Erik Smith

I did this math and it seems to come out a little high, or low. I am not going to conduct any market research on this as my statistical abilities would be tested by the sample size needed to get enough people to admit they build models. This was just a thought I have had for a while - I would guess that somebody with resources could do a market analysis and come up with a number. That's not me though. I DO think we should do what we can to encourage every person to try building.

I have often wondered how many active, semi-serious to serious car modelers there are. I am sure the manufacturers have an approximation. Any one here have a guess for USA? 10,000? I really don't have a clue. What about worldwide? In the same train of thought ... If the kit makers have an idea of the number of builders/buyers,, how many kits do they produce of a certain model these days? Say, the new Revell COPO? I have read MPC used to churn out hundreds of thousands of kits annually - total numbers now?

That works. You can paint concrete and it looks pretty good. If the floors are uneven, tile will not be feasible unless leveled. Same with most "rigid" materials - laminate, etc. I put some cheap laminate in my basement without leveling it off and it has worked great, though. I am not a fan of carpet - lost parts, vacuuming, dog barf...

I used krylon crystal clear with good results. I wasn't sure what would happen, but it worked. It dries fast and you can wet sand and polish.

eBay is going to start collecting on shipping charges. They are attempting to close the high shipping, low selling loophole. Are they just greedy and trying to make money for investors? Absolutely. That is the whole point. That's the little thing called capitalism. Like it or not, eBay still has the biggest audience of buyers. International shipping from US is relatively cheap for First Class International but offers no tracking or insurance. Priority is the next level up and that doubles the shipping cost. I have shipped quite a few kits to Canada and it should be about $7 USD for one kit (about 1 lb 4 oz).

Model Express has this listed as a May release - $39. http://www.modelexpress.net/cgi-bin/modelexpress/shop/TRU_2507.html Box pic now also.

Very cool. Nice work on the body. I like the steel wheels and wide whites. I would keep a hearse look, fill the back AND roof with surf board racks. Enough for everybody at the beach! This guy (or gal) is so popular, everybody loves his (or her) boards! It's not mine though, so I await the final presentation.

Hope you enjoy the day. Thanks for the work you put into the magazine and forum! Here's to 50 more!

I've heard the "triple the materials" cost estimation before too. The difference in building your models for you verses one for a client is keeping on track - nothing is more annoying to a purchaser than missed deadlines. I made some furniture when I was into woodworking and it forced me to be working even when I really didn't want to be in order to get it completed. That soured me on building for money. It works out differently for everyone, though, so throw out a number, if you both agree, go for it and learn from the process.

Huh? A fiance that likes to sand? Nice work - love those Mercs.

I like the black and yellow look. Nice build!

Lot's of reasons here for amassing large quantities of unbuilt model kits. I have to say, it is nice to have kits to steal parts from - I am not afraid nor do I hesitate to rummage through all my kits and borrow parts or replace missing/lost pieces. I pitty the fool who gets my kits after I pass on and has to figure out why the heck some idiot went through EVERY single kit and removed one shock absorber or wheel! I do have a plan for just about every kit - problem is remembering what that plan is years down the line.

You can easliy drill out and use the kit supplied distributor - no need to use one of the pre-wired ones unless you are in a hurry. Plus, you do it, you learn. You can use that $5 on something else that is more difficult to replicate. Neat build going on. I didn't know the engines on these were yellow!

There is a quote, Borges maybe, "we buy more books thinking we are buying the time to read them". Seems like an apt description of models too. I have about 125-130 models currently - I trade and sell and buy regularly, but in reality will be left with unbuilt kits someday. Some I have pilfered, others I had interest in at the time (not so much now), others I have plans for, and others are just there, waiting for a decision. Hoarder? Maybe a degree. I do have them neatly stacked on shelf in the "studio". My books? Well, that's another thread on another forum.

Perfect is the enemy of good enough. Sometimes you have to let things go to get something done. If you fret over too many things it can lead to burn out. I am guilty, though, of doing things on a model that will never be seen by anyone. I don't really know why. Some builds I fret over, some I don't.

I really like the color combination. Cool looking car.

Nice. I really like the look of the old wide bolt wheels. Check this. Cool classic hot rod look!

Yes, full engine. In fact, check it out here. Looks nice, eh?

So simple yet so effective - I can just see shaking dust out of that filter! Thanks for posting this.

I have been distracted with another build (Revell's 62 Impala) but have plugging away here too. Fuel tank and return line: The wheels and tires I'll be using - wheels are from Revell 68 charger, rears were deepened with parts from 49 Mercury: Rear end: and the engine - working on the valve covers and manifold tonight:

Bead reamers are really handy. You can use them to "sneak up" on a tight fit for undersized holes as well. I picked up a four piece reamer set at JoAnns for 9.99 - right in the beading tools section.

Not sure of factory stock color for the chassis, but if you like it silver and want to make it more realistic try painting a few of the details different shades of silver and other metal colors. That usually breaks up the unrealistic monotone look. Also, I find on silver or aluminum colored parts, a thin black wash really separates features, adds scale "shadows", and gives a very realistic appearance. Info on washes can be found on this site, google, or YouTube - don't limit to model cars though, as this technique is used extensively in military, sci-fi, and other modeling.

WOW! This looks like one awesome kit. Pricey, but look what you're getting - full engine detail, full drivetrain, photoetch, window masks. Would love to see one built up!

Randy - love that fan, man! I really like the attention to rather mundane parts - it adds another level to the overall look. Very neat.

Still has the extra hemi engine too - not mentioned on box, nice thing about parts pictured on bottom of box!