Joe Nunes

Hi Albert! You have done an outstanding job with this model. I am usually not a big fan of weathered models as a lot of them are a bit "overdone". This model made me pause and look it over...several times...as it is quite realistic and believable. Two thumbs up! Joe

Hello from Interlochen, MI. I started building plastic models at 10 years old when my Grandfather bought me an AMT 1960 Comet model, glue, a bottle of Testors Blue paint and a paint brush at the grocery store in Harbor Springs, MI. After we built the model I used the entire small bottle of paint to finish the build! He told me it looked great and I was hooked! Built lots of models of cars, planes and boats until I graduated high school. Left the plastic models when I got into RC aircraft and built/flew those for more than 45 years. Had a small stroke awhile back and, due to a lingering Vertigo problem, no longer fly RC model aircraft. Have been following this forum for some time and decided to get back into plastic model construction. Have an original AMT '36 Ford Roadster kit, an AMT 1960 Buick Invicta Hardtop glue bomb, a Monogram Green Hornet kit and a Tamiya WWII Corsair in various stages of work on the bench so I am definitely having fun again. At 72 years of age I feel like a kid again when I am sitting in the model room surrounded by model kits and parts for my "dream projects". Looking forward to learning more modeling tips and seeing the great models presented by you folks! Joe

Regular gas is now 3.99 a gallon here in Up North Michigan. In 1999 I bought a new Ford Escort and now have about 69000 miles on it...the 'ole gal gets 34 - 35 miles per gallon on the road so that's what we drive around. I keep the 2008 truck close to the home front. Of course, one must remember that at 62 years old I can get away with driving that Escort 'cause no one's looking! LOL So far it hasn't effected the hobby for me... Joe

My first guitar was a Kay electric Strat knock-off...remember those from '64. Have owned and played Gibson Les Pauls, including the Anniverary Silver Burst Custom, a couple of accoustic Martins, a Gibson accoustic Dove (which I really liked) and now play a Fender Fat Telecastor (its got a Fender Telecastor pickup at the bridge and a humbucker at the neck with a 5-way switch) through a Fender Princeton chorus with a Digitech RP500 effects board. Of all the guitars I've owned over the many years I enjoy playing the Telecastor the best. Like Blues, Country Rock, Dire Straits, Eagles and others of that sound. Play my guitar at least once every day and can still rattle the windows....when the wife isn't at home! Joe

LOL, Tom...isn't that the truth!! Joe

Rob, one should always remember that what looks good, or doesn't, to one person may be entirely different to others viewing a particular model. I'd like to think that constructive criticism is best received when it's actually requested by the builder of the model, otherwise your best intensions may not come across as such. Just my 2 cents worth... Joe

As a former hobby shop owner in the '70's, and a fellow that loves to visit hobby shops while traveling to have a look around (often purchasing a kit or two in the process), I absolutely will not buy plastic kits from our local hobby shop that does, in fact, have a nice selection of models. Why? Because a few of the employees have a real hard time saying a simple "thank you" when a purchase is made which gives the impression most of the time that they don't give a hoot if you're there or not. While not the owners of this hobby shop, the effect of this kind of attitude has a direct bearing on where my hobby funds are spent. Since the time I've made a decision not to shop there, I've discovered, and spent LOTS of money, on various hobby items from internet sources; and I always get a "thank you" along with a discounted price. It's a bit of a shame, but that's the way it is. Joe

Thanks again, folks! Lots of suggestions and I just KNOW that I'm going to get into a lot of trouble with the finance boss!!! LOL (just kidding....well,...maybe not.....) Joe

Thanks, Al. I thought I'd try using the Revell '48 Ford Wagon kit for a start as it's already in 4 door form, and then possibly trying to use the '39 or '40 Ford sedan roof as a donor for the project. It's modifying the roof and creating a trunk that will take some work. Haven't done this type of project so those that have the know-how are encouraged to jump in with suggestions. Joe

Hi folks, Years ago my father-in-law had an old 1948 Ford 4-door sitting in the field that had seen better days but was still solid. At the time I never realized the opportunity in front of me (I was more interested in my 1962 Chevy Impala SS), and, finally the '48 went elsewhere. I would like to make a model of this car using the 1948 Ford kits available today as a base and make the changes as required, especially along the lines of adding a roof, to create a nice Cruiser. I would value your suggestions and comments on how best to go about this project. Thank you for your assistance on this endeavor. Joe

