Bainford

Has anyone tried to build an air compressor for painting, using the compressor from a refrigerator? If so, did you experience any oil presence in the output air?

There is some airbrush info here that may be helpful https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/home For quiet spraying, a 12 or 15 gallon air pig may do the trick. It would need a regulator fitted, and would need to be filled up with a compressor prior to painting each car body. Filling it can be done at a gas station ( a proper gas station, not a convenience store with pumps) or mechanic's shop. Not an ideal solution, but it is quiet, and much cheaper than disposable cans of compressed gas. Or, there is the option of using a full on industrial gas cylinder (think oxy & acetylene bottles) filled with nitrogen or CO2 to 2000-4000 psi, depending on the cylinder spec. They come in a variety of sizes, are more costly and more of a pain to move around and get filled, but you won't have to fill one very often. Oh, and it will need a more expensive regulator, too. Just a couple of options.

Though I haven't tried Windex or windshield washer fluid, I have experimented with a few thinning agents for craft acrylics (specifically, the Craft Smart brand) and found by far the best results with plain old tap water.

YES!! Thanks for that!

The Jag is gorgeous! You seem to have overcome the fit issues with the bonnet. The windscreen work really pays off. Excellent work. I have this kit on the bench right now. I'm gluing the bonnet shut in an effort to preserve those sexy lines. I'm going to build the engine and display it on a stand beside the car. The work you have done on yours is inspiring.

That's a very sharp Firebird. The colour and the wheel choice lend a bit of aggression to the look. It's a great look. What are the tires from?

I'm really digging the Flying Brick.

55 all the way. Don't care if I ever see a 57 again.

Outstanding!! Simply, freaking, outstanding!!

The colour seems to match the prototype quite well. Definitely close enough. I really must pick up one of these kits soon.

I have always been amused that Palmer uses a micrometer to represent the 'P' in their logo, suggesting that the product is one of precision.

Excellent work. You nailed the look of a club racing Mini. Brilliant idea to shave the rally tires down to slicks. Very cool!

Yes, I agree. Another good magazine issue. Though I haven't read the article yet, I am blown away by the scratchbuilding on the Jeep pick-up project. Exceptional work.

It seems to me that most MPC kits at that time had the little words on the box that read, MADE AND LITHO'D IN CANADA.

It is not clear what changes have been made. They need to be highlighted in some way, such as font colour. Also, how does one know if/when they have been 'awarded' a warning point. This needs stating in the rules.

Thanks for the link. That's an hour of pensionable time my employer will never get back.

I use micro mesh polishing pads, followed by Tamiya fine and finish polishing compound, followed by Tamiya wax. Start with the finest micro mesh pad that will efficiently do the job and go from there.

I'm amused by the second photo where the box illustration shows a guy grasping the car body with his hand while he paints it, and is doing so at point blank range.

Beautiful model. The subtle detailing pays off huge and has very good realism. The wheels make the build. Excellent work! I really need to pick up one of these kits.

Simply gorgeous. A very classy and tasteful mild custom. Very well done.

Very nice build. It's the first I've seen built in this livery, and it looks great. Those PE bits in the hood scoop vents look finicky. Did you have any problems with those?

Excellent work on the beautiful, old Mach 1 show car. You really nailed the look of the original. Very nicely done. This kit has been near the top of my most wanted list for many years. I first saw photo of this car in 1982, and wanted to build a model of it. In 2003 when I finally gained access to the internet and ebay, I discovered a kit of the car was actually made, and I've been searching ever since. Last year a decent unbuilt kit appeared on ebay, but at $75 (and shipping that was too high) I let it go. Perhaps I should have pulled the trigger then. Anyway, yours is gorgeous, and my search continues.

Nice work on the Europa, and the colour suits it really well. You did the decals well, they look like they could be problematic. These are great little cars, and an absolute blast to drive. Did you use the adhesive metal transfers for the LOTUS letters on the deck lid? There is a bit of pucker factor when applying these letters. Just last week I had robbed the transfer letters from a Europa kit for the Fujimi Lotus Esprit I am working on. I applied them to the hatch on my Esprit, but the letters stuck harder to the carrier film than did to the model. Did you have the same problem? Getting these little tiny letters placed properly was a chore. A part number is provided for them in the Europa kit instructions, so I think I will contact Tamiya to see if they will sell me a new set.

Nice job on the little critter. I bet that is a fun machine to drive. And I'm seriously digging the tiny original. The size difference is quite striking.

That was my first thought, too. I have been pining for years for a gravity feed airbrush, though I have never used one. I will have one eventually, but I'm curious, what is it that you find undesirable about them?