Dr. Cranky

Blogs are a good way to get the word about your builds. Yours is an excellent one, buddy.

I am loving every step of the process. Keep it going!

Some truly great paintjobs, buddy. Wonderful . . . yeah, I use the same templates . . . although I wish they would make more of them NANO size, perfect for us 1/24th scale builders . . .

Actually, I forgot to mention that Mr. Downie's book is in a second edition . . . http://www.amazon.com/Airbrush-Second-Fine.../ref=pd_sim_b_9 Also a note here on why I am mentioning the airbrush as a possibility. Like lots of modelers I started with the rattle can and quickly got tired of having such few selections, then I turned to the airbrush because I wanted to have more access to a greater palette of colors and paint systems . . . and today I use exclusively House of Kolor and sometimes Auto Air Colors when I am doing shiny paintjobs . . . when doing flat jobs I turn to Tamiya, Floquil and Jo Sonya acrylics . . .

Sound advice indeed, but you can also turn for more information to the books published by PAT COVERT http://www.amazon.com/Building-Detailing-S.../ref=pd_sim_b_1 TERRY JESSEE http://www.amazon.com/Build-Detail-Model-C...2046&sr=1-1 ROBERT DOWNIE (Our Own Zoom Zoom!) http://www.amazon.com/How-Use-Airbrush-Rob.../ref=pd_sim_b_6

Thanks for asking. I wrote an article for the mag a few issues ago . . . You can read about the method in detail here: http://modelcarsmag.netricksmedia.com/ Also, I use water because it works on melting the salt a little and I've always believed this helps create the right effects. And yes, I do use all types of salts, including Kosher!!! Sometimes I use the kind in my bagels!!!

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am loving the way this one is already turning out. Beautiful. Keep it going, please . . .

More great progress, more excellent details . . . go G go!!!

Thanks for the support and for the comments, chaps . . .

All right, friends, thanks for watching as this one got built . . . it finally made it home and into the shop, so a final round of pics . . .

The plate says it all, I guess . . .

Harry, there's all the space one needs up front. This is like a love chariot . . . the only problem might be is finding a willling participant! I would imagine the graphics can be clear coated, but I'm not about to try it . . . I mean if I did I would probably test it on a spare panel just to see if the ink doesn't run. I don't see why not though . . .

Oh gosh, yes. I remember it all too well. Ah, man, it reminds me of the fun old days of the mags . . . Plastic Fanatic, etc . . . it's a shame when a magazine loses its sense of humor. Thank heavens Gregg is insane and he hasn't lost his sense of humor . . . Oh, gee, maybe he's eavesdropping!

Well, let's see, I was working on my latest and suddenly I limo pulled up and a couple of execs from this company came to the workshop with a briefcase full of cash and they said, Hey, CRANKY! We'd love to sponsor this build . . . And suddently, well, I couldn't say now . . . LOL!!! Too bad we're not anywhere near April Fools!!!

Thanks, buddy. Yeah, I gotta finish a couple of shiny projects first and then it is back to the rusty and cruddy!

Last few . . . The watch parts always come through with the interesting accents . . .

Thanks, buddy. Yeah, I found the perfect one in my stencil collection . . . and I thought it fit the theme . . . Here are some more pics . . . I really like these low to the ground angles . . .

Here are some new shots . . . The overcharged sparkplug graphic, I think adds a nice touch . . .

All right, maties, this one is almost done. I just need the plate and a couple of other little things . . . and it should be done . . . What I like about this kit is that it really comes down to just the three beautiful components . . .

It's not just for newbies, Bill, this is good information for EVERYONE. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Riz, buddy, I don't know if this is the kind of inspiration you are looking for . . . this is yet another project I'll have to finish one day . . . http://public.fotki.com/vsuarez666/voodoo-...s/swamp-palace/

Thanks, buddy. I think it is here somewheres . . . yeah, I need to finish it!

To make perfect you can cut a piece of light blue carboard or white and make a sweep . . . for those seamless background photos . . . EXCELLENT!

You know I am always trying to guess what kinds of vehicles would show up at say at a Bo Huff's party or the Primer Nationals, etc . . . Something like this would not do well in the rain . . .

PS--the tongue and the nostril hair are really not staying just in case they were turning some of you off!!!