mascari33

Well, here is what works for me. This is a narrative I put together for my nephew who had an interest and wanted to know how I did it. Sand out (300-500 grit) any imperfections, sprue tabs and boogers. Use spot putty or similar to even out low surfaces, then sand again as needed. Wash in warm water with a little dish soap, rinse well and leave to dry (don’t wipe) for 24 hours. (Use a dollar Store toothbrush to get in the nooks and crannies when washing.) Put it on a stand and prime with actual primer, I like Rustoleum 2X Gray Primer Sand again with 800-1000 grit max. Wash in warm water with a little dish soap, rinse well and leave to dry (don’t wipe) for 24 hours. (Use a dollar Store toothbrush to get in the nooks and crannies when washing.) Repeat steps 1-6 as needed until the surface is smooth and consistent. Paint desired color using light coats, less is more!! NOTE: How much paint to spray can only be learned by practicing it. Find other plastic items to hone your skills on. Styrene food containers and covers were great items for me until I gathered "extra" model bodies to practice on. YOU COULD STOP RIGHT HERE AND CALL IT GOOD IF YOU LIKE. OR- Sand again with 1000-2000 wet/dry paper. Sand right at the sink with warm water running on it. Fold the paper as needed and get in all the nooks and crannies. Rinse and let it dry (don’t wipe) for 24 hours. Toothbrush again when rinsing. Patiently paint another coat the desired color using light coats. Coats being a paint and sand session. STOP RIGHT HERE AND YOU SHOULD HAVE A GOOD SMOOTH SURFACE. OR- Sand again with 2000-3000 wet/dry paper. Sanding at the sink with warm water running on it. Fold the paper as needed and get in all the nooks and crannies. Rinse and let it dry (don’t wipe) for 24 hours. Toothbrush again when rinsing. Now you are ready to shoot it with clear (adds shine, seals decals) OR add another color coat (then repeat 12 & 13) OR polish with polishing clothes (4000-12,000 grit). If you chose to shoot clear, you then could repeat steps 12 & 13. I have never done more than three color coats. Apply wax to protect it and keep the shine in it. Dust proof display cases is worth EVERY dollar to protect your model and keep it looking great.

No arrival yet here in Western New York = Rochester.

The Revell Peterbilt 359 was good to me. I actually bought two and doubled up the sleeper and stretched the frame. Coming along nicely. I have completed the Monogram Kenworth W-900 in 1/16th scale. Now that was FUN!! Never did a big scale before and it was enjoyable working with the larger parts. See below for W-900 with a sleeper from the Aerodyne kit that I traded for.

I had good luck polishing this promo model. It is the exact color of my first car. I was not confident I could duplicate the color in paint so I thought why not just polish it? I included the model as I got it off of eBay.

That is a real nice set with several good cars/trucks. Save all those boxes, if you ever decide to sell it the boxes ad a LOT of value to it.

Trying to find information on the always awesome Fulton Model Car and Truck Show for 2024 at the Volney Firehall. All I find on the web is video from previous shows or references to the 2023 show. Isn't usually in the fall??

WOW!! SO accurate and clean and on POINT!!!

Very interested in the Bat Mobile. I'll review what I can trade when I hit the basement tonight.

I decant it onto a piece of card stock or a plastic dish. Then I apply it with a fine brush or toothpick. I also had trouble getting it to come out consistently. Sometimes with the bigger tip pen I shake it and then dab it a few times on paper, hen I can get a clean line or smooth "dispense" out of it. Either way I always wake it up first with shaking and then drawing lines on paper first to clear it or get it going smooth.

Thanks to all for the warm welcome!! ? I have been pouring over the Forum and sizing up where I might post for feedback and/or contribute some information.

Been modeling for about 30 years in adulthood, but now I am hoping to finally break out of the solitary model building mode. Looking to share my builds while learning new skills from other modelers. I have a basement room committed to slot cars (60ft 2-lane track) and car models/trucks. On the shelf I have completed about 35 models since my adult return to it in 1992-93. Probably have another 10 started and another 20 fresh kits ready to go. I am not a big "stash of kits" guy, although as I said, I have about 30 sitting there. Each fall I try to decide what I want to accomplish and set out a few to build or finish. I get great satisfaction from completing a model, but like many of you, get distracted and start, stop, mock-up or fidget around with other ideas. About late March or early April, I shut it down and go out to the garage and work on the 1:1 cars and a race team I am involved with. About Thanksgiving, I close the garage and return to the "Playroom" for toy car activities. I find switching my car activities between full size and scale size keeps me interested in both without ever burning out. Looking forward getting to know more model car people. I have shared some of my builds below; I think, FIRST ever post...