W Humble

Apologies; I guess I was a teacher too long! Or, just got used to being 'paid by the word!' :-<) Wick

Snake: but (in moderation) it sure stuck things together in a businesslike way, huh? BTW, I like your quote, and agree 100%; but don't know how to add mine, from Mark Twain. Tips? Wick

I'm forced to paint my own, at least the wide style used from about 1952-62 as OEM. One-Shot bulletin white on a card with a dab of thinner handy, and a really good quality brush; I can usually get a full tire in one brush-load. I have to set it up to rotate to make a good job of it; maybe not 'show' but sure passes inspection! But, now I'm running out of black tires too! I have one set, source forgotten, of the dramatic US Royal 'Master' pinstripe-whitewall tires, brand name embossed and all; wish someone would reproduce those beauties! C. 1962-up they were de rigeur for Autorama-level show customs! Check old HRMs.

The o-l-d Revell '56 F-100 kit had some of the first, two piecers; maybe those continued in the repop versions? I still have the 'wreckage' of that kit, painted AMT Lime Fire Green, and it will probably never get restored, I had so many problems! Eventual tire-melt was a big one, too. Watch out when you keep your models for a long time! Building my retro kits saved from the day, I use a lot of chrome-reverse rims, put most of the aftermarket-style 'mags' in my never-never bin -- esp the 'Dukes' finned Western type! Speaking of melting (who was?) I recall about 1958 when a pal completely melted a Hawk V-1 fuselage by using too much of the old 'hot' model cement! Looked like a missile by Sal Dali!

Tim (et al), I heartily appreciate all you say, and though I started a lo-o-ong time ago, I'll never be as deep into scale models as 90% of you guys are, I'm sure. BTW, I'm sorry my syntax isn't as precise as it might be; in the forum comment to which you replied, it was indeed Larry G's kit review that had the DeSoto displacement controversy, not of your own in S__ A__. My own magazine career began in 1978, with Mike Lamm's SPECIAL INTEREST AUTOS. I did the complete history of the development of the Pontiac Tempest that year (available on the Little Indians website archive tab) along with a Tempest racing addendum which included live interview material from Mickey Thompson, Bill Collins, etc. Then the first 'collector car' magazine history of the 1958 Chevy Impala -- possibly the first for any Impala -- in 1980, it think. There were more, but after interviewing Tom Monroe (Hot to Rebuild your Datsun Engine, etc.) on the Bricklin SVI, I was offered a shot at a book by CA Bill Fisher, then of HP Books, now CA Bill's Automotive Handbooks, which I took: "How to Restore Your Datsun Z-Car "(Fisher Books, 1991) and was Restoration Editor of Z CAR MAGAZINE for seven years -- until it folded. I'm doing a little blog stuff for Hemmings Motor News again now. That said: both my hands and eyes tell me I'll never be a great modeler; and I don't compare to Mr. G or yourself at expertise on plastic kits, no doubt! With auto history, I'm saddened that most of the guys I was able to interview: Smoky Yunick, Harry Barr, Don McPherson, John Bond, Bill Collins, Hulki Aldikachti, Malcolm McKellar, Chuck Jordan, Carl Renner, Messers. Thompson, Monroe and Bricklin, and many more are largely beyond our microphones today. Yep, I've made a few boo-boos too, and tried hard to correct them. Being interviewed is the worst trap for me! So -- keep writing and I'll keep subscribing!

Of the top of my old cabeza: I know Speedway sells a streamlined version of the 'rams horn' for 1/1 SBC's, perhaps for Y-blocks as well? However, using a 1/24 scale SBC part as a starter might be easier than the 1/25 size, as the added bulk could help put over the look. IMHO (and in my case it really is HUMBLE) making custom exhaust headers that look realistic is a true challenge, even if one isn't trying to copy a prototype. I'm doing a set of big logs for a V-16 Diesel using plastic exhaust pipe from two old AMT 1/16 Nomad kits, and it's a compromise at best; no chance my making tube headers for that many exhaust ports. I have better things to do with what time I have left making models! Anybody want a few sets of stock Y-block exhausts in 1/25, I'll contribute them. I have so many unusable Y-blocks that I'm putting together parts for a c. 1957 'Hillbilly Showboat' four-engined rail. We'll see...

