Jon Cole

Yeah, nothing says "generic" like a Corolla! They may as well have a "Maytag" emblem on them!

You can't go wrong with bacon! Everything tastes better with bacon!

Why not just mold it to the top of the chassis plate, where it won't be seen at all? No tampo print machines to set up. There is a cost involved to tampo print. If it was molded to the top of the chassis then it is a one time cost; with tampo print, it has to be set up every time it is run.

So they are now tampo printing copyright info on the bottom side of the bodies? There is something amusing about that! Especially when you think about all the "cost cutting" claims we have heard over the years. Also wondering if the "cartoon bird" is NA due to separate licensing fees?

I asked this Q over on the old Hobby Heaven board some time ago, and Evan Hermel answered: "For a pure flat, I use gloss: flat in 3:1-5:1 ratio. For a semi gloss, try a 10:1 ratio."

Jerry, your photos are amazing! They easily fool the eye.

C'mon, guys! Everyone knows meat & models don't go together!

That kit is in my "dead build" pile, lost steam on it. Here is a link with some pics. http://public.fotki.com/JCole/my_model_cars/mopar/

So the correct answer is somewhere between a scrubdown right now, and a four day soak? LoL! Now I am more confused than before I asked!

If it's there, it's going to be judged. If it doesn't agree with you, don't enter. Very simple. Good point on the baseball hat, I can see where that would be a concern. The judge 'forcing' the door open; if that was my model, I would be ticked off also. Thankfully it was not severely damaged. Having a "Do Not Handle" box is pointless if judges don't respect that. Our club has a "shelf" class the rules state no handling of the model, it is judged as placed. Perhaps taking advantage of such a category could help those who want their model left alone.

I am currently soaking a Flintstone body in Bleach White. How long is enough? I did a search, but I didn't see the answer.

Thanks for the link Jairus!

Can you help with advice on how to "Z" a frame? I have never done this before. I want to "Z" a frame on a '37 Ford Pickup. Thanks.

2004 VW Passat W8 4motion

Something to consider through this thread that has not been touched on is the difference between a contest at a LHS, vs a contest hosted by a club. I would be leery of any contest at any LHS, and I have been to a few. Many of these shops are not run by people with a lot of knowledge of our hobby, and the risk is just not worth the reward; not to mention the usual mediocre number of entries. Winning a catagory by default is not worth winning. Model builders and clubs are far better at putting on a good event. Builders are well aware of risk, and (in my experience) demonstrate far more caution handling a model than any typical hobby shop owner or manager would. Again, just my observation. BTW, at our CPMCS event, the judges wear gloves, so no fingerprints. Honestly, my model is more at risk of damage if I carry it to the photographer, than it is by a judge picking it up. Also, on a related note, a tip of the ol' hat to everyone on keeping the discussion here rightous.

The Classic Plastic Club judges on the point system, and I believe they break that down into six categories: 1)Engine; 2)interior; 3)Chassis; 4)Paint; 5)Construction; and 6) Degree Of Difficulty. When judging, if any one of those categories cannot be viewed (or viewed well), it results in a points loss. Many do display their models on a mirror, and also use something to raise the model. However, in all things being equal, the model that can be carefully lifted, may have a better chance of gaining more points, simply because the judge(s) were able to get a better view than a model that was limited by the view the mirror/platform offered. And don't forget lighting. Again, we offer the option of checking a "Do Not Touch" box. Because I do not judge at contests, I do not know for a fact if one way has favor over another, but I do know it (each category) must first be well seen and visible to gain a high score.

Ahh! My blind mans stick didn't read your name.

Cal (or whatever your name is I.E the rules state...) both local shows here in New England have a "do not handle" box to check on the registration slip. Don't want to have your model handled, just check the DNH box. Wa-la.

Before ya know it, George will have his own late night talk show! I hear there is a few openings at NBC

I have been going to contests since 1991. I have never seen a model being dropped by a judge. It happens, of course, as mentioned above by someone. But to imply that this is somehow a common occurrence is crazy. In fact, I would bet that far more models get damaged or destroyed by their owners! A little concentration during the handling of models, no matter who is handling it, goes a long way. Make a consious effort to safely hold and protect the model, and you risk its destruction. Having been one of the cattle in the herd of people at an NNL, I would say you have the biggest risk of destruction while carrying the model to have it photographed. Would you refuse to have your model photographed by Gregg? Hmmm...

Will someone PLEASE cast those 356 wheels in resin?! I would love to have a few sets!

I am usually on this board several times a day, yet that is not true for other members. For those who frequent the board less often, I hope this thread stays at or near the top of the list. Perhaps it can be placed with the other messages always at the top of the page? Is it OK to "bump" the thread up when needed? Harry or Gregg, can you chime in on this? Thanks. BTW, prayers to the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Boy, we don't see that one built too often! What a shame that the "Robo" figure wasn't included.

THANK YOU! I was getting concerned that we were going to lose this board to childish behavior. Looks like the 'reset' button has been pushed. It should have never gone this far. Here is to a better future!

The pre-painted kit is a metal body kit that has been out for quite some time now. The plastic kit is what we are waiting on. Death, taxes, and major delays from Testors... three things you can count on in life.