
Spooker
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Everything posted by Spooker
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Can't we all just get along? This tire size discussion was hashed over in depth on the old Randy Ayers Forum. Tire size is REGIONAL. What looks good to you is what you are used to. In our area (the northeast, upstate NY, NJ and PA) large tires were the rule rather than the exception. Mainly because the modifieds, the top class, used them and they were handed down to the lower classes, including the full-bodied cars. The tires in the AMT Modified Stocker kits scale out EXACTLY in the middle of the range of sizes we used back in the day. Rims scale at 15" diameter as well. Look up some Reading, PA victory lane modified pics from 1975-1980 and see how big the Firestone Drag 500 tires were (like mid-thigh on Kenny Brightbill at over 6' tall). Way bigger than the AMT tires. I'd never pick on you guys 'cause your tires were SMALLER than mine! My car from 1979: There, rant over. You guys have ALL built some great looking cars, and they prove that size doesn't matter.
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I think the prevailing opinion on this era Monte Carlo is that the best route to a good looking replica is to sand the vinyl off the roof of the Revell "Wheels of Fire" kit + a Monogram GM chassis. Salvino's intentions are good but.... I would add that some of us got lucky years ago and bought several sets of race-prepped resin bumpers for the Revell kit, too.
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Hi Mel, they came thru just fine! Thanks for the quick help - Brian
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As the title says, I am in need of the instructions for a Salvino's Petty Roadrunner, version not important. Scan or paper copy. PM if you need my e-mail. TIA - Brian
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Yes, that's been my Holley go-to for 50+ years. Other brands/eras of carbs get different treatments.
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Comparison between Tamiya and Rustoleum
Spooker replied to bobthehobbyguy's topic in Model Building Questions and Answers
I'm pretty new here, so I hesitate to chime in, but since I'm NOT new to modeling, here goes. The main point I see missing in this "discussion" is the huge variance in personal standards. I see and talk to many modelers each year, both in person at swap meets and shows, and over the 'net. I've seen (and produced) gorgeous paint jobs with all types of paint, including all that have been scorned here, but I've also seen some pretty bad ones (in my eyes) done with my personal paint favorites that the modeler was totally proud of. Dust, runs, dull, crazed, you name it. But the owner was proud of his work and wanted people to see it. We all have different standards for what we finish and display so maybe that's the most important factor in what methods & materials you use. The old saying "I'm my own worst critic" could have been invented for many modelers (including me), sometimes I envy the ones that don't criticize themselves so much. If I could adopt a more forgiving attitude towards my own work, I'd definitely get more stuff built! -
Released at the same time as the original 1/16 clear body Petty Charger. Decent price for an unbuilt one, congrats.
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Here are some pics of the Etzel Speed Classics resin and white metal midget kit: A simple curb-side kit, but everything you see is superbly cast and very accurate. The grille is a nickel silver casting that can be polished, one of Chris' "trademarks". The decal sheet in mine has been cut but originals are still available. A 12 page instruction sheet, too!
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Nice job on that old kit, magicmustang! The Etzel kit that OldNY Jim posted above is a USAC Dirt Champ Car (gorgeous kit, by the way, one of his best), not a midget. I'll try to dig out one of mine and take a pic or two.
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The late Chris Etzel did a resin and white metal midget kit in his "Speed Classics" line. They came with a great decal sheet to do multiple cars, maybe 8 different ones if memory serves. I have two in my stash somewhere. The Revell kits are a full detail kit while Chris' were curbside, but super accurate as all his kits were. The Etzel midgets pop up on e-Bay occasionally for $75-100.
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Just my 2 cents. My main gripe with the old Aurora kit and its reissues is the fact that the leading edge of the nose only has TWO nostrils rather than three. I have never seen a pic of a 250 GTO with two nostrils. Otherwise a pretty good kit, especially considering its age. I think I would go with the Fujimi with aftermarket wheels, tires and decals.