That firefight was about Pontiacs, as I recall. :-<) Ole' Wick

Dave, Thanks! One of my ancillary hobbies is/was to write to the Editor of any mag of which I had an interest, and I have had letters published in as diverse periodicals as U.S. News & World Report, and MAD Magazine -- long ago. I got my start writing auto history through a letter to Mike Lamm at Special Interest Autos, which eventually led to my writing my (only, so far) book, How To Restore Your Datsun Z-Car (CA Bill's Automotive Handbooks, 1991 -- and coming out in a revised ed. hopefully 2022! My last mainstream piece was for the 1959 Chevy 'build special' that the late Street Rodder put out in 2014, on the styling history of that flamboyant cruiser, commissioned because I argued with Mr. Ceridono in the Letters column. I don't mean to be hyper-critical, but I do like thinking, and I've been around (hopefully doing that ) for many moons. As a teacher, I feel a real respect for the printed word -- even when it's in pixels, or whatever -- and once a statement is made is has stature and power to influence readers... whether it is right or wrong. Yep, I've made a few mistakes in print, also. So, I wonder how you all feel about comments that aren't all that positive, especially about the veracity of your scribes when it comes to 1/1 automobiles, and the accuracy of articles in regard to the real world (not the TV show!) and errors that crop up. I'm not out to get Mr. Greenberg, any more than I was after Mr. Boyd at S__ A__; but (for an instance) saying that a Desoto hemi is the same as a Chrysler is incorrect in a kit review in the last ish. I do 1/1 car restoration, and I've had to learn a lot since about 1960 to do it well -- and I've judged from concours to low-rider events. As we teachers -- the old school ones, at least -- say "You don't know, and maybe I don't know, but together lets find out!" Don't shoot from the hip, especially in print: research, ask somebody, get it right! I ask you; isn't that important? I doubt if anyone in the world could do the detail and comprehensive job of Larry on a kit review; it's staggering -- more info than a duffer like myself would ever need! But if I bought the Ford pickup kit to get the 1951 Ford tail lights he listed, I'd be duped because apparently they are Mercury items, huh? It is important, to this subscriber. Modeling since 1953, Wick Humble

I get on board forums regularly, and at age 76, really enjoy it, in the Covid era! But, is this your 'Letters to the Editor (contributors, etc.): does MC have one?' I've wanted to comment (no all unfavorably, no worries!) but don't know where to send my stuff re: alternative opinions, overall comments on scope and perspective, and my favorite; 1/1 scale accuracy issues. Refer me, please? Wick Humble

David, Those are sweet! Well, I'm no longer much concerned about entering for judging; mostly just being stigmatized for not attempting to do my own. Maybe I should just forget it? At 76-1/2 it's getting hard enough to just assemble and detail a model with anything like my old ability. Diorama seems like a very apt and ultimate ideal for a nice kit to be displayed in, but I don't get to many shows (cost, Covid, other interests, etc.) the N CA IPMS things about all. Good to have your input -- I asked the question because once quite some time ago there had been a minor uproar over someone contracting out figures, etc. Prob just for competitions? Looking at my plans for the TV Sitcom diorama, I can see how it doesn't have much punch without such... I considered making scale photo facial paste-ons to add to wire-sculpted 'stick figures' to add interest; might be my best bet -- different, anyway. A humorous one I'm doing is of a lunar rover (converted toy, prob about 1/20) with a blown Hemi having just knocked out it's oil pan on a Moon rock, the (toy) astronaut thumbing a ride with his AAA card in hand. Wick

Entering under two names would be best, if allowed by local standards, I suppose. I think I was most concerned with the feelings of fellow modelers about not being able to specialize in both aspects of modeling skills; I'm too old and short of time to learn figures, I think. but I hate to let that spoil my attempts at diorama building; what I've seen at shows is superlative in quality -- I just like to do some fun ones 'with a story'. Thx!

