Cato

LOL! Me too!

I just wet myself..........

A-mazing and thank you kindly! Warp-free from 1952??? (((gasp))) I used-to build 1/4 scale R/C a/c in the late '70's and replaced a lot of pulpy wood then...

Pictures or you're makin' it up.

OK you win-start slackin' off. But I think with an Optivisor.................

What-you can't glue a human hair on there??

Harry I EXPECT to see those pin stripes around the circumference. Or we strip you of your brass polish.

First check to see if Geiger's gonna be there............................

I think Skip should clear the kitchen table and do the FIAT...

The skirts as drawn are a brilliant touch. Like Skip, I worry for the top.

Gordon Murray's masterpiece (for the time) the BT-44; http:// And the previously mentioned Matra:

So glad you're posting it here Erik. Not going to miss this.

You Frank, Skip and Harry make it fun. -and stop goading me into trouble, I'm over my head now!!

Chuck, Your entire post is spoken with truth and the voice of angels-a perfect analysis. But I'll warn you that any day now you will be bashed as an 'elitist' for putting the onus on manufacturers and talking down to the 95% that just like acceptable models and 'what's your problem??'

I'm used to being on the spot Aaron so no worries. The Cobra model world is very much like your example of the H-34 and Agent G's examples; even the best intentioned kit designers copy what they're given and it becomes their model version. The problem is they don't really know the subject from personal experience or depth of study. Because there are 40+ different Cobra replica mfgrs, many model kits are born with bogus parts like wheels, pipes, hoses and engine components that 1:1 owners wanted on their cars. The models all come with off-road steamroller tires and wrong stance. That's not to mention the already-difficult curves and proportions to replicate accurate 1:1 Cobra replicas. I doubt if any Cobra model was digitized from an original '60's Cobra. Because you'd be able to look at it and instantly say 'that's right'. Then there's the limitation (especially in the smaller scales) of thickness of critical visible parts like windshield frames and glass. But I have no idea why PE parts for those are not in today's $25+ kits. I had a 1/24 Climax model which had white metal parts and they were in perfect scale. But no one today likes to pay those prices. Not many MFH builders on here. TDR made a good attempt at their 1/8 car but it too had errors to the familiar eye. But it looked great to any who have never been around or driven these car. Look, it's not about Cobras-Harry's point as I see it is that mfgrs could and should try harder to present more acceptable levels of the basics of shape, proportion and detail in a well engineered kit. Not 'shake and bake' easy and not 'museum scale' either. Even those that just want a nice shelf model would appreciate not having a lump that you have to squint at to recognize. You know Art made a good point about Moebius being very diligent with CAD and feedback from modelers and they too had some rough spots on some otherwise really nice models. I never said what they do is easy.

Well you should have ignored my post Uncle Tom. Disagreeing with an opinion can be done without bashing the credentials of the writer-especially when you're talking through your 6 hole. Your research into what allows me to make my observations is nicely painted to be a slam and not based anywhere near fact. You can see some background on me in Virgil's book 'Styrene Stars' or the cover story in MCM #156. In the book, starting on page 118, you can look at the pictures on those six pages or have someone read it to you. I see I have 1000+ posts here and not one 'lookin' good' 'attaboy' or entertainment post. My contributions and questions are in all the major forums. So here's what else you missed; you and George can enjoy your 'just toy cars' side of this hobby without the trite 'panties in a wad' bashes. Others of us strive to get more out of it. You don't understand that Harry's original point (and mine, Nightowl's, Charlie Larkin's and others) was NOT a bash on guys like you-it's the MANUFACTURERS. So your childlike 'what's with you guys' is totally clueless. I would never question you model credentials because I never cared to look, based on the drivel you've 'contributed' here. Stupidity WITH arrogance is apparently your expertise.

Stop buying Revell's junk toy kits and buy Asian and German imports. I know, they don't make Mercs and pick-ups and such. But Revell would get a message if adults stopped buying their trash. 'Cause kids sure aren't. Moebius makes a much more serious effort to get the look right and engineer well. I'd gladly sand seams and remove flash if I started with a kit that looked exactly like it's 1:1 in shape, proportion and mechanical details. That Mustang LX is another poor example where roof has to be hacked and repositioned, rockers, trunk...arrrgh. That's what Harry's talking about.

X2 brother. And especially with digital scanning and now 3D printing looming. That 1/12 GT-350 is a perfect (but older) example. No 2 panels match the 1:1.

You are officially a 'junkie'...

I guess I've gotta thank Dr. Archive -Skip- for brainstorming this idea and giving Harry the impetus to put on another show. Among the things I love about all these early cars is the sheer 'mechanical-ness' of them. They really look like industrial revolution machines. They suggest that you needed big bullets to drive them at speed with effectiveness. They're all big spoked wheels, gears, levers, ratchets, chains and a bare minimum of controls and no comforts. Always dusty (then-not now in museums) and used hard. A kid's dream about going fast. These recent threads by you guys are a breath of fresh air about where we came from automotively. The Stutz, Locomobile, Mercer and Fiat are just wonderful examples and I'd love to have any of them on my bench. Keep 'em coming. Maybe a section for 'early machines' Harry?? Or too many sections already? Also in this vein but later are Campbell's Bluebird (not that hosed-down movie car), any of the early LSR monsters with aero engines, and the AutoUnion and Benz Autobahn record holders. Love to see large scale kits of those. ...that Fiat is getting tempting.

Beautiful work and a great idea to post old (and successful) WIPs. Post more...

Sanding sealer from the paint store or model airplane dope works fine. Sands well and fills some grain.

You may be bidding against Harry.....................

I agree and it's a good fake-job. Many A/C guys 'gizmo-fy' wheel wells, cockpits etc. Gray is good-maybe darker, like NATO or something. Edit: Maybe we should ask Skip-it IS his project...

Harry-Criticism alert! Only thing I don't like is the light blue wiring on the firewall-doesn't look '1914-ish'... My favorite part of the engine bay is that drive belt on the generator-perfect detail.