charlie8575

A medium gray will be a pretty good match. I believe in the Testors Model Master line, there is a color called Dark Gull Gray. You'll have to put a clear gloss on it because it's a flat, and the engine paint is a more semi-gloss to gloss color. Scale Finishes also offers pre-mixed Chevy engine gray for about $7 for a one-ounce bottle. Charlie Larkin

I seriously wonder how well this would work for production work- i.e., if AMT or Revell were to use this in place of vacuum plating? I wonder how well it holds up, too. Charlie Larkin

If a man can't make his own sandwich...well, that's pretty sad. Charlie Larkin

I absolutely love it! I'm guessing you used the Packard or Auburn for the rear of the body? Also, what colors did you use? Probably one of the nicest executions of a custom I've seen in a very nice time. Charlie Larkin

I have been exploring this topic lately in possible preparation for launching a firm. And yes, I am quite serious about this. Most mold modeling can now be done using a process called "Rapid Prototyping," which will allow accurate shapes, sizes, character lines, etc., to within 1/10,000 of an inch. It's really quite something. Once the shapes are copied, using a scanner that works in a manner akin to a radar gun, reading off of targets on a net-like object, the information is transferred to the computer, where scaled shapes are made. The mold engineer will then work with the draftsman/designer to do parts break-out and arrange the mold's cavities. Once that is completed, RP relies on a carved polymer material, not dissimilar from what some dental crowns are made from, and scaled parts are made off the computer using a thing that looks like a cross between a router and a coal grate, as the material falls away and the finished object is raised by a pneumatic platform under the modeling medium. Some hand modeling may still be needed for very fine details, but about 90% of it can be done by machine now. Some details, like contours, may also require a little tweaking by hand, but the vast bulk of the work can be done by machine. This company is a major producer of the scanner and modeling devices. Very cool. http://www.zcorp.com...ines/spage.aspx Charlie Larkin

Having been either grossly underemployed or unemployed for 5+ years, I don't have much of a budget, but when I do, I get things I need- paint, blades, etc., and I'll buy kits if I can get a good deal on them or if it's something I really want. I tend to keep my eye open for unique items I want, out-ot-production, hard-to-find, and just stuff that I find interesting. When I have more money, I'll probably spend a little more liberally- get more of the resin I want, and so forth. But, spending more liberally and spendthrift is a fine line. You need to be able to balance your spending, not just for hobbies, but everything. Everyone may splurge once in awhile, but spending sensibly is the smartest thing to do. Charlie Larkin

An interesting perspective. And one that I think may hold true. However, I also think that people will simply develop their own tastes. For example, I've always found the capital C Classics to be impressive, magnificent machines. But, I hardly grew up "around" them, save for the ones you'd see at car shows periodically. Had I grown up in Southern California, around all the lowriders, customs, and such, I would still probably have that interest, but may have some interest in customs, too. Here in New England, we tend towards historical preservation, and I think a lot of my building is heavily influenced by my love and respect for that. I really like doing replica-stock (or as close as I can come,) and have a replica of a car I might have driven, or that I simply find interesting. So...does geography have an influence? Probably. But I think it's a combination of what you develop interest in and the direction you're given when you're young that influences all of your building, and the other interests and behaviors your demonstrate in life. As the twig is bent, so inclines the tree... Charlie Larkin

I usually wait until I get home, and open it and go through it. Largely for curiosity, but also to check to make sure what I have is buildable- no major production flaws, all parts present, etc. Then...it gets done. Someday. Charlie Larkin

I'll give them points for creative thinking, anyway. Execution.....well, mostly because of that weird roofline, it doesn't quite work. Charlie Larkin

One of the funniest pictures I've ever seen relating to the "digital age." Yet, so very true. Even my lady, who is a little younger than I am (she's 29, I'm 36,) seems to think it's okay to actually try to articulate text and Internet "language." Where did you find that one? I need to give her that next time she goes off the deep-end. Charlie Larkin

Very nice, indeed. I must say, Geoff, I've become a great fan of your builds, and look forward to each one you complete. Charlie Larkin

That black primer takes a really nice shine with that gloss lacquer. What did you use for that red interior and vinyl top? That's a really nice match for the "firethorn" color. Charlie Larkin

They're starting to come back into supply, it'll just be a while to be back to pre-Kalifornia-dust-up levels. Charlie Larkin

I like automotive lacquers, like MCW and Dupli-Color/Plasti-Kote. I've used Testors lacquers and have been pleased. I like Tamiya's flat white for whitewalls and their semi-gloss and transparent colors for appropriate applications. Unlike a lot of people, I don't mind, and actually like using Testors and Model Master enamels. I also LOVE Humbrol paint. Some of the best paint I've ever used, regardless of type. Brushes beautifully, dries quickly, and looks good. Model Master Acryl is also a nice paint. Charlie Larkin

Very true, then again, with most of that under state reservation, it probably won't change all that much either. Although as you go along Storrow Drive now, there are some newer buildings on the other side of the Charles River in Cambridge. I think it's still one of the nicest city drives anywhere in the country, though. Dad had observed, though, how much the rest of the city and its surrounding communities have changed, though. I'm still not certain if it was for the better or not. Hmmm...interesting point. I hadn't really thought about it until you said something. Charlie Larkin

After nine years of teaching, let's just say I've decided that if I ever have children, they will be home-schooled. Charlie Larkin

No....it just seemed like it sometimes. Did you also catch the several Dart and Valiant wagons, which were quite common around here? Charlie Larkin

This video was sent to me by one of the guys in MassCar earlier today. An MIT professor taped a drive through Boston and surrounding cities and towns in 1964. This video goes through Boston, and several of its neighborhoods, including Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, South Boston, Allston-Brighton, and Back Bay, as well as the City of Cambridge and the Town of Brookline. Lots of neat cars to look at and buildings to inspire diorama ideas. Enjoy. Charlie Larkin http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=3220410482291

The model will probably last longer than most of the real cars did... Nice job on that. Charlie Larkin

Great job, Bruce. That green is very close to Surf Green; the Ivory, at least to my eye, isn't quite yellow enough for Honey Cream, but it's very close to the Boston Ivory offered on the earlier models. What did you use for the interior paints? Charlie Larkin

I like original issues, but good re-issues are fine with me. As long as I get to build what I want in a manner I like, I'm happy. My biggest problem is when the molds are so badly maintained or worn that the parts don't fit well anymore, then I have a problem. Charlie Larkin

I like that, George. Where did you find the 4-door or is it a kitbash? Charlie Larkin

Nice job on that, George. I like the color choice. Charlie Larkin

White goods for the whole house: About $2500. Putting miserable PIA customers exactly where they belong: Priceless. Charlie Larkin

Metallic green works nicely. Charlie Larkin