Me, too! But they are progressing! I want to get my 1939 M-B GP car V-12 (Hawk model, O-L-D!) resin copied as a basis for a Miller V-12 DOHC street machine; may adapt it to other 'phantoms'. Anybody want to take the job for recompense? Be a nice mold set to have on hand! Wick

Thanks! Actually, I bought a set of those a couple of years ago, and put them on my old Monogram Avanti (with the 'stock' 396 bbs) but thought they were kinda narrow, though nicely molded. I have to learn resin and get a mold pulled for the Strombeckers; then I can widen some so the rears are bigger than the fronts on the Scarab. Photo searching; Reventlow and Daigh didn't seem to build two Scarabs the same, really. Wish I could see more detail in his photos. I'll order something soon. Mine is pretty good; I was in love with the Devin SS in 1960, didn't know it was pulled from a Scagliatti Ferrari body, and built the kit that way. Whatever iteration it was, the thing was a dream to admire from any angle. I didn't even use the mags, but put on chrome-reverse rims, ww's, and spider caps. Oh well... sixty years hence! I wonder if I could PAY someone to cast the darn things for me (he could keep his molds, oc) and maybe rep the big road-race tires too? Nice of you to take time to help me! The forum folk are the best! Wick

Thanks! I may try those guys; it's a pretty small piece (pass-side 'headlight running light lense') but really is noticable My car is till pretty sweet, (1/24, I think $8.98) put away in 1966 in the original box; decals numbers (66) have yellowed, but otherwise nice shape, Jim Hall figure and all. I read in a slot-car mag that you could mount the rear tires on the front, and replace rear with aftermarket, so I did -- dunno what happened to the original fronts! Loved the way the originals won -- with Chevrolet! My little bro got the Lotus 30, which I built for him -- nice to build -- but I think he wore his out racing it; he might have it stored, but the next millenium will arrive before he unpacks his storage units! I was impressed that COX was a sponsor. Tires: Indycals -- I bought a set, but they are a smaller scale and look skimpy on really old kits, plus spendy. I had asked forum some time back for resources, and that was about it. I'll try yours asap. Trying to restore -- and finish -- a lot of 3-in-1 kits that I bought about 1959-up; the Chaparral was one of the last until recently. I'm adapting/scratchbuilding two 'phantom' Harry A. Miller roadsters and a twin-V-16 Cad streamliner for prewar dry lakes/Bonneville, as new projects. Thx!

I'm the original owner of a Cox Chaparral, and want to get it out of storage on display with my kits. Only a few race nites, and a goof put his bare chassis on my lane -- backwards, oc -- and it busted out one headlite shield. Any ideas for sources of the OEM kind? Also, have c.1959 Strombecker Scarab battery 'slot' that after 60 years I'm converting to a display model; engine, etc. Still have the original decals intact (how brittle will they be?!) but need to find source for nice Halibrands in resin or 3D, one has a broken 'bead'. Also, anyone know of a source for the Firestone-style road-racing tires from the 1940-50s? I had so many, incl Monogram -- natural rubber... all gone now. Old (76) Wick

1953-54 Studebaker Starlite coupe! Yes, I missed a few back in the 'sixties, when a nice stocker could be had for $300.00. A blower Hawk would have been nice, too, or even the Packard-engined Golden Hawk. Those never came my way. Did own a '62 Hawk GT, but nice as it was in 1975, it was a slush-box-- oh, bought for $1,700, sold for $2,000 -- now $20,000! I have a '54 sedan that -- live long enough (76 now) I'll build into a roadster; S-10 frame shortened, IROC Z V-8/T-5 combo, on hand. It was a 'survivor' with no back glass, and all that implies! Collector got the running gear, with 232 V-8, 3-sp/OD. I could write a book about the cars that got away -- but what oldster couldn't? Only model kits, now.

Okay, but what is best source for Micro SuperFilm?

Makes sense, Peteski; the hot lacquer thinner compatible with the clear film. A lot of old -- and I mean old -- aircraft decal sheets seemed to be done with the solid clear which nec. trimming very carefully to use. In the 'fifties when I built (or mis-built) every kind of model but cars, it was diff. for me, impatient builder without good tools, to manage that style! I'll bet I still have a few in my dogeared stash. I'm going to try your method, and the clear lac spray coat, and see how they turn out. OC, any decal sheet I choose may or may not be the vulnerable kind, but with sheets six decades old... ! The tips that recommend Krylon and other aerosol clears; maybe someone one with more expertise could try a controlled test on them, really scientifcally? My next step will be to learn how to make new decal sheets, and some custom lettering. Thank you for your considered opinon!!

