charlie8575

Nice work especially on the wheel covers and tissue dispenser. Keep the updates coming. Charlie Larkin

Agreed. Please keep sharing. Charlie Larkin

I don't remember what Chevy called it, but the Dark Claret (Code 81, I think) was a nice color. My mother had a Cutlass Supreme in that color, with a gray interior. This is shaping up to be a very nice build. Locally, there also used to be a slightly earlier Monte SS in that medium-dark metallic blue a lot of G-bodies came in. That looked nice, too. Charlie Larkin

Great work, Mike. Yep, I'm going to try and make the May or June meeting; it'll largely depend on how Heather is doing, as that'll be immediately before a rather nasty operation she has to have, and what another event on May 5 is shaping up to be. But, you guys will be seeing me sooner, rather than later, I hope. Charlie Larkin

Corporation, possible LLC sub-titling; I'll need the ability to raise capital a corporation has that you can't get through proprietorships or partnerships. I may stay private while I get things going to take pressure off, as too many times, publicly-traded companies end up being forced to put too much emphasis on short-term gain, not long-term success. Beyond that and that I plan on making all products within these borders, I'm not going to spill all my beans yet. Charlie Larkin

No, Tim. I'm considering starting one. This has not been an easy road to travel, but if I can get it all to work, it'll be worth it. While maybe not "fun," as Dave suggested, it will be starting a firm to help with a hobby I enjoy and the challenge of starting a new firm, clean-sheet, as I think it should be. Charlie Larkin

As long as I have a cooperating car, I will be there. I was planning on Friday night, but I don't think it's in the budget, so I'll be leaving early Saturday morning, and this year, ignoring the advice to use the George Washington Bridge! Rt. 287 to N.J. Rt. 23 will work just fine, with much less hassle. Charlie Larkin

One other thing I forgot- yes, box art is critical! And I have some really cool ideas for that. When my line gets released, you'll see what I'm thinking. Suffice it to say, I might start a whole new trend. Charlie Larkin

I needed a couple of good giggles. This provided it. I wish I had the budget for PE brackets or a little better scratchbuilding skills, so I could fix it myself. but, yes, the floating accessories has always been a pet peeve of mine, too. Charlie Larkin

I like this....I'm saving a copy for myself. Charlie Larkin

Generally, if you show a loss for three of five years, the IRS will have you classify your business as a hobby. If, however, it becomes profitable later on, you can re-classify. Whatever you do, save every scrap of paper, receipts, whatever. If you do have an audit, you have a responsibility to go prepared, and a right to defend yourself. Also, remember if the earnings are less than $600/year, the IRS isn't going to be that concerned. They figure it's not worth the hassle of chasing for it. Keep the records anyway, just in case. Charlie Larkin

I think right there is the biggest single problem with a lot of the new releases. After studying this pretty intently for the last year or so, it seems that the licensing fees are the single largest problem, and can rapidly become as expensive as the research, development, design and production of the model itself. I've been told Goodyear wants $100,000 upfront. NASCAR has what amounts to a 90% royalty. Chrysler can still be a bit cantankerous to deal with, and somewhat costly. I would love to see the industry- toy and hobby, negotiate a blanket agreement with the automobile manufacturers, and perhaps do something with the accessory companies- tires, oil filters, etc. That might save thousands per product, and thousands more for both sides in reduced administration charges and fees. Union Pacific ran into a similar problem in a very well-documented case about ten years ago. When thousands of model railroaders sent letters and boxed UP and related-road engines and cars to Omaha in protest, UP relented in the publicity nightmare, and actually stopped charging royalties, and simply requested right-of-reivew with a small administrative charge (like $200.) Profit-seeking isn't a problem. It's when we allow lawyers, accountants and people educated far beyond their ability to comprehend to run the show that we start to have problems. Back to the subject- if that D-700 was made, I'd buy one, especially if they came out with the option of setting it up as a standard tractor, as I'm not too big into racing, or offered a tractor down the road. Happy Easter to those celebrating it. Happy Passover to those celebrating that. Happy weekend to everyone else. Charlie Larkin

Having written a business plan for this, and now making a few small revisions to it prior to going to some banks, I'm reading a lot of this with interest. I think the biggest thing we need to deal with is accuracy. I'm looking at using rapid production and rapid prototyping methods (shocking for someone as Ludditish as i can be!,) which promise reduced tooling costs and better shape/size/contour fidelity. This can also cut down the cost of tooling the model itself substantially. I also like the idea of returning to more 2/3-in-1 kits, and with the reduced costs of setting up the tools, it can be done with better parts and possibly reducing (I doubt we'll ever be able to completely eliminate) the compromises seen in a lot of the earlier kits. I also agree with better quality control, re-patriated production (I think I found how to do it and still stay cost-competitive,) branded tires, and better engraved detail, although for some things, I've become quite sold on the concept of fret-less photo-etch for things like scripts. The idea of hidden attaching points on plated parts is also a good one, and I would do it whenever possible. Harry- I LOVE the idea of snap-in windows. With your permission, I would like to crib that for my product design. The reduced costs I'm working on finding can also lead to more and more unusual subjects, because it won't be as big a risk financially. My product line would be Moebius/Galaxie-level, but I would probably add a line of snappers/snap-and-glue kits in the future for younger or new builders. As I finish putting the details together, there is an excellent chance a very important announcement will be coming before year's end. Stay tuned for further details. Charlie Larkin

They made Dart wagons on the A-body from 1963-'66, and Valiants from 1960-'66. Therefore, a Dart wagon would answer the hopes of many of us who prefer station wagons to other forms of transportation. C'mon guys, work that design magic, take a leap of faith and do it! I can tell you right now that you'll have at least two sold. One to me, one to my dad. Charlie Larkin

