Paul Payne

This kit started out as either a 3 window coupe with the option of stock or chopped top, or a convertible. Later AMT converted the tooling to a 5 window coupe. This is why the top was separate. When I built the kit as a chopped coupe, there was a considerable difference in the body thickness from side to side. I added plastic to the thin side, which helped a bit.

This just proves that all modelers are pickers.......

Didn't get it today, but recently swapped for a built PT-109. The hull scales out at about 28' in 1/25th scale- plan to use this for a wood hulled cruiser with a v-16 engine, built in 1920's-1930's style. Lots of reference photos on line, some real inspiration there! Also have a Galaxy trailer I picked up years ago and never got inspired to build. Think I will convert it into a boat trailer. Maybe a 1937 Ford pickup as a tow vehicle. I have already disassembled the boat, the hull and deck separated very easily with no damage at all. Some of the deck details are molded in relief so I filled the underside recesses with 2 part epoxy. Cedar cigar wrapping for the hull and deck, also some leftover wood for trim and structure as needed. Need another project like a hole in the head, but this one is giving me the itch!

All these? In one year? Amazing builds each and every one! It takes me a year just to get one decent paint job done!

Your detailing is superbly done- perfectly in scale and flawlessly neat- one problem- how will you ever top this?!?!?! Do you have another project in the works? If so, please share!

Personally, I like the look of a rolled pan front and rear- often 40's-50's bumpers look way to heavy and prominent- not in harmony with the clean smooth lines you have achieved.

The wealth of shared knowledge on this forum is amazing and invaluable!

Nice job- like the yellow fog light and the chassis and running gear treatments. Looks ready for the next T.R.O.G. meet!

Ain't salvage wonderful!

Really like the Black Widow, the grille painted to match the body is a great idea!

Been following this, love the concept and your build commentary. How about a trailer hitch for towing a boat or??????

The Monogram 427 Cobras have a good 427 side oiler, but they're in 1/24th scale.

This has been a great build to follow- learning so much about old parts and adjusting fits. Only down side- no such thing as a 1/25th scale coat of paint! I've learned the hard way to leave more than you think necessary for paint allowance!

Great to see rods built from salvage- just like the full size ones!

Just curious, what are your bases made from?

Got a little more work done. The Tbird hood was glued in place so that it can be cut for the new hood opening as well as allowing strength for the new front wheel openings and the cutting away of the old radiator/screw mount area. This will be replace by a new cross piece mounted to the forward bulkheads in the aircraft halves. The chassis was also cut apart to lengthen the wheelbase. A patch piece will be installed adding about 5/8" to the length. The top of the chassis plate will also be the interior floor. The shape of the interior opening is beginning to be roughed in. This will have a center dividing strip similar to a Corvette and extending forward on the driveshaft tunnel to the underside of the dashboard. I was also unhappy about the shape of the hood so I cut a pie wedge at the back to reduce the width. This will allow me to extend the side contours up into the front cowl and windshield area without an angle change.

Patrick, this is possibly the best diorama I have seen. The figures especially are very expressive and really tell a story. If the diorama is loaned out, please package it well!

This one needs to be built full size! Really great proportions, build quality, and it just plain looks great!

Reminds me a bit of the Chrisman coupe- excellent body work- looks real!

Really believable! Let's go kruzin!

Alan, that sounds interesting, but I think I will save that idea for a future project. Thanks for the ideas and input- that's what keeps this project rolling!

With results like this, who needs easy?

The weathering, the imagination, the workmanship are all amazing! On the Vettejet, don't forget Spaceley Sprockets for the sponsor decals! How about Lucas Junk Yard? Lots of fun possibilities!

Personally, I like a somewhat wider side wall with a simple wheel like a 53 Studebaker or even an Avanti wheel, especially on late 40's and early 50's cars. It sounds like the wheels in the pix just aren't floating your boat (landyatch)?

I think lengthening the rear fenders a bit would enhance the roof line. Moving the rear widow closer to the trunk opening would allow more length for the roof. Just my two cents, I know whatever you come up with will work fine!