Dr. Cranky

Sean, I can tell you that in the 10 years I've been back building models, I still enjoy building OOB. I still have fun with simply just putting a model together. The levels you will achieve will come in due time. Enjoy the journey and the scent of all that fresh styrene. To have fun, it's the only gutsy reason to build a model.

Amazing stuff, buddy. Just pure eye candy. Wow.

I like both models. I think you did a great, clean build with wonderful details. I hope to build one in the coming months.

The thing about Mr. Doan, as is the case with so many other builders, is that he is generous with his techniques and experiments. So by watching we get to learn a great deal about the process.

I love models like this. Great job on the paint and the weathering. Lots of details to keep the viewers' attention. Congrats. I hope you will show us more.

I like the paintjob. Keep it going.

Here's a link to the grafitti decals I use: http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&rlz=1R2GGLL_en&q=Graffiti+Decals+in+HO+Scale&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=PZlFTK3kGsK88gbj4vWjBQ&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=image&resnum=3&ved=0CCwQzAMwAg

Thanks, folks. I appreciate the input. The decals on the body are HO Railroad decals you can order to use on box cars . . . they are perfect in HO scale to be used on 1/24th cars. I am pretty sure if you have artistic inclinations you can draw them on there with ink pens, etc . . . As with all decals, I always airbrush a little FUTURE CLEAR, let it dray, apply the decals smooth, and then seal them in with a bit of Dullcoat. Works very well. To answer the question about the tarp. If you make the tarp over Saran wrap, the tarp should be able to come off the body after it dries rock hard. You turn the tarp over and either remove the plastic wrap alltogether or you can trim it off with a pair of scissors.

LOL! Nothing beats tools with multiple uses. I've never turned one on a lathe . . . some of them are so small . . .

I likes it. Indeed, a good, clean model!

We can always turn to our military models bretheren and learn a thing or two: http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery.htm

Thanks, R.R.!

I agree with Tim, I'm loving the craftsmanship that's going into this one! Wow!

WOW, this one I must see finished. What a great start! Keep it going. You are going to end up with a winner.

Sure, it's Monday and how much eye-candy drool are you ready for? For a complete brain explosion, go here: http://public.fotki.com/ChuckDoan/

Thanks, Nick--building clunkers and junkers and rats provides me with a nice respite between shiny stress-filled paintjobs.

For those of you interested in using magnets in future builds, go here: http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/

Good question. You can cut the head off a pin, and put it in a drill vise and just do subtle scratches . . . random, of course, and LESS IS MORE.

Thanks, yes, recreating flat tires is a bit difficult. I've tried experiments with heat, etc . . . but I am convinced that perhaps the best results are acheived by cutting a segment of the tire and then using epoxy (green stuff in the Warhammer World) and sculpting the flat rubber around the tire. I always like to bury my tires and that seems to solve "flat" issues! LOL!

For those of you who are lovers of junkers, clunkers, and realistic dioramas, enjoy: http://www.myspace.com/timprythero

Like this:

Geez, there goes my imagination . . . I can see a burned-out TRABANT in the works when the kit comes out!

Go TOOTHLESS! Go ZOMBIE! Go HUNTING!!! Can't wait to see what you cook up!

Here's another example of an old build's headliner into which I stuffed the remnants of a bird's nest: And again, the hint and suggestion of something there goes a long ways . . .

Thanks, buddy. I hope everyone will posts their results and experiments . . . share the eye candy.