Dr. Cranky

Luke, that NOVA just made my jaw drop. Beautiful and of course the water reflection makes it even better. So this place you've found is near you? What kind of place is it? Any technical tips you might share are greatly appreciated. Thanks, chap.

Super realistic results . . . the fan is an aftermarket fan, right?

And last I checked, everyone is free to choose their subject matter early, and not restrictions on that type of choice.

Rudi, some great details on this build, including the coiled up hose and the faucet . . . very nice, and if you kept track of the expenses, you probably built this one with a very low cost. And now you can generate lots of eye candy for the rest of us to consume.

Thanks, Frank. I think there are some wonderful folks building lowriders and customs over there. Just trying to get both sides to meet and get acquainted with each other's work.

Danny, you obviously have a narrative going on about how you see your build fitting in to the SQUAD/CARAVAN, excellent.

OH MY, LUKE, that's FANTASTIC. Wonderful. So you basically scout for such a location. Your pictures are professional and they make those models SOAR. Thanks for sharing.

Where was I, yes, the two-sided photo op base . . . You work hard on your scene, and the payoff is excellent . . . of course, and sadly, after shooting your models time and again on such a base, it gets to be a little boring . . . so then it's off to the next thing . . .

Okay, getting back on the subject here: Dave, the 3-sided diorama you mention done by Ken is this one: And it sat in the offices of SAM for a number of years, and Ken was lucky enough to finally get it back. I know this article and build inspired a whole bunch of people to try their hand at this kind of photo backdrop. I know it inspired me to try it, except I found a two-side version to be a bit easier to do . . . Here's a picture of the start of it. Again, I was in the same frame of mind looking for a way to take better pictures of my models.

Gary, I have to agree with you. Jerry not only took some amazing photographs, but he also had a great sense of humor and everything about his models and photos just rang of a great deal of FUN. He is sorely missed.

I would like to see more examples of chassis in racing subjects, those of you working with either styrene or brass . . . if you have some detailed pictures you'd be willing to share.

Your point is well taken, Dave, but I've posted such threads already, I'm just trying to mix it up a little, and I was hoping OTHERS would bring in their expertise in the field, and their own work. After all, isn't that what most threads should do, invite others to share? Hey, I'm all for using my work, but I really want to see other's stuff too . . . .

Tom, sometimes that's the best thing that can happen, give it a little time to sit there an you never know. That's how I came upon the idea of turning this one into a bullseye Impala:

This discussion might lead to the day when we all have printers that publish our models already done, from computer to machine. Our only choice will be what paint color to choose.

All right, Roger, I copied a pic . . . keep the good work coming. Cheers, DC

John, sorry to hear it about it, buddy. Yes, sometimes these things come in streaks, and all you can do is stand firm in your resolve to love the folks in your life. And live in enjoyment every day.

Folks, in the last few months I've noticed that there's quite a bit of excitement going on between the YOUTUBE model building car community (the Big Kahuna and MCM have a channel) and the folks here at MCMF. I think the technology is such now that we can start building bridges in hopes that, like many of you who use FOTKI or PHOTOBUCKET (or other photo storage site), you can start thinking about the beauty of having a channel dedicated to your builds and your archives. You can still work off your pictures and do slide shows or you can almost go live with videos. It's certainly a great way of providing quick and simple how-tos, share your experiments and discoveries with others, ETC.. Also, I think it's a great way to recruit builders of all ages who have started OVER THERE and are looking for a bigger community, which MCMF offers at over 8000 members strong. And builders from all parts of the hobby, which very much includes military vehicles, but certainly model cars of all tastes, types, and styles. It's a good cross pollination and the technology is readily available. In the last few weeks, lots of these builders have started coming over to check out the wonderful work that goes on here. I am sure they will make this an integral part of their hobby experience. If you are interested in expanding your work bench and building experience (or if you have already done so), then feel free to ask questions or share your experience. Also, remember, if this is not your cup of tea, you can choose not to participate in any way shape or form. Here's a little PSA I put together for the folks coming over from YOUTUBE, again lots of great builders out there in that community.

Nice counting there, Joe. Wow, I still can't believe it. Lots of folks have come over from the YOUTUBE community to join us here . . .

Last year a baby squirrel fell out of one of the trees near the Lab-RAT-ory and I thought about keeping it but it looked to frail and dehydrated so I too it in to the wildlife refuge center here in town. I think they make great pets because they are pretty smart.

I have a couple of these up on the shelves and they came in a different box, probably later issues than the one you have, Chuck. It's still a great kit with lots of potential for doing some neat stuff, as is evident in this picture above.

We are coming together nicely!

Okay, Mr. Most, I've got the Pop Corn ready. Bring it on, buddy. Those wheels already have me and EYEGORE salivatin'!

Jay, that sounds like a great idea for a TZH build! LOL!

Oh man, Mike, thanks for putting this on my radar. I had totally forgotten that it was today. Oh yeah, it's like my favorite show right now.

Welcome aboard Richie! Have fun building and enjoy all the eye candy here. Also, when you are ready to post, feel free to do so with impunity!