Dr. Cranky

Whether you build them yourself or buy them the idea is the same, I guess, which is to set up your own little stories and photograph them, have quite a bit of fun doing so, then feeding the rest of us eye candy.

You too, Johnny.

I just got my Optivisor and I love it.

Jordan, that's a great point. It sure makes it a lot easier, right? I hope they continue to do so on all the new kits, like that 62 Corvette that's coming out soon.

Jonathan, a couple of things I have to applaud you on. 1) wonderful vehicle and I love those racing stripes. 2) I really like the way you are taking your pictures. That fence in the background looks pretty good. Keep it going. This hobby is about two things, really, models and pictures . . . sometimes it's hard to care more about one than the other.

I know, which is why I had to post it here. Zed posted it over in Facebook and I saw it, and I knew you styrene addicts here would enjoy it. I grew up in Los Angeles in the 70s so amazing customs and low riders were all around me. It was a time when people could afford to buy one of these and fix it up, paint it, and then cruise around and show off their pride and joy.

Thanks, Dave, bur where do you think the Cranky part comes from in my name? LOL, you should talk to my wife. I have to say I'm mellowing in my old age. HA! I appreciate the kind sentiments, gentlemen!

Andy, you can now get that Paasche H airbrush with a metal end.

Oh you are in for a treat with those kids, chap. Enjoy them.

Donn, hopefully we will see more folks trying the stuff out in 2012. I most certainly hope so.

I like the color, which one is that? It's really bright. I like the top tires as a choice. Keep it going.

Erik, I think that's the point of gathering them for shows, so people can see them and drool. I would imagine most of these vehicles are sitting in private collections and garages, and then they travel by coach to and from the shows.

I was just there yesterday and didn't see any, which means they probably got sold.

Of course, my inspiration for this was watching Jim "Hollywood" Fernandez put together the BAD GUYS DIORAMA: Photos courtesy of "Hollywood" Jim Ferandez

I don't know how many of you do this (I'm assuming it's probably an addiction all to itself!) but playing with model cars, figures, dioramas, it's all part of truly enjoying the work you do. If you've never done a vignette or a small diorama or played around with figures, you don't know what you are missing. Hope you enjoy: http://www.youtube.c...66?feature=mhee

Fantastic rendering, Gerald. I like it a lot.

Matt, some great models (I like your taste!) and some absolutely wonderful pictures too. Thanks for sharing the eye candy this year, can't wait for 2012.

Bobby, it sounds like you got a great gift there and a wonderful set up that will keep you airbrushing to your heart's content.

Luis, by the time people try to find out what happened to their vehicle, it's already miles into the Atlantic or Pacific. Sad, but true. The folks who sold their vehicles to collectors abroad made lots of money.

One of the biggest frustrations for me is to be on vacation and not be able to build or do any model related activities, and the worse thing I can do is be on the road where I'm constantly looking out for eye candy. For example, I find something like this: and I can't help but think of a million and three ideas on what I would love to build next:

Looks like a beautiful road. And the backdrop is gorgeous.

Wonderful models. Like all three . . . and the Art Deco style, like STEAMPUNK, is one of my faves. Lots of great ideas from it to be had.

Robert, I just picked mine up at my local Hobby Town. I think you are right though, they are hard to find, but if you contact Russ at Westlake Publishing Co., 1574 Kerryglen Street, Weslake Village, CA 91361, or call 805-379-0904, I'm sure you can get a copy.

Good subject to bring up, Harry. I have 4 banks of great lights hanging from the ceiling, and a about 3 desk lamps one with a huge magnifier! I think the older I get the more lighting I need.

Chuck, have you checked out the new "Chipping" liquids from AK-INTERACTIVE? They are very good.