charlie8575

Still going to try to. Some unforseen circumstances have thrown lots of monkey-wrenches in my works. Charlie Larkin

Coming out very nicely, Mike. Charlie Larkin

Wow, what a build! Excellent work, and very nicely done, too. With the demise of the Town Car, I could see a 300 becoming the new standard-bearer for the hearses, at least until Cadillac and/or Lincoln get their heads glued back on right. Charlie Larkin

This is coming out very nicely. Great work. Charlie Larkin

Jeff and Kevin brought a couple of those Mustangs to MassCar. All I can say is WOW! I'm not a big Fox fan, but I can say just from casual observation that this is a very good-looking, well-proportioned body that captures shape and style well. If you're in the market for a Fox Mustang coupe, I say buy without reservation. Not only was the model well-done, the casting is fantastic. Charlie

In addition to the '62 Buick, the AMT '65 Riviera and 1966 Wildcat all have the finned drums. The ones in the Wildcat are very nicely-done. Charlie Larkin

Third the motion. Charlie Larkin

I'm in total agreement with Mike on this. One of the reasons I've never gotten married is so many women around my age, at least around here, will just as soon step all over you and your hobbies and interests, and anything that's important to you. That's something I refuse to accept; your wife married you knowing this was an interest and a hobby. You should not need her approval or her permission for a simple diversion. If she doesn't like it, tell her to go take up something you have little or no interest in. While finding a way to share a hobby together is important, sometimes it's not always possible. My ex-girlfriend, for example, loved to paint, which is something I just can't do, although I loved the end results, I still supported her in her efforts. She couldn't understand the source of joy from playing with little bits and pieces of plastic like I do, but she liked that it made me happy and gave me something to do in-between day-jobs and hunting for permanent work. You need something to do for yourself, and it shouldn't require spousal approval. Having spent most of the last four years substantially underemployed (and most of the last eighteen months all but completely out-of-work,) I do understand the need for financial management and discipline, as deflating as it might be sometimes. But to allow your wife to step all over your happiness simply for her own satisfaction is a recipe for long-term disaster. If first a hobby, what next? A job? Where to live? How to raise your children? And the list goes on. I'm no counselor, clergy, or professional in this matter, but I do have enough of a basic understanding of people (and speak from watching the failed relationships of several friends) that to allow one side to dominate a couple does not make for a happy relationship. This should be a reasonably equal division, based on understanding, acceptance, love and respect, not an attempt at fear-mongering or domineering. Excessive power-plays from either side will lead to divorce or a long, unhappy life. I also agree that you shouldn't need, or have to, sneak around to enjoy your hobbies. To put you in a position like this is very unfair of her. "Approve of"? PLEASE! If we all had to seek approval, the scale model industry probably wouldn't exist. To be very honest, she sounds like she has either some control issues or some kind of deep-rooted fear from some type of previous financial hardship she may have experienced. If either one of these is true, they must be talked about before a real problem happens. See the counseling staff at your college for some help. I've always told any girl I've dated that my models, my 1:1 cars and Masonry come as a package with me. Most understood. Very few have accepted. Your wife needs to understand that you will, and should have, interests outside of school or her. Charlie Larkin

Very nice, Sam. That building especially looks great. Charlie Larkin

Soon as I get a couple built, they'll be appearing here. Two nice builds so far. Charlie Larkin

Fair-use doctrine states that items published before 1978 are now copyright-free, with some exceptions. That means that these items, unless re-registered, are now open-domain and anyone can do them. While proper homage should be given to the original publisher, the original publisher won't (or shouldn't) collect royalties or anything like that. As to cost....I would say that $15-20 would probably be reasonable. The originals will always be worth more. Charlie Larkin

Marlborough here. Charlie Larkin

Hope all is going better, Steve, or will be in short order. For color ideas- Sandpiper Beige is looking pretty good to me, perhaps with a tan interior, or Ivy Green with a tan or green interior. A 318 car in lower trim will be a nice change from Hemi and big-block cars and loud 340-powered cars. Charlie Larkin

Very cool, Mike. I'll enjoy watching this come along, as I have all your builds. Charlie Larkin

