Danno

I get it. My grandson (3) is just as jazzed up about Dukes re-runs as his father was when the same episodes were new, first-run! He's huge on hotwheels, Jeff Gordon cars, and Dukes anything. And, he's no doubt not the only kid in the world that's a new generation fan of the Dukes! Can you say 'ka-ching!'? Round 2 can.

Too kewl!

Most of the 50's era stuff is already available from various sources. A better idea might be to focus on the 60's and maybe a little of the early 70's (muscle car era). Just my 1/50th of a buck!

Nice. (What's that white stuff? - It's 80 degrees here today.)

I always use Westley's Bleche White for chrome-stripping. Hasn't failed yet. Typical chrome comes off clean (including clear lacquer undercoat) within minutes; harder stuff just takes longer. Highly recommended!

I just can't see it.

That is supreme!

Another great one from The Great One!

Best quote yet! Brian, I think those sidepipes were in the kit.

'Room for four.' Four what? This ... thing ... begs the automotive question: Why?

Excellent! Thanks, Mark. Greatly appreciated.

Anybody happen to know if there is a specific kit or decal sheet that has TORCO (Racing Lubricants or Racing Fuels) sponsorship or contingency decals??? Thanks in advance for any info.

IF what you are saying here today is the truth, Nick, then let me be the first to say that it shows a great deal of growth and maturity on your part. Because it was as recent as only a few months ago that you would post a clumsily slapped together model, brag about how fast you built it, and then go ballistic if any of the more accomplished builders pointed out improvements that you could easily make or techniques you could employ to improve your models. You used to rant about how much (and how varied) experience you had, then protest that grown-ups were picking on you, a kid, if your model did not gather praise exclusively. You had a little posse that would circle wagons around you, a 'shoot out' would occur between you and your posse and the builders that offered constructive criticism, and it would invariably lead to a locked thread. Personally speaking, I have seen improvement in your models, and in your attitude. It seemed to follow the time-out you had when your computer was out of service for a few months. So, congratulations on turning yourself around and making strides in the quality of your building effort. I truly hope you continue in this mode, for it has made you a better modeler and a better, more mature person. Not only is constructive criticism more honest, but it is far more helpful than false praise. Ironically, that's exactly the type of situation this thread addresses. Your change of direction is a prime example of (indeed, the posterchild for) the positivity of constructive criticism, openness, sincerity, and honesty that a free exchange can offer.

Amen, Donn!

I'm with Art and the others who use and recommend the 30ga single conductor 'wrapping wire' as sold at RadioShack. While it is only available retail in red, white and blue ... it can easily be colored by paint or permanent marker (such as a Sharpie) without losing its flexibility. On the plus side, it is close to scale and flexible enough to shape but stiff enough to hold the shape you give it. A $6-7 package of three spools will last a modeler years! On the down side, it is getting harder to locate it in RadioShack's retail stores as many of them are trying to be consumer electronics retailers and wrapping wire is one of the electronics gadgetry items they are phasing out locally. I also use it by stripping the insulation, then using the conductor (painted or colored) as a wire alone or using the empty insulation as tiny tubing, flexible fuel line, spark plug boots for smaller diameter wiring, etc. I'd love to know the internet source of other colors, so if anyone can provide that, please do.

Bluesman said it well. It's just not worth the trouble. I'm not the best builder in the world, either. But to my own credit, I'm usually my own worst critic. But I know quality building and craftsmanship when I see it; I've judged and head-judged many significant critically-judged competitions with top notch builders on the tables. I know outstanding building when I see it. I know average building when I see it (right there on my bench, as an example). And I also know sloppy, hurried, inexperienced, or just plain 'don't care' garbage-building when I see it. I've kept my mouth shut and learned techniques and methodologies from better builders by watching, asking, and accepting constructive criticism. I've developed better skills by accepting ideas and practicing, practicing, practicing. One thing I've learned ... largely through internet forums including but not limited to this one ... is this: the sloppier the builder, the thinner the skin, the more defensive and quicker the temper. Unless it is solicited, constructive criticism is usually not desired; even when solicited it is often met with wrath. And if not solicited, constructive criticism is normally best left unsaid. I, too, cannot believe my eyes sometimes when I see a sloppy, childlike build called 'excellent' or 'best build ever' or some of the other breathless superlatives that fly around here. And I'm not even speaking of untreated injector pin marks or mold lines. When a build shows deep sanding scratches through pebbletek-pool-deck finish paint and uneven cuts and bubbled paint or 'outside the lines' detail painting or tires pointing in four different directions, or parts installed upside down, or wildly out of scale wiring/plumbing/etc., it is difficult to swallow all the fawning praise. It is just better to bite the tongue and proceed to another thread. But you are right -- the false praise serves only to reinforce poor building practices and techniques; it only serves to further entrench the phoney 'I'm a world-class builder' self-delusional self-image some people have. It's sad but true.

Cowabunga.

Is that what they call a 'short shot'? Another nice build, Dave!

The original Lambo doors!

Well, log me in. 1. Turello's 1957 Chrysler convertible from Crime Story. (Similar vehicle depicted.) 2. The 1060 Ford squad car from Crime Story.

OMG. Too kewl!

Oh, Barney was great. And his portrayal carried the show. But I still don't see the need for nipping his buds. Thelma ... hot? Yeppers. Barney's biggest fault was that he slobbered and fumbled round and didn't get the job done with Thelma hotty!

See, I told you no one knew anything about it. I don't know anything about it. About what?

Man. Talk about wrong place at the wrong time. I just popped into this thread and they're talking about Brian's underwear! Get me outa here.

You guys can keep your snow. It's been hovering in the high 70's and very low 80's for the past week; just like we like it. Makes our "winters" easier to suffer!