Dr. Cranky

Here's a good contender similar to what Micro Mark sells, or even Tamiya, which has put a complete studio out last year. http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/17193/prod...ography-studio/

These folks are a good source for ideas . . .. http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/

Wow, that was fast, Clay, thanks for changing the topic. Okay, onward to the overhead softbox which is very important, and it is where I would recommend anyone not to go the cheap route. This one is similar to mine. You want one that is large enough to cover your photo table surface beyond the edges, and put out as much light as you can afford. Continuous light . . . I have mine on a extension boom so that it sits low right overhead, and it's totally adjustable . . . . http://www.amazon.com/Photoflex-FVXT1SLDKI...418&sr=1-13

Here are the lights I use: I have two, and although they are not cheap, they really put out plenty of soft light that doesn't create shadows!!! http://www.amazon.com/Lowel-Digital-Imagin...7134&sr=8-3

Here's another set up that gives you everything in one, although I still recommend you use a gradated sweep. http://www.amazon.com/Samigon-Internet-Stu...995&sr=8-22

BTW--here's a reference indispensible tool that has come in very handy. http://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Arts-C...697&sr=8-16

All right, buddy, I am back. One thing, you might want to change the topic of this one to Digital photography set up so that other people can see it because right now it sounds like Virgil is in trouble or something. Before finalising my set up, I have gone through a whole bunch of different sets ups, and through experience and just testing stuff at random I settled on what I have, but recently I was very tempted to try this one: http://www.amazon.com/MyStudio-Professiona...6697&sr=8-9 There are lots of good options out there, but your set up has to work for YOU!

Thanks for the kind comments. The acrylics I find best are Floquil and I also use Vallejo and Jo Sonja, which come in tubes, but I mix a dab of it with some distilled water and some flow medium, mix them to the consistency of 2% milk, and then test a few drops out of the airbrush. I used the Micron B and C from Iwata and so the paint has to be very thin or it will not spray . . . My recommendation is to try a few times until you get the right flow . . . also, I always try to use the best quality acrylics . . . although for rat rods and junkers, I would image the store bought craft paints are just fine. I use them for the diorama work I do.

Oh, I found it, buddy. Yeah, give me a little bit of time and I will get you all the specs. The wife and I are going to dinner and so when I get back I'll get the stuff.

Thanks, B--yeah, this was the build that got it all started with the flat acrylics . . . I think all the elements came together, and the final touch--the tassels--was a suggestion from my good buddy in Utah, Hollywood Jim.

That's cool, Clay. I don't mind. Besides the topic is really about taking glamour shots of your builds. Yeah, man, the same thing happened to me. The one who gave me a big push with the picture taking is Ken Hamilton in New Jersey. He walked me through it and I also got a chance to see his set up. Of course, Ken still uses flash lights, etc . . . he's got a more professional set up than I do, but digital cameras are really addicted to bright light, so you tinker. I finally set up my own little table and I always have it at the ready. It makes for ease of use . . . so yeah, find a little spot for your set up and get trigger happy!!!

Here's my set up unlit: And here it is lit: The side lights are expensive, but they produce some great soft white light, and they come with these L-shaped reflectors you can use to light the front of your vehicles.

Oh, I forgot to mention, I use the larger sweep. The one in the add is small, so you can only use it with individual builds. I like to shoot my dios too.

Thanks, Ryan. Yeah, those are it. Let me see if I can dig up some pics of my set up . . . it's real simple, but you do have to spend a little cash up front . . .

The editor of Amusin Kruisin, a new magazine that comes out 4 times a year, published by Easy Riders Publications, is showcasing some of my builds in the next issue, and since I had to take some glamour shots in high resolution, I thought I'd share some with you. Hope you enjoy. Happy 2009, Yours Truly, D. Cranky.

Another beautiful build. Thanks for sharing it with us! Love the color too!!!

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, man, that is an amazing paintjob. Great stuff. You should do a step by step on all the details . . . just amazing. I love it!

Hey, Jantrix, I like the way this is turning out. Nice going!

I'm finding some stuff that I would like to use on this build, but don't know where or how . . .

Thanks, buddy, yeah, I'd love to put LEDs on my builds one day, but right now it's the one thing that has always stumped me . . . I don't know anything about electricity and I've always been afraid of trying it . . . one day. I hope so. One day.

Here's a link that will take you to all the skulls and bones you'd ever need!!! http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/...otCatGameStyle=

Beautiful!!!

I'm enjoying every aspect of this build. It looks like you are having a blast building this!

I could not possibly leave the back without some sort of ornament, so I found this and think it works . . . I still have to add a few more touches to it, including the rear lights, etc . . . then it's on to the enging, interior and chassis . . .

Okay, folks, here's some more progress . . . which has been slow, but I've had to do all sorts of painting tricks on this thing . . . then again, I'm not in a hurry to finish it. I am having too much fun with it. The headlight buckets and glass are in, and it took me a while to get the right look on the skulls by drybrushing them, and then painting the eye sockets blood-red!