Claude Thibodeau

Hi! What a great styling statement. And a formidable mash-up of proper parts. I LOVE the stance. Bravo! CT

Hi! There is great imagination here, coupled to mastery of image software. So... I wonder how you guys would update the first generation Javelin, to adapt it to the 21st century? Make me dream, please! I always found the original design to be restrained and timeless, whereas the second generation was a bloated exercise. So let's stick to first gen... CT

Hi John! What a beautifull combo. World class finish, bravo! Is-it me, or dragsters were more gracious back then? They belong in a gallery, really! CT

Thank you! You confirm my perception. But I wanted to ask someone who should know, and not just trust my eyes! CT

Hi James! I made the jaggered line on this car with Sharpie over clear decal. Coated with Testor's Wet Look clear. Great results, no fade so far... CT

Hi Dave! Curious to get your opinion on the kit's mag wheels. You seem to have swapped them for something else? The Jada wheels appear to be more "squarish" on the box art... with even more offset than your replacements (Pegasus?) CT

Hi George! Most papers are OK. To improve adhesion, I sand it with 3000 grit sand paper (lightly, of course) before printing it. It avoids ink stayin just on the surface, and usually improves sharpness for darker tones. I've also had good results by running the decal sheet a SECOND time trough the printer, after it was fully dried from the first pass (to avoid smearing). It certainly provides for richer colour (see picture below). Finally, I always use the same clear that I will coat the car with to seal the decal before soaking it for application (in light mist coats). This way, I'm certain that the clear coat on the whole car will not cause "silvering" or hazing over the decal surface, due to bad adherence to a different kind of clear used to seal the decal. Good luck! CT

Good luck with your next paint job. Keep us posted! CT

Hi Brian! Wow, first class work, design, and that black paint. Some west coast customs designer of 1/1 cars should be nervous... CT

Hi Juergen! Who said that there is no poetry in model building? You just demonstrated the contrary. Thanks! CT

Hi Roger! Interesting project. I'm jealous that you got one of those Johan Hornet FC kits. They are rare and so desirable... I'll bew following your build. Press on! CT

Hi Chris! I can relate to that. And since I'm 65, daily responsabilities with kids are less intrusive, should I say. Nonetheless, you are right: building a 1/1 car for myself took backseat to commission builds. Last one ( yellow 33 in background) dates back to 2016. Memories... CT

Hi Chris! Thank you for the "recipe". I build real 1/1 rods for a living, and your observations about the flatness of A frames and the arc of 32's are correct. Hence my inquiry. Superb results. Bravo! CT

Thank you Hector! CT

Hi Ray! Superb combo, bravo! This thing would be a blast to drive down the quarter-mile... CT

Hi Chris! Very nice roadster! I'm just curious: did you need to tweak the lower body to adapt it to the frame so harmoniously? It seems to just "fall in place" naturally... CT

Hi Paul! I'm surprised that you report no shrinkage with the solvent based (red-one part) putty. Good for you. But the catalized two-part stuff is supposed to be more stable, because it hardens by catalyst, not evaporation. Usually no shrinking ever. Keep us posted! CT

Hi Eric! As the nurse says " congratulations on the twins, Sir". Very clean and nicely detailed. CT

Hi Bob! On the 1/1 cars, I remember that there was a difference between the roadster and closed cars rear fenders. Something to do with the actual radius of the fender. If Revell were scrupulous to the dimensions of the roadster, therefore, the coupe or sedan fender unit might not fit. But since Revell certainly had planned for many derivatives on the same frame or platform, I'd be surprised they resisted having a "one size fits all". Just my two cents, for what it's worth... CT

Hi Oliver! Great car, so many details. The Sidewinder Concept truck is such a good source of parts, as I'm certain you have discovered. I have 3 or 4 in my stash... bu none completed, just keep raiding them for components! Keep on! CT

Thank you Phil! Now, if I could find a magic wand and transform the cab into a 32... CT

Hi Steve! I'll try to make it. I've visited the Alberta mountains, but never seen BC. So, why not? Thanks for the comments on the 1/1 32. The colour is a Nissan 350Z hue, circa 2002-2003, called FAUVE ORANGE. Base coat/clear coat. Truly pops under the sun!

Hi Paul! Wow, what a creative design, and it gives full meaning to the term "mash-up"! Impressive. I'm curious as to what glue you are using to bond all the parts together. I'm asking because I could not help it remembering a mash-up I made a few years ago with a 53 Stude, and even allowing for a looooooooong curing time before applying putty and primer for finishing... the BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH styrene glue managed to telegraph ever so slightly trough the final paint a few years later, in the comfort of my glass cabinet, no less... Very frustrating. On the other hand, some projects pieced together with Super Glue don't show a hint of the surgery scars. I had my lesson, as you may imagine. I'm not minding my business here, but since you invited comments and questions, I went along. Keep up the terrific idea! CT

Hi Fabrizio! I understand we were both blessed with Excellence Awards by the ACME online event lately. I just want to congratulate you on your fantastic transporter model. It is fully deserving of the award. Is-it available in a thread on this forum? If so, under which title? I'd like to see more pictures. Regards, Claude Thibodeau 0wner/builder of the So-Can Speed Shop 32 Ford lakester

Thanks Guido! I think I can picture your comment... CT