I grew up during the dune buggy rage and can tell you it was FUN! VW's were plentiful and relatively cheap, fiberglass bodies made for an easy project and custom parts were there, too. Riding around with the wind blowing in your hair was freedom at it's best and we really weren't too worried about paint jobs and such as would be the case with an expensive hot rod. Plus, gas was cheap and that VW engine (or Corvair engine) would let you cruise all over the place, making noise and looking cool for the girls that always wanted to go for a ride. I think those dune buggy's came along at just the right time to make a big hit. Every now and then I'll see someone riding around in one with a big grin and I know the driver is having fun. Joe

Thanks for the replies, guys! I have looked at Model Roundup and have purchased models from Tower (when I place an order for RC airplane items), but some of the others I am not familiar with. Dr. Cranky, during the Gulf War and later I sent hundreds of plastic models to our troops and some of those were older kits. Had about 1100 models/kits at one time so I'm familiar with past offerings. ....but you DO know what happens after you give kits away...LOL Joe

I'm wondering what mail-order business you folks use when shopping on the Internet? Who offers the best selection, service and shipping? Who has a good vintage kit selection with honest pricing? Thanks for your thoughts and replies. Joe

I bought a new 1974 Vega GT, met. green with white stripes, and really liked driving that car. It didn't rust out as people were saying...I got rid of it after three years when, during a routine tune-up, we couldn't budge one of the sparkplugs. I also had a Ford Pinto Rallye Wagon (I think that's what it was called), was a two-door panel type that was red and black. Bought it with about 78,000 miles on it and drove it for a long time. I enjoyed driving that car, too. I'd have to purchase a model or two if those came out. Thanks for the memories! Joe

It's about time...and this move can result in a much nicer forum for all those who want to enjoy the hobby of model car building. Thanks, Gregg. Joe

Well, my daughter, son-in-law, grandson, step-grandaughter and her husband, and step-great grandson are taking me to the zoo and then out for dinner....and then to the hobby shop. WOO-HOO!! Joe

My wife and I stopped by a local 1:1 car show the other evening and I saw, for the first time in a LOOOONG while, a 1962 Ford Galaxie convertible with a 390 under the hood. White with red interior, red pin stripes and a black soft top. Man, was that car NICE looking and I can remember thinking back in those memory days how I'd like to own one. It would be nice to make a model of that car that I was never able to buy in full scale. Joe

Perhaps it's time to actually DO something, Gregg, rather than the repeated "knock it off" posts you have presented. After awhile people aren't going to pay much attention to the notice. It's YOUR forum and YOU can set the example of what you will and will not tolerate. Too many good people and modelers here to have the actions of a few ruin the character of this great modelers forum. Isn't it about time to do a little "house cleaning"? Joe

Interesting use for this Dawn product with regards to paint stripping. As an aside: Those that fly nitro-fueled (glow) radio controlled aircraft will find the Dawn Power Dissolver an excellent product for cleaning/removing castor and fuel residue from their R/C engines. Spray some on the engine, let set for about 15 minutes, grab a toothbrush and clean off the gunk with ease. Makes the metal look like new and doesn't appear to harm the plastic parts. I've used it for some time now and am very satisfied with the product and the products price. I'll be sure to try it for paint stripping now that I've read about it here. Thanks for the heads-up! Joe

Thanks for the pics! I remember when I saw this car sitting on the showroom floor at the local Berger Chevrolet dealer in '66; had just started to drive. Man, that car was a REAL looker in its day! Joe

Thanks for sharing those pics...brings to mind my own brush painted "warriors" from the '60's! Bet the paint on some of those models still hasn't compleatly dried yet That's way cool you have decided to keep it as is, too. Joe

Thanks, Bill, your example does make sense and I admit I hadn't considered your viewpoint. Lots for us "ole geezers" to learn... Joe

I'm with oldscool on this one, too. I use a dial-up service 'cause it's free and those big pics can take a long time to come up. Would be nice if all the forums posted pics would come up as initially as thumbnails and could then be opened to full size upon request by the viewer. Joe

Great models of a real neat vintge design....and to think I gave a cleaned up model of the Blue Beetle away..do you (ouch! ) think I (ouch!) kick myself (ouch!!) in the (ouch!!) behinder side (OUCH!!!) once in awhile (OUCH!!!! ) Joe

Well...I don't post pics because my builds are SLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW !!! And, quite frankly, the real reason is I don't like to fool around with the use of another photo site just to post on this forum. On one of the R/C model plane forums I got to alot we just upload from the camera...quick and easy. Don't toss 'maters either, guys...just kit boxes Joe