charlie8575

Looks good, Joe. I'm starting to like my idea of doing one of those in a custom color scheme. Looks like a nice kit, too. Charlie Larkin

Wow, Mike. How did you get the windows that even? The only thing I can think of is a VERY long blade or a jigsaw. Charlie Larkin

Mannix....who, along with Kojak, proved to any little boy of eastern Mediterranean descent (I'm half Armenian,) that we could be cool, too. I remember watching Mannix more than a little when I was young and it's still one of my favorite shows. I'll enjoy this, Mike. Charlie Larkin

Oops...minor accident. I like it, Dan. Charlie Larkin

From commentary I've read, Chuck, this is a pretty accurate model. To do a 1/25 scale conversion- remember: 15/32"=1'-0". In decimal, it's 0.46875"=1"-0". This would probably be a very easy conversion with some balsa and sheet/strip styrene. You MIGHT (no promises) be able to find some #1 (Standard gauge or 1:32) or G-scale train wheels that'll work for the wheels, too. Grab a copy of Classic Toy Trains for a list of potential suppliers. Charlie Larkin

Nicely-executed. Charlie Larkin

Thanks Chuck, but I was stating I agreed with Ed and Plumber. I hadn't noticed that it had gone to two pages before I posted. Frankly, I don't understand what all the fuss is about with "compromises" in 2/3-in-1 kits. Let's be honest for a moment. Real cars always have compromises; if these are represented in your model, isn't that executing scale fidelity? Most of us also have deep enough parts boxes to be able to correct deficiencies, real or perceived, with minimal difficulty. Those of you who like to cut, chop, carve, and otherwise torture pieces of high-impact polystyrene into arcane forms can do so to your heart's content, but let those of us who prefer original to have our fun, too. Remember, the real customizers and rodders start with factory stock as well. Unchopping a roof is next to impossible; I've been looking at that car for hours and I can't figure out how to do it at the sail panels and rear window, and still have it look good when it's done. Ed's idea of supplying a chopped roof pre-molded like the '53 Studebaker seems to be a good example of a reasonable compromise. Worst case, the rest of the parts can come from a convertible for a stock chassis. That doesn't bother me if I have to use say 90% of one kit to make what's basically a part-swap conversion. I suppose I should be ready to be jumped on again, but thanks for the attempt to defend me, anyway. Charlie Larkin

Yes. They were a production chassis/driveline with cataloged bodies that were supplied to order by their respective coach-builders. Generally, the car manufacturer would supply a hood, radiator shell and the like, and sometimes fenders, and everything else was built to order or the factory-issue parts were customized. Charlie Larkin

Find the low-odor stuff. It has a milder solvent. Charlie Larkin

Try foiling before painting. I'm giving it a shot on the '60 Chevy pickup I'm building, and it seems to be working. Once painted, buff the paint off with polishing cloths or very fine polishing compound. Charlie Larkin

I've found Tamiya's bottle primer works beautifully under all paints. I have a bottle of the white primer I use for small parts and brighter colors. This stuff is great. I use Valspar, Plasti-Kote or Duplicolor for bodies and overall priming usually, but there are occasions where the Tamiya liquid primer is just what the doctor ordered. I do plan on trying the Mr. Hobby sometime. The paints and the rest of the line are said to be out of this world. Charlie Larkin

Wouldn't happen to have anything to do with the iffy rust-proofing and the already-more-prone-to-rust Japanese steel that Chrysler was using a lot of during that time, would it? Charlie Larkin

That crossed your mind, too, Art? I might buy one of those simply for that grille. Probably build the rest of it as a matter of principle; can't stand the idea of spending $20 for one part like that. That's a Cadillac grille, too, isn't it? With a little plastic surgery, can't a Cadillac 61/62 be cobbled up, too? Charlie Larkin

I agree. I wish Revell had shown some respect to the stock/other genre builders. Not everyone knows how to chop a top....try and learn and don't force your whims on the rest of us. That said...the Mustang looks really nice. I'll probably be picking one of those up. Charlie Larkin

Well done. Very, very convincing. Charlie Larkin

Not really my taste in subject matter, but beautifully executed. I'm with Skip- more pictures would be very appreciated. Charlie Larkin

Ask Mrs. Kaprelian, our Registrar of Motor Vehicles. Not sure if she's related to Al or not (aka the world's best weatherman,) but I've been told it's because the computer and other systems simply can't accept it. Dumb, dumb, dumb.... Then again, it is the Commonwealth. Charlie Larkin

I personally prefer lacquer thinner for cleaning an airbrush. It gets everything out. As to the paint thinner/mineral spirits, I'd be a little careful in mixing it with the paints; always test a little first to make sure it's not too strong for the plastic. Charlie Larkin

How you do you put that lettering in, anyway? Charlie Larkin

I don't know if they offer international shipping or not, but the display cases made by Pioneer Plastics in Tennessee are very nicely-made. I believe IMEX is also making reasonably-nice display cases. Worst case, you could always make a one from some wood and plexiglass. Charlie Larkin

Wonderful on all counts. My mother just made the one-year mark since being diagnosed with breast cancer, and I know what cancer can do to your family. Hang in there and we're all pulling for both of you. Charlie Larkin

Very nice work, especially the box. Charlie Larkin

That's coming right along, Mike. It really looks great. Plate ideas I had (a little nicer!) LDYLAW LAWLDY GDSJTC (Goddess of Justice- think the blindfolded woman holding the Scales of Justice.) For those wondering, Massachusetts still only allows six characters. Charlie Larkin

Lesson #1- never, ever run the risk of upsetting a member of the building trades. Great diorama! If there was a most humorous award, I hope it got that, too. Charlie Larkin