Bernard Kron

Back in 2008 when Revell released its Sedan Street Rod version of its 1/*25th scale '32 Ford series it created quite a stir, both because it expanded the Deuce series with an important and useful new body style, and because it contained a full-dress Flathead Ford V8 and Kelsey Hayes style wire wheels in it. As a result it remains and important staple in every hot rod modelers stash. At the time on the TRaK forum there was a MAMA’s boy (Maryland Automobile Modeler’s Association member) who went by the handle of Dub (Jonathan Lutz) who had a real flare for hot rods done in a simple, straight-up and to-the-point style that I greatly admired. One of my favorite models of his was a Deuce Sedan with its top removed; he called it the Pseudo-Tub. In 2008 I was just restarting as a modeler and I loved how successfully he had achieved the look he was after in what was a deceptively simple yet sophisticated build. Here’s a picture of it: Back then when I got my initial copy of the Revell Deuce Sedan kit I immediately set to chopping it. But I messed up, losing the center portion of the A-pillar (a technique I no longer use) on one side, thus rendering the body useless. I went on to buy more copies and eventually produced a couple of properly chopped renditions while this first kit was stripped of most of its parts for other projects. The forlorn, half dead body stayed in my stash until now. After finishing a Revellogram ’30 Ford Phaeton in December, I slipped into a minor case of builder’s block, as I usually do after finishing a project, and, as I sought inspiration, the Phaeton reminded me of the Pseudo-Tub, which was made by removing the top from a Revell Deuce sedan down to the lower molding line. Maybe Jonathan had had some problems with a chop as well? I don’t know, but I decided to try my hand at my version of Dub’s Pseudo Tub. So, off the top came: And since this was already a project based on leftovers, I decided to use the very nice chassis in the AMT Phantom Vicky kit, but with a 2” Z job at the rear and the front suspension back dated to a dropped I-beam, using one of the very fine deep drop ’40 Ford axles offered by ThePartsBox.com in Australia. In fact the entire car will be built from spare parts. While I was at it I grafted the DuVall style windshield and cowl to the Pseudo Tub body. Here’s the chassis in that wonderful hot pink metallic paint from the pre-painted version of the Phantom Vicky: At first I thought I would go for the period traditional look that Dub had done so well. So I decided on a set of artillery wheels and skinny blackwall tires, the fronts coming from a Revellogram ’37 Ford kit, and the rear wheels and tires the splendid period Lincoln rear tires and complementary artillery wheels offered by Ed Fluck at Drag City Casting. But then while looking through the Drag City section of my resin stash I encountered a pair of wonderful diamond-quilted bucket seats and started thinking about an early-60’s show car version of the Pseudo-Tub (having just finished the Phaeton in that style). So below you’ll see two possible versions, the 50’s style skinny-tired hot rod, and a possible show car variant rolling on the tires and wheels from the Monogram Lil’ Coffin kit. If I go 50’s style I’ll go with a suitably authentic 50’s mill, either a Flathead or perhaps a Caddy V8. If it’s Show Time then I’m thinking I’ll use the blinged out Nailhead that comes in the recent Revell Model A coupe and roadster kits with lotsa kit chrome. The 50’s version would get a mauve tinted primer paint job while I’m thinking Candy Purplicious with a white full-dress interior for the show car. Which one do you think I should do? Opinions welcome and encouraged. Thanx for lookin’, B.

Thanks again guys. I hope 2021 is starting off OK for you all.

Very fine models, every one. And the photography and presentation is a treat to the eyes as well. My faves are the Surfin' Special and the Road Runner. Looking forard to what comes off your bench in 2021. All the best.

Thanks Phil. And likewise on those from your bench.

Hiya Kurt! Great to see your annual production all in one place. For some reason I missed all too many of these here on the forum over the past year. It occurred to me that one aspect of your now-customary vast output has got to be the pleasure that modeling brings to you. The builds here range from intricate scratch building projects to the simplest of curbsides, all done to an impressive standard. My faves include the Brian Redman Lola and the Chaparral (whose 2j is that?), the two motorcycles (of course the radial bike deserves a wow!), and the '48 Chevy coupe (it looks like you made good on your intention to take on custom decals, LOL). I hope this pandemic will ultimately abate and that we can hang out together once again. All the best in 2021. B.

