Danno

Thank you very much, Mike and Art. Very helpful. I'll show you the finished project you've contributed to! Best!

Hey, Art! Greetings my friend. Hope you're well. I have a question you can help me with, I'm sure. I'm trying to replicate a 1953 Indiana license plate ... St. Joseph County if it makes a difference. I've found a pic of a 1950 IN plate and pix of what appear to be smaller 'rockers' for 1953 that would bolt to a full-size license plate to show the later year ... I know some states did that to save costs and metal. Would that be accurate for Indiana in '53? Any wisdom you - or any other IN denizens - can offer will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Moonlight Modelers in Phoenix is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. Continuously slinging glue, sprue, plastic and paint for 370 meetings so far! Just got to wondering how long some of the other clubs out there have been going. Weigh in with yours.

12,000 die cast models? World record? Maybe so, but I bet he doesn't have near as many UNBUILT KITS or UNFINISHED PROJECTS as I do!

I most whole-heartedly concur with my esteemed firetruck-building colleague from the great Commonwealth of MA! I'm already looking forward to the 20th anniversary issue!

Gregg, IPMS Nationals in Phoenix: August 4 - 7, 2010. (If your head needs a pillow ... the lovely and gracious Mrs. B and I can accomodate. ) And, don't forget - Desert Scale Classic 6: April 24, 2010. The inaugural Southwest Spring Nationals: March 12 - 14, 2010. Moonlight Modelers' 30th Anniversary Celebration Banquet: December 12, 2009. 12th Annual Southwest Nationals: November 20 - 22, 2009. IPMS Modelzona: November 14, 2009. Otherwise, not much going on here in the desert the next few months!

Verrrrry Nice!!!

Better title: "Don't WANT no helmet!"

Steve, Any word yet on what the 'police specific parts' will be? Thanks!

Steve, Those are looking GREAT! Nice to see a well executed kit of a current police package with current equipment!! Huge kudos to Lindberg!!! Jon, If they wanted a special paint scheme, they could have gotten a special paint theme, especially for a large quantity order. You're exactly right, the factory can and will put anything they want (short of house paint) on a special order, even two-tones. It's actually cheaper in the long run to have the factory do the deed than to buy solid colored cars and add second colors afterwards. Not to even mention the durability of factory finishes versus aftermarket sprayovers. So, if ALL the state bid cars are showing up in black, it looks like your state is changing its color scheme. Stand by!

Let me tell you, guys and guyettes, Marty did a great job on this Jeep! Pink Jeep Tours operates out of Sedona, AZ and his replica captured their look! It was pure *fun* to check it out on the contest table. (Especially coming from Marty, whose reputation within the club had suffered a stunning blow recently ... but that's a whole 'nother story!!) LOL Seriously, this Jeep is a great model! Enjoy. PS: Good job, Marty!

And can you believe there's no SUBURBAN? Talk about an automotive icon and that could appeal to ALL KINDS of modelers! Seems it would be a safe bet.

No government plates, no markings or identification and they are exempt from placarding. They've been traveling the highways for at least 40 years now, not a single significant incident you would know about has occurred. Little things (a rare fender bender when someone runs into one), sure. Loss of any cargo? Never. The security measures boggle the mind, and yet they (and their nearly invisible escorts) move around constantly without being noticed. Dept. of Energy, Dept. of Homeland Security, Defense Dept., every law enforcement agency in the country would not be happy about releasing even outdated pictures, but as the article says, the treehuggers forced them into it. But, you can bet your bippy not one single rig operating 24 hours after that release looks anything like those pictures. Security measures. When they first started moving shipments on public highways, they did not know what to expect. They trained some of us in law enforcement in certain geographical areas in the counter measures necessary to support the transports and escorts. After a few short years without an incident, they discontinued the training for rank-and-file; it just wasn't necessary. But, while it lasted it was amazing! To this day, when I'm on the road, I still look for the clues. I haven't seen any in decades, so I know they've gotten even more clever than they were. Keep looking for them, "Friends of the Earth," ... you'll NEVER see them! >>> Just as an aside: How many independent truckers that haul toothpaste or dog food or who-knows-what do you suppose will be dashing down to the Big Rig Earl Scheib's to get their blue Petes re-painted so those FOTE wackos won't think they're hauling nukes?!!! LOL. Probably the only effect of this expose will be a run on repaint jobs!

