mikemodeler

This is a huge deal in the OEM world. Financial misconduct is a nice way of saying "stealing money". He has been one of the most talked about OEM CEOs in recent memory and has tried/proposed mergers with several manufacturers. He is ego driven and is notorious for his cost cutting ways to profitability, often at the expense of quality or design. He will most likely do some jail time but his days in the OEM world are through.

This is a Cosworth Vega- Twin cam motor, limited production. Shot this picture at the Petersen Automotive Museum this past summer.

Likely in 2019. History has shown they release one kit, wait about 6 months, release another. Rumored to be close to ready to going into production.

Could they be from a Corvette kit? I will check my stash, might have a set.

Nice story Bill, maybe by waiting you developed the excellent skills that you have shared with us! Like you, it has been a long time for me in this hobby and like many others, there were periods of time where other things replaced model building but as those faded, I made it back. If I had to figure it out, it would probably be 45 years for me, maybe a few more. Thanks for sharing your story.

The grille has been offered in resin if you can't find an original kit piece. Can't remember who cast it but it may have been Bandit Resins. Check Scenes Unlimited for wheels/hubcaps. Not aware of a standard wheelbase bed being available.

Those should be around for awhile as their son took over that part of the business.

Just got an email from Carol that my order that I placed on Monday night of this week is shipping tomorrow. 3 Days!

Bill, If you look back to cars in the mid 70's, the automakers were working hard to find ways to meet crash standards and reduce weight to improve fuel economy. Those Corvette bumper covers (front and rear) tended to age faster than the rest of the car and GM had so many issues across the whole brand offering to rectify that something had to give. The paint available in the day is nothing like what is available today and 40 years of refinement makes today's bumpers so superior.

x2! I got mine in a trade, have wanted to build it but I keep changing direction on it. One minute- pro tour, next minute, stock. Probably will be a combo of the two. I like the opening doors/trunk idea, I don't know if I am brave enough to try that on an old kit though! Will be following this to get inspired.

Nice save Bill and way to replicate that car so well. I was wondering if you were going to properly replicate that rear bumper as those tended to be "warped" soon after production. I remember a guy I worked with had a 1:1 74 and he grew frustrated with the back bumper that he put a '75 on and ended his problems! Dark green with tan interior would be a good choice, so would a brown or dark red, IIRC those were all over the place in the mid 70's !

So sad to read these stories and I thank my lucky stars that my two kids (21 & 25) have not gone down that road that is so dark. It is so easy for kids to follow the wrong path and the devastation caused is tremendous. I guess I was lucky, never tried hard drugs and never liked smoking anything so other than a few hangovers, was able to come thru my younger years pretty much intact. I have known a few people over the years who had kids addicted to heroin, crack and meth and sadly most of them are gone. Yes, some are able to break free but for many the high is too strong of an urge to get over. I have a cousin who tries to help addicts in Florida and for everyone she is able to help, there are usually 2 or 3 that she can't. Hope your friend can get their child back, but if it is as bad as you say, it might be too late. Prayers to you all.

A lot of people have had success using a modified food dehydrator (there is a topic on it here) and IIRC, much cheaper than what this is being advertised for. I have NOT used a dehydrator so I cannot speak from experience, but I am sure others will chime in.

That Travelall and a similar D series pickup would be most welcome.

Not surprised. I placed my order within a couple of hours of him posting this on his website and he told me it was going to be three weeks minimum before he was going to ship. Good thing is he communicates with his customers and his product never disappoints.

Or at least a second opinion, in a different town. Glad you are home and recovering. As far as not getting answers, they do call it practicing medicine for a reason.

Didn't make it over to the SEMA side this year but heard that the builds are getting more extreme as Bill stated. Not surprised someone had the idea to use a burnt out supercar and spend WAY less money, but as others have said, those wheels DIDN'T improve the look. To each his own.

Dear Modelhaus Customers, The website remains open. The website was not used originally to control inventory and when we expected it to do so when the site opened on Aug. 25, there were issues the site could not handle. Most specifically it could not handle the "feeding frenzy" that took place on Aug. 25. On Aug. 25th alone, there were over 1300 orders that were attempted. Even though an attempted order could not be completed (most were not completed), the parts listed in those orders were removed from the inventory. As a result, when all the orders were finally shipped, we realized many parts that were listed as out of stock were actually not out of stock. The inventory has been updated and is accurate at the time this e-mail is sent. Only those parts that are available at this time are listed. We are hoping some of your "wants" can still be fulfilled. We are also hoping that since this e-mail does not list an "opening" time, there will not be a rush all at one time. We will work to keep the site up to date by removing those items that reach the out of stock status. Some hints follow: There are many bumpers, promo wheels, and hubcaps remaining. Other categories have only a few parts listed. Many entries have only one part remaining. If an item is listed, only put one in your shopping cart. If you need more that one, you can attempt to change the quantity in the shopping cart. Check the shopping cart for messages about availability after each item is put there. Those messages are at the top of the page in reddish brown printing. Modelhaus tires are now available at www.modelhaustires.com. Cordially, Don and Carol Holthaus

Finding out that The Modelhaus website was open and taking orders today, got a few more pieces for the stash. Also was glad to leave the rainy and cold Carolinas to get to the rainy and warm beaches in South Florida.

Back when the drivers "drove" a race car. Loved his driving style and attitude.

I was able to pick a bunch of stuff and entered my billing and shipping address but could not "proceed" to paying for my order. Waited a few minutes and was able to pay, although not everything or the quantity selected was available. Should arrive in time for Christmas.

My sentiments exactly. While I was looking thru my stash this weekend, I was thinking...."When is the next show so I can sell some of these off?" I kid myself that I will build those 32 Fords and 57 Chevys, but I will win the lottery before that happens!

The continual phone calls from the scammers who pretend to be from "The Microsoft Computer Department", trying to get me to fall for their scam. I have used air horns, whistles, loud screaming and other loud noises and they keep calling back! Now I have started asking them questions about religion and politics!

That is coming along nicely! Sure wish those were readily available!