Actually, Mark, it goes the other way around. Special->Special DeLuxe-> Skylark/GS. The SportWagon had its own hierarchy, and roughly equated to Special DeLuxe and Skylark trim. The Special had different trim than the Skylark and GS, as well as different interiors. The Special has three venti-port moldings on the front fender, and "Special" scripts on the rear fenders. "B-U-I-C-K" is spelled out across the hood and trunk-lid. The interiors had different door-panels and upholstery patterns. The Special came in four body styles- the Thin-Pillar Coupe (2-door sedan,) 4-door sedan, convertible and wagon. The Special Deluxe, which had a thin spear running from the back edge of the rear fender to the front door, had a Sport Coupe (hardtop,) and would be the easiest to replicate with the Modelhaus base. Those also had a different interiors. Check this link for some pictures to get an idea. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Buick/1966_Buick/1966_Buick_Prestige_Brochure/dirindex.html Charlie Larkin

Ron, Lowell is all of about 45 minutes from Fitchburg, so it's not too bad, and a couple of the Classic Plastic guys live out your way. Maybe you could arrange a car-pool? If not, I live in Marlborough, and if you'd like to head down to MassCar, I'd be willing to discuss a car-pool to Dedham. Lastly- perhaps we could do a Central/Western Mass. club? Charlie Larkin

Sounds like some neat stuff. I'll see if I can scare up a Buick brake drum for you. I have enough Buicks around. Charlie Larkin

Mark- would you be willing to take a 2-in-1 Zephyr so us rep-stock guys have a shot, too? Those are pretty cars and I would personally buy at least one or two of them if I could build it stock. I personally would love to see more Art Deco cars, such as a Chrysler or DeSoto Airflow, sharknose Graham, or a late 1930s Chrysler product of a slightly more conventional design. Christian- I agree, more the 1970s G.M. B/C/D-bodies would be welcomed. I'd buy at least one of whatever gets issued. Charlie Larkin

This article rather nicely sums up the whole problem. http://www.thefreemanonline.org/featured/government-versus-the-environment/ Someday, we might learn....but don't count on it. Charlie Larkin

Let's see....I'm 35. Retirement- not very likely given my situation. And if I end up doing law school, even less so. With that said. I think it's a good idea to get the more expensive, durable tools that you'll use for a long time. Pick up some of the rarer, more expensive kits now, too, and don't forget to check flea markets, thrifts stores, Craigslist and the various auction sites. Good buys turn up if you know how to shop. Don't put such strict limits on yourself that retirement means that's it for spending. If something comes out that you want, get it, even if you have to set aside a little over a few weeks. Remember, a hobby is supposed to be a source of enjoyment, not frustration from financial restrictions, whether real or imagined. Leave enough flex to do what you need to do and have fun with it. Many retirees also do take a part-time job or use their hobbies, such as baking or woodworking, to supplement their social security or pensions for a little pocket money. That eight-hour a week job at 7-Eleven or Wal-Mart might not be particularly dignified of glamorous, but if it'll give you a little extra money to enjoy life or cover little unexpected odds and ends. See if your local hobby shop wants a little help. Many of them will take a day or two of work in exchange for merchandise. If not, you can buy at a discount usually. Consumables are that- consumables. Look for good deals and try to buy in quantity. Those both save you money. Consumables are a part of life, work them into the budget the best you can and get them as you're able to. As to other ideas to stretch your dollar- look into getting any pension or 401 (k) you have converted to an annuity. Many times, you can get an annuity that will give you more money and allow that money (especially a 401 (k)) to last much longer. Talk to you bank or insurance broker about it. Charlie Larkin

I've had 30-year old paint in better shape than six-month old paint. One thing that does help is storing the bottles inverted. That helps keep the air out. Make sure your bottles seal tightly, consider adding a drop or two of lacquer thinner to the enamels. It's stronger and seems to help keep the enamels from drying out as quickly. Leave the little cardboard thingie in, too, as that does make a difference. Charlie Larkin

Not fun at all, Terry. Don't push yourself too hard and it'll heal. And George is right....don't drink too much. You could screw up your hard-to-replace annual! Charlie Larkin

Another great build. That looks really nice. Charlie Larkin

Nice conversion. That would make a great resin body. Charlie Larkin

We're getting somewhere around an inch, maybe less, down from four inches predicted as late as yesterday. This endless winter's got to end! Charlie Larkin