Dr. Cranky

Now, fellas, don't get too much gloss into your eyes yet. I think I am going through another shiny stage, but you know me, it'll be back to rusty and dusty before long. I have to say, I am enjoying the shiny/glossy stuff right now in part because of these PEARL EX powders. They are just so much fun. And no two results are alike. I like that.

Brilliant choice, Chuck!

Don't you worry, Jim . . . this one is going to be so shiny it will blind you. LOL. The wheels on the first picture are from the HILUX TOYOTA kit. I'm not a big fan of those kits, although I always try to paint them . . . and then realize I don't like them. But the tires are first rate. By the way, Jim, it sounds like you got a good deal on those powders since they are giving you a 50 dollar coupon for their mistake. You will be happy when you get the Pearl EX and start using it. See the shimmer and the transference in the color in the above picture? That thing shifts on you without having to buy high-end chameleon colors . . . You can get lots of amazing effects . . . and it's a heck of a lot of fun.

LOL, thanks for making me 25 pounds lighter, Donn. I actually weigh 260 pounds at 5'8". In my oompa-lumpaa getup, not so tall and not so much lighter! :lol:

Thanks, Todd, yes I am leaning that way.

Okay, Steven, I will go check them out.

Actually, no, I did not. I don't have a scanner, but I've been thinking of getting one.

Thank you, Art, more wonderful information about this kit and the possibilities.

I agree with Dale, the parts pack parts are amazing in terms of possibilities.

The body really didn't need that much work, but it wanted to have a totally smooth surface for impending primer, and then we will break out the AB. You can see in these next couple of pictures some of the cleaning up, in particular up on the roof. In this picture you can see the sunroof and rear vent ghosted on the plastic. It would be very easy to cut this and add a sunroof, but again, my plan is to utilize every single inch of white plastic on this beauty.

All right, I spent most of the day removing seam lines and the ribs on the roof top, and now it is smooth and beautiful. This should be a quick build. Like lots of people here, I had been waiting for this van to be re-released. It really makes for a great canvas. So much so I was tempted to open up some port holes (maybe the next one) but this one is going to take on paint as soon as I get it in primer. We'll see how the graphics go. Here's the build mocked up with two tire possibilities I've been thinking of: Choice #1: Choice #2:

Tim, thanks for the eye candy. It looks like the competition was fierce. Wow, lots of great models on those tables.

Thank you, Adam, I found that one in an old decal sheet I had in the spares album. I love it too.

Although I've always been tempted to do it and have not done it, I think you could.

Thanks for the headsup on all of these places. I will definitely keep my eyes open.

You might have to just the way they do it with real cars. Tape off the section, scuff, and reshoot the paint, then clear, and sand and buff. That should do it. I always spray minimum of 3-5 clear coats to buy some security. Good luck, Nate.

Nice progress, folks. Mike and Wayne, excellent vehicles in progress.

Joe, it sure does happen to all of us. I've had mornings like this and I just walk away until the groove and luck come back.

This is all wonderful information indeed. Thank you for sharing it.

Rob, this is a great topic and thread. I feel it all the time, although I would say I would not feel it if I did something family related. Actually, I feel it whenever I am at the bench that I am in fact STEALING time away from other matter, both personal and professional in nature, but then I snap out of it and feel fine a few hours later. I know I feel guilty if I am not building in particular when I order supplies or after market parts and then a week or two go by and I don't build. I ask myself what's it all for, anyway. Did I make a mistake. I think this is all natural, and very much a part of the creative process, just like when I finish a build I tend to get depressed and then spend a week or so moping about uninspired. It does help to talk about it, so thank you for bringing it up.

Wow, Robert, that's looking excellent. Love the beefy look the wheels give it. Nice, keep it going. Saved the pictures over to the next Progress Vid. archives.

Lordy, it's so beautiful it deserves to be done in scale.

Well, EYEGORE thinks he can beat the good Doctor. His build is LITTLE CRANKYHEAD

Shane, good question. I keep mine in a cigar box lined with foam, but also have a circular stand with about 8 holders which I use when I am doing the different paint jobs.

LOL! Yes!