VW Dave

Not to worry, Gary; the Manx seldom stays out past Thanksgiving, and this year he was pretty much away by Halloween. He gets tucked in the corner up on stands until spring has sprung: A couple of neighbors and I were slated to meet with the tree service this week to see about work we all wanted done(hoping for a 'group discount'). We wanted to wait until all the leaves had gone and the weather was cooler...looks like we waited a little too long, I guess. Today's weather? About 45-50 degress and a light rain; tomorrow might hit 60. Sometimes NY weather is a real rollercoaster ride.

Here's a shot of my front yard back on July 4th: And here is the same place on December 12th, after an overnight storm that coated everything in 1/2" of ice: The tree was disassembled this morning by my brothers and I, but I did this last night to show that my sense of humor was still intact: No cars, mailboxes or lap posts were hurt in the making of this storm....the only injury was to the tree.

Please don't give up! When it works, that stuff is the most efficient way to make rust IMO. Even though they call it 'Instant Rust,' it really isn't instant. I suggest reapplying the top solution, and if that doesn't work you might have a bad bottle of base paint(that happened to me one time). Feel free to email me directly, and I'll do whatever I can to help you get it sorted: plasticman1432@gmail.com

The nearest to a 'unicorn' for me is the AMT Meyers Manx. I bought an unbuilt one a few years back...for more than I care to say....because I wanted to replicate my 1:1 original Manx: I have since painted and stripped it twice, because matching the 1968 metalflake gelcoat has proven tricky to say the least. I seem to get either the color OR the flake size right, but not both at the same time. To date I've spent nearly half the kit price again on paint.

All I've used is the 2-part system, and my results have been very good. My first guess was that the base paint wasn't shaken or mixed thoroughly enough, but I'm thinking now that the mistake may have been the one that I also made early on: the base paint was probably not allowed enough time to fully dry before application of the top solution. If the base paint isn't fully dry, the top solution will essentially wash it away like thinner. Bretts65 - please fill us in with the steps you followed with the product, and that may yield the answer to your dilemma.

Good save of a cool old kit, Tony; I like it a bunch....even though the engine's in the wrong end.

The 1:1 in the first pic looks righteous, even if the steering wheel is on the wrong side. The fenders really seem to flow with the model, and I'm looking forward to more updates.

I'm not sure if this is the right forum or not, but I had to post it: Zukiholic(Rodney) helped me out big time with the Ram truck kit I was after for my nephew, and he even sent it out before we nailed down what I was sending him. I won't hesitate to deal with him again, and we've already made another plastic swap since then. El Destructo Inc(Mike) is someone I had already dealt with, and we recently had another fine trade deal; another one I'd gladly trade with again.

A blue big-block Mopar with dog dishes....what's not to like? Very nice job indeed.

Step up to the plate and get the Modelhaus resin one - you won't regret it.....unless you never finish it, that is. The only 'cheap' Tuckers in scale are the 1/18th-scale diecasts.

If you're making an interior look 'less than perfect,' chalk pastels and textured paints can be your friends.

Just lower the front of it, and call it the 'Arter rack.' Very slick longroof, Irv; me likey. I never thought I'd say this to a man, but nice rack.

I just picked up a snap kit for my nephew through a trade with a fellow MCM board member; he wants to build it with his dad, and I'm glad to help him find the specific kit he wanted. My mom has also gotten him a snap kit for an after-holiday 'grandmother/grandson' project.

I got 19 out of 20 on my first try; that weird oval logo(Aurora??) got me. I bet the last one tricked more than a few folks.

Horrible, simply horrible.....I say send it to me for 'proper disposal.' Seriously? There's no doubt in my mind who is the 'flame king.'

My son, Dominic Michael, was born this past Sunday night. Based on his 8lb 1oz weight, he's right about 1/22nd scale to me....for now The 2009 NNL East is already on his schedule, according to mommy. Thanks for letting me share the news with my 'extended family.'

Can't put my finger on a reason why, but I voted 'real' this time.

Brain fart.....here's a favorite shot or two, and the link to my album of pics: HVHMG 2008

I don't airbrush, so Alclad is not an option for me....that being said, I've had very good results so far with SpazzStix rattle cans. It's a little spendy, and only one local shop carries it, but IMO it's good stuff to try.

At the risk of a call from McDonald's lawyers.........."I'm lovin' it!!!"

It's like you never stopped at all....another amazing job, Brian.

I just happen to have a Fujimi new Mini model, and it does have 2 sets of chrome housings & lenses....even if I do get around to building that model, I won't need both sets. Email me and I'll see what I can do, Mike.

After 7 hours of sanding I'd expect the body to be worn away completely.

Going out on a limb here...I voted 'real.' Either way, it brings back a lot of memories seeing #19 and the name Freddie on a Honda race bike again.

At an event here in NY this past Saturday, the only 2 VWs there were mine I'm really looking forward to updates on this project for sure.