Claude Thibodeau

Thank you Al! However. my wife feels that I spend a smidge too much time on my models. Oh well... CT

HI! While I did not spend as much time as I would have liked at the bench in '21, with 4 projects still being completed, I managed to finish 7 (plus one special issue "commissionned built" 61 Impala ProTouring that I refrain from showing here for "contractual reasons"). So much styrene, so little time! Best wishes to all of you for the new year. CT

Hi Oliver! Well, 2021 was a very good year. Bravo! CT

Hi Tim! On the subject of things hanging on the walls... Champion Spark Plugs had a giant poster (4x5), reproducing its magazine ad, that was offered for sale trough Hot Rod Magazine. The usuals: send 2$ and wait for the poster tube in the mail. Sadly, all I got was a letter telling me that "shipping to Canada was too expensive, sorry, etc. ". So, I made it an art class exercise to make my own copy of the illustration (my art teacher was very patient), with a projector, some gouache (!), and a large sheet of paper. Ultimately, it was the centerpiece of an ever-evolving "exhibit" of pictures of funny-cars and rods for most of my teen years. My late mom decided to "recycle" it when I was away at college. Memories... I had that Chicago album too! The world is a small place after all, they say! Regards, CT

Hi Tim! Interesting comparison. Both are nice representations, bravo! I had the brightly colored "Hot Rod Racing Gallery" photo on my room wall for many years. Had the bad habit of cutting up early issues, Oh well... CT

Hi Phil! What a year, bravo! Those Roth creations bring back good memories. Happy holidays to you! CT

Hi Luke! What a great custom, with world class paint. Bravo! CT

Hi Francis! Happy holidays to you and your Dad. I see you are reaching your goal, that makes it even more exciting, isn't it? A question: is the little notch on the top of the door panels for the door lock knob? If so, what will it be: plastic, or, as I suspect, metal? Just curious! See you soon in 22! CT

Hi Oliver! I missed this car when you first posted it. Wow, a great design, an expert mash-up, and a trunkload of surprises. Bravo! Happy holidays! CT

Hi Steve! Well, judging by your 3 masterpieces, 2021 wa not a bad year! I just today noticed the water bottle in the Olds... This level of detail is well representative of your enthusiasm for styrene. May 2022 see you at the bench even more. Who knows what we'll be able to feast on? Happy holidays! CT

Hi Roger! What a production, and flawless, as usual. Bravo! Your treatment of the 49 Merc would be on the cover of the Goodguys Gazette, were it a 1/1. It gives meaning to the word "sanitary". In those times of pandemic, not a bad thing, eh? Happy holidays to you! CT

Hi Charlie! Well, we knew you were a Master of metal... But now, those molded and turned tires? Master of all media would be more appropriate. Wow! Your 1/1 car reeks of metal mastery, and the rear section alone comprises so many compound curves, one can only imagine the english wheel or hammering sessions to get to that point. Truly impressive. Regards, CT

Hi! Well, RRR, you are the uncontested king of the bead roller. What a floorpan! CT

Hi Tim! As much as I adored the loooooooooong fender, you are right that this unit is more in line with racing duties. What was the famous motto: "weight is the enemy of racers"? Keep hammering away! CT

Hi Wayne! Well, as they say: "Quality, not quantity". Both are great, but I have a preference for the color on the Chevy. Both cars have colors that are in perfect match with their respective year coming to the market. Bravo! CT

Hi Alan! Very very nice, and in line with the original, bravo! You are rightfully proud of your belly-pan: it is precise, and looks the part. Even the gaps around the exhaust tips are even! Speaks volumer! CT

Hi Lee! Well, a perfect demonstration of thet old "rule": "3 colors in good proportion make for a nice result". Unique and well done, bravo! CT

Hi Sir! Makes for a beautiful period-correct rod, with a perfect stance at that... Bravo! CT

Hi Alan! Very unique and appetizing build, truly! We often heard of father and son modeling teams... but husband and wife is not as frequent! Extend my compliments to your wife for her many good ideas and execution. CT

Salut Jean-Claude! Thank you for the reply. Your technique duplicates the effect achieved with the HOK Marbelizer, which is an oily semi-metallic "paint" designed to be applied in a thin coat over a contrasting base-coat. Then, a sheet of plastic wrap is dropped on the freshly applied coat of Marbelizer, and quickly removed. The random contact patch of the plastic film mars the wet surface, just like you obtain when you patted your surface with the plastic film. Same results, different technique. A candy coat is then superposed. I never used Createx myself, but I suppose it is NOT solvent based. If it were, it would mar the base coat and create a mess at the contact points. It is therefore a good medium to superpose the pearly marble effect on your base coat. Great technique and results, bravo! Salutations, CT

Hi Nick! Stunning beauty, a world class build, bravo! Does the chassis feature air ride? The stance is absolutely perfect. CT

Bonjour Jean-Claude! Great dio, very convincing. I'm curious: how do you call the painting technique used on the lower rosy section of the gold SUV? It looks a bit like House of Kolor's Marblelizer, but it might be your own motif or stenciling technique? Merci! CT

Hi Ken! Very clean assembly of a difficult kit, bravo! There must be something in the air of Vermont? Many talented modelers are based there... CT

Amen! CT

Hi Jim! VERY nice, bravo! I'm certain it even glows in the dark: that color pops! CT