iamsuperdan

Only one answer for me!

That's excellent! I've said many times that outdoor shots and natural lighting help improve the perceived realism of any kit. And it's something I want to do more of for sure.

Interesting. So when it comes time to place a stock order, are you able to pick and choose what gets sent? Or do the manufacturers have certain things they force on you? I know in the Ford world for example, if a dealer wants a certain high demand unit, Ford would say sure, but you have to take X number of these other slow sellers. For example, you want a Raptor R? No problem. You want a Mustang Dark Horse? Sure, it comes with these two Bronco Sport Free Wheelin' editions. What do you do with the non-sellers? I guess just let them sit until they sell? What's the oldest new kit on your shelves right now?

This is weird, strange, and completely ridiculous. 😐 I love it. 😀

I guess yeah. I just see that Mustang as a fairly old kit. But you're right, a casual builder or someone new-ish to the hobby would find that interesting, so from just a pure eye candy perspective it makes sense. As for numbers, it's because you're a small independent shop that makes it interesting to me! I think it would help to show the kind of struggles or challenges you have as a small shop, and might highlight why it's so important to support the local hobby shop as opposed to ordering from one of the big internet suppliers.

Had to come back to this one to have a closer look at how you mounted than engine. I'm working on a Monogram 930 Slantnose Cabrio, and I'm putting that same engine in it. But have a bugger of a time getting it to fit under the lid.

I'm going to investigate the stash and get in on this one.

Nice!

Were the prices reasonable?

Interesting. Number 3 kind of surprised me. I'm curious, what kind of numbers does this represent? How many of each kit were sold?

Very cool. I wonder where these vehicles are now. And if they were tested and worked out long term. Do this now and...ugh. Just imagine how these people would be treated.

Nice work! Once I clear a few started projects off the bench, this is one of the kits I want to get cracking on. I've made a vow though. No starting a new kit until I finish an old one. I'm about 20 minutes in, and so far so good.

Files are all still available for purchase and download. https://cults3d.com/en/users/Andrey_Bezrodny/3d-models

If I recall, that was one of GM's big selling points when they introduced Quadrasteer in the early 2000s. 👍 The Lightning definitely does not have the tank turn feature. It's just an F150 with an EV motor instead of ICE. Which is why it makes the most sense to me of all the EV trucks out there. It's not some space age futuristic experiment. They used proven tech and design, and added a different drivetrain. If you go to YouTube, you can find a ton of videos of the new Mercedes EV G-Wagon doing the tank turn. It's kind of wild. Almost looks like CGI.

For me... Although, I absolutely HATE that no one can talk about a late 50s Fury without mentioning Christine. Same with a Delorean. No article, no story, no picture, no Delorean discussion ever happens without someone making a BTTF reference.

If you ever visit England, make sure you stop by the Beaulieu Motor Museum. You can go for a ride in it!

I have 3d print files for a mid-80s Ford-based Thomas B700. Haven't printed yet though.

The GM EV trucks are quite large, roughly the same size as the 3/4 ton trucks. In fact, like the HD trucks, they use 8 bolt wheels. Anyway, the four wheel steering reduces the turning circle of the trucks, making them far more agile in a parking lot or when doing a u-turn. And is it's all computer controlled anyway, GM added the Crabwalk feature. Supposed to make it easier to maneuver offroad or in tight spots. Kind of cool, kind of unnecessary, kind of something the anti-EV folk will jump all over and make fun of. But when it appears on upcoming ICE trucks, people will think it's a great idea.

Photo Etch 👍

I watch a few guys on You Tube, mainly the builders who go beyond the box, so to speak. A4 Garage OMG Scaleworks The Scalemodeling Channel Mokei Paint Mat_Faktor Models Scaleauto Shop Plamodel Studio And I enjoy the diorama guys too. Smol World Workshop Laser Creation World I don't really watch guys like HPI. His built style bugs me, but it is a good representation how something builds up right out of box. Which I guess is what he is going for, so more power to him.

Personally, I don't believe in making new year resolutions. If I want to do something, why wait for an arbitrary date? I just start doing it. Anyway, as always, my goal is to finish more kits than I start. Maybe actually complete some of the kits that are half started on the bench. I'd like to get the "on-the-go" kits down to under 10. Already working on it.

The previous version apparently had no QC, because warping was a major issue. Generated a lot of discussion here.

I wonder if the ramp will come warped like on the '67 version. 🤪

The Telecaster has been one of my fav guitars for literally decades. I have a mid-90s MIM version and it rips. I love it. Other than changed to a white pearloid pick guard, I've left it stock. And I can get a massive crunch out of it. A lot of people say it's no good for heavy music, but I disagree. I've really like the Strats I've owned over the years too. Had tow of them, and I should have kept the early 90s American Standard. It was a gunmetal blue colour and had the Lace Sensor pickups and that matte brushed finish on the hardware. The Explorer has always been my fav shape, but I absolutely hate how a Gibson feels. The neck is just too thick and too much like a baseball bat for my tastes. Would take a Fender all day long over a Gibson. Ironically, my kid's name is Gibson. Having said all of that, BC Rich is still my fav brand. I have a dozen or so late 80s Superstrats, and a couple of newer ones. Plus a couple of Kramers. My Carvin DC800, Jackson COW7, and my homebuilt Explorer 7-string are the ones that get the most use though.

I was looking at Sunward Hobbies site and all of their car kits are tax free. https://www.sunwardhobbies.ca/plastic-models/?_gl=1*yjs29v*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAmfq6BhAsEiwAX1jsZ_hFfDAk9cNRdiOBZcwGdKX330PCSIXq0PQWVa7S_8Y4egwJfUJR9hoCzOQQAvD_BwE And I physically went in to Great Hobbies yesterday, and all kits are tax free. Just had a look at their site, and all kits are tax free. https://www.greathobbies.com/enews/national/2024/20241214-tax-holiday/?ref=headeralert Have had a look at some other Canadian retailers, and all kits are tax free. Amazon shows all kits as tax free. Put them in your cart, no tax. Admitted, I only looked at cars, trucks, and planes. From the government website: Children's toys that may qualify are: Games, including: Board games with physical components and rules, including replacement parts and add-on components such as dice Card games, including playing cards and games that include trading cards Toys, toy sets and toy systems that either: Imitate another item, whether real or imaginary Involve building, creating or assembling structures, objects or models by using pieces, parts, materials or modelling compound Involve sorting, stacking or organizing pieces, parts or materials Dolls, plush toys and soft toys and their accessories These types of children's toys qualify if they are intended for children under 14 years old for learning or play. Toys that are marketed as being for an age below 14 (for example, a toy recommended for children ages 8 and up) would qualify. These items do not qualify: Games and toys that don’t meet the requirements above Collectibles that are not intended for play or learning, such as hockey cards or collectible dolls Toys and model sets that are marketed for adults (for example, adult construction brick or train sets)