Erik Smith

Very nice Dodge. I like the engine detail - especially the fan belt and pulleys. Two tone paint is very nice too. Great job and thanks for posting.

Second try turned out fine. I have the other mold half curing now so I'll post the results in a few hours. I will try some different silicone after this. If I can't figure out why it is doing something weird, I can't do anything to avoid it.

Wow. Excellent build. Very nice work. I love the photography too. I'm going to look at it some more.

I heart Multiplas! I want this, real or model. I realize I could not afford either.

Pretty inspiring. So this is what's possible. The working windows are something else - insanity.

I agree with Rob - call it a 327. Great engine. The funnest part of this build for me is the research. I have been slowly assembling the parts I will need and keeping everything 1962 or older is great opportunity to read up on the history of the engines, etc. There is more information than you need and it's only a click away. Here I have so far gathered the 390 block from AMT '62 Thunderbird, Borg Warner 4 speed t-10 from AMT's 1960 Starliner kit, exhaust manifolds from same, and intake from the T-bird kit. I also have the valve covers from Revell's Mysterion kit that will be modified to correctly match those of the 406.

Casey - no, did not degas as I put in a pressure pot. Yes, quick set. I used the metal on the first run and the mold turned out fine - it was my error in placement of vents and sloppy work on the small spokes that caused the first failure - the silicone worked fine BUT was from an older bottle. Shrinkage occurred around the metal on one side and to the right (in first photo) of the piece - on the opposite side of the metal. Ryan - I left the mold in the pot for 12 hours. Thanks for the replies guys. I have "reclayed" the part and poured another batch of silicone last night at 10:00, so I'll give a full cure time in the pot and check the results later today. I didn't really do much different - I did make sure mix was correct and pressure pot was working properly. "Insanity: trying the same thing and expecting different results" - we will see!

Nice build. The convertible will make it so much easier to see the beautiful interiors.

Can't give any tips as mine is still in the box. Looks good so far - i'll be watching. These look like really nice kits - in fact, the casting on them is nothing short of fantastic.

Let's see - love 62 Catalinas. Love steel wheels. Love the color. Yes, I will enjoy observing this build.

Google Sketch Up Free!

I am making a two part mold of a wheel. First attempt taught me what I should do right on the second. I had all the parts laid out fine, tight, smooth seal with clay along mold line. Poured Alumilite quick set RTV silicone on. Placed in pressure pot. When I removed he clay, the mold silicone looks like it shrank and pulled away from the part; That trough in the mold was not there in the clay. Here is another spot: Under the metal I used for a pour spout, the silicone is a good 1/8 inch pulled down ( or up, since this picture is the bottom). Any ideas on why/how this happened? Was this from the pressure pot (40psi)? Bad silicone? Bad mix ratio? Silicone was just purchased new. I have been disappointed in Alumilite's resin (brown colored stuff - way too thick) is their silicone good stuff?

That is some fantastic work. A quick glance says "oh, a 49 Mercury, lowered". But upon closer examInation, there is some awesome, custom additions. The doors are great. Paint is nice and smooth. Nice all the way.

...that are less than a football field long. That thing is cool. I would love to see some more shots - that engine looks like it needs to be seen. I can imagine DOF in a photo is pretty tough - I have trouble keeping an 8 inch model in focus. Great work.

I, too, have been looking at the kit. I am going to sell some kits in the next couple weeks and hopefully profit enough to purchase from MM. I will give a "newbie" look at it when I get it going. I have been googling and looking around at other forums and some builders have been able to do a decent job.

Cool. I love minis. This version (1/12) is not really a "classic" mini as it represents a fuel injected 1992 model - the basic shape is there though. I'll be following along as I have one of these kits too! Here's a shot at my girls' school of a classic

You will improve by visiting and viewing this forum. You will not even realize how much information you read and don't think about, but use. I can honestly say my building has improved greatly since coming back into the hobby and sites like this - showing you what is possible - help. It's also nice to know you are not alone in the world of styrene. Welcome!

That is a great one, Christian - thanks for posting these pictures. I like to browse HERE, your probably familiar with the site.

The Japanese have made A LOT of models - some pop up all the time that I have never seen. There are some pretty hardcore collectors there too. Care to share a couple pictures of some rare ones? I'd love I see them.

Neat. Is that your own conversion? Any engine pictures? Why is it hiding behind that fence? I love seeing four door models.

You would think Google could come up with pictures of a lot of these kits - but it isn't that easy. They must be rare if Google can't even find them.

Otaki Honda S800 Coupe 1/12 for me - if I could even find a photo I would post. Last one I saw for sale was eBay - guy brought it back from Vietnam.

SEALED!

Modelhaus doesn't do a 70 - they have a 73 wagon. I am not aware of a four door 70 Caprice - doesn't mean there isn't one.

Followed a link on Craigslist post/ad - was kind of a weird set up, but I got pretty excited when I saw these. I was even more excited when they actually appeared at my door. Seller had a few other vintage kits I purchased too. I hate and love Craigslist.