I have at least 20 WIPs, but that doesn't stop me from buying and starting more!

Here I am 2 days later and no updates....I feel ripped off! Just kidding, that is coming along nicely and if the rest of it is detailed like the engine, it will be a very nice model!

There have been 3 van kits announced or re-issued so far this year: 1. Revell 77 Chevy Van 2. AMT Dirty Donny Van 3. AMT Phantom Van The first two have been reviewed here and several examples have been built. The Phantom Van should be out by late summer, I remember it from my childhood days of model building, nothing spectacular but nice to have!