Hey, Tom! While you're waiting on the Desert Scale Classic 5 coverage, go to MoonlightModelers.com and check out the Arizona action. There's also a link page with links to the Phoenix-based modelers' forum and the other Phoenix club. See you at Desert Scale Classic 6 ... and don't forget the GoodGuys Southwest Nationals, Modelzona, and the plastic kit swap meets (three-times a year). Best regards!

Red Ranger, There are three clubs in the Valley. One is IPMS Don Hewitt Chapter which is more military but does have some car modelers involved. But there are two very active car modeler clubs: Moonlight Modelers - been going strong for over 30 years, has about 40 members, meets 3rd Saturday every month. Cactus Car Modelers - about 6 years old now, has about 15-20 members, meets 2nd Wednesday every month. For more info on Moonlight and Cactus, go to MoonlightModelers.com Check us out!

Oh, wow! I had forgotten my dual appearances in Issue# 1! Thanks for prompting me to dig it out and rediscover! Can't post pix tonight but I'm on Page 29, photo 8 and Page 30, photo 13! It was quite an honor to be in MCM-1.

Yes. Colorado has been a 'two-plate' state since at least the 50's.

Congratulations, Randy! And, Steve Keck for Best Paint. And, Hollywood Jim Fernandez for Best Miscellaneous (his Bad Penny), the coveted Klingon Kruiser Award (for the afore-mentioned Bad Penny), and the infamous Moose is Loose Award, among several others! Plus, many, many more winners (but these are the only ones I've heard about so far)! Congrats all!

Thanks, Chris! Some great pix there. And, thanks a bunch to you and your guys for making the trip. We had a great day, and you guys were a huge contribution! Great people, great models. Just as an FYI - we had 69 builders from 7 states registered with well over 300+ models on the tables. We hope EVERYONE had a great time! We sure did. We'll do it again next year!! We hope to see you all at DSC6.

Mr. D? He used to be Father D. Did he get demoted? Seriously, we're looking forward to keeping "D." busy, regardless of his rank! Sorry his boss (the big Kahuna) couldn't make it, too. We're barbeque-ing pineapple burgers (after the event) in his honor!

