Dave Ambrose

I'll add my recommendation for the shop compressor. I'd also suggest that you get a filter on the line too. You'd be amazed at how much stuff seeps through the compressor filters. If you're concerned about noise, get yourself a CO2 cylinder and regulator. It's completely silent, and the gas is clean. Cheers, Dave Ambrose

Since nobody else has mentioned them; I've had good experience with MegaHobby.com. They shipped what they had promptly. When they couldn't ship what I'd back-ordered, they refunded my money. I also thought their shipping charges were pretty reasonable. Cheers, Dave Ambrose

The California Surfing Museum in Oceanside, CA had some miniature surfboards in their gift shop that would probably be perfect for this build. What era of surfboard are you seeking? Cheers, Dave Ambrose

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I will definitely use primer. One question: Is the adhesion promoter you mentioned an additive? Thanks again, Dave Ambrose

Has anyone used Testor's One Coat lacquer on a Jimmy Flintstone model? Did it need a prime coat? Testor's claims it doesn't. If you did prime before painting, what did you use for primer? I'll be using an airbrush, if it matters. Thanks, Dave Ambrose

I've also done this by chucking the tube in a drill and inserting a pair of needle nose to expand the inside of the tube. It basically duplicates the process used to make the 1:1 parts in miniature. I then mark the length and cut it; again in the drill. You can use almost anything that's harder than the tubing material. I haven't tried this particular method, but you might try running the drill backwards, and using a countersink to get a good profile. You don't want to cut the aluminum, just use the countersink as a form.

I too was very sad when we lost Dale. When someone spends enough time in your living room, they come to be important. I was an Ernie Irvan fan. I didn't like Earnhardt either until Ernie hit the wall at Michigan. There were two drivers who took the considerable trouble to visit him every week; Dale Earnhardt, and Mark Martin. You can say a lot of things about Dale's driving style (or Ernie's) but the man had good character and character used to count for something. That's what I miss the most. Cheers, Dave