Dr. Cranky

You are right about that, Harry. When clubs host a model show (which is also the reason why there are so many NNL shows), it's important--if it's to be a judged competition--they get it all down in writing and make sure builders get the information in advance. It will definitely avoid headaches and arguments.

Sure, lucky you who have a Ph.D. in it. The rest of us have to cut our teeth on the regular photos. Which is still better than having to send out all those rolls of film to be developed.

I understand that, Harry, but a lot of contests just simply put the placard up on the table and that's it. I know a lot of them print up the kinds of categories and themes that can be entered, but seldom do they go that much indepth into the details that make up each category, which I think helps create the confusion, and perhaps makes it really tough for both the judges and the model builders. Chuck, I know there are contest like the GSL where the judges go over the model with a fine tooth comb, but a lot of the NNL style contests, the models are just looked at carefully on the surface, not really too scrutinized.

I'm going to agree with you, Harry. But let me play devil's advocate here for a sec. Let's say a Custom section is set up at a show and you have one box stock CUSTOM and one modified or heavily scratch-built custom (assuming that the guidelines were not made clear in advance) and the truly modified CUSTOM has a regular paint job, say a one tone, and the box stock CUSTOM has one of those wild paint jobs with graphics, etc . . . . Which do you think might get the judges attention in the category? Or win? Donn Yost says that Paint is the single most important factor on the show tables, in terms of grabbing a judges attention.

LOL, Ken, you are right about that. Hopefully more people will build a few more "enemy" vehicles!

Nice, Jim. Love the model and the photo op backdrop.

I can see where there's plenty of confusion to be had. If you build a model that says "Custom" or "Customizable" on the box, I think the "style" is a custom and therefore it could be shown in the Customs category. If heavy modifications have been done to the model then it's a scratch-built or modified kit custom. I always thought CUSTOM = the STYLE.

Already, these are the builds that would drive me crazy jealous!

Thank you, Ira, for feeding us the amazing eye candy you brought back from the show. Some great photos and builds. Everyone should have had a blast, that's for sure. Maybe next year I will try my darnest to make it.

So gee, what I forgot to say, is if you have two (or several) build them all, you are in for a real treat. Build them, and let the show organizers worry about where they will put them.

Brandon, I will go over right now and check it out. Thank you for sharing. Best, DC. Nice work, you've got a nice garage started there, buddy. Can't wait to see more.

Shiny or ratted out, it turns out you can give a judge quite a bit to think about: (hey, that rhymed! )

Rich, that's a great question, and you are bringing up one of my all time favorite kits, possibly up there in my top 3 list (the others would be the 41 Willys by Revell and AMT's 50 Chevy Pick up). Anyway, when I think of this kit in particular, I am thankful that indeed it already comes customized and all you have to do is put it together and then paint it and INSTANTLY you have a model that's going to get quite a bit of attention. Two customs without "customizing": And even when you throw in a little bid of modification, they still turn out wonderful:

Nice, Mike, even the water drop effect stands out even better. Thanks for sharing these changes.

MikeMc, next time I see you at the show, I'm going to ask you to walk me through how you do that! I've never ever been able to capture that kind of sparkle in any of my pictures of that same vehicle. What's the use of putting a little extra bling in a model if you are not going to see it in the pictures. Yes, Harry, it's refrigerator "heavy"!

Erik, that's fabulous. All right, I am checking it out and subscribing. Keep the fun going. Cheers, DC

Oh lordy, Harry . . . there's a war on, the man is taking his fridge to his next home. This is one of those that tells a thousands stories in one image. Look at the juxtaposition between the small car (still running) and the burned out tank. LOL, you are cracking me up! In a good way!

Nice build, another wonderful model in your collection. Congrats.

Skip makes a great point, of course, about getting the "basics" down first. But, after the basics, every model builder moves on to the level of exploration this thread is trying to get at, and many of you are there already, having fun with your cameras. Harry, I thought of you and your comments about figures, and here's a diorama by a master builder (Per Olav Lund) who always tells some interesting stories in his work.

You know what they say, two TZH vehicles are better than one, and 3 brings you up to the ranks of GENERAL! If you don't believe me, ask EYEGORE.

The whole model is wonderful, but that engine is a classic. Great job!

Jerred, that's a nice model. Well done, congrats.

That chassis is looking good, Granpa. Keep it going.

Donn, you can't retire before DVD #3 gets done!

Jamie, try Preiser figures and also Scale Equipment LTD. There are lots of goodies if you look up G Scale Dollhouse stuff. Good luck.