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Czech company (Smer) had the molds last I knew. They re-issued the Talbot and Alfa Romeo maybe 20 years ago. With some P/E wire wheels, modern techniques and paint, the old Merit kits can look pretty nice. I've got a Merit Gordini on my bench now, going to be Fred Wacker's 1953/54 GP car. He was involved in the accident that ended the street course racing in Watkins Glen in 1952. Interesting guy.
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Who was building in the 60s?
Spooker replied to OldNYJim's topic in Model Building Questions and Answers
I can relate to 90% of the things mentioned, either tools or materials! I was also a model railroader and slot car guy (HO, still am) and learned to solder and wire controllers, control panels and layouts. I used tons of the Testors square bottles, still have quite a few, some with 12 cents price on them that are still good! One tool not mentioned that I still use with those pesky square bottles (and others) is a nutcracker, the pliers kind, to open the dried on caps, works like a charm. Fun thread! -
Those appear to be the 1/32 scale version, geared towards the slot car guys. The 1/24-1/25 sets didn't have the rollbars and steering wheels on the trees. These days e-Bay is your friend when it comes to finding figures, whether they are new, 3d printed or vintage.
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Pretty happy with the paint on this AMT '66 Buick Modified Stocker. Tamiya Green and Yellow out of the spray cans, MCW Lime thru my airbrush, first use of the air brush in 20 years. Kit decals and Future. A little "battle damage" on the nerf bars. Will post more of this one in Under Glass soon.
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I've had good luck using lacquer thinner to degrease resin bodies and parts. Most resins can tolerate at least a short exposure to thinner. Of course, always test first! A quick rinse in thinner, then a thorough wash with a dish detergent with lemon and a warm water rinse.
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Thanks, everyone! Glad to be here! See my post in 1:1 Reference Photos for the real thing.
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Frankenstein
Spooker replied to Old Buckaroo's topic in All The Rest: Motorcycles, Aviation, Military, Sci-Fi, Figures
Just posted a pic of my version of "Frankie" in my intro post. I REALLY like the shading/highlighting you did on his clothes. I'll have to work on that on my next figure! -
Monogram Space Taxi...
Spooker replied to Spooker's topic in All The Rest: Motorcycles, Aviation, Military, Sci-Fi, Figures
Thanks, Mike, good idea. Easy to reverse or modify if it doesn't look right. I did something like that as a kid with a fire extinguisher, just didn't remember! -
Hey Rich, I felt bad not bringing all my F1 kits to the last swap, but then again, I think you are the only guy that even looks at them!
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First pic is me at 18 with my 1st car, '66 Chevelle body on '57 frame rails. Built by me during senior year lunch hours and finished over the summer after graduation. A tank, great first car, couldn't hurt it! Handled like a tank, too! Next 2 pics are the next chassis with two different bodies over 4-1/2 years. The car had some serious offset, tube chassis from bellhousing back (per the rules), and kept getting lighter. The white Camaro body had front aluminum front fenders, trunk lid and doors fabbed by me, with only hand tools. Long pause due to marriage, kids, jobs, life in general (32 years, to be exact). Then in 2012 I met a guy I knew, retired hobby shop owner, who had a vintage modified, was unhappy with his driver, so we struck a deal. I would maintain the car in exchange for the drive, he would pay the bills. Sweet deal, right? First race with him, we missed warm-ups (32 years since racing, remember?), I went out cold in the heat, did OK, then about 6 or 7 laps into the feature, the motor went BANG going into turn one. So, I had to rebuild a motor. Went on to win a few races for him, all the while working on my own vintage car. Here is my first vintage ride: Now here is a pic of the REAL car I replicated for my vintage modified (again, with only hand tools, an old Monkey Ward AC welder and oxy-acetylene torch - I am nothing if not old school). A car I saw at the first racetrack I attended, maybe 11 or 12 years old. Car really stood out in a field of home built coupes and sedans: Finally, my ride since 2018. Won its first race and last race (so far) and a fair number in between. 1969 IH Scout frame, first generation Gremlin body, 355 SBC, Holley 2bbl, 1959 Ford pickup front axle, Chevy short 3 speed and 1970's Frankland quick change. Had a couple of surgeries over the last two years that have prevented me from doing any racing. Hope to get back at it this coming summer.