David G.

That tachometer is just amazing Daniel! I don't know what to say other than that, I'm running out of adjectives. David G.

Cool window stickers and the surfboard looks great! David G.

It does seem to be the case that once the part is replaced, the one that was originally lost returns to gloat smugly. Also: I like to think that everything we've ever lost throughout the course of our lives is waiting for us in there Heaven when we die. Something to look forward to! =D-

Hello Everybody! Ah, so much going on here. In reattaching the rear stabilizer and tail with each other, I snapped off the tiny little ladder that I attached to the rear hatch to support the weight of the tail section and allow the plane to sit level. I just set the plane down and *tick* it snapped off. No surprise there, I had concerns about it bearing the weight over the long term. So I went on with the planned procedure of aligning and joining the tail and stabilizer. Hence the rubber band and wire holding them together while the adhesive cures. Once the tail was set up and curing I looked to the solution for my plane's weight problem. The kit provides a clear strut that attaches to a hole in the rear fuselage to support the weight. It's rubbish. The end that is supposed to go into the hole in the fuselage has a 2 or 3mm stud that is wholly inadequate for holding it in place. So using a section of clear sprue, I fashioned a replacement that is long enough to contact the underside of the cockpit floor when inserted providing much more stability and support. I reattached the ladder with as much CA as I could reasonably use. It's not really necessary now but I've grown used to seeing there and it does help balance the weight. I flat-spotted a couple of the tires to get the plane sitting more level. I've reattached a couple of the landing gear doors that weren't well secured and got the stabilizer and wings fitted more properly. This build's been a lot of hard work, when does the fun part start? That's all for this update. As always, thanks for stopping by for a look. If you liked what you saw (or didn't) please feel free to share your thoughts with me. David G.

Nice progress on this! In addition to all of the features you pointed out, I like the slider windows on the rear side door. They look operable. Is this something you came up with or is it in the kit? David G.

It's all coming along quite nicely David. I like the technique you're using for the spark leads on the firewall. I've tried sprue stretching a few times but I just can't get consistent results. And it's a thing I'm not overly fond of practicing at due to the fumes and potential risk that an open flame creates. David G.

I've started a new build of an old kit, the Monogram '37 Cord 812. It looks like it should build up pretty good. David G.

The engine looks great, excellent choice! I like the classic custom work you're starting on the body. It should look cool when it's finished. David G.

Hello Everybody! In my last build session for the London Black Cab I was planning to assemble the interior when I discovered that the steering column had gone missing. I know I had it. I know I painted it. I just couldn't find it. After looking for it for the better part of a week, I'm about ready to admit to myself that I've lost it. A steering column shouldn't be too difficult fabricate a replacement for, I already have a part from the parts-box lined up. I guess if I had to lose something, I'm glad it was something I could easily replicate. I did some washes on the door panels to "leather" them up a little. They probably didn't need to have this done as much as I needed to do it, given how unlikely they are to be noticed once the model is assembled. But there they are. After a couple more blackwashes the radiator grille is just about where I want it to be. It's still a bit shiny for my liking so I think I'll give another shot of clear to knock back the shine a little more. I managed to get a good paintjob on the body! I'll let this cure and have a look to see what my next step will be. Most likely just a polish and clear coat. As always, thanks for having a look and please feel free to post any comments you may have. David G.

Thank you for your kind comment Mark. I wish you best of luck with your Futura build. David G.

This looks like a fun build, lots of options. David G.

Wow Daniel! I'm uh... what is it the Brits say? Gob smacked! ? That's some crazy detail, I can't wait to see how it plays out. David G.

I think sometimes we get in the way of what we're trying to do Joe, I know I do! It's like I say: "Model builders, we're problem solvers who create our own problems to solve!" But oh that feeling when it does finally click into place! =D-

Thank you Bill. Knowing the level of work you do, that means a lot to me. Thank you Ken. When I bought this kit several years ago I had two colors in mind for it, either a pale icy blue pearl or a pale pearl green. I bought Tamiya's TS-60 Pearl Green for another project but ended up using something else instead. Having some extra pearl green I was looking in the stash for something to use it on and saw the Futura on the shelf. I'm quite pleased with the outcome. Thanks again for your kind comment Ken. David G.

Nice work on the figure. He kind of looks like Ol' Henry himself! Is that Silly Putty you're using as a painting stand for the figure? I use it as a masking material but never thought to use it as a painting stand; until now. Good detail painting on the firewall too. David G.

Nice! Enjoy the build, if that's what you choose to do. David G.

Hello Everybody! Brace yourselves, it's time for the next Futura photo set. (I promise, there's only a couple more after this one) Both the front and rear bumpers needed to be built up and reshaped where they join with the body. The rear was the worse of the two. On the front bumper I had to smooth out ejector pin marks just to either side of the center grille. The kit designers tried to pass them off as the turn signal/parking lights. On the real car, those are actually in the outer corners of that center grille cove. Where I painted them in. Though they didn't give much relief to work with, I managed to paint the "Futura" script on the hood. That's all for this round. Thanks for your patience and I hope you enjoy them. David G.

Nice additions to the engine John. I'm glad to see that you also added a bracket for the alternator. It's amazing how many times I see builders add plug wires, fuel lines and throttle springs but leave the alternator out there just hanging from the fanbelt. You have a good looking stance on the car too. It looks like you have "big & littles" on it but it's in the rubber, not the rims. That's a good way to do it. David G.

The rivets do add a lot to the appearance of the wagon. Well worth the effort Donald. As for the lighted magnifier, I've been using one for years. It's literally bolted to my desk. David G.

Thank you Carl, I'm glad you liked the show. Thank you Hector, I appreciate that. David G.

Thanks Joe. I'm just glad that it worked out that way. Sometimes it doesn't, as I think you may know. =D-

I always see "Wheels Down" as a turning point in building a model car kit. To me that's when it goes from being a model kit to being a model car. An excellent solution to the matter of the wheels. Nicely done! David G.

The dash padding just looks right. That's one of the things I love about this hobby, repurposing mundane household items for uses like this. Cool! =D-

That's quite an impressive build Donald! I love the color, the wood looks great and the detail is excellent. Add in the lighting and wow! David G.

It's the same with me Brian. This is the first airplane kit I've built since I was a teenager. As I recollect, it was this very kit in fact. I'm glad to know that you're enjoying the build thread. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. =D-