redscampi

Too many posts in a row with no pictures in this thread. This is technically not a car - but it has wheels. Today I got this 1/9 Protar Norton Manx. It's mint but the box lid is a bit rough. I can live with it. The seller included a very cool Model Cars mag from 1969. I'm betting some of you might have pictures or articles in there.

I will be interested to see how you pull these colors together. I have to say at this stage I'm a bit skeptical, but hopeful! Following this thread with interest however. I've had a few Datsuns in my day including an 85 300ZX and my daughter had a 280Z 2+2 "canoe".

Very creative! Bet it does wicked burnouts!

This reminds me of an incident that happened very early in my career. I might have been able to foresee the issue if I'd had more experience but I was fresh out of college. Like you, I was involved in aerospace. We had a project to fabricate inner engine cowls for an antique airplane being restored by company retirees. The originals had been removed during restoration activities and subsequently lost (A thing that happens way too often in a supposedly controlled environment). The "engineering drawing", also done by retirees, consisted of an 11X14 sheet of paper with an oblique sketch and a couple of side views drawn out with a few relevant dimensions. I showed this iffy drawing to the hammer shop guy and he said he could make it. Fabrication involved creation of a huge punch and die and many hours over the course of months. Finally, the parts were done. The engineers were ecstatic and loaded them up and took them back to the airplane where it was determined that they had been fabbed completely backwards (180 degrees out). The whole thing had to be done again.

"I cut it three times and it's still too short!"

It is $18 US at HLJ right now. Found it on eBay for $35 and about $7 to ship to me from Burbanks House of Hobbies. The only caveat I’d add is that most of these kits don’t have engines or opening hoods, so you might have to buy 3d printed motors if you’re going to detail under the hood. On the other hand things like wiper arms are molded separately on some kits and they are exquisite. The main thing is that you can’t find a lot of these domestically without paying through the nose, if at all. Europe may have better access.

This guy might be a potential source: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/willrace-scale-models Unlike most stuff on Shapeways his prices don't seem outlandish. He doesn't list the transaxle but may have a file to print from.

I have the 1/8 John Player Special and had a look at the transaxle in it hoping that it might be similar enough to be modified into what you need since parts are a little bit easier to come by for that kit. But, no joy, it's a completely different design. If that part splits in half as it appears I don't see why it couldn't be easily and economically cast in resin.

First part of order from Hobby Link Japan. These kits are ridiculously priced on eBay and Amazon, but very reasonable at HLJ. The trade off is that shipping seems a bit high, but domestic shipping is really high these days too. By the way, these kits are very finely made, both Aoshima and Fujimi (and Hasegawa!). Domestic companies could learn something from them.

Stellar work on this kit! When you blow up the photos you really see the craftsmanship that went into this model. I have finally landed one that is open and I won't be worried about building. Thanks for the inspiration! Note: I have a Revell first issue (1964) that has a price tag on it for $2.99

I want to get the Touch Tone Terror. It's on the list. I've never seen that Street Beast. Now it's on the list , too.

Really sweet! I've always liked the lower trim levels on these cars.

Following with much interest. This particular bike is a favorite of mine because I owned a '72 back in the early 90s. I have several kits of this bike, but all in larger scales - Heller, Airfix, MPC, Nagano, Tamiya. Thanks for the head's-up on the Aoshima kit! You may already know but there is also a CB400 Four kit by Aoshima listed at Hobby Link Japan.

Very nice looking model!

To be fair...trucks and trailers take up a lot of room!

Wick, I found this stuff in my parts stash. If you're interested send me a PM. The inner column is glued into the wheel hub that is separated from the rim so might require some surgery to extract it. Or you could re-glue the rim potentially. If you have a photo of the finned valve cover and the Stromberg, there is a possibility I might have something. Gary

You want us to give you aftermarket parts? Just kidding!

This question comes up occasionally. (Not if you are insane but how many kits is too many) If you have room, can afford it, don't feel pressure from having "too much stuff", and your significant other does not object then you can't have too many. How many do you need? N+1 You only live once.

This is great! I was toying with the idea of ordering one of these from HLJ. Now I have to!

Great start! The engine looks very good so far.

Gary, this is some very fine modelling! Definitely not wasted time. The fleet looks outstanding!

Very cool! I love these and I have a few of the various old Harley 1/8 kits. On this particular one mine is mint with loose parts excepting a broken frame half. I was able to find a California Highway Patrol parts kit and swapped in a part from that. Black rather than red plastic, but who'll know when it's painted?

Beautiful work on this!

The Bullitt chase car with dog dishes! Way cool! The Dart is awesome too!

Very nice! Kind of a knock-yer-eye-out color.