Bernard Kron

Really neat, cool , and imaginative. I especially like the detail in the area where people sit (don't know what else to call it - the "cockpit" maybe except it's so exposed) and at the front end. Ultra-functionality at its finest!

More awesome "imagineering" from the Master. It is what it is, as the saying goes. And it is COOL!!!! Lotsa very neat details to appreciate, too.

Seriously cut-down agressive and powerful... It's got the GeezeLook, yes it does!!! Love the near-monochrome photo, looking like it's out there on the flats ready to run wide open...

At first I wondered why you said you were glad you were revisiting this build. But now I understand – compared to v.1 it has a totally different feel. I suppose v.3 will be when you take all the beautiful work from v.1 and v.2 and mount it to a frame made of smaller tubing like you wished you had done originally. But save that one for another time. You – and we – are having way too much fun with this one! And thanx for sharing all the great scratch work from v.1… B.

Thanx Alyn. The pearlescent paint, when toned down with the DullCote takes on a nice worn patina that really suits the Old School vibe of this build. Frankly it was a pure instinct thing. I shot the pearl and it was too slick for the lines and stance of this build. So I did a test shot of DullCote over the pearl green thinking I would then buff it out to a semi gloss. But it looked so “right†I just stopped right there! BTW, I totally dug v.1 of the Bonneville racer – I never can get enough of a well done tubular chassis fabrication – and now I’m diggin’ v.2. The inner body work has got me thinkin’ about my early 50’s ’29 A drag car… Thanx David! Just don’t look at the frame since it’s mainly modern. But these Model A 5-windows just scream Traditional Hot Rod! And speaking of nicely done interior body framing (as I was above), how’s the ’32 roadster coming along? B.

If your going with the '40 style headlight rims then I would go with the chrome grill. The darker colors really benefit from the contrast of the brightwork. Bumperless and with the hood trim removed you risk having the bright chrome headlight rims floating in a sea of dark paint...

It's baaaaack! And a good thing, too. So much is working out so well on this. The colors really work with that '39 grill, the graceful chop, the slanted B pillar, and the sectioned hood. In fact those excellent basic lines really flow now all decked out in two-tone and striped. I must admit to being partial to the '39/Standard grill so I'll put my vote in for the '39 headlights as well... I wondered why you were so insistent on waiting for the '32 5-window manifold and carb set but I must admit it looks outstanding with the intake finished out in aluminum like that. Now the nice detailing on the air cleaners really pops. This will be an excellent engine compartment. Next up the interior. Don't keep us all waiting so long this time....

Cool. Channeled over A rails with a flattie. Is this what the original was? Definitely a lo-budget car, especially with the pre-war wires. Was the original a pre- or post-war car? The V-8 would tend to place it post-war but those wheels make it an early car, whether it was the owner's build ore an existing rod that he tiought. All this lends tons of uniqueness and interest. Looking forward to more...

I can only second what Dave said. All the skill and creativity we see in your classic period rods and customs has emerged in this superb replica build. My addiction to factory stock is thoroughly satisfied with this one! Thanx for sharin'....

Thnx Txrat! Nailheads can become addictive. I try to limit myself to 1-2 per year… What is it about vertical valve covers that is so seductive? Thanx Dan! The frenzy isn’t quite over. There are still some very cool builds that some great modelers have on the way, particularly the sub-cult of conversions to the ‘29 cowl and some gorgeous full fendered period street machines. Stay tuned… Like I said, that Model A 5-window produces some seriously powerful hot rod vibes!

Nice one, Sam. Really reminds me of the approach I'm taking on my return to modeling; sort of a blend of what's new (aftermarket, new style kits, etc.) and what I knew in my previous stint (style, techniques, subjects, etc.). Cool build. What've you been doing more recently?

Definitely enjoyed the W.I.P. on this. You did a nice job of finishing out that vacuum formed body and your friend does great work on the decals. Gold on black is a real treat! These cars are such a pleasure to look at because every detail is visible and so clearly mechanically functional. A golden age where a master machinist/welder could craft a winning race car in a small professional garage. This one captures the era beautifully. Bravo!

Given that this is a real working piece that Goes Fast it's Really Cool!!!!

Sigh.... :wub: The usual aesthitico-philisophical ruminations will have to wait 'til it's officially Under Glass... Just as an FYI, Norm Veber at Replicas and Minitaures Co of Maryland has re-released the old Etzel Speed Classics Offy 220/270 white metal kit as an all-resin set in his usual jaw-droppingly high quality. I just got mine today. Here's some pics Lyle Willits provided:

Thanx for the kind words everyone. This was a real "action build", a totally unplanned improvisation based on a picture in my head. Even the paint was an experiment. Basically, I chopped the top and then went out to my stash and started staring at boxes looking for the "right" parts. I probably spent more time staring than building! But sometimes this way of working results in one's best stuff. Regardless, it's certainly tons of fun, that's for sure!

