charlie8575

Nick, this is coming out really nicely. That grille especially is well-done. Great concept. Charlie Larkin

VERY nice conversion. Definitely a job to be proud of if this keeps up. Charlie Larkin

I can just imagine that tire bill... I've never seen a six-axle trailer except for a few low-boys and other specialized stuff. A six-axle tanker?? I do like the execution. Charlie Larkin

Those are late pre-WWII. And in nice condition for their age. Do they still run, Don? Charlie Larkin

Nicely done. The only thing you might want to do for next time is to remove the copyright information on the frame-rail. Why the model companies insist on putting that stuff there I'll NEVER understand. It's easy to remove with some 300-grit sandpaper and won't take but a couple of minutes. Polish out the sanded area with finer paper to tone down the scratches and paint as normal. Charlie Larkin

Just ran across this, and I thought this short commentary said all that needed to be said. http://www.newsmax.com/Miller/judith-miller-memorial-day/2011/05/30/id/398218 Charlie Larkin

Plasti-Kote and Dupli-Color are both lacquer-base primers. I understand Plasti-Kote may be a bit hard to get in the Great White North, though. Dupli-Color changed its colors in the primer. Their gray sandable primer is now bordering on black; far too dark for most needs. The primer-sealer, however, is still a light gray color, and is better suited. Primer-sealer, whether Dupli-Color or Plasti-Kote, is needed over red, orange, yellow, purple, and most green plastics. The solvents in paints tend to leech the colorant compounds used in HIPS and will mottle your finish color. Charlie Larkin

Some very meaningful, well thought-out posts here. While back in college this year, I was involved in the Paralegal Club at my college (Massachusetts Bay Community College,) and in conjunction with the Veterans Club, we put together a special series of commemerations during the week of Veterans Day this past November. Now, our Veterans Club, as you can imagine, is composed mostly of younger guys who are veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan fronts. Hearing some of those stories during that week- what some of those guys went through in what I heard called more than a few times "Hell's Sandbox," really drove home that while the fronts, the enemies, the weapons, and the tactics may have changed, the fight remains the same. Protection of our nation. Whether you agree or disagree with our present involvements, please remember to support those who dawn the uniforms of this (or your) nation. And never forget those who made the Supreme Sacrifice in its defense. My dad works at the VA. He sees the results every day. As a closing thought, this was our flag raising ceremony. I was requested to photograph the events of the day. The Color Guard from Charles River Labs in Natick provided our honor guard. Never forget. Charlie Larkin

This is going to be quite a build, Peter....both of them. And I know that in your capable hands, nothing less than works of art will be the end-result. Charlie Larkin

Mike, what show did you see that at? I'm going to have to try and get out there this summer and see if it makes a repeat appearance. Air-cooled V8? Certainly different. I can't help but wonder how the rear-weight bias is with that in it. Charlie Larkin

No V8 maybe, but a Hyper-Pak Slant-Six is still nothing to sneeze at. Charlie Larkin

Andy, you have several options. 1. Model Master Chrome Black. 2. Model Master S/G black in both Acryl and enamel lines 3. If you like spray paints, VHT makes a really nice semi-gloss black intended for roll cages and race car interiors. You can get it at most auto parts stores for about $6/can. It goes on very easily, you can almost get away without primer. It also dries very quickly. Charlie Larkin

Actually, Bill, re-formulating something because of the ridiculous regulations and failure to properly manage torts and bureaucrats in this country isn't unheard of. Neither is some kind of weird re-labeling. I've heard of several products over the years (paints and other stuff) that had to have special blends for the U.S. Fortunately, we're a big enough market so it's worth it. If, however, the modeling hobby shrinks much more, next time some drool-cup activist/bureaucrat/lawyer/troublemaker speaks, we may start losing products, and then we all lose because it won't be an economically-feasible option to make special stuff to suit the needs of some squeaking wheel that probably doesn't even build models. Humbrol paints, which are the same globally from what I can tell, have special stickers over the painted-on labels to comply with some regulatory drivel. Whether it's actually reformulating or just some kind of insane labeling exercise, it's creating a major disturbance in the marketplace that would probably be unnecessary with sensible regulation. Charlie Larkin

Chuck, just as a thought, might it have been easier to simply remove the door-panels and detail those separately? I know some people will cut them off just behind the kick-panel area (where the dash goes) and at the back, and then re-glue them on. For that, I'd suggest using a small piece of flat stock up front and a perhaps an "L" at the back to help line things up if you think it needs it. Charlie Larkin

What a cool, unique, interesting project. I'll watch this with great interest. Charlie Larkin

The link to the new topic is here. Great work so far. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44764&st=0&gopid=473574&#entry473574 Charlie Larkin

Very, very cool. That flat grille came out nicely. Looks like a pretty decent little kit. I might pick one of those up. Charlie Larkin

For polish, start with non-gel toothpaste. You want regular toothpaste that has a very fine abrasive. Rub it in with a soft paper towel or napkin, adding to the toothpaste as you need to. Polish in a circular motion until the scratch is reduced or altogether eliminated. Wash off in soapy water and air-dry before attempting anything else. Charlie Larkin

My answers in red. Hope that answers your questions. Charlie Larkin

Post pictures. This should be lots of fun to watch. Charlie Larkin

Nice builds, Tony. That Armoured car is over-the-top cool. Charlie Larkin

Just saw this article on Fox News, and thought it was great. Enjoy. Helping injured soldiers regain a sense of self....through stock car racing. http://video.foxnews.com/v/965064108001/wounded-warriors-put-pedal-to-the-metal Remember to remember all those who served this weekend. Charlie Larkin

Although not strictly first-generation, Nick approached me with what I thought was such a cool project, that I thought to not let him in wouldn't be right. Nick- we'll look forward to seeing this when you get to it. Charlie Larkin

Beautiful, Matt. And I have to agree with Harry, that blue E is simply stunning. What's the more race-type car in the trio picture? Charlie Larkin

Great looking Plymouth, Steve. I need to get a few 6s done. I want to post something here. Charlie Larkin