tim boyd

Jonathon.....call my judgment stupid if you wish, but that's my verdict and I'm sticking to it....particularly for a kit replicating a 1/1 car where the engine represents such a significant factor of the character of the automobile and its brand. TIM

Well. OK, I can see the different points of view here - I think there are legitimate points made on all sides. . As I probably said years ago in this thread, I took the omission of a real engine from the DBS kit as a real affront to all that the Aston Martin brand and development team stood for in the current range of "DB-" products. Much more than the latest high priced, low volume Lexus supercars that few will remember in 10 years, the engine was/is the sole of what an Aston Marti product. Have any of you ever heard an Aston V-12 started and revved? Run through the gears? The only way Tamiya can make up for this grievous (in my opinion) error is to reissue the kit with a full engine included - as it should have been from the start. What's more, I still don't think Tamiya always gets the engine right. Let's take the new 300SL kit. In the real car, there's a heat-shield type part that runs directly beneath the exhaust headers. Without having a 1/1 in my driveway but having studied photography extensively, this appears to me to be an entirely separate part - but on Tamiya's model kit, it's molded together with the exhaust headers. Given the highly prominent/visible position of this assembly in the SL engine compartment (It's the first thing you see when you open the hood), they should have been molded as two separate parts. When I saw that in the kit, it alone was enough for me to put the kit box on the "maybe I'll build it someday" pile rather than the "desk-clearer" kit I had hoped for and expected. Having worked in the 1/1 scale auto industry for 35+ years, I often observed a tendency to place foreign-manufactured cars - particularly from the Japanese brands - above their American counterparts, whether deserved or not. Sadly, I've sometimes observed the same discrimination in the model kit world While no one would rightly say that ALL Tamiya kits are lacking in the engine compartment (and I think that is perhaps Bob's point), and the American kitmakers have never delivered the kit after kit superior consistency that would fully rank them the Asian kit makers, I do believe that kits developed by the American kit industry are often superior to their overseas competition in the way they design and manufacture their engines and engine compartments. I realize many of you ((probably most of you) will probably disagree with me on this, but that's my view. In the meantime Bob maybe you can convince the Tamiya team to do another Aston kit with a proper, fully detailed, separate engine. Or maybe a '62-'64 Berlinetta Lusso. Yeah, that's it, do the Lusso with a proper kit and engine, and I'll permanently cease and desist on this. Until then.... Cheers (smile).....TIM

Chris....excellent composition and build so far....this one will definitely be on my watch list. Y-Block as you described it should be super-cool, too!. Cheers and keep up the great work! TIM

Here's an extensive photographic tour of the International Model Car Builder's Museum in Sandy, Utah. They have been trying to update the website but finding volunteers to do the work has been problematic. The physical presence, on the other hand, is truly awesome. Check out this link and see if you agree.....TIM

Craig....when I built the first round tooling/development prototypes for Revell 2 /12 years, I built the Coupe channeled version with the Nailhead and everything fit fine. I am going to do another one with the Nailhead in the Highboy version momentarily; I'll make careful notes and check the fit, and report back if I find any issues. In the meantime, really appreciate the heads-up. TIM PS - really looking foreward to seeing those resin parts you mentioned just above! TB

Scott....as Bob said above, there is also a simplified assembly version of the Camaro SS from Round 2 on the horizon,,,,ask and ye shall receive! I just hope that sales of the full detail version vs the simplified version justify the expense/investment in future full detail kits of current automotive subjects......TIMe

Bob....agree on all points! (smile back at 'ya!) Cheers....TIM

Well...maybe I just wasn't paying attention, but the team at Round 2 are readying a huge shot across the bow of the hobby kit industry. Feast your eyes on their new, just about to be introduced 2016 Camaro SS FULL DETAIL model kit. We're talking many innovative features here, such as the glass unit with pre-applied blackout panels AND a full-color rear window defroster grid! An independent rear suspension comprised of 20(!) individual, highly engraved components. And, yes, bless them, a fully detailed, stand-alone engine and transmission assembly under a lift-off hood. You can see and read the whole story at this link, which includes 45 individual pictures and captions for each image. Make sure to use the "roll" feature when viewing so you can see the info and commentary that goes along with the pictures. My initial reaction is that this is a hugely significant development for the model kit hobby. Not only for this individual kit, which is a definite "buy and build" category of kit IMHO, but also for the promise it holds in re-invigorating the domestic kit industry coverage of all-new 1/1 scale automobiles with FULL DETAIL 1/25th scale assembly kits. Yet once again, is this a great hobby of ours or what? Thanks for looking, TIM