I have decal sheets over sixty years old, and know I'll have problems if I ever attempt to use them. Heck, I'm having Gofer sponsor decals fall apart that are less than ten! The clear coat I know about, but just what is correct? I'd guess lacquer, and I'll bet the decals are still tricky to use... I may do some experiments. I have painted some nice 1:1 cars, and worked in a PPG store mixing, too. I may try some ShopLine 660 clear; very good auto topcoater. PS; I never trust rattle can paint, esp the hardware store brands, it's usually made to a price-- low! Wick

I'm hoping to finish: A Burrago die cast 1/25 Datsun 240Z (Tom Daniels restyle -- not good) as a Pete Brock themed drag car; full John Morton race #46 decals, a Chevy 348 converted with BBC valve covers into a Datsun V-8 with sprint car stack injection and NOS, roll-cage, comp buckets, and funny car front and rear wheels/tires. Almost finished, looking pretty good. Darned kit didn't come with rear window, and of course rather low detail level. A Maisto die cast 1/16 Studebaker Starliner, repairing the incorrect roof/window profile, repainting something like stock red with off-white roof. Also, making the v-8 look real (only good feature on many Maisto cars; a neat V-12 wiring harness! SIC!) and adding a scratch-built McCulloch blower, air box, tubes and air cleaner. This may be a diorama, posed in front of a old-timey billboard for an area Stude dealer (Yuba City CA, for Dragonlady IPMS friends) who put ads in old Pop Mech mags saying "Drive a ___ Studebaker, and eat no man's dust" and "___ Studebaker: we make the Hawk fly!" Photos eventually! Also some actual plastic kits; more later. Wish me luck; I'm 76! Wick

Thanks! So far, I haven't read that this is commonly being done... comments? I'm not a trophy hunter (too late to start on that chase!) but wondered if it was conventional usage. I just want to do a max job. Wick

Thanks for the input. As I hinted, one of my problems is TIME; mine is running out! I also do 1;1 restorations/restomods, write, and try to be a good grandpa. I have a MA in art, so I can wield a brush; a little, anyhow. But sharing a diorama build might be my best hope to get some stuff done on that level before I'm too shakey! Wick

At age 76, I've been doing car kits since the late 'fifties, and think it's time I started trying my hand at dioramas. The show/contest I recently attended in Yuba City CA impressed me greatly, and though most of the scenes were based around armor kits, I'd prefer to stick to autos. However, even if I get involved with this type build, I don't think I can learn and become proficient in doing figures, and it is clear to me (looking at the last IPMS magazine) that they are necessary to make a scene come to life. I read once where a builder chastized another for involving a cohort in doing the figures for his dioramas, but it that necessarily bad? Esp. if the two modelers state on their entry that it is a cooperative project? What is the sense of the forum on this tactic? My problem is that they may be too hard -- and time consuming -- for me, and this may preclude my doing the deed at all. My current project is the scene from 'Leave It To Beaver' where Wally and Eddie chain the rear axle of Lumpy's spiffy '40 Ford ragtop to a tree with disasterous results (though no teen actors were hurt in the scene, apparently) AND I'm adding Jeff's Model A tub (with hand painted flames) from Father Know's Best as a spectator/bystander. Sound good? I don't have a collaborator yet, but should I pursue it? Wick

I'd just like to say 'thank you' to the modeling community and MCM forum users for all the generous help they offer, and for the 'pay ahead' generosity I've experienced. I'm fairly new to forums and IPMS, for instance, but I built my first kit (Aurora's Famous Fighter Spitfire, Messerschmitt, and Warhawk: very into planes back then!) in 1953! Age 76 now, I find that my vision and small-motor adeptness are fading, darn it; despite increasingly ambitions projects. Desire and performance in many areas suffers a curve-crossing in time, and I urgently recommend you guys build full-blast before your ability slips away! But much appreciation to you (and the group on the late S____ A____ forums) for the support!! Wick

With plenty of oil/dirt on the PowerGlide, that works. Not that Stovies were markedly leaky, only average. My SBC's like to drool from the front and rear seals, even with the new type. Gaskets and shellac sealants were pretty mediocre, back in the day. I find that going much beyond adding plug wires is hard for me at age 76, tho the VA gave me carpal tunnel on my right wrist; sometimes I do fuel lines, etc. Looks good in a very use way!