Johann, Bloody April sounds especially interesting. I think it's something my father, who is very big into WW I aviation, would enjoy. I'll be sure to get a copy of it. Some very interesting books coming in, folks. I'm really happy to see this. Charlie Larkin

I like that color, Mike. Sorry I didn't get a chance to catch up with you at MassCar. Between getting there late and being a bit busy once there, I was pretty well occupied. We will, however, see each other soon. I'm planning a trip to CPMC sooner rather than later, probably May. Charlie Larkin

I'm hearing more and more about Cussler. Heather had said I might want to read one, and I may very well do so. Lane, The Eleventh Plague sounds like it might be interesting. Although I rather doubt I'll be wishing for an apocolypse! Ian, some of your selections sound interesting, too. They might be a bit hard to get up here, but I'll keep an eye open for them. I'm really happy to see this evolving in the way I hoped it would. Harry- possible pin? Charlie Larkin

Funny you mention that, Ed. I was thinking almost exactly the same thing myself. Charlie Larkin

Breathtaking. Charlie Larkin

Some interesting selections so far. Killing Lincoln sounds absolutely fascinating, Harry. I'm going to add that to my read list. Rob- yes, it was good books, but an advisory on something especially poor is okay, too! Bart- I read the synopsis and some of the reviews of The Gods of Eden. It sounds like sort of a historical fiction; as to all the Masonic conspiracies- no we aren't out to ruin or take over the world, so I just laugh most of those off. That said, it also sounds like a very interesting book, and one I might well grab. Chuck- the two books you're reading also sound very interesting. As I've found myself watching more and more westerns on TV, like Gunsmoke and Bonanza I find myself becoming more and more interested in the Old West, and I may very well read both of those, too. Austin and Tyler- you both have interesting picks, as well. Although not exactly in my interest ranges, I deal with zombies everyday (or so it seems,) and I never really got into sci-fi, they racing history especially might be a bit fascinating to me. I was wondering how this might be received. I'm glad to see it's being received well so far. Thanks for the neat reads so far! Charlie Larkin

Sounds very much like Heather, Wayne. She doesn't get it, but she finds the whole process fascinating at the same time. I think I might grab her a Star Trek themed model and we might build it together. Good therapy for her with a bad hand, couple time, and something she can be proud of when she's done. Works for me all around. I've had a couple of close calls over the years, but some of these stories make me wince in pain, just thinking about it. I feel for each of you. Charlie Larkin

Same. This sounds like it could be fun. Charlie Larkin

What, no pontoons? Charlie Larkin

I notice that a lot of movement is being made to a really friendly, let's-truly-get-to-know-each-other forum. I, for one, think that's a pretty good thing. One of my great loves, aside from model cars and trains, Freemasonry, and my beautiful Heather, is reading. Dare I say, it's probably my first love of all. I enjoy the acquisition of knowledge, whether practical or philosophical, and encourage all of you to do the same. It will help with every aspect of your life, from work, to love, to friendships, to your view of the world and beyond, and yes, sometimes, even modeling, as we've seen with Mr. Mike's superb Mc Nally narrated builds. I'd like to start off with sharing some books I've been reading recently, and my general thoughts on them. 1. Why Boys Fail by Richard Whitmire. A study into why boys in modern society are falling farther and farther behind, how the educational system may actually be stacked against them, contrary to popular belief, and why it must be fixed. Compelling. 2. A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink. Most of us are aware of the right/left brain functional differences, if you're not, a quick primer can be found here. http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/left-brain-right-brain.htm In this book, Pink explores how the right brain, which controls creativity, has long been looked down upon, and why, in the coming age of advanced science and engineering, it may be far more critical than ever. This books also enlightens the reader as to how to get the two sides of the brain, which often "fight," to cooperate and work together, maximizing your mental potential, and your creative potential. Although not stated so far, I would suspect model building is a great way to do that. Very interesting book, and well worth reading. 3. The Journey to Teams by Michael D. Regan. Although not "recent," this book is in my top 10 of all-time favorites. Using the advice of a retired sherpa, a manager rebuilds his division and starts an internal managerial revolution in his company. This, without question, is one of the most compelling books I've ever read, and I highly recommend it to anyone involved in the management or administration of a business or non-profit organization. I highly recommend it to anyone, period. It WILL change your thinking. 4. Stupid Black Men: How to play the race card and lose by Larry Elder. Probably one of the most controversial books I've read, but extremely interesting. This book, written by noted KABC talk show host Elder explores how many minority communities have allowed themselves to be undermined by many people and have artificially held themselves back. This book was quite revealing, very disturbing, and makes you think. So....what are you reading? The rules for this thread are pretty simple. 1. Any book or story that's general audience-rated. 2. Any subject is fine as long as you don't use this to soapbox about a particular issue. Look to my above synopsis reviews for an idea of what I would like to see for a discussion opener. The keyword is discussion. 3. Discussion is good. Remember, we all learn from each other. 4. BE RESPECTFUL!!! Remember, eveyone will have differing tastes, thoughts, beliefs and opinions. Those must be respected. By everyone. Did I mention be respectful? Let's all engage in learning. Charlie Larkin

$16/each is a bit steep, but the quality appears to be there. I imagine prices will come down as the manufacturing process and customer base mature. I don't use Facebook, and especially after this report, probably never will. http://mobile.boston.com/art/23/business/technology/articles/2012/03/20/employers_ask_job_seekers_for_facebook_passwords/?single=1 Does he have some type of standard Internet page or e-Mail? Charlie Larkin