Don, Here's the rundown on classes. I'll email it, too, but maybe others will be interested. Show and Class Rules A1 BOX STOCK Models must be built “OUT OF THE BOX†in this class. No aftermarket detail parts can be used. No parts swapping from other kits allowed. Any type of paint , chrome foiling or decals are permitted. Must display instruction sheet from model entered. A2 STOCK Models must be of any street legal vehicle by any manufacturer anywhere in the world. The vehicle must have been produced for sale to the general public. The model must maintain the stock body panels as it came from the factory. All parts on the model must be parts that where made for that car by that manufacturer. After market parts and parts from other kits are permitted as long as they are for that make of car. Dealer added items are permitted. The Model must have a factory paint job. The paint my be faded, chipped, or worn to the primer or bare metal as long as some factory paint is present on the model. The model can be built to depict any phase of the car’s life - new, old, still running or as a junker. In the case of a junker the model may have missing parts, hub caps, chrome trim, engine, or seat, as long as some factory paint still exists on the model. A3 CUSTOMS Any model where modifications are made in order to create a vehicle with a unique or personalized appearance. Modifications typically include changes in the shape of the body and/or other visual aspects of the entry. A4 STREET MACHINES Models depicting vehicles from 1949 to the present. Slight body modifications are allowed like front & rear spoilers, trim modification, altered hoods, tires & Wheels. Engine modifications and swaps are allowed. The model must have full exhaust, lights, windshield wipers, front & rear windows. The model must depict a street legal car which can be driven daily. A5 STREET ROD 1 Model representing an automobile of American manufacture from 1905 to 1938 body style. Body styling must be retained as it came from the manufacturer. Slight customizing to the body is permitted. The engine, interior, chassis tires & wheels & paint is open to the builder. Must have mufflers, treaded tires and be street legal. A6 STREET ROD 2 Model representing an automobile of American manufacture from 1939 to 1948 body style. Body styling must be retained as it came from the manufacturer. Slight customizing to the body is permitted. The engine, interior, chassis tires & wheels & paint is open to the builder. Must have mufflers, treaded tires and be street legal. A7 RAT RODS Model can be any make or year up to 1969. Most of the body will be in some sort of primer. Anything goes for customizing. And engine combo’s. Most all work is done at the home in the garage by the owner and from swap meet/ junkyard parts. No Trailer Queens. A8 PRO STREET Models may be of any automotive production model from 1949 to present. Body styling must remain as it came from the manufacturer. Minor customizing is permitted like molding in bumpers, opening wheel wells removing or adding chrome trim, altering the hood, engine and interior and chassis, Wheel tubs are permitted. Subject must remain street legal and have treaded tires and mufflers and head & tailights. A9 TUNERS Models can be any sport compact vehicle built and hot rodded for performance. Must have mufflers, treaded tires and be street legal. A10 LOWRIDER Model can be any make or year car, truck or van with suspension made to ride low. A11 NOSTALGIA DRAG Any pre 1975 competition drag car. Includes Dragsters, Funny cars, and Gassers, Altereds, Roadsters and Door cars. A12 COMPETITION DRAG – DOOR CARS Any 1975 and later full bodied drag car. Includes Stock, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Pro Stock & Pro Mod. A13 COMPETITION DRAGSTER Any 1975 and later Funny car, Top Fuel front engine dragster, Altereds, Roadsters, Comp dragsters, Sand dragsters and Land speed cars. A14 COMPETITION CIRCLE TRACK Any vehicles depicting any closed circuit paved course racer. Examples: NASCAR, INDY, TRANS-AM, IMSA, SCCA, Formula 1. A15 COMPETITION OFF ROAD Any vehicle depicting non-asphalt closed-circuit course; i.e. Dirt Oval, Rally cars, Baja racers, Stadium racing. A16 REPLICA Models must depict any car, truck or specialty vehicle that exists or has existed. The builder must have documentation for the vehicle, Books, Photos, Brochure, Magazine, etc. A17 CURBSIDE Model will be judged on appearance only, just as it sits on the table. Models will not be picked up. Typically the windows are blacked out. A18 TRUCK AND LIGHT COMMERCIAL Models in this class are to depict commercial vehicles, big rigs, police, fire & rescue, 1 ton and over work trucks. All must be street legal. A19 MOTORCYCLES Any and all styles of motorcycles and scales. A20 SMALL SCALE Any automotive model under 1/25th scale. A21 LARGE SCALE Any automotive model over 1/24th scale. A22 MODIFIED DIECAST Model produced from a diecast vehicle that has been modified in some way. A23 MISCELLANEOUS Any model that doesn’t fit any of the other classes will be placed here. A24 DIORAMA Models must depict a scaled scene of real life. It must have an automobile in it. JUNIOR CATEGORIES (through age 12)[/i] J1 JUNIOR NON-RACE Any model of a non-race vehicle. J2 JUNIOR RACE Models depicting any form of race vehicle. SENIOR CATEGORIES (ages 13 through 17) S1 SENIOR NON-RACE Any model of a non-race vehicle. S2 SENIOR RACE Models depicting any form of race vehicle. GENERAL RULES MODELS MUST BE AUTOMOTIVE TYPE ONLY. All models must be the SOLE work of the entrant named with the model. At close of registration , no additional models will be allowed on the competition tables. No Military Armored Vehicles allowed. Non-armor (soft skinned) Military vehicles are permitted. No remote Control Vehicles allowed. Models may have display bases, so long as the base conforms to the show rules. The base can not be more than a ½†wider or longer on the sides of the model, and no more than 2 inches longer in front and 2 inches longer in the rear of the model. Models in violation of this WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM COMPETITION. Any model depicting a scene will be moved to the DIORAMA class. Handcrafted/fabricated metal parts are allowed if the category allows. Models based on diecast kits are only allowed in the diecast category. The judging staff reserves the right to move entries to different classes and/or open additional classes. Decisions of the judges are final. Members of the DSC judging staff are not permitted to enter models into the competition. MODELS MAY NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE TABLES UNTIL AFTER THE AWARDS CEREMONY. If an entrant removes their models prior, they will be disqualified from competition with NO REFUND. First, second and third place awards given in all classes. PAST D.S.C. WINNING MODELS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO ENTER.