Superb in every way. The stance, the shine on the bodywork, and of course the engine compartment and undercarriage, all are highllights that contribute to a knockout build, quick or not. Are the wheels in the kit or did you add them? They really add a finishing touch.

First off, this is breathtaking. How much is Pocher and how much is the builder without seeing the raw kit is impossible to convey, especially with such superb photography. I've seen a raw Pocher kit, and despite the hyper-detailing and astronomical parts count, believe me when I say it's the builder! I hope you can carry us through to the finish, Harry. The subject matter is gorgeous, Pocher's modeling of it second to none, but it's a rare occasion when someone shares a build of this quality and complexity. Besides, it's your chance to permanently retire the belt for maximum number of views on a single thread on the MCM forum! How about posting builds #1 through #4, perhaps in the Under Glass section so those folks who might ignore the Big Boyz section won't miss them?

Very, very nice. Since I am genetically programmed to be unable to leave any kit unmolested, factory stock builds like this leave me gobsmacked and envious! Replica builds not only require great technique, they demand a level of discipline that totally escapes me. Beautiful model, Curt.

All done. It's Under Glass here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=22011

30 Ford 5-window Coupe, 4â€x4†chop and channel, Buick Nailhead power (More pictures below) Nothing says Hot Rod like a chopped and channeled Model A Coupe. When I saw the announcement for the Monogram 1/24 scale 30 Ford 5 window coupe this immediately popped into my head. It turned out to be a real kit basher’s delight. The only parts from the Monogram ‘30 Ford kit are the seat and the main body. The paint is Tamiya TS-60 Pearl Green with Testors DullCoat to give it a suede finish. The chassis is from the AMT Phantom Vicky with the IFS deleted and a resin dropped front axle and hairpins from Early Years Resin substituted. The headlights, front shocks and steering gear and taillights are from the Revell ’32 Ford series of kits. The wheels are the chrome reversed rims from the Revell ’49 Merc kit with the centers painted red. The tires are resin from The Part Box.com. The motor is built up from a Buick Nailhead block and heads from the Revell Tommy Ivo Showboat kit with a street motor conversion kit from Replicas & Miniatures Co. of Maryland providing the accessory drive, transmission and oil pan. The intake manifold, carbs and fan are from the AMT ‘40 Ford Sedan Delivery which also supplied the hubcaps. The exhaust pipes are from The Parts Box.com. The floor pan is from the Phantom Vicky. The dashboard is from the AMT ’37 Chevy modified to take a p/e gauge cluster from Replicas & Miniatures. The steering wheel is an AMT ’49 Ford item. The grille shell is a 6†chopped Deuce shell from Model Car Garage. The door handles and window cranks are from Ed Fluck at Drag City Castings. Anything else is scratch built. The detailed W.I.P. can be found here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21574 Thanx for lookin’.

It's funny how you can tell great modeling from the moment you see the car. And this is great, great modeling. Your pictures and description in the post sort of set us up for it but the Fotki series really tells the story. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. It's really an inspiration...

Yeah, those headers do fit perfectly. The header flanges are actually from the Tomnmy Ivo kit and the pipes lined up absolutely on the money to the mounting holes for the Ivo exhaust stacjs. I also ordered the Parts Box nailhead kit and I must say it is The Bomb!!!! Ultra crisp detail. many separate accesories like fuel pump, etc. I haven't sat down to figure out what Jason Richter (the master/caster dude at The Parts Box) used to make his master, but at first glance it looks like a sort of "greatest hits" of the best of various Nailheads. Anyway, I'm thinking I'll build it out just to enjoy its fine detail and then worry about putting it in something later on... If I do I'll post a review. At first glance - Highly Recommended. I don't know about a GoodGuys show trip. An annual NNL West pilgrimage might be all my wallet could stand. Those vendors have my charge card on file, I'm sure!

Very fine work indeed! My faves are the 1970 Chevelle SS, the 1964 Hemi Belvedere, and the 1968 Road Runner because they all have that realism thing goin' on big time. Welcome!

Thanx for all the nice comments. Got the headers in from Australia today. Everything is torn down and I've begun final assembly. The headers looked so cool I figured I'd post some pics as I slug my way through the "this isn't a kit so nothing actually fits" stage. I should have this guy wrapped up by tomorrow night I figure. Thanx for lookin'. B.

I'm trying to keep it "in the pocket" early 50's so I don't "have" (after all we can do anything we want since these are just car models) to run a roll bar - I want to keep the lines very simple and clean. So the idea of running a date-correct mill just as it would have been at the time really appeals to me. Chuck Potvin started developing and marketing his iconic front drive systems sometime in the middle of '55. Targeting '53-'54 gets me off the hook roll-bar wise. Comparatively rare, front mounted blowers on GM six bangers seem to have been around as early as '56-'58 by which time roll bars began to be required at most strips. (Geez, I really sound like a rivet counter, don't I... ) I just got a PM from a very generous fellow MCM member who's sending me the Fisher-headed mill. I really thought going the six-banger route would turn out to be much more difficult! I am, of course, thoroughly delighted and utterly graterful...