What? Chuck??? Shocking!!!! TIM

http://public.fotki.com/funman171OK 2/from-the-pages-of-y/from-the-pages-of-s/from-the-pages-of-s-1/ OK all you Supra fans....any of you remember this? Yep, that MPC Supra kit was really, really good. All it needed was some minor body rework to cleanup the over-busy Japanese design cues of the era, and the result was a really sharp car for the era. 17 pix including detailed engine and suspension shots and kit commentary, all at the link above..,thanks for looking.....TIM

Complicated/yes/yes/yes/several days/it gets very, very soggy! TB

Rob...I really should try to build one that way (body and top glued together before painting) to see how that works out. Hmm....maybe I should add that to the list of features for build #5. Best...TIM

I just finished my own Coupe kit builds #3 and #4. My comments: In addition to the blower drive illustration error in the instructions and the reversed numbers in the instructions for the front radius rods of the highboy version..... Referring to Rob's comments above (using his same numbers to address the topics....) 1. I mounted the windows in the top before mounting the top to the body I assembled the windshield to the windshield frame, then inserted the assembly into the top from underneath. Make sure to push it ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP of the underside of the roof. If you fail to do this, you'll too have the problem with a big gap where the top fits to the body during final assembly. 2. I also did the interior assembly to the body first rather than to the floorboard, as Rob suggests. It's very easy as long as you make sure that the interior side panels are located all the way up in the body. The interior panels extend above the body side (subsequently hidden by the belt line of the top assembly) You also have to push down on the body and up on the chassis during final assembly to make sure that the interior side panels fully engage the notches on the floorboard, both at the front and the rear of the interior If you model is sitting with an exaggerated rake, you still need to push further down on the back of the interior to get it fully flush with the floorboard. 3. I finished the fuel cell and battery box anyway. But they are irrelevant for the Highboy version unless you also open and hinge the trunk. 4. I used the two big IP decals, but omitted the smaller side gauges. The gauges are provided with both black/white and cream/black faces, the latter looking very cool! 5. Agree completely. 6. I believe Rob is referring to the junction between the shock mount to the frame rails of the chassis, and it has a dual step that allows the part to be used for both the highboy and the channeled versions which have two very different frames. As a result, it does look a bit odd in the channeled version application 7. I plan to start my version #5 this week.... using the '30 Model A grille shell on the highboy version (there are parts in the box for this, although they are not mentioned on the instructions) and probably the Nailhead Buick from the '29 Roadster kit (there are radiator hoses for this application, though they are not mentioned in the instructions), plus a number of other minor mods and personalized features. Bottom line....this kit is challenging, but in a good way. Take your time, personalize it to your own taste, and you will almost certainly get an excellent result. Cheers....TIM

Craig.....sorry to hear that. The general vibe from the participants (exhibitors) is that the show is much better since it moved to St. John's than it was at Meadowbrook. Far less political intrigue, much,much better facility (the St. John's staff just bends over backwards to be accommodating) and a more scenic show field. Yep, the tickets are getting expensive, but it's still far, far less than a ticket (including airfare) to Pebble or Amelia Island. It's easier to get to as well (less than a mile off of the M14 Expressway...) TIM

Yep.....the blower belt is upside down and backwards in the assembly manual, and the numbers are reversed on the front radius rods for the highboy version. Revell has been notified on both of these issues. Bert....glad to hear your take on this kit, and of course, I thoroughly agree with you! I think that blown Chevy engine fairly BEGS for some cool '32/'37/'48 et al Chevy hot rod and gasser builds.looking forward to seeing your done too. Cheers...TIM

Bob...thanks for the heads-up on this The photographer, Brenda Priddy, is well known and respected in the automotive industry. If her account is truthful (and I have every reason to believe it is), this is indeed a cause for concern among those who believe that copyrights are, in fact, copyrights. TIM

Car enthusiasts in the Midwest USA are fortunate to have an event of the quality of the Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's each year.Conducted in beautiful Plymouth Township (just off the M-14 Expressway, about 3/4 of the distance between downtown Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan), the event dodged another Midwest Weather bullet and enjoyed pristine weather for most of the day.Among the many featured classes this year were first through third gen competition Ford GT's (complete with a 1966 LeMans Pit Diorama background), and early 1970's Pro-Stock drag racers.170 pictures follow at this link for your viewing entertainment, and once again, thanks for looking. TIM Here are a few preview shots....

