Danno

Like all young kids look the same . . . . .

Niiiiice!

Revell's '50 Olds is a beautiful kit - - in each version they've released so far. AMT did the '50 Ford convertible. Revell and Monogram released a couple of versions of '50 Ford pickups.

Took my grandson to see Transformers 5 movie yesterday. It was great fun, and amazing effects, of course! What made it even more fun was the fact that considerable portions of the movie were filmed within 5 miles of our home, El Rancho Panadero. Besides being great entertainment, it was fun seeing it set within recognizable local landmarks. After the movie, we swung by three of the sites - the Desert Valley Auto Parts salvage yard, the stripmine hill next to the Deer Valley airport, and the stretch of AZ Loop 303 where the highway battle scene was filmed. Grandson got a big kick out of "being there" himself; now he wants to see the movie again in 3D! Later, we took him to get a new pair of "Heelies" for his birthday, as he had outgrown his last. I was surprised that he picked out plain black shoes instead of the flashier ones, but he explained they were "undercover Heelies," like my unmarked (1:1) car. He thought that was cool! Add to that, it was the Lovely & Gracious Mrs. B's first out-of-house outing for other than doctor or hospital in months! It was a great day!

Love it, Curt!! Beautiful job with one of my favorite cars of all time. You made it look even sweeter!

I totally agree with Brad! And, furthermore, those Archer welds are the _______ !!! Johnny, you are a ___________ plastic genius! Glue on, Brother!

Unfreakin'stunningbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!

Exceptional, Brad! But wait . . . since everything you do is exceptional, I guess this is just your typical, average. *Glad to see you got the picture thing figured out ~ or at least you figured out how to beat Botoph...et!

Greg's Cosma Ray kit casting is awesome ~ far better than he gives himself credit for. Indeed, Barry Grabel owns the 1:1 Cosma Ray and is a close friend and business associate of Darryl and Donna Starbird. He has loaned the original Cosma Ray to their museum for indefinite display. I had a long conversation with him during which we shared a lot of experiences with the car, its creator, its history, and . . . my involvement in the resin project. Barry was very impressed with Greg's casting, and his having the 1:1 at hand for comparison and close scrutiny says a great deal about the fidelity of Greg's work. Barry saw my build-up thread on MCM forum of the first casting Greg pulled. I grew up in Wichita and as a teenaged model builder competed in Darryl Starbird's annual model car contests. That led to an acquaintanceship ~ and simply put ~ my life-long appreciation of his many customs. I had the honor of hanging out at his shop during summer school vacation, and watched him create the Ultra Truck (AKA Orange Hauler). I had the thrill of being "reunited" with Darryl and Donna at GSL this year. They were as gracious as ever, and we enjoyed many great conversations. When Donna asked which of Darryl's creations was my favorite, I said I had two: the Forcasta and the Cosma Ray. Donna brought up the fact that Greg was casting the Cosma Ray in kit form a few years ago. Donna and Darryl were very impressed with Greg's casting. The Starbirds were surprised and delighted to know that Greg is a friend of mine, and, that I ~ the consummate Cosma Ray fan ~ suggested to him and encouraged (maybe badgered or perhaps brow-beat) him into the Cosma Ray resin project. It's amazing what a small world it can be and how a 40-year story can come full-circle! Regardless of my reminiscing, if Greg releases another casting series of the Cosma Ray, don't procrastinate - grab one before they're gone. You'll never regret it. I've got to get back to work on a couple of master projects - at least two of which may see the light of day as Greg Wann castings in the future: the Forcasta and the Futurista. I have to get them finished, then I have to go back to work on cajoling Greg to put them into production ~ because I've already promised Donna and Darryl first-run samples!

Excellent model, Mark!! Er, how did you know I always aspired to be a landscraper?

Congratulations, Wayne! A million blemish-free miles is an amazing accomplishment!! Good show! Even a year or so late, it's a classy act that they are acknowledging your achievement.

Congratulations, Art! Looks like it was a fantastic event. Good job!! Very sorry I couldn't make it this year. But, as Chris Sobak always says, "Maybe next year!"

SWEET!!!

No sweat, Chris. Relax a little . . . you have 308 days until DESERT SCALE CLASSIC 14 !!

Niiiice!

Are we going to have to start calling you 'Orville?'

LOL! You gave away your secret, Wayne. I thought you were being ultra-clever!

Great pix, Wayne. Interesting that you have 92 images in the album, since "92" was a family favorite racing number for years . . . especially for Bobby. Nice touch.

I'm also very glad the edit function is back. It is very important to my resume. Without it, I can't continue to claim to be a Model Cars Magazine editer.

NEXT year . . .

I've been building car models for 49 years now (I'm not as old as Art!) and I've never had a burned or melted tire. What am I doing wrong?

Awesomeness! Or, you could scratch up a QuesoGood truck!

Wow, Jim! Dude, you sure have a tough existence going for you, there, m'man! LOL. {BTW: To all the shoulder-chippers anxious to jump on my comment; stand down. I'm real sure Jim's post was tongue-in-cheek. Just joining the fun.}

Dittos.

Agreed. Have they even been there? Do they know what of they speak?