dmthamade

Have had a few dented cans, used them up fine... Don

I would like to see new tool Fuel dragsters, funny cars, F1 and Indy cars, old and new. 1/16 scale preferred due to old age limitations. Don

I bought this kit last month instead of the Rommel's Rod. First ICM kit i've ever bought, can in the box review . The parts all look very well moulded, with almost no flash seen anywhere. Moulded in detail looks crisp, well detailed. Clear parts are well moulded and thin. windows are all flat, so easy to look good. Chrome parts are very well done, the plating is nicely thin, not like some parts where they look like shiny blobs. They remind me of Tamiya plated parts. Tires look agricultural, with no manufacturers name, though from what i've seen with limited research is normal. This is a closed top model, but there seems to be parts for a top down version as well. There are decals supplied for specific cars, haven't looked into peculiars. The fender flags/pennants have no swastikas, you'll have to supply your own. Instructions are a little vague how some things go together, color suggestions given. Instructions are a mix of Ukraine and English. There pretty good coverage on line of the real car including Hitlers car and more war-like versions. Youtube does have build of this kit as well as different scale kits, along with videos of the real versions. HTH Don

Have to say, a module going down and taking out the network isn't a new thing, been happening ever since cars went with the CAN Bus network. Diagnosing these faults can be a daunting task, some of the guys i work with have a pretty good handle on these problems. An excellent knowledge of electronics and basic electrical theory along with a multimeter and scanner along with a boatload of experience will get you there. Odd and weird problems happen, here a lot of them are enviroment related, rotten green wiring, sockets, connectors....body shop errors... Don

These were done with Tamiya AS-12 overall with panels picked out with Vallejo Metal color. Weathering was mild.

Lots of ways to do a BMF finish out there. I've used Tamiya AS-12 on most of them with different panels airbrushed with different shades of Vallejo Metal Color. Doesn't do a factory fresh finish, but a good base for a weathered finish. If you want super shiny factory fresh , Alclad is a great choice. Don

Well this is a reminder!! I've primed and painted car parts with Tamiya spray bombs as well. This was over plastic, aluminum, sheet metal, parts used in the interior, engine bay... parts have all stood the test of time. Wheel center caps, assorted covers, brackets...i used the Tamiya colors due to variety, wasn't just black. Tamiya primers as well. Don

I've used the Tamiya primer/color spray bomb combo on photoetch, brass, aluminum, white metal landing gear and steel detail pieces. Never had any problem with it not sticking or cracking or any other problem. I would treat like any other part, clean and dry, then paint as usual. I believe you are good to go. Don

I went on Youtube because I had to see what HPI guy was like, have to say, i think his builds are presentable. Matter of fact, i think mine are comparable to his, but his are probably better. I get how it's like a review, i guess i can see how some would think he's just slapping stuff together, i think the aim is "this is what the kit looks like, this is a workmanlike build. Others can do better, here's my build, hope it helps". So many level of kits available to us, from snap togethers to hundreds of parts, and all levels of skill, experience and desire to "go up a level" if you want. Don't think any of them are the only right way to build, to say so is pretty arrogant. You might not like it or agree, but it's how "i" build. Don

Found car pics.

Pics show wash applied in first, cleaned in second.

I use an old Tamiya acrylic paint bottle(small size) half full of water. I add 3-4 drops of paint, and two drops of liquid dishwasher soap. Mix thoroughly and use. This works best on a gloss surface, if you use on flat, it will create a hard to clean/impossible to clean mess. Allow to dry, then remove excess with a damp paper towel, qtips in confined areas. This isn't like the Tamiya panel line stuff, you can be sloppy with it. The soap allows easy removal and breaks the surface tension of water allowing it to flow. If you dont like the results, it can be wiped/washed away with water. The darkness of the wash can be adjusted with the amount of paint used. Will try and post pics, they'll be of aircraft but the basics apply. Don

I make my own washes using Tamiya acrylic paint, water and liquid dishwasher soap. Doing it with paint gives me the flexibility to get almost any color i need(almost always black), the soap means i can clean up and wipe away excess. I've used this for decades, never had it affect the paint or plastic beneath. Ingredients are at hand so no added costs. Have to say, the deeper door lines do look nice, #11 blade, sewing needle, panel line scriber or? Don

First instinct is to add white to give a faded shade, but i've used yellow, tan, khaki, light grey and other colors that are at the lightest shade. White to red makes pink, but using yellow or light tan gives a lighter red. Have faded a limited number of colors, but experimenting gave me results that i was happy with. IIRC when i faded greys, this was a color that did look right with white added, most of the stuff i did was aircraft, but basics apply. Don

Once a man, twice a child

You have the rest of your life to open your reserve chute.

You grow old once, you can grow up any time you want. Don

Follow the money Don

Just found this, excellent post!! Happy wife, happy life. Don

In Toronto Canada, they recently banned Electric bycycles form the transit system(subways) in winter due to the batteries on some not being sealed from salt/enviromental concerns, have had fires on the underground trains due to the batteries catching fire. Don

Well, something to think about. We have customers with EVs that stay overnight or longer, and we do work for 2 bodyshops, sometimes EVs that have been in accidents. Can't say if we've ever thought about the possibility of something going bad... Don

Seems there is a fairly common thing in the posts, that being physical health, medical appointments. Healthwise i'm doing ok, but if i could talk to my younger self, i would say "look after yourself!! Take a walk!! Put that second/third cheeseburger down!!" and on and on...Any younger modellers reading this thread, you can see what's coming, be ready. As Bette Davis said, "Old age ain't no place for sissies". Don

100%!! Seen both sides. Can't ever let the mind shut down. Watching someone you know stagnate then go downhill, tough to see. I do have things to do in semi retirement then fulltime retirement, should be okay....flipside to all the warnings and fears, lets relax, have fun and enjoy retirement. Don

1971 Buick Riviera boattail, black/black/black, Factory mags, options, lots of chrome, 455ci. Don

Timely subject!! 65 YO, i've been in the auto repair trade for 46 years, licensed for 43. Starting to slow down, the summer past with the heat was a real killer for me, tire work in winter is tough/body killer. Not stopping cold turkey, but easing out of it. Doing 3 days a week or as needed, helps keep me active, keeps mind active, gives me a bit of money. Financially i'm in great shape, health wise i have typical aches and pains, but that's it. Going reduced schedule will help a lot, will help me get mind prepped for full retirement, time to figure routines. Always have enjoyed working on cars, doing it this way lets me keep active, use my mind, interact with the other guys. Hobbywise, i've downsized the bench since i moved, almost impossible to do the 1/32 aircraft i've done for a long time. Cars though, are far more manageable, usually did one or two before, can see more in the future. TV....lots on the tube, easy to kill too much time, I find Youtube shorts are addictive...taking the Drs. orders to "put the damn Doritos down and go for a walk, for gods sake". Seen too many examples of people who let their mind go to idle let the mind go soft, health won't be far behind. Don