Claude Thibodeau

Hi Tim! Well, if we look up the word "style" in the Webster, this is the picture next to it! The engineering, design AND execution are world class, as usual. Since those cars were often refered to as "brass era motorcars", it could remain unpainted in the end, and that would make it even more impressive. Bravo! CT

Hi Paul! Well, hope nobody suffers long term consequences. Young adults usually fare much better when they get it than, say, old farts like me... That's why I am prudent about it. This fall, I completed a 61 Impala Pro-Touring, built on commission for a well know model mag. Also: a custom Low Rider VW van, a 60 Starliner Pro-Touring with the roof from the Alternomad, a 68 Charger Concept with a late model Hemi mounted amidship, plus a 41 Lincoln that I mashed with a 93 Camaro greenhouse. Voilà! I forgot: also a 37 Ford panel with twin blown engine called The Pole Depot. You may already see it on the light commercial forum (think it's on page 2 or 3...) Some of them will eventually be posted on this forum. Take care! CT PS: I'll keep an eye on the Joker car...

Hi Steve! Great progress, the "sitting on wheels mock-up shot" is nice. I used those same wheels on a build lately. They are nice, but I always think that Pegasus should have done their front wheels a smidge narrower. The wheels are easy to narrow, but the tires require more work to make it flawless. Even their "big and little" combos are actually "wide and wider". You can't have your cake and eat it too, I guess. Keep on! CT

Hi Sir! Very impressive. I am found of the stiffening beads on the flange. Oh well. Museum quality, without a doubt. Keep on! CT

HI! I was asked to write a feature how-to article for a "Pro-Touring" themed issue. I did, and I suppose this is the issue in question. So, my best guess is it WILL contain original material. We'll see... CT

HI! Thanks for the infos. Truly spectacular effects. Bravo! CT

Hi Paul! Good to hear from you, with all the terrible news we get from California. I assume all is well with your loved ones? Here, so far, so good! I look forward to following your next project! Happy 2021 to you and the family! CT

Hi Gary! The pure essence of Kustom, Bravo! I'm curious as to the paint: is-this HOK? And what clear did you use? CT

Hi Tim! Well, as you now know, winter is a great season to spend more time building models. And the Great White North is just that... white north! Almost 5 monthjs per year. Hence, the fair amount of dedicated builders. My kids and grand kids enjoy the winter activities as much as I used to do, but getting to be a "senior citizen" redirected some of my hobbies. Styrene anyone? Besides, with the lack of shows to gather around models these days, and the dwindling number of dedicated publications... This forum is the perfect place to share. So, as a 2021 New Year resolution, let's all commit to share even more our production with fellow modelers. Happy new year to you and your loved ones, and enjoy the Vermont scenery and fresh air! CT

Hi Uelder! What a great production, quite a "vintage" year. Bravo! CT

Hi Tim! So, THIS is what happens in Vermont after the sun sets? Wow! Great design, impressive chassis engineering and fabrication, masterfull assembly. What more to say? Bravo, worldclass! CT PS: Lucky for us that your lost drawing fell in your lap. See what ensued...

Hi Bill! I saw that the dogleg door post is part of the door now, and the whole body can be removed at once, so I was curious. Good idea. CT

Hi Stuart! Good design, great execution. Bravo! CT

Hi! Very sharp, can't wait to see it with the decal work done. Will-you be using the kit's front & rear windows? How do you plan to set-them in place, in the case of the windshield more precisely? Just curious... CT

Hi Kerry! Sweet! Please do, an original scratchbuild design always interest me... CT

Hi Jim! Thanks for the clear explanation about Future. I'll keep that in mind when experimenting with it myself. I now know what NOT to do vs Tamya's glossy acrylics. Those fuel lines look the part, perfect high octane tint, bravo! CT

Hi Martin! Now, this IFS looks nice! It seems to have fairly delicate a-arms, which is the goal. I can't wait to see it in place. Speaking of loving long and low rods, I replicated a famous car that Magoo built in the 80's, only, just a smidge extended. As they say: longer, lower, wider... They only way to cure this "illness" is to build them, I'm afraid! CT

Hi Jim! A nice build, in tune with the holidays. Great. A question about your use of Future as a "barrier coat": I often read that depending on the thickness of the coating, Future has a tendency to crack or wrinkle, for lack of better terms, down the road. What is your "long time" experience with it? I never dared use it, fearing that the "reaction" would appear long after the model is polished and on display. What do you say? CT

Hi Erik! The AMT Jaguar X220 has something that might fit... I'm currently building a mid-engined 68 Charger with it, and it was the right lenght/proportion. Just an idea... CT

Hi Kerry! Nice to see it fully painted and "opened". Very impressive. Now, I have to ask: what is the dark car at the rear of the Charger, on the driver's side? Is-it a Galaxie or a big Pontiac? Just curious. The rear end section has me puzzled... CT

Hi Kerry! I was enjoying a good glass of wine, and looking at old issues of SAE (does life get any better?)... And reading the fine print in a 1998 report about a Wisconsin show, I realized that YOU had built the fantastic side-engined Dodge Charger in bluish primer... I'm always impressed by your work, and I should have known that your mastery goes back a long time! So, 23 years later... Bravo for the Charger. I'm finishing a 68 concept Charger, powered by a centrally mounted late-model Hemi, and I was certainly inspired by yours. CT

Hi Uelder! Very nice, and the paint is great. There can never be too many lakesters on this forum! CT

Hi Sir! I see. Thanks for the answer! CT

Hi Steve! Obviously, if you move the wheel opening back, by flipping the lower quarter-panels, you will also have to stretch the floor pan. As they say: any action creates a reaction... To my eye, having owned a 1/1 73 Ranchero, I can attest that the rear overhang in the quarters was substantial. Your mash-up looks just fine (OEM) to me! Just my two cents... CT CT

Hi Sir! Just curious as to why you stayed away from Monogram and Revell kits... Do you care to expand on this? Happy holidays to you and your wife! CT