David G.

Hello Everybody! This is Monogram's 1966 Chaparral 2D Coupe. It's my first classic purpose-built race car model. I found this kit at the 2024 Desert Scale Classic in Phoenix. I have a build thread for those who may be interested in seeing the WIP photos. Here's a link: That's all for now. Of course I have a few more photos to post but I'll get to those later. Thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post any comments. David G.

hello Everybody! Here's the final stance mockup for the Ford Galaxie 500 XL that I'm working on. With a 3mm lift in the back and a stock ride height in the front, it's the perfect stance for a weekend warrior! Thanks, David G.

It's cool the way you worked the fender flares in Ryan. This thing will be a beast when it's done. David G.

Hello Everybody! It's time for the next update on the Galaxie 500. With the rear suspension assembled as directed, the wheels seem to be a little too far forward in the wheel well. But with the body in place, everything seems to be line up as it should. With a 3mm lift in the back and a stock ride height in the front, it's the perfect stance for a weekend warrior! As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post any comments toy may have. David G.

Thank you Pierre. Yes, this kit has been a pleasant surprise. It's simple but builds up very well and looks great when it's done. The aftermarket wheels were purely a stroke of luck. They just happened to be in the box when I bought it at the swap meet this past April. Thank you Trevor, I'm glad I went with the brown color for the chassis too. It just seems right. David G.

I think the explanation that Peter shares below is a good summary for all the varying reports of the car's actual color. There are a number of differing reports as to the car's day-one color. Heck, there are even several theories just on this one thread alone! Yours is one of the better ones Peter. But when it comes right down to it, I've already decided that my version of this iconic car is going to be painted in Tamiya TS-60 Pearl Green. Because I think it will look better than a frosty pearl white. Thanks for the feedback and input, I do appreciate your comments. David G.

That's a fabulous looking wagon! I love all the kitbashed details you're adding. David G.

The color is perfect for that car! The interior detail is great too, nicely done! David G.

Ah, there it is! I followed you WIP on this one David and I have to say that the finished build looks great! I can't get over how well that interior came out. That gold highlighting really works well for the the fabric inserts. David G.

That's a great looking Jag! Excellent color choice too. David G.

The paint and foil look great Bob! Excellent engine bay detailing too. David G.

Nice clean work on the trim strips Kyle. David G.

That's a beautiful build! David G.

That looks good Bob. Are you using BMF? David G.

Hello Everybody! As model builders we all create features for our builds that we know will largely go unnoticed by the casual observer. These features can be as simple as repairing ejector pin marks in a location that will be difficult to see once the model is completed or as complex as creating correct and proper wiring and plumbing for an entire engine bay. Sometimes these details are added to gain an edge in a contest or replicate a specific subject. But most often we add these little details just for our own satisfaction. I thought it would be good for us to have a place to share all those underappreciated features, details and special efforts that we've added to our builds. A place to share photos of special efforts that we've made and are proud of but will never really be seen by others. A place to share that satisfaction. I think it would be good to post a photo of the model as a point of reference along with a photo of the detail or feature you wish to highlight. So to start thing off, I'll post a photo of my 1971 Dodge Charger: And the labels that I made for the rear shock absorbers! So dig out all those hidden details, post 'em up and have some fun! David G.

Hello Everybody! I'm in the home stretch with this one. This is one of those rare builds that seems like it's going to be an easy build... and it actually turns out to be an easy build! No nasty surprises, no unforeseen complications, no major alterations, just good, clean, model building fun! I have the last of the decals applied to the tires. They've been dull-coated and mounted, I also flat-spotted the bottoms so they sit better. There is just one more side to place the decals on then they're done. I've also installed the interior and glass. The headlights are in place too. As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post any comments you may have. David G.

Thank you Carl. No worries, you gotta take care of your health first. Without that, you can't do anything else. Thank you Trevor, it's most kind of you to say so. You're welcome Bill. I'm always happy to share information, tips and... (to the chagrin of some) ...opinions. In my mind it seems like the assembly process you're describing could be more work than building it as kitted. Unless you were doing a conversion to a full chassis car, like the Moebius deluxe version Batmobile. That's an intriguing thought. Thanks to all of you who follow along and take the time to offer your thoughts, opinions and support. David G.

It's the little victories that make life worth living. I'm glad for your success with that challenging step in the build David. The progress photos look great! It's nice watching this delightful kit come together. I imagine that all these automobiles were hand-built to order when they were made. I wonder how the build time for the actual vehicles would compare to the time you've invested in building yours. David G.

Best of luck finding one Jim. I've had mine for a few years and I was lucky to find it cheap at a model car swap meet. It's difficult for me to imagine this car with anything other than its bubble top. Every design feature of this car is tailored to fit with so integrally every other feature that it's challenging for my mind to separate them from each other. Thank you Dann, I do love these little magnets. Thank you most kindly. It's good seeing you on the boards again, welcome back. Thank you Noel. Some of the design features from the Futura did carry over to Lincolns for the next model year. For the longest time I believed that the Barris Batmobile was a customized 1956 Lincoln Premier. Yes, I too enjoy the American concept cars of this era. Many of them seemed to be adolescent flights of fancy in an era where anything was possible. A far cry from today's jellybean concept clones. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. David G.

I don't know that I've ever seen wheelie bars like these before. Maybe I have but with them tucked up under the body as they are, I just didn't notice them. In any event, they're cool and look great. Also, thanks for your comment on the Chaparral Daniel. I think this is the first comment someone has made on one of my builds on someone else's thread. Thanks again, David G.

Wow! For just a moment I thought it was a real car. The diorama really helps with that illusion. Super nice build! David G.

The interior looks great so far, love the blankets! Nice going on the body mods too. The new profile you're giving it really cries out for a matching tiny teardrop to tow behind it. David G.

Wow! An amazing build! What a great story too! It's almost like one of those episodes from that "Amazing Stories" TV series from the Eighties. David G.

Hello Everybody! The body work on the Futura continues, here's the next update. I managed to get the junction of the rear deck and rear quarter mostly smoothed out. Now it's time to get back of the car to meet the rear bumper (buttress?). And this side is even worse. I added some styrene chips back-filled with CA and baking soda to give myself some material to work with. A little filing and shaping... Now we're getting somewhere! Just a bit of putty and some sanding and we should be home free! That's all for this round. As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post any comments or questions you may have. David G.

Love those front wheels! Where's that purple paint going to go? Is it for an accent color or the whole body? David G.