Jim Gibbons

Very nice build of one of Ford's better ideas. I used to see one race in the Firestone Firehawk series support race at the Canadian Grand Prix in the early '90s. With straight pipes, they had a really unique engine sound, and did quite well among all the smaller cars.

This may not be my absolute best build (I think my 1/43rd Starter Ferrari 275P is it) but it's one of my favorites. It's the closest I found to my first 1:1 car which was a '54 Ford Customline. I painted the '53 in the same colors and interior scheme as my car. Even though it's my favorite, I'm going to give this model to my brother who was a teenager at the time I owned it, and he loved it. I also gave him that Ferrari and a '57 Chrysler 300C, and I keep pestering him to take photos of them so I can post them in my gallery!

This is stunning work. The turned headlight bezels make a huge difference, along with the flat lenses you used. If I'm not mistaken, they are Hella H4 headlights. I installed a set of those on my '78 VW Rabbit, and had the best light distribution I ever came across. They're technically illegal for street use in the U.S., but no one ever noticed during annual inspection!

Well, the great thing, Harry, is that this is early enough in the tooling to hopefully catch it. I have a 1/32 AMT/Revell '55 Chrysler New Yorker I've diddled with for the past 15 years, but unfortunately is not finished enough to take a comparison photo. The rear roofline is definitely higher than the Moebius version. I'm missing one of the grilles on the '55 which has put it on the back burner. My chances of finding a replacement are slim to none. Maybe I should do a custom.

Way cool...I only have one comment on your engine compartment; you've included the heater ducts, which would be a little ineffectual on this car! You've already built a gas tank, and you're using the Revell chassis, so that works. I think the old IMC/ Union reissue Beetle had a fully detailed chassis (my memory is a bit dim...built the IMC version in the early '70s) so if you ever want those details, that's the chassis to use. That really doesn't matter, however; this is looking great!

Another kit I MUST have. It raises the bar on detail. I was impressed by the separate "robe rails" or whatever they're called on the front seat backs. I can feel my wallet lightening already! My brother wants to commission me to build one for his friend that has a 1:1. The H-E-T Club will definitely buy these in bulk.

Beautiful; already on my list of "Must Haves!"

Very nice! I'd like to chase down another copy of the old Hawk Mercedes Benz W163 I built as a kid. I also wish more of these old Merit kits were reissued.

Just incredible, and what everyone else has said!

Man, I am going to miss this thread when it's done. As an aside, here's an article from Autoweek that I got this morning. The spiritual successors are still racing in ALMS. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100727/ALMS/100729862

This is an offbeat idea, and you would have to test it on a scrap painted piece of the same type paint. I use medical adhesive removal pads to remove the residue from the cloth bandage part of my ostomy rig. (Yup, I get to "go" in a bag hanging from my side!) The reason to test it is these pads are basically a petroleum distillate on a "cloth" pad. They're very effective, but might remove paint. They don't seem to irritate my skin, so may be a bit milder than "GooGone" (which I DO use when I run out of pads!) The problem is they're pricey; I pay $19 for a box of 50. If you know someone who works in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office, you might ask them to get you a few. GooGone is an option, but seems to be a bit stronger. Both do leave a slightly oily residue after use which I remove with hand sanitizer, but any alcohol would do. Again, TEST IT FIRST, and if it works, make sure all residue is gone, than maybe test shoot some clear to make sure there is no absorption of the stuff into the paint which might cause problems. Just a brainstorm which may prove to be a bad idea!

No, the one I saw didn't have any glass, as it was strictly a show car and not street legal. It did have head and tail lights, though. I can't remember if it had the front parking lights on the top of the fenders, but I doubt it. The picture you posted of it at the VW stand doesn't appear to have them. I'm not sure if the lights were even wired up.

And the Eiffel Tower is just some structural steel! It's coming out beautifully. Are you soldering or gluing the wire?

Well, it must mean you got your wheels. Good to hear...I will continue to progress at the speed of a berserk snail regarding the machined wheels. (The good news is that my friend just got his repaired computer back, and it has Autocad, so when the time comes, I can do the drawings.) Looking forward to the Under Glass postings!

Wow, finally one I know! (I think!)

I have a 1/16 MG-TC that is similar; doors are separate without hinges. I really want to build it, and have to research a hinge tutorial for it. I want to do it in a color scheme I saw on a 1:1 MGTB; medium grey fenders, charcoal grey metallic body, maroon chassis, wheels, interior, and grille insert. Incorrect for a TC, but a stunning color combination.

Like Mark, I never get tired seeing these! Keep on posting!

That's fantastic news! The power of prayer is indeed a strong one; I know it worked for me. Several years ago, I nearly died from complications after two major surgeries, and the doctors didn't think I was going to make it. Well, I'm still here! You and your wife will continue to be in mine.

ROFL...but WHY did you have to bring up Paul Williams and Rod McKuen in the same list? Man, I thought I had cleansed them from my life. I don't think I can take it...

Despite your paint issues, it's coming together beautifully. The weather in NY's Hudson Valley has been similarly dreadful, and I haven't been able to work on much because of it. I'm getting tired of sub-assemblies and detail brush painting!

These are all so cool! I love the 50's, early 60's Nascar racers.

Really nice! I love the old British sports cars.

One of my favorites is the early "redline" '57 Thunderbird. I need a few days to find it, and I'll post a picture of it. I got it back in '69, and if I ever get another AMT '57 TBird, I'd like to do it myself.

All the money that's been collected from the "Just my 2cents" thread!

I get a monthly catalogue/sales flyer from Squadron Shop. (Squadron.com) They don't have a lot in the way of cars, but they'll put some on sale from time to time, and I've gotten some REALLY good deals.