Greg...let me assure you and all reading this thread that the "Cult Theme" at the NNL Nationals is NOT a contest. In fact, true NNL's are not judged and do not make a deal of the few "peoples' choice" recipients at an NNL event. . In fact, as one of the three originators of the entire NNL concept, I would personally prefer there not be ANY models singled out for attention beyond their presence on the tables of the event, NNL's are not about winning awards, they are about displaying your models in a non-competitive environment that encourages friendship and camaraderie. All modelers attending NNL's are welcome to bring and display their models, no matter what they subject (as long as it is broadly automotive related). We have, almost from the very first NNL in 1980, had special themes based on participant input, and they have always been a big part of the NNL experience. But participation is entirely at the option of the entrant..no pressure at all Hope that clarifies....at least as it relates to NNL's Cheers TIM

...."Three and Five Window Coupes". Primarily intended to capture your latest and your most favorite 3 & 5 window hot rod, street rod, and gasser/competition builds, but restored stock and customs also welcome. Model years 1920's-1954 all welcome. 1/24th and 1/25th scale only, please. The "Cult Theme" table will be at the back of the event next to the magazine photography booths, as in prior years. Last year's "Cult Theme" was "Traditional Hot Rods and Customs" and generated over 100 entrants. Will this year's Cult Theme be even more successful? With all the new three and five window coupe model car kits just introduced in the last year (Revell '30 Model A and '48 Coupes, Galaxie Limited's '48 Chevy Coupe) and several of Round 2's excellent re-introductions in original kit form (1936 Ford Coupe, 1937 Chevy Coupe, 1941 Plymouth Coupe), plus plenty of past three and five window unbuilt kits in your closet, there's plenty of base material to have fun with. Not to mention all those already-built models in your display case. In the spirit of the original NNL's, no awards or people choice trophies here. Just braggin' rights ("I Participated") and the chance to show and chat with like minded-modelers too (again, in the spirit of the original NNL's). Hope to see you and your models there! Best Regards...TIM

Bill....lovin' it, just flat loving it! Cheers....TIM

Well said, Greg, well said. And personally, "thanks" to you for your thanks on my original post. Looking forward to seeing your projects based on this kit series.....TIM

Al....that's a very tasty result, to say the least! B5, your wheels/tires, stance, all look super-sharp. And an excellent first effort at BareMetal Foil...it adds so much to the realistic appearance of your model. Congrats.....TIM

Thanks Bill for relating your experiences and how you dealt with them. I too am very nearsighted, and I have been afflicted with floaters (growing gradually worse over time) ever since my college days. I have been warned about things like detached retinas...and it was very helpful to hear it affected you (e.g what you saw through your eye). I am now much better equipped to know what to do if this ever happens to me. Needless to say, like everyone else here I am overjoyed to hear that the operation was a success and wish you the very best as you continue your recovery. TIM

Don't recall having read this here yet (did not go back through the entire thread again....).....here is a great story on the kit's development courtesy John G. and the kit's development engineer back in the late 1970's, John Mueller. As a contractor to AMT back then, I'd heard parts of this story, but never in this level of detail. It's a must-read and a huge grin! Enjoy.....TIM

Here's one of several shots of Fred Farrand's 1/1 scale '32 Highboy, just finished last fall. For those that don't recognize the name, Fred's been doing magazine-worthy model cars for over 20 years (and has several magazine photos to prove it - and now one in full size scale too!). This car is full of neat details, from the '33-style hood vents, to the airfoil section on the front tie bar, to the way cool induction system on the small block Ford V8 (no me-too SBC's for this man!), and the one-off style mag wheels. Well done, Fred! TIM