QUICK REMINDER --------> It's beautiful, sunny (but mild ... it's Springtime) ... it's Phoenix, for the Desert Scale Classic ! Presented by Cactus Car Modelers Club of Phoenix. Sponsored by Moonlight Modelers Club of Phoenix, Tucson Miniature Auto Club, Hobby Depot (LHS), and Torco Racing Lubricants. See in person, for the first time publicly displayed anywhere, Hollywood Jim's spectacular "Bad Penny" 1949 Mercury! Judged contest with Best through Third awarded in 26 Classes plus Juniors and 5 Master Awards. Separate "Peoples Choice" awards for entries by Cactus Car Modeler members (club members are not eligible for judging in the regular competition). National magazine coverage. Free Make-N-Take event for kids. Vendorific Swap Meet full of goodies. Seminars on Scratchbuilding by Hollywood Jim Fernandez and Alclad by Bruce Biggs. Raffles throughout the day. Food concession on site. Desert Scale Classic! Critically judged, critically acclaimed! A great time for all in the Valley of the Sun. DESERT SCALE CLASSIC Saturday, April 25, 2009 9am to 3:30pm Postal Workers Social Hall 3720 W. Greenway Road Phoenix, AZ 85053 Spectator Admission Free Entries: 1-5 models, $12 Each additional model, $1 More info: Email: moonmodler@aol.com Phone: 602-485-5822

QUICK REMINDER --------> It's beautiful, sunny (but mild ... it's Springtime) ... it's Phoenix, for the Desert Scale Classic ! Presented by Cactus Car Modelers Club of Phoenix. Sponsored by Moonlight Modelers Club of Phoenix, Tucson Miniature Auto Club, Hobby Depot (LHS), and Torco Racing Lubricants. See in person, for the first time publicly displayed anywhere, Hollywood Jim's spectacular "Bad Penny" 1949 Mercury! Judged contest with Best through Third awarded in 26 Classes plus Juniors and 5 Master Awards. Separate "Peoples Choice" awards for entries by Cactus Car Modeler members (club members are not eligible for judging in the regular competition). National magazine coverage. Free Make-N-Take event for kids. Vendorific Swap Meet full of goodies. Seminars on Scratchbuilding by Hollywood Jim Fernandez and Alclad by Bruce Biggs. Raffles throughout the day. Food concession on site. Desert Scale Classic! Critically judged, critically acclaimed! A great time for all in the Valley of the Sun. DESERT SCALE CLASSIC Saturday, April 25, 2009 9am to 3:30pm Postal Workers Social Hall 3720 W. Greenway Road Phoenix, AZ 85053 Spectator Admission Free Entries: 1-5 models, $12 Each additional model, $1 More info: Email: moonmodler@aol.com Phone: 602-485-5822

Yep. That's Karl!

That's a nice model, but I think you should have painted it orange or something bright.