Dragline

Well JS, whatever you choose for a motor you're off to a grand start. Should be another winner like the Plymouth. I'll be watching. Bob

Going full frame hog on this one eh! It's looking great. I was thinking you'd be using some kit supplied frame, but this is going to be FAR nicer! Watching with great interest. Bob

WOAH! That is killer! The paint looks superb. Great execution of a tough scheme. Who made the decals? This is one I'll be watching. Bob

Yep, I painted it with Tamiya rattle can, but clear coated it with Testors 1814. That's what I'm waiting for to dry. Those are the kit decals on there. VERY thin and take only a few seconds in tepid water to release. Not a bad set of decals all things considered. As opposed to say the Blue Max reissue. Those decals should have been re-done. They are not even long enough for the body. Thanks for nice words. Bob

Thanks John... Coming from a Master, that is high praise indeed. After it is polished and all the little bits are on I will be pleased. You're right about it not being an "easy" kit. Still have to finish my Garlits 1-R build which languishes on the shelf mocking me. This site has taken my building to the next level, and your builds have inspired me so I thank you for that. Bob

Coupla body on shots. I'm getting antsy to finish this so I can break out the Reher Morrison again. Bob

I built this when it first came out. Gosh, that was a while ago.... This looks great. Still a classic kit. Bob

Yet another killer AWB by you! Do you sleep? LOL Not sure if I like this or the Farmer build. Can I have em both? This way I won't have to choose... Bob

Now this is VERY nice indeed. The paint is outstanding and the lights do have a look like they're on. I love seeing these old kits done up with modern touches. This is a beautuiful build. Bob

Very cool Mongoose digger.... Thos Slixx decals look very nice on there. I have a set from eBay and while they look good, not quite as nice as Slixx I imagine. But I do have the Snake one as well. Keep building diggers. You have the knack for it. Bob

Gosh Ron, if I had your dedication to accuracy I'd have a hole in my stomach. It's guys like you who truly make Replica Stock an actuality instead of an ideal. I'll be watching this unfold so i can learn what it takes to build to your level of integrity. Bob

Crickey, this is modeling on a whole other level! Building without glue is tantamount to actually being a coachbuilder in many respects. You have my admiration on what are universally known as tough to build kits. Muy Caliente' Bob

Getting close to wrapping this project up. Looks like I have only to polish the clear coat, add the PE throttle, steering bits and water outlets on the heads. I made a new push bar from aluminum tubing with a tee over the kit supplied chome piece. I also made new steering bits from the same tubing. I'm getting fair at making slight bends in the tubing that look very realistic in my estimation. The kit headers were a real chore, since I had no replacements in my rather shallow parts box. Wheels/tires came from a Polar Lights kit but I ran out of tire decals so those will have to wait to be applied. I should be able to polish this in about 3 days. Darn enamels! One day I'll get an airbrush. Comments/Critiques welcomed of course. Bob

Gorgeous car! Dickie always had beautiful cars and yours is a fitting tribute indeed.. Bravo! Bob

Looking good. I have this kit and am going to do the Soapy Sales car... Eventually. Good looking color. Tamiya blue? Bob

This is YET another great build John. Why don't you take pix of your current project/s so we can see how you arrive where you do? Most of us post "in progress" pix. It helps us to see how each of us differs in our approaches to similar tasks. Just an idea. This sure looks sweet! Bob

You can scratchbuild the barrel valve for the hat if you have some plastruct. I made one for the first time for my Tommy Ivo car and it came out pretty well. Take a look. The distribution blocks are also easy to scracthbuild. I assume you have a pin vise drill set? If so, none of these elements are past your skills that's for certain. Bob

Made some more progress on this car. Lots of fitment issues as usual with a model of this vintage. The steering wheel is positively HUGE. I installed the engine permanent like. Hooked up the fuel and oil lines. I used a Revell AA/FC oil block out of the Blue Max kit. That kit has been VERY helpful. I have pilfered quite a few parts including the steering wheel for this project. Clear coat is dry enough to lightly play with so I slipped in the frame for these shots. I have a bit of touch-up to do as there are a couple of bubbles there on the top rail. I plumbed the brakes and if you build this kit make sure to elongate the drivers side axle. It's to short. I added a 1/4" to it to make it slide past the body. Not sure what to paint the inside of this. Probably flat grey. An enjoyable kit if you perservere. I'll be buttoning this up in the next few days. Bob

Both rims are cool and correct. Looking forward to seeing it done. Old's cool.. Bob

Another Over The Top build John. You keep building such unique subjects. You are inspiring me to go full scratch and build a car no one has ever built. This is indeed inspiring me. Bob

That really POPS! The color is sublime really. Nice foil work as well. The level around here continues to astound me. This car is no exception. Bob

The question is, will you have some at NNL East? I want one of course. Bob

I had to turn the Gamma down on my monitor to look at this build! Wow! Very nicely done in all respects. Bob

This Bug MUST be a girl. It has the ability to accesorize! Execution, craftsmanship, inventiveness. That, and what all the other guys said. AMAZING. Bob

You really should get this done, it looks great. Do you have any paint/Sponsor ideas? Bob