Bill Anderson

Sonorandog, most excellent advice!!! I turn 81 next month, and can vouch for the very gradual loss of model building skills - Vision and Steadiness being the main culprits. I've been building models (cars, planes, boats, structures, trains) for over 70 years and it makes me happy that the joy and sense of accomplishment is still strong. But in my experience (4 adult kids, several grandkids), younger generations just are not interested in the hobby, although many do appreciate the results.

Dr. Cobra, Those are two beautiful models! Thank you for sharing.

I should have added in my original post..... I'm currently working on a Ford 427 Cobra, and this Ford GT is next in line. Have to say, the kit components (i.e. many body shell parts, suspension and motor) are different from what I'm used to in the typical Revell/AMT/Monogram American car kits.

A couple years ago I had the pleasure of getting up close to a new Ford GT that was on display at Planet Ford. It was the most beautiful car I've ever seen! So naturally I had to see if a kit was available and of course there was, made by Tamiya (1/24 scale, #346). That's been a couple years ago and while I've opened the box 3 or 4 times, and reviewed the instructions, I just didn't feel I could do it justice. So I put it away and built other models (Revell, AMT) ahead of it. Anyway, I just opened the box once again, and while my skill sets are pretty good, I just don't know if I want to tackle it yet. Have any of you experienced this, or am I just the Lone Ranger here......

All good advice, most of which I learned the hard way years ago. As soon as my hands are steady and my head is in the mood, I'll tape the stripe area and put on that first coat of blue.

I washed the body/hood and dried and sprayed with the pearl white. Given the model is white plastic, it appears to have covered well. Anyway, I'll wait a day or two and mask over the stripes to be and spray the blue. BTW, GTX6970, that is one heck of a beautiful stripe job!!!

GREAT SITE !!! I just signed up, and I thank you!

Pardon my ignorance, but where to I go to sign up for the newsletter?

Many years ago I could go to the local hobby shop (Larry's in Houston) and learn about the latest kits being produced, and of course browse the huge stock that they maintained. But "Larry's" is long gone, and other than doing a specific search on Google or Ebay, I really have no idea as to what is out there. I do have a copy of Tim Boyd's "Collecting Muscle Car Model Kits", and its been a great help, but of course its not current and leans toward the muscle type cars (duh). So my questions are, is there a recap of model car kits, and is there a place to go that has new kit announcements, etc. Thank you for your help!

I had a problem with a couple parts for a '57 Ford and ended up emailing to Germany. Shortly after I got a reply that they were in the midst of moving offices (as I recall) and would get back to me in a couple weeks. Of course, that never happened and I just bought a second kit (on the pre-owned marketplace).

I agree with the previous comments, but I have to add.... Sometimes an added part or detail may be technically out of scale, but looks more appropriate. I've seen this work on structures and model RR equipment many times. Of course I'm talking "within reason", but what it comes down to is that if the add on looks good/right to you, then it is just that.

Man, this thread has some beautiful pics! Thank you all for sharing.

Wow, I recall seeing them when they came out at the Chicago auto show in the early '60s. Next to a Vette, I thought it was the coolest!

Hi, My daily driver is a silver 2021 Ford F150 XLT Supercab. As I've done for the last 25 years, I ordered it thru the local dealership. As it was my second F150, I had a good feel for what I wanted. So I added on the nav system, locking rear axle, Sport interior, and the 2.7 dual turbo mill. One other option was the 36 gal fuel tank. Yup, it was a $450 add on, but it has saved my butt during two hurricanes and a few long trips. Normally, I only hit the local Exxon/Mobil once a month. Now I'm not saying its perfect, but it is the best all around vehicle I've owned. Heck, every few months I'll get on the Ford website and "build a Ford" and I keep coming to something similar to what I already have.

Sorry for the negativity, but I wouldn't waste my money on it.

Good Grief, a "dual quad" Mustang with single exhaust.....

Yes, it can be a difficult choice for (IMO) literally every part in a kit needs some TLC to get rid of unwanted lines and tree remnants and so on. When I can, I do like to paint portions of parts while still on the tree/sprue, but where I paint has already been cleaned up. My biggest challenge is decided whether to spray the chassis or brush paint. There are always so many points of parts attachments and its either spray the chassis and scrape where the parts will be attached, or hand paint the chassis and touch up after the parts are attached. I confess I've gone both ways......

For better or worse, I settled on Tamiya Pearl White for the stripes. The pearl white should pair nicely with the metallic blue (or not).

In 1958 (I was 13-14) we moved to a house from the apartment behind our grocery store. I decided that my collection of Revell USN ships wouldn't make the trip. So I took them to the basement and set them up as target practice for my Daisys. We had a range down there (scary place), and I did archery and BB rifle and Dad would occasionally do some .22 target practice with Chicago phone books as back stops. Anyway, as best I recall, half the shots just went thru the hulls of the ship, but many would hit the base of a superstructure and parts would fly! That was the end of my ship building, and model cars and HO Railroad kits quickly followed.

While I'm not a "bow tie" guy, this thread is absolutely filled with terrific information. Two of my boys have Vettes, and this will help me get the appropriate model for them (I'll build them).

Its ironic, for there is nothing funny about "funny cars". The one's I saw in action were seriously mean machines! I've always thought the "funny" description came from the fact that the entire body was hinged to the chassis and could be easily lifted up for access to the motor, etc.

Ahh, and then we get into paints! It used to be fairly simple, but now there are so many types / brands to choose from. Testor's (for one) sells sets, but you might be better off buying individual bottles / cans of the colors you want to use. And if you can, but good quality brushes, and take care of them and they will last. One word of advice from a guy who has been building models since he was 11 (1955). Model building is a true skill, and it will improve with experience. And consequently, your level of "good enough" will definitely be raised as you go from kit to kit. I do wish you good luck and hope you stick with it. Model building is a wonderful hobby, one that you can continue for years and years (I'm 80). And the really good news is once you get your "tool set" in place, the hobby cost is minimal as compared to so many others. ENJOY!!!!

Can't speak to plane or ship kits, but I do recall a Richard Petty (life long fan) Plymouth (?) kit from years ago. It was just too big for me, and a bit pricey too.

I love it when great minds think alike! Yes, I will do the white first and follow up with the blue. Hopefully Hobby Lobby will have a white that will work - or if not - I'll hit Ebay. Thank you for your guidance!

Hi, I've been active on Ebay since 2000, both as a buyer and seller. I was a huge model train nut and bought hundreds of out of production car and structure kits. I soon realized that whatever I wanted would - sooner or later - be offered for sale. Yes, I waited literally a couple of years for some items, but they eventually showed up. In the last ten years or so I am back in the model car hobby, and found the same thing. - that sooner or later what I wanted would show up. So far I haven't paid more than $50 for a "new old stock" kit, although there were a few I would have liked to have but they were $100 or so. My point is, if it was made, sooner or later it will appear on Ebay.