CA Whitecloud

Should I add the etched parts and badge inserts before or after clear coat?

Tamiya TS-38 Gun Metal.

I didn't stand a chance. I'm hoping this is a one-off with this kit as far as decals go and not a trend with Tamiya kits. How could I duplicate that tinting around the rearview?

A couple of OOPSIES on the clear parts.

I had to rethink the gauges...

This site is proving to be smarter than me. I've done some looking around but I'm having issue with the search function. Am I missing something?

Can that be said for most AMT kits? Is there some tribal knowledge or rule of thumb when it comes to middle of the road model brands (Revell...), or does it really depend on the specific kit? I'm not really buying to collect, but when searching for a new purchase I would pay more if I knew it was a more interesting/detailed kit to build. Not accounting for my particular skill level, of course.

This is more of a "What should I get tomorrow"... Are these all the same kit?

Did I upgrade today from the scriber above to the one below? Granted, user skill remains nominal.

I want to up my engine detailing game on this one. Maybe even try some body stressing like on the box.

If I'm using my dehydrator, do I "pop" the body in and out between overlapping/re-coats? For like 2 minutes, or what? I'm using Tamiya rattle cans for color and Rustoleum primer. It's the first time using the dehydrator. At the moment I'm using the "Paint out the back door" method cause it's cold to leave the piece outside. Is it possible to get any interim coat TOO dry for successive coats, and what might be possible unfortunate outcomes to look out for? Cheers.

Tub Done. What's with the four pedals?

Nah, it was the tapped keg in the front seat.

Found this on the stoop this morning. Ok, it was Ebay, but funny how I got this for 23 w/shipping USD and another listing had it for $53 free shipping.

Let me start by saying i actually believed that my builds were improving. Winter is harder because I have to paint outside. Also, I didnt want to get into a "Revell Rut", but swithching brands seems to be a challenge for me. Is this the wrong forum for my skill level? If so, some direction would be helpful. Nuff said. So, going with left hand drive. Lesson 1. Acetone and nail polish remover are not the same. Ok, rignt hand drive it is. I went about flocking and interior color. It's not as pink as it looks. Aubergine. Tiny gearshift in the backgroud. Built up the courage to decal again. Warm water, dish soap, a $%& load of patience, and this happens...again! I had these on hand, which shocked me a bit, so we'll see. Not an easy fit and already cracked one. I wasn't really that jazzed about this kit to begin with. Is that why it hates me?

This was my Ebay purchase. I'm not seeing them listed at the moment.

Straps look pretty cool.

Do I really have to "roughen up" such a nice piece of plastic to lay down paint?

I automatically went with red brake calipers before I looked at many pics. Not really true to the pics I've seen...

Progress thus far.

*I do not want to try and fashion any hooks for the bed. I could not get them even close to realistic and would only ruin a fine project.

I want to simulate some tie-downs using this cord I found. The scale might be a bit large. I'm not sure how to fasten it to the bed. I had an elaborate idea to somehow harden the cord with some goo on a jig to the proper angle and have the cord just lay on top. Or just wrapping the crates and call it good. I want it to look decent in photos, of course. Is there any tips on weathering the "rope"?

First foible. I left the decals in water for more than enough time. I could not get them to slide and they fell apart. Don't much care about these particular decals, I just hope they are not all like this.

What model year would you say this kits is? Literature does not specifically say. No biggie. I'm thinking 2010ish...

Next up, random stash grab...