mikemodeler

Charlie, The way I understood it, Don was having to remake molds as they wore out after so many pourings or they deteriorated from sitting around and that was the laborious part of the business. I think that was also why they had a hard time finding a buyer for their stuff as it was labor intensive to rebuild molds and pour the resin. I am sure if you talk to any of the resin casters they will tell you that casting resin is done for the love of the hobby as much as it is to turn a buck. I would think if you were to erect a building and start casting it would take a long time to earnback your investment. I think most resin casters work out of a home based workshop or small garage for that very reason. I applaud your desire and interest, just wish it wasn't so expensive! I was lucky enough to be able to buy some stuff before they closed for good and of course wish I could have bought more, but realistically I got what I wanted/needed and did not go overboard. I am glad to hear Don has created a couple of new kits as he stated that is what he wanted to do in retirement and wish him and Carol the best.

Can you share it with the group? I would be interest to see if it is the whole truck and kit or just the racers wedge body as Dave did that about 10 years ago.

If one was to look at the best return on investment in new tooling, then logic would say look for 67-72 GM Pickup/Blazer-Jimmy/Suburban kits to be next. Those vehicles are very popular in the real world and the model kits fetch a decent price at swap meets and on the 'Bay. Ideally, would love to see some Dodge pickups, but not sure how many they would sell. One thing is for certain, the model companies are listening to us modelers as in the last 5 years we have seen some never before kitted models arrive on the shelves.

Nice work and far more details than I would be able to master.

Gonna try to make this as it seems like a once-in-a-lifetime event. A couple of questions: 1. Is there a list of who will be there as speakers? Anyone from the model companies? 2. Will there be any How-To clinics on hobby stuff? 3. Is someone going to record or take pictures for those who can't make it? Thanks!

They are working on it, they have asked anyone who has a sealed kit to possibly "loan" it to Round 2 and they will get it back along with a copy of the new release.

Thanks for sharing Tom! You were busy snapping pictures, didn't get a chance to say how impressed I was with your van you had on display!

Yes, she sure did. I admired her and her work because she wasn't just a pretty face hired to be eye candy on the shows she appeared on, she was there to do the work! Saw her in passing at SEMA a couple of years ago, wish I had stopped to meet her then.

As a Toyota company employee who has sat in and been around a LC500, I will second this.

I would really like to get one of these kits, but do not want to spend the $100+ that they go for on eBay. Nice work so far, will be watching this build!

The realities are this: 1. The magazine will take a lot of time, money and effort to resurrect, and Gregg has his hands full trying to do that. Not sure if he will be able to bring it back as we knew it but he seems determined to do so. 2. Revenue streams to sustain the magazine and this forum have been discussed multiple times and while some of us feel one way or the other regarding some of them, the responsibility is on Gregg to determine which will help him succeed. 3. A pay to use forum will only drive away members and those that remain will feel like they "own" a part of the forum and cause more friction. I personally think the time has come to admit the magazine as we knew it is gone and it's time to consider either a digital version or go on without it. The idea of it coming back after being absent for so long sounds great, but given all the work that goes into the production and the fact that Gregg is trying to do it all himself just doesn't seem plausible. As much as some detest Scale Auto, I am guessing they have their struggles too in growing their circulation and ad revenue to cover the costs of publishing. I am sure there are some who will accuse me of attacking Gregg or the magazine and there will be others who agree with me, that's how this forum seems to work.

Nice job, love the details and color choice!

Nice work on that kit, love the modifications and weathering !

Found myself in Oklahoma City today for work and figured the HL stores in the city of their headquarters would be the ones that would have the most up-to-date planograms and if there was anything new, these stores would be the first to have it. Well, guess what? It's the same here as it is elsewhere folks! Same diecast creeping into the plastic section. What is interesting is the variance in prices I have seen. Last week in NC I grabbed a Revell 68 Chevelle at a HL that was marked $22.99 and here it was $29.99. I am thinking someone in NC mis-marked that kit because I could have sworn I saw it at other stores for $29.99. They had a 65 and 68 El Camino kit in the clearance section for $14.99 each so I grabbed them because I can't help myself. They had a Foose F-100 for $6.75, but it was missing the chrome so I passed on it. Now to figure out how to get those kits into my suitcase for the plane ride home!

To add to this, sometimes the written word is interpreted the opposite of what was intended as one cannot "get" the sarcasm, inflection or other subtle hints one may give while speaking in person. The other problem, as I see it, is that some people WANT to believe that only their point of view is the right one and will flog a dead horse defending their point of view endlessly.

I agree with your intentions, but ultimately it is up to Gregg and not what any of us think, know or suggest that will change the situation of the magazine.

That is an awesome job, I have yet to start on my Fireball conversion but this might get me going!

Another great job!

I would be all over this if it was the SWB version. Drove one in high school at the Mercedes dealer, never got a speeding ticket, also never got stuck and Lord knows it wasn't for a lack of effort!

Sorry for your loss Jim, losing your mother or any close family member hurts big time. In the last 5 years I have lost my parents and oldest brother and while I do remember the happy times, it still stings to not have them here to talk to. Take solace in the fact she led a long life, saw many things and is in a better place now.

Once again Gregg has had some real life issues, like many of us do, and that is the explanation as to why we are still waiting on the magazine. My thought on it is this: If the struggle to balance life and getting the magazine out is overwhelming, why not ask for help in getting the magazine to print and let the magazine get back on track? As has been stated, it's been a long time since we saw an issue and looks to be more of a wait to the next one.

Very nice! Love the story and details.

Coming along nicely!

I'll let you double your money and give ya $20 for it!

Did you score that Camaro for $10? That was a great buy! You did very well there sir.