ColonelKrypton

West Systems has a large selection of fillers, each with it's own characteristics and application: https://www.westsystem.com/product-categories/filler/ ** note: the westsystem web page is NOT HTTPS compliant and your browser may complain an extensive user guide here: https://www.westsystem.com/app/uploads/2022/10/User-Manual-2015.pdf I have used West System epoxies and fillers for many years and it is a very good product. As an alternative to the large and expensive sizes of West System products you might consider Zap Z-Poxy surfacing resin https://robart.com/products/4-oz-118ml-z-poxy-finishing-resin available in much smaller sizes 4oz and 8oz Micro balloons can be found at hobby stores which cater the RC airplane and boat crowd, for example: https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/microballoons-filler--250cc/DLMBD15.html Micro balloons can be either teeny tiny wee glass balloons usually white in colour or phenolic ( plastic ) usually a redish brown but there may also be other plastic types that I have not encountered. The tiny balloons are very light weight and very small. Be careful, use at least a dust mask of some sort and mix carefully least you fill the air with particulate matter you do not want to breath in or be dusting off all work surfaces for a long time. I have found the Z-poxy surfacing resin to be a better choice for mixing with a filler ( i.e. micro balloons ). It seems to cure to a harder consistency and is easier to sand. cheers, Graham

CA and acrylic nail powder. Paul Budzik, a dentist, promoted the use of CA with dental acrylic powder Acrylic dental powder is not easily available but common acrylic nail powder is easily sourced from sources like eBay or Amazon. I use medium CA and mix to a "whipped cream" texture. Works for me. cheers, Graham

Maybe not the first model car kit that I built but the first one I remember was the Aurora 1/32 scale Ram Rod from the early 60's https://www.scalemates.com/kits/aurora-509-ram-rod--1141790 cheers, Graham

very nice kit bashed Charger. cheers, Graham

Excellent advise. Anything else is a false economy and brings to mind the old idiom "penny wise and pound foolish". cheers, Graham

Very nice. Overall a clean, well done build with very nice colour choices. I am getting to like the Moebius kits. It is clear that they are making the effort to produce good quality kits. So far I have not been disappointed with their kits. Many of the old AMT/MPC/Revell re-re-re-releases are starting to leave me a bit wanting; sometimes they are our only choices however. cheers, Graham

MCM - Model Car Muse, indeed it does as does MCM - Model Car Magazine. cheers, Graham

That is a very nice workspace and one I am sure you will enjoy immensely once you get a project on the bench. I have a workspace in the basement with a large size workbench, a large table, and small counter top. It is a shared workspace for other pursuits like metal and wood working. I do like it overall but what is missing is couple of windows to let in some natural light and provide a view. I that respect, I am bit jealous of your new workspace cheers, Graham

A couple more interesting YouTube channels. Both are builders making motorcycles, simple tools, simple materials ( PVC pipe ), and a lot of creative skill. https://www.youtube.com/@RVLTutorial/videos This one in particular this one showing the making of a motorcycle engine, simple tools, simple shapes layered and built up to make a much more complex shape https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcje7DFo_PQ and yet another: https://www.youtube.com/@RONALPROJECT/videos cheers, Graham

Some more links to help you on your scratchbuilding journey: https://www.youtube.com/@RVLTutorial/videos This one in particular this one showing the making of a motorcycle engine, simple tools, simple shapes layered and built up to make a much more complex shape https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcje7DFo_PQ cheers, Graham

That is a name I have not heard of for a while. I had one of his books "Building and Detailing Scale Model Cars" at one time but is sadly long gone. He authored several others. cheers, Graham

Welcome Francois. I too had a look at the pictures for your Bentley and Alfa Romeo builds - fabulous, magnificent, and inspiring. Every picture is full of detail and closer I looked the more I saw. cheers, Graham ( half way between Montreal and Ottawa )

Thank you everyone for your replies. After measuring up a number of different brands of 1/25 tires I have found that even if marked as say an 8.5-15 that the model tire dimensions scaled up to full size are not always correct; sometimes noticeably so. Lots of possibilities but it seems the elusive 10" slicks are still out there waiting to be uncovered. Perhaps I will have to kitbash some tires to get something that I want. cheers, Graham

