Dr. Cranky

Yes, it does count. Any VEGAS inspired build is fine. Personally, this is the closest I've gotten:

Dreaming is good, Tim. That's what the hobby is all about. I hope the good folks over at Revell are listening. I know they have to be making a bit of money off kits like the 49 Merc, 41 Willys, and 55 Chevy. How do I know? I'm just one builder in thousands and when I look up at my shelves those are the kits I have multiple copies of. Cheers, DC

Very cool, I like it. And I also like that green pearlized pant job on the Willys.

Some great suggestions, folks, thank you!

Neal, I'd like to go. Do you have more information on the show? I would love to take the base and some of the TZH builds this way folks who are attending can also bring their own, yes! That would be very cool.

That works, Billy Joe. Good luck, buddy.

It's a great start to get you back into the rhythm of building and improving your skills. Many of us took the same road to get back into the hobby. You learn one model at a time. Best, DC

Looks like a great kit and all, but I've tried to build a couple of Enzo's and have ended up pulling out my hair each time, so I would be completely bald and out of 300 bucks on this one.

The other thing I was going to say is that as a writer, I have experience doing something that makes me NO money, but I still deduct my losses., i.e, equipment (you know computer, pencils, paper, printer, etc.) and travel costs, etc . . . Of course, it helps to have a good accountant who can keep you straight with receipts and all of the technicalities.

Thanks for the link, Don. I think it's very interesting and useful information: Deducting Hobby Losses From Your Income An unprofitable business can be a tax shelter. So if you love what you're doing (as is usually the case in a hobby business), it might make sense for you to stick with your business even though it makes little or no money. If you have another source of income, you may be able to use the losses from your hobby business -- including your expenses and depreciation on assets you purchase -- to offset your other taxable income. Deducting these losses can not only lower the amount of income on which taxes are owed, but also drop you into a lower tax bracket.

Robert, yes, it's cute, and actually I keep coming back to look at it again because of all that glitter. I would love to see this one in person. I think it's got all the right amount of charm/bling. Job well done. Have you considered building a small base for it? Some sand, a surfboard, etc . . . I think it'd look extra cool against such a scene.

Thanks for the input, Mike and George. But here's a scenario: let's say you do kit reviews, many folks here do, and so you buy new kits to keep reviewing. Some of the reviews you do for magazines and they pay you, etc . . . I think this is a perfect example of a legitimate expense/tax deduction, no?

It's that time of year again. That's right, it's time to pay those taxes. I am wondering how many out there deduct their hobby expenses and what your rationale is for doing so? For example, if you claim hobby related expenses, how do you make a claim for your expenditures, costs, etc . . . Some folks are professionals in the field, so I imagine it's a lot easier. But how about those folks who contribute to magazines, etc . . . can those costs be deducted? Just wondering what the steps are. Thank you in advance for your comments.

Folks, I just ran across the work of Petri Kovanen and this wonderful diorama that features all sorts of wonderful Vegas motifs, and it made me curious to find out if anyone has ever built anything VEGAS related, vehicle or diorama. I think it's a wonderful subject. Here's Petri's great diorama done in 28mm scale. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150727461361069.426422.574041068&type=3

Rom, you poured your heart and skills into this one, and it's paid off with a model that's going to stand out any time and anywhere. I think it belongs on the cover of magazines and in a museum. Watching you build, the journey and process, is what it's all about for me. The final results speak volumes on behalf of your talent.

Outstanding, Rom. Love the paint, and you have a million details to pour over in this build. Congratulations.

Great job, Manny, and it's a good one to use in different scenes and builds. Love the undercarriage weathering too.

I am loving all the eye candy. Thank you for sharing.

I like it, buddy. You always build a nice clean model, and the pictures I love too. Excellent model to add to your ever-growing collection.

That engine looks perfect, and I can't wait to see this one painted.

Just curious to find out what and from whom do you buy. I tend to get my stuff from the usual and very reliable places: Norm Veber's, The Modelhaus, Model Car Garage, etc . . .

Good tip, Skip. Thank you.

Your videos are always fun, and this one is no exception. Great going, Ben.

You did a great job on these. Thank you for sharing.

Love them, but my favorite one is the green one. The color is just right. Good work. Thanks for sharing.