Dr. Cranky

So if it is about the model, then something like this will grab a hold of you and not let you go . . .it will live in your dreams for a good long time . . .

So the modeler trading cards is out of the question? Can you hear the kids at model car shows going: Hey, I'll trade you two Guvstafsons for your one Hiscano?

I am hoping you are getting an earful, Gregg . . . it's a big wide world of builders out there and there are all sorts of factors you will have to evaluate . . . I like the work of new killers like Clay Kemp and Steve Boutte, but I also get wowed by builders who can do amazing imaginative work like another favorite BILL BORGEN!!! Here's a simple formula I would use to be able to detect a classic. Skill + Imagination = ORIGINALITY

Okay, I guess I will also toss in some of my very favorite builders ROGER YU and JIM "HOLLYWOOD" FERNANDEZ When it comes to imagination, those two have the market cornered!

Just when you thought you've seen it all when it comes to paintjobs, along comes something this amazing and wonderful. And CRAZY!!! I love it. Wow!!! This one made the mercury burst out of the Coolness thermometer!

Yeah, I would say Model Master too, but the more I use Tamiya the more I like it. These days, though, I am an airbrush fiend . . . And for that I use mostly Floquil and diluted Vallejo acrylics . . . they give great results . . . Though I also use Tamiya paints . . . For the shiny jobs I have to say there's nothing like HOK, but you have to wear a respirator or you are going to destroy your nervous system.

Oh, my, and let's not forget Dave Roehrle from that part of the country too, who builds a mean mean beater . . . And who is the infamous builder of the legendary MERCARI HUNTER!!!

Yeah, you are right. Mr. Gregg is looking for models . . . specific models . . . I have to say though that a big influence on all of us who like to build beaters and junk trucks was the great Hogdoo Grundy himself (Pat Covert's alter ego) and I can think of at least three or four builds that just ring CLASSIC all the way around. The first one that comes to mind is the Carnival Truck he built probably back in the mid to leat 80s. The other one is the camp mule Pat built in collaboration with Ken Hamilton!!! The model was feature in back-to-back issues of Scale Auto Enthusiast . . . I think everyone has seen it.

I'd say #3 and #6 appeal to me . . . though I am a sucker for work trucks and rat rods . . .

The other great idea or angle on this could be that a master builder introduces a younger builder they think is doing great work . . . So in essence you'd be showcasing two builders in one article . . . Surely there's got to be lots of both established and young/new builders out there . . . Any way you slice it, it make for some great reading in the magazine . . .

Yeah, I agree with Howard, there are builders like Ricky Couch, Pat Covert, Tommy May, etc who've been doing some great work for decades . . .

I guess if we could get Jairus to get Gregg to focus . . . on something other than that new SWEET Toyota vehicle he just got . . . or if we all keep nagging him . . . Harry, you lead the charge!!!

Or even better--just to drive you crazy, Mr. Gregg--how about a centerfold poster of the builder surrounded by a few of his/her builds . . . With a masthead that reads the same on every issue: IF YOU KEEP READING OUR MAGAZINE, YOU TOO CAN BE THIS GOOD!!!

Oh, well, one more thing: If you really think my idea is stupid, then ponder this one: You'll Love it!!! Okay, so every issue of the magazine will have a mystery (playing card--yeah, like Topps basebal or football) with the mugshot of a builder, some words, and then a picture of one of his/her more famous builds . . . And these can be collected, traded, and or pegged on a board so you can have fun throwing darts at the builder of your choice!!! Every issue will have a collectors card! Yeah, the more I think about the idea the more I realize I am totally INSANE!!!!

I agree that there should be a healthy mix of young and established builders . . . And the articles can probably not take any longer than a page. They would include the builder pictured at his workbench, a few pictures of the featured builds and then the rest of the space given to a mini interview that might include great tips that the builder wants to pass on to younger folks, etc . . . I mean, I don't have any formal layout in mind, but I think those three things would really be a plus. The interview is meant to be read, of course, but it could also be an introduction . . . I don't want to mention any names, but I would tell you the one person I would love to see featured in the new builders (up and coming) list: ANDY JOHNSON. And this is precisely why it would work. I've never been able to track down Andy to tell him I'm a big fan, and I'm no stalker, but I sure as heck would like to know more about him, his work space, and building techniques. Okay, I'll shut up now!

You bet, there are lots of great builders out there that I would love to read a profile and brief interview: Tommy May, Steve Boutte, Ted "Chopper" Lear and many others . . . the list would grow and grow, which is a great sign!!!

I knew someone in the "antique" business who bought Hot Wheels on sale from Wal Mart (at 47 cents a piece), burried them for a few months, then sold them as "attic" finds, some for as much as 4.99!!!

The reason I stopped collecting Hot Wheels is because I realized I could never own all 1 Billion plus of them!!! Now, there's a room I'd love to see . . . someone with even a million Hot Wheels in the collection!!!

I have a small collection, but almost a complete collection of Johnny Lightning vehicles . . .

It doesn't get any better than that! Great build. Thanks for sharing it with us!

I think it'd be a great series to do some interviews and prolife some master builders. We can start with people like Ken Hamiton (who we should actually roast on his birthday next year) and then move on to Pat Covert, and some other folks . . .

Nobody does that signature swoop SMOOTHNESS better than Chopper!!! This one is no exception. I love the color!!!

Wow, I like it. Just the way it is . . . I can't wait to see it painted and detailed . . . SWEET!!!

Hey, Jim, great to see you over here . . . yeah, lots of folks have been admiring your build and though I was almost tempted to get credit for being it's builder, you know I could not do that . . .

Hi, Jeffrey . . . yeah, man, if you guys ever decide to put a South Florida/Miami model car club together, let me know . . . I am sure there are a few more builders in the area . . . a few years ago, the owner of a now-defunct hobby shop in Kendal (SW 117th street) put together a couple of shows and lots of people showed up. Keep me posted, and keep building great rides . . . Oh, and just to clarify, that Monster Merc is not mine but my friend Jim Fernandez who lives in Utah.