I posted this link in another topic but thought it appropriate to repeat it here. A quick search showed that the Motor Museum in Miniature has been mentioned here on the Model Cars Mag forum before: https://www.themotormuseuminminiature.co.uk/ But I didn't find any reference to one of the sites Articles and Projects page https://www.themotormuseuminminiature.co.uk/articles-and-projects.php and more specifically about scratchbuilding: https://www.themotormuseuminminiature.co.uk/scratch-building.php As I search around I find interesting web pages and YouTube videos but I have only scratched the surface. Please add your own links I you have found something that might be of interest on the subject of scratch building. cheers, Graham

You are getting some good advise and direction from those that have already replied. I concur with @Ace-Garageguy , most complex shapes and assemblies can be made from much simpler shapes and smaller assemblies. It takes a bit of practice at first to be able to start to see these simpler shapes but once you develop the eye your will never the view the world around you in the same way. You will quickly develop the habit of picking up everyday items and wonder what you could make from it. A couple of good links with much food for thought on the subject of making model cars and scratchbuilding: https://www.themotormuseuminminiature.co.uk/articles-and-projects.php https://www.themotormuseuminminiature.co.uk/scratch-building.php cheers, Graham

Close. It is an option, I will book mark and keep it in mind. cheers, Graham

Can anyone tell me what kit or kits have 1/25 scale 10" 1960's style slicks? I have found bigger and much smaller but those elusive 10" one seem to be slipping me by. cheers, Graham

Very nice. The video's intro was fabulous. Never stop encouraging her creativity where ever it may take her. cheers, Graham

Nicely done. Cheers, Graham

Very nice. 3d printing is a game changer. Still lots of room for improvement but getting better ( quality and bang for the buck ) all the time. cheers, Graham

Steve, If your earlier picture of the Galaxie 500 is any indication, then you truly have your painting process perfected. As any artist knows, it is important to know your materials and how to best use them. And of course, practice, practice, practice. cheers, Graham

Couldn't find another area on the forum to post this so this topic area seemed the most appropriate. I did a quick search here on this forum but couldn't find if this has been noted before. You will find on YouTube a channel called Ank Creative https://www.youtube.com/@ANKCreative/videos This gentleman builds smallish sale cars, trucks, and buses that are entirely scratchbuilt from PVC pipe with a few bits of wire thrown in to good effect. Lots of good tips, techniques, and food for thought. All in all both inspiring and humbling. cheers, Graham

Thank for doing that as I would have missed out on this great story otherwise. cheers, Graham

I re-read what I typed with regards to needle file lengths and noticed I made a mistake which has been corrected in my original post.I have a collection of needle files which are mostly the 14cm length ( 5-1/2 inches ) but I do have a select few of the 10cm ( 4 inch ) which are invaluable for getting into small places to work on small details. Your local hobby store many not likely have these sizes in which case you can look on eBay or my preference is a good online jewellers supply. For example, my goto places: in the US https://www.riogrande.com/product/tools--equipment/files/ or in Canada: https://www.gessweincanada.com/category-s/10441.htm RioGrande also has crimp tubes which I know some use for detailing. Be careful though. If you are a bit of tool nut like I am and like using good quality tools you may find that these suppliers have much to offer and you will end up spending more than you thought you might. I also like to use a good handle on my files. As I have gotten older and have developed a bit of arthritis, the handles make it easier to hold and control the files. This is my current favourite handle: https://www.riogrande.com/product/nylon-needle-file-handle/114047GP/?code=114047 You only need one of two as the files are easily changed as needed. cheers, Graham

the best tool I have found for making small square and rectangular openings is a small triangle needle file, also called a tri square file. A drilled hole to start and then careful and methodical work to square up the corners. Needle files ( Swiss pattern needle files) are commonly available in 10, 14, 16, and 20 cm lengths ( approximately 4 inch, 5-1/2 inch, 6-1/4 inch, or 7-34 inch respectively from tip to end of handle ). The shorter files will have a smaller profile than the larger. Also, it is handy to have a safe edge on your file. A safe edge is one without teeth and lets you work right up edges safely will not cutting into some part that you don't wish to. Some files will already have a safe edge but for those that don't, a few minutes spent with a bench grinder and a gentle touch so as not to over heat will result in a file that has a safe edge. cheers, Graham