Dave Ambrose

Thank you Doctor Cranky! This is really interesting stuff. Their price is very reasonable compared to model paints. I see that Blick carries it. There will be a trip to downtown in my future.

I used to spend a lot of time away from home, so I put together a small kit of tools that would fit in my suitcase. A cigar box would be perfect. You can probably find something similar in the fishing tackle. Just a small plastic box to hold your basic set of tools. You might also find something suitable in the art or sewing department as many of these things are pencil-sized. My kit contained: #1 exacto knife assorted blades, and the small saw blade. Needle files small paint brushes glue sanding sticks small pieces of assorted sandpaper a rubber eraser for a sanding block tweezers needle nose pliers a few bottles of acrylic paint, double bagged. I usually put the kit in my carry-on. But, the tools have to travel as checked baggage. I could build just about anything. But, spray painting in any kind of hotel environment just doesn't work, so I'd usually bring the model back home to do the major painting. Otherwise, I would stash it at the customer's site. Anything else, I could usually find somewhere in the client's city.

Nope. Search engines spidering our forums.

Around here, Aztec means red and black. I'd go with a slightly darker red that would never be confused with primer, and either black fenders, or black below the belt-line. Lay down a gold pinstripe to separate the two. That's my dos centavos.

There's never a good time to lose your dad. It's especially hard in such senseless circumstances. After my dad passed away, I discovered that I didn't lose all of him. We're probably more alike than either of us would be comfortable admitting. He was always my best sounding board for big decisions. I also discovered that I knew most of his questions before he asked them. So, as cheesy as it sounds, it's true. They live on inside us, and we'll pass the best parts to our children. And that, my friends, is a very subtle miracle.

The home page has changed. New layout now, and new content coming. There will probably be a few glitches, but it's coming along nicely.

It is with a sad and heavy heart that the San Diego Model Car Club announces the passing of a dear friend and club member, Skip Samples. One of the original founders of the club and its first president. He will be sorely missed by all his fellow club members, and by many in the Model, Racing, and Surfing world. We lost a valuable asset and ally in our beloved hobby. Skip, may every wave be perfect, every pass a record run, and all your paint jobs smooth.

Congratulations, Kate. That is an excellent job, and you should be very pleased.

This build is super cool. Great work.

Good catch, Harry.

It's nice to come across another Ernie Irvan fan. I like your collection of cars. I pretty much stopped watching NASCAR when Ernie retired. I never found another driver that I could connect with. The fact that we lived in Salinas and were friends with one of Ernie's high school buddies didn't help either. Have you thought about doing the hauler? I still see them around at model swap meets.

Yesterday, I was surprised to learn that my workbench has a top. I remember seeing it years ago, but I just flat-out forgot it was there. My daughter and I are both starting new projects this weekend. I'm building a replica of an uncle's pickup truck, and Rachael is building something really old and almost steampunk.

I first encountered the pad printed slick in the reissued Double T. They look great. If only my front suspension had turned out that well. I got a couple of sets for myself and I'm using them on all my vintage dragsters.

Excellent work. We need more Steampunk!

I use it a lot and like the results. I haven't had any problems with enamels, but I would keep the first couple of coats really light.

Mine is from a very very old cartoon series called Space Angel. Just because.....

I love Chaparrals. This is awesome; great rendition of a very unusual subject.

It's an extra cost add-on.

Nope. License needs renewal. They never tell us this in advance. I'm looking at an alternative chat facility.

Chris, thanks for sharing. People like you keep me inspired and reminded of how precious this life really is.

That's a sweet build. She certainly deserves a nice display case and a prominent spot on the mantle.

Very nice. I really like the swoopy white accent and the way it goes with the back of the car. The lunchbox detail in the back seat is nice too.

I think I would use the 2-part bondo or epoxy for filling that frame. Most modeling putty contains lacquer thinner which will eat into the plastic. Plus, it shrinks when it dries. You can't really put it on thick. Bondo should be readily avaiulable from your local auto parts store.Epoxy from just about anywhere. You can then finish it off with a thin layer of putty.

OK, here you go, but I think you'll prefer my avatar.

Yes, I call it a bake box, but it's the same thing. Mine is very simple. I take a medium sized cardboard box; like the ones you get from Amazon. I cut a small hole in one side for a cord, and put an automotive trouble light (aka drop light) in the box. Insert parts, turn on the light, and close the box. My drop light is two small fluorescent tubes. Not a lot of watts but enough to get the box up to 95F. It helps a lot with enamel paints.