Frank Steffens

Take my word folks, it looks even better in person! Great work Bob! BTW Bob, are you going to be at Replicon on 3/29? I'm going to shoot by real quick on my way to Brooklyn....

That looks awesome! I'm not such a big fan of BMF either. Its not that I think its an inferior product, I just don't enjoy using it. If you don't mind masking, it is possible to use Alclad Chrome and airbrush the trim...I've done that on quite a few of my models, and I like the results. Its tedious (to say the least), but the results are reliable and look good. You'll have to be careful and not use a hot clear over it (or the gloss black base), but if you use it after putting on the clear it should be okay. Folks'll say its crazy to go through the trouble, but if you're like me, and just don't like foiling, its a good alternative.

Sweet! With these frickin' diabetic eyes of mine, I'm gonna need one soon as well...

Mostly Mopars and Chevy's...but then again, I have the "modeling attention span" of an Irish Setter puppy, and dabble in rat rods, 50's cars, the occasional Ford, and most recently, a Ferrari or two (the result of running a telephone cable through the ceiling of a Ferrari dealership.) I also build 1/72 Navy and Marine Corps planes and helo's, and modern USMC armor in 1/35 ( I didn't have the honor of serving in the USMC, I just love their equipment!)

I work for Verizon as a field technician. I started my career in 1996 working in Brooklyn, NY. I was originally a cable splicer, but last year I transferred to Nassau County, and am now a Special Services Tech. I install and repair T1s, Lottery circuits, Radio Circuits, and regular telephone lines for big businesses. Because I was a splicer, I have become one of the unofficial "bucket b*tches" (which means I have to run most the drop wires that require a bucket truck). When I worked in Brooklyn, I was also a shop steward, chief steward and business agent for CWA Local 1109. I really like working out in the 'burbs. The job out here is so much more pleasant than working in Brooklyn.

This kit only with the custom wheels, and it is based on the "pro street" version. It has tubbed rear wheel wells. If you can find the "Resto Rods" version of this kit, it will have the stock chassis and stock wheels.

You're quite welcome Rick....enjoy!

That is looking AMAZING! I can't wait to see it done!

Wait a minute...I didn't know any kit manufacturer was releasing a spoon this year! Seriously though, I like that color, I might have to get a can now.

I used these from A/FX resin...I have a spare set, PM me your address and I'll send them to you.

Those carbs look AMAZING! Fantastic work so far!

I've built that kit several times, always with the Hemi....now you've inspired me to build the next one with a small block! Great work!

Licensing fees and the reasons for insisting on them boils down to three elements: 1. Protecting their brand from cheap knockoff reproductions. Paying the licensing fee in this instance helps to ensure that the company's product is not only accurate, but of good quality. 2. Generating new revenue streams. Mr. Joe Middlemanagement, after two decades of lackluster performance, and fearing for his salary/bonus, decides he needs to justify his existence in the corporate hierarchy. For years, he's been handing over technical drawings and the like to model manufacturers for little or no cost because its free advertising. Now he sees this practice as a good way to bring in some cash. He'd heard once on MSNBC that companies like generating new revenue streams. He has the legal department draw up documents (their cost of production will naturally be tacked on to the vig), and he drops them in the model manufacturers' lap. 3. Protecting their corporation from being sued in the event a product with their name on it causes an injury. Lets say Little Johnny builds a Revell '55 Pro Sportsman that has Goodyear Slicks on it. While trying to blow it up with fireworks, he injures himself. Naturally, Little Johnny's mother wants to sue, so she contacts the law firm she saw advertised on Jerry Springer. The Law Offices of Dewey, Cheatem and Howe file suit against Chevy, GM, Goodyear and any other corporation whose products appear in the model. If the model had Moroso Valve Covers, they get sued. If it had a Lenco tranny, they get sued. Eventually, they'll settle for just enough money for Little Johnny's mother to get a new double wide trailer and several new outfits for when she goes to "work". All of the legal fees are paid out of pocket by the corporations that are sued. Never once is it mentioned that Little Johnny's mom should have been supervising her son, but thats beside the point. The first element is somewhat understandable, the second is just corporate greed, and the third is society's fault. Since the first element is understandable, where it falls short is in degree. Any manufacturer that wants to protect their copyright can and should do so, but attaching an arbitrary number to it is wrong. Its especially wrong when it winds up adding several dollars to the retail price of the kit, or worse, is so exhorbitant that the kit no longer contains any reference to to the licensor's product. A simple solution, if in fact that's really what they want, would be final approval of their products representation before it goes into production. For example, Revell sends over test shots of their Goodyear Drag slicks for approval before putting them in the '55 Chevy Pro Sportsman box. In the end, there's really nothing we can do about it. If we boycott, we're really only hurting the kit manufacturers and retailers, who I am sure would rather not have to pay a licensing fee either. The original manufacturer won't care, because licensing fees are just gravy anyway.

Nice paint! The stance is spot on, with a really nice rake....I'm really looking forward to seeing this one progress!

Two, but I got the best one by FAR!

I read in the WIP thread that you built this for a customer. That is one LUCKY customer! Absolutely amazing Dave!

My bride really came through this Christmas: 'Lil Coffin Paddy Wagon Boot Hill Express Beer Wagon Red Baron Mysterion AMT '55 Nomad AMT 70 Chevelle AMT 62 Vette Revellogram 70 Roadrunner Revellogram 64 Impala Revell 34 Ford, 41 Willy's and 32 Sedan set from the '80s Monogram 41 Lincoln Revell Sox and Martin 67 GTX AMT 63 Vette

I voted for the Corvette also, but all of them are fantastic!

When I first started with Ma Bell in 1996, my "assigned vehicle" (as the bosses call it) was a 1977 Chevy Van. It only had 21000 miles on it! It looked like it had been through a war though. I wouldn't be surprised if its still around somewhere. The heater didn't work and it only had an AM radio. There was no passenger seat anymore and I think there was a family of squirrels living in it. When a/c became standard equipment on the vehicles they used, the company would pay extra to either remove it or have it disabled. Go figure.

That turned out awesome Jonathan! I love the stance!

Outstanding work Bob!

Beautiful as always Lyle!

That's it! I knew I saw them somewhere! Thanks all for the help!

Beautiful work so far Lyle!

At the tender age of 35, I'm starting to lose it...I'm building a '65 Malibu Z-16, and I can't remember what kit has the correct "swirled" shocks for the rear. I KNOW I've seen them in another kit before, but I can't remember where. Does anyone know of a kit source for them? I just spent two hours searching through the stash and can't find them. Any ideas? (I really am losing my memory...I used to be able to memorize just about anything just by looking at it, now I can't remember the names of people I used to work withfor years! Kind of embarrassing when I run into them and have to say "Hey, what's up buddy?"!)