mikemodeler

I ordered the new 70 Chevy pickup grille from Iceman, compared to an old resin copy that I bought probably 15-20 years ago there's no comparison.

I have never been able to find model kits when I go, either bad timing or just not getting donated to Goodwill. Last Fall I was looking for a 2 drawer file cabinet for my office and a new, cheaply made one was $129.00 at Staples. They had a better quality one that is more like what you would expect in an office but it was $199.00. My wife has a friend who is hard core Goodwill shopper (long story) and told her to keep an eye out for one. Two days later she called and said the one nearest us had one for $1.99! A little scuffed but was well built and works great!

My parents had a 1969 24 foot Winnebago that had a Dodge 318 engine and 727 transmission. Got maybe 6 MPG if we had a tail wind.

There is a resin body of that body style Scout available from Robert Burns.

Don't take this the wrong way, but if I was making the same wages as I was 14 years ago, I don't know how I'd be able to live. If my employer couldn't pay me more money, I would find one who could.

You have no idea of the H3LL I am going thru at work as a result of supply chain issues!

It could also be that HL reviews their sales figures and decide what to stock based upon that. If there is only so many slots available on the shelf and they are giving a decent ROI, then why change it? And the kit manufacturers probably need a commitment from HL before they run 20,000 kits because that is a lot of money to tie up hoping someone is going to buy them. In a recent video, Round 2 mentioned that the price of a shipping container from China went from $3,000 to almost $20,000. You can imagine what it has done to the prices of ANYTHING shipped from overseas. And before someones says..."That's why they should make them here in the USA", take a look around at all the businesses that are struggling to hire workers and ask yourself if a model company wouldn't have that same problem. If $15 an hour is starting pay for flipping burgers, what do you think a machine operator makes in a factory?

Part of the problem of lack of new stuff can probably be tied into the shipping issues from China. And they probably have to place large orders to ensure they have decent inventory and China has had restraints on production for several months. They reduced the electricity to plants so there would be less air pollution before and during the Olympics.

Most places are showing it as an April release.

15 69's in the stash, about 8 more built and at least 3 in the WIPs pile, what's a couple more? Lol I will get a couple of these.

Very nice work and great job on the weathering. Love how you made the plow turn, the pile of sand in the back and realistic rust on the body.

Just wanted to say that I got one of the pickup truck kits and it is beautiful! The trim came out well in the resin casting and they look like regular kit parts. Outstanding work Tom!

WOW! I drove a Camry for a previous employer and at 170,000 miles, it still had the original pads and rotors on the rear and the front pads had been replaced at 70,000 miles due to overheating the fronts coming through the NC mountains. My son's 2007 Acura TL front and rear rotors went 150,000 miles on the OE installed at the factory. He replaced the original pads at 95,000 miles, his driving is best described as "aggressive".

Keep in mind a lot of the technology in vehicles today has been government mandated. And the push for better fuel economy and crash safety has caused repair costs to skyrocket due to the additional parts required to meet the government mandates. Certain manufacturers have complex assemblies that are inherently designed to get them through a warranty period and not much longer while others tend to be built for long term owner satisfaction. I have worked in the vehicle repair and parts manufacturing industry in various positions for the last 40 years and know from personal experience what vehicles to avoid and which ones will give a more trouble free experience.

The magazine was coming at a fast clip late last year and now it's been 3 months since the last issue, just wondering when the next issue will be out? Usually there are some teasers posted here but haven't seen anything as of late.

That is a neat body and should look great when done. I have talked with Robert about his kits and he is trying to get people to do his interiors but as he pointed out, that drives up the cost. His work is outstanding, I have two Dodge pickups and two IH Scouts from him, they are incredibly accurate and well detailed.

Tom Geiger Members 18k Location:Exton, PA Full Name:Tom Geiger Posted 13 minutes ago So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. He was a good guy! If you got Mark's Museum newsletter, Phil Gladstone recently passed away! Another good guy!

Why I resemble that remark!

I happen to like cookies, but my doctor has advised against me consuming them.

Mike, check your PMs!

Not to my knowledge. I'll try to get to the parts stash tomorrow, I am sure I have a couple of sets that won't be used.

I'm guessing your house is rather large to accommodate that size of a collection? I would hope it has some organization to it, could not begin to imagine having all of that and it not be sorted out to be able to find something.

Right from his website: UPDATE JANUARY 12, 2022 I was involved in a car crash on New Year's Eve where a lady crossed the center line and smacked me almost head-on. Aside from suffering cuts, bruises, a fractured sternum, and what my doctor says is a mild concussion, I came out of it okay. I had originally intended to start taking new orders on January 15, but that plan has changed for the short term while I continue to recuperate. I know some of you are patiently waiting on orders placed in 2021, and I will be rushing those orders out as soon as possible. I really appreciate your patience, and don't hesitate to email me with any questions you might have. If you haven't contacted him already, I suggest you do. Joseph has earned a reputation as an honest businessman who delivers outstanding products. The fact that he was in a serious car crash and despite that is working to get orders out speaks volume about his work ethic.

The Modelhaus used to offer them. Have not seen them elsewhere, Let me check, I might have an extra set or two.

Outstanding details, so glad people share their abilities as it inspires some of us to improve on skills that we can all use to make better models. Not sure why this was moved back and forth but glad it's where it was originally so I can follow the amazing build.