charlie8575

One thing absent from all discussion from all corners: hydrogen power. It may be a way off yet, but not that far, either. What people seem to overlook is that with some modification, any internal-combustion engine can run on hydrogren, and the modifications aren't real expensive, either. Might be the best way to have it all. Charlie Larkin

Missed that. When's the scheduled release? There are a lot of good ideas here, and I think quite a few of them would be decent sellers. Charlie Larkin

Wow. Can't believe it's been two years give or take. Short version: life went very topsy-turvy, Facebook sucked me into a suprisingly vibrant modeling scene, although I'm trying to reduce my activity there some, learned how to do CAD, now trying to figure out best how to apply my knowledge. Primary focus now is perhaps start designing some laser-cut kits. Biggest change was a move forced by some very bad circumstances. Long story short, my parents got screwed on their mortgage, so we lost our house. We're still trying to figure out what else we lost, for possible claims against a very unscrupulous lender and their incompetent henchmen. Dad ended up clearing his retirement out, and we bought a place for cash. I'm paying him back for half of it as I can. On the plus side: we own it outright and we have just under an acre in a nice quiet neighborhood. The minus is this house needs a ton of work, but part of it will be a dedicated modeling room/den. I also had some trouble logging in here, so that was the big reason I disappeared. That seems to be fixed. Anyway, glad to be back. Charlie Larkin

Make it four for a stock Vega wagon. I'd be happy with the coupe or hatch, too. Or all three. Especially if they're the same year and early ones. I could have have some fun in a diorama with that. Charlie Larkin

You and me both. With imagination, there is a huge potential for 1930s cars that most product managers don't seem to consider. And, with mould prices dropping as advanced manufacturing improves, there's less and less justification to not at least consider it. Charlie Larkin

Nice attempt at the disc wheels. This is going to be a spectacular build. Charlie Larkin

I wonder if it will rust almost immediately when removed from the box? Subarus around here did that pretty well. Charlie Larkin

That came out very nicely. I wanted one of these when I was a kid and could never afford the model. Perhaps I'll go give a look. Charlie Larkin

I feel kind of bad not having been around lately now that I saw this. Grit, determination, and knowing people are behind you make all the difference in the world. It looks like he's making a pretty full recovery, too, which is awesome. I'd like to extend my best wishes for him and your family going forward. Charlie Larkin

I'm interested, but not sure with what yet. Any deadlines? Charlie Larkin

Very impressive. I'm definitely buying at least two or three of these with the single 2-bbl. Charlie Larkin

I've given serious thought to taking a CAD class. If all else doesn't pan out, I honestly wouldn't mind doing my own design work, or working doing that. I turn in my key tomorrow, and I don't want to do it like this, but five of eight weeks not being paid on-time or paid in full, with a generally-deteriorating workplace relationship is all I can take. I've decided to look into going back into teaching, and have applied to a few schools. I'm keeping my options open for a few things, ranging from re-starting my business (and one of the reasons I'm looking at taking a CAD class,) to going back into real estate in some capacity, as well as a few tide-me-over things while I sort it all out. Charlie Larkin

Pure awesome. Charlie Larkin

Curious- what's wrong with the lettering? And where did you get the photo-etch? Charlie Larkin

While I wont go into histrionics over it, it has two major problems: 1. They can be difficult to mold so they look right. 2. The molds to make them would probably be more expensive. 3. Painting them would be difficult, unless you mold the wheels separately, which could make assembly difficult. Charlie Larkin

I really wonder if there's a better material to make tires out of? Silicone, perhaps? Charlie Larkin

Writing the letter of resignation that I've needed to write for the last six months, but circumstances prevented it. I'm not immediately transitioning into a new job, per se, but I have some applications out, and a few more going out. One of my customers is retiring from his job, and I might be able to pick up some of his work, at least for the summer, maybe a bit longer if I need to, running in and out of Logan. The letter hasn't gone in yet, but it will most likely be tomorrow or Tuesday. Dad said it was the best letter of resignation he had ever seen, enumerating all my concerns and all my grievances, and not showing one sign of bitterness. I have to say, I was rather pleased with it, myself. The simple act of writing it and having it ready to turn in has actually made me feel better. Charlie Larkin

Coming out nicely. Charlie Larkin

I'm in. And with the cost of tooling and design rapidly falling, I can really s-t-r-e-t-c-h that money out. With some care and a little careful planning, I might even be able to actually work up two or three kits and keep it within budget. Don't think I won't try. Charlie Larkin

A snap Disco Bird would be quite alright with me. With the amount of time I don't have, I'm finding I really like the new snap kits as an alternative to full-detail. The resin body looks good. I'd also consider that if it came complete with interior and correct wheels, perhaps sized to fit the Pegasus whitewall tires. The Diamond Jubilee Edition is a pretty package. I suggested the 1950 Buick Special Sedanette. The frame, floors and front suspension are done with the '50 Olds. Buick used Torque-tube drives, so the rear suspension would require 3-5 new parts (torque tube, rear axle if separate, and two springs,) engine/transmission, body and interior. It's a rare, but well-liked body with all walks of 1:1 automotive life. I also requested the re-issue of the Museum Pieces. I'd by a correct Mercer. I'd also buy a non-Ford/Chevy/over-the-top 1930s car. That Buick would be ideal. There are a bunch more I'd like to see. Charlie Larkin

Interesting. Hobbytyme is expecting them in their warehouse last week of the month, +/- a couple of days. We'll know soon enough. I have six on order. Three sold, one for me, two for stock. Charlie Larkin

I think I might build mine sometime this year. I'll have to make cast duplicates of my Duster 340 (now I really need to learn how to do that,) and probably grab a 904 from M.A.D. at NNL-East. Figure out how to sand/fill those T-bars so they look decent, and then off to paint...I always liked that Chianti Red. Perhaps with the camel interior. Charlie Larkin

Saw that in the store's e-Mail this morning. Definitely very good news. Charlie Larkin

My salesman told me April 30 for the Suburbans a couple of days ago, along with a price increase from Revell. The Charger will be a strong seller, and I think the Torino in straight-stock form will move better than the S&H. The '64 Fairlane usually sells well. I expect no different, especially if the stock-ish parts are included. It'll be a nice base for one of MCW's bodies. A full-detail Mustang needs to happen. Very disappointed to see the Foose Eldo is not correctable (i.e., stock,) I really hope they'll do a stock version down the road. In stock form, I remember that it was usually a pretty high finisher in requested subject polls, and the stock version allows you to build a completely-customized version to your vision, not having to work with/around someone else's. Charlie Larkin

In Massachusetts, although you're "supposed" to collect tax, private sellers usually don't, nor do they at yard sales and such, which would be tough to do anyway, so the Commonwealth lets it go, it's not worth chasing. Now, if someone has a store or does eBay as a business venture, they yes, they collect Massachusetts sales tax. If you're an out-of-state buyer, they're supposed to waive it. Charlie Larkin