Your and Fernando Pinto both deserve our appreciation. Pinto for tackling this sublime subject to this depth of detail in a hand built resin kit in the first place, and you for persevering in taking it in hand, warts and all, building it to your standards. It would be all too easy to criticize Fernando for the inevitable faults and quirks that must result from what is ultimately a kind of prototype model kit reflecting the limits of one man's vision and abilities. Despite all the frustrations you encountered as you were building it, you recognized the value of the very existence of a scale model kit of such a rare and iconic race car. The result is a model that probably will look better to you once you've put some time between your struggles and this fine replica. Thanks for the wonderful w.i.p. and ditto the fine result. All the best in 2021.

Two fine models for 2020, Misha. When I first got back into modeling now almost 12 years ago I started a '49 which had a very similar grill treatment - I think you may have even brought the kit rolled pan in at the center somewhat, as I did. It's good to see the fine job you did with it, even if mine still languishes in its box all these years later... The tuck 'n' roll interior is particularly nice. I seem to have missed the w,i,p, on this so I'll ask here: what are the front seats? They look great. The Scarab is truly a sharp rendition, as well. I dig the 'Vette valve covers peaking through what is actually a curbside kit to begin with. All the best for 2021.

Thanks David. All the best in 2021.

What exceptional modeling. Great subjects, and the interpretation doesn't disappoint either. Bravo!

Great to see you strutting your stuff on the Monogram Midget. Looking forward to more from your bench in 2021. All the best...

Beautiful work. And yes, the photography only enhances it. The '56 Del Ray, the Aperta and the Edsel Pacer are standouts for me. All the best for 2021.

All are impeccably turned out, but that Oldsmobile is exceptional. Showroom stock at its best. Hoping to see more fine work from your bench in 2021.

Ed's commitment to the highest standards of quality in mastering and execution of resin aftermarkket parts is obvious in every piece he ships. His service and attention to detail, too, is unsurpassed. Highly recommended.

Technically masterful, every one. The Sting Ray bike says it all, to my eyes. All the best in 2021.

Your do this era of sportscars exceptionally well. Your knowledge of the subject shows through in both execution and subject matter. Among these the Mirage, the '64 GTO and the Fillipinetti 904 stand out to me.

A High Production year, Phil. With some fine results indeed. Some of the outcomes are so "natural" and together looking that it's easy to overlook how technically challenging they hust have been. The Revell '40 Ford Deluxe Coupe and the '30 Ford Tudor come to mind. You do Muscle Car based road racers nicely. The Players Challenge Camaro brought back memories of discovering Ron Fellows' prodigious talent seeing him toss around a similar car on the old Indy car course in Vancouver many moons ago. And I thought you reshaped the nose and fenders of the Scarab rather well to capture the essence of the 23B. All the best to you for 2021.

Those are really crisp builds, everyone, guitars included. Looks like 2020 was fine year of modeling for you. All the best in 2021.

Yikes! 20!!! I of course dig the hot rods. You sure did cover the bases in terms of scale and kits represented. The AMT 25T and AMT T-Phaeton especially pushed my buttons. The dirtrackers was not something I recalled you did, but the Valiant caght my eye, there, as did the Monogram midget. All the best for a healthy, fulfilling 2021.

Thanks again to you all. All the best in 2021.

Beatiful rendition. Is it curbside. I sometimes feel that Gunze has it right when they go curbside. They seem to focus on the proportions of the body and faithfulness of the exterior details when compared to other companies' full detail versions.

This is really immaculate modeling, a style that's especially suited to modern cars, like the FXX, but even the 356 benefits from your precision touch. I noticed the posable wheels many of your models, like on the Porsche 356 - what kits is that based on? Hope to see more of your fine work in 2021. All the best.

Serious kustomizing going on here! I dig the deeply sculpted fins!

What a lineup of consistent quality modeling. Love the subtlety of what is often more work that it would appear, like the well proportioned chop on the Vicky and the Revell/AMT Phaeton adaption. I dig the '53 Chevy for its stance and simplicity. All the best for 2021.

Thanks Roger. The Deuce sure showed me who was boss, LOL! I had to really sweat the details to keep the whole project on-track and sanitary. It was a relief when it came out OK, for sure.

Thanks guys! Much appreciated!