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Everything posted by Jim Gibbons
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Hmmm...very, very cool. Maybe if the passenger side had a single crank with chain arrangement similar to a handbike, it would allow the passenger to use it only for making turns. Crank to make a left turn, reverse it to use the crank hub friction brake to make a right. Or, you could just have a bit of a cut-out in the passenger cockpit to allow access to that wheel, too. Much too early on a Saturday morning for me to be thinking of these things!
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Nice...the roof decal looks great! I built a couple of these Minis; one stock, and the Monte Carlo Rallye version. Great kits, and you'll find Tamiya kits to be well engineered and a delight to build. I'm nearly done with their Renault Alpine Rallye car, just have to find my can of blue paint to finish the body.
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Who says I can't play Golf ?
Jim Gibbons replied to Barbo's topic in General Automotive Talk (Trucks and Cars)
Very cool! I never golfed except in gym class when I was a senior in High School, but it is great to see innovations such as this for the disabled. I have very limited use of my legs, and was lucky to get a used handbike for a song. A handbike is a three wheeler with a seat and leg braces, and the pedals replace the handlebars. I get good aerobic exercise from it, and it gives a sense of freedom and ABILITY! Thanks for sharing. -
Man, your last paragraph says it all! I remember going to an exhibition in the late 80's at a Boston museum, and seeing a number of movie models on display. There was a USSR Hind? helicopter model from one of the Rambo/Chuck Norris/etc. type movies amoung many other related models. One of the original TV show Star Trek ship Enterprise models was also displayed. It's sad that movie model makers have pretty much become a thing of the past. Computers have taken care of that. I'll take the rubber lizard suit anyday!
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One more thing; since some of you have Googled Osteonecrosis, you have a basic knowledge of what it is. I ended up with mine from being on Prednisone for chronic sinus infections. Unfortunately, few doctors are aware of the potential dangers of corticosteriods; Prednisone is often prescribed for things as simple as poison ivy. Most people aren't affected by it, but there's a few of us that have the genotype that is. If anyone you know has bone pain after taking it, find an informed osteopath as soon as possible! New treatments as far as self supplied stem cell implants have been happening recently. Mine happened too many years ago for proper treatment, and by the time it was diagnosed, it was too late. Sorry to bring up a medical issue on this model board. If anyone needs more info, Message me privately...now back to models and Godzilla!
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Thanks for all your kind comments; click on the little "TV Screen" below my avatar '53 Ford picture, and that will lead to my gallery that's posted on this board. I just recently unearthed some of my early models (including one of "Lil Coffin") that I hope to take pictures of soon. Even found a Renwall '48 Continental in 1/48! Model cars keep me focused, sane, and thrilled when it comes to viewing the talent here. Thanks, folks, from the heart!
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Drive your Chevrolet to the levee...
Jim Gibbons replied to sjordan2's topic in General Automotive Talk (Trucks and Cars)
I had read the NY Times article this morning, and reacted with nothing more than a humorous "snort" afterwards. A few hours later, I sat on my front porch watching my neighbor finish replacing the gas tank on his '91 CHEVROLET conversion van. It took a few minutes for my brain marble to pop into its slot, but when I looked at the front fender name plate, it said "Chevy Van 20." Hmmm...guess Corporate didn't figure on that one. Wonder if they'll do a name plate recall? -
As a backstory, I'm doing a little "blog" for my Osteonecrosis Support Group. Please ignore the statements about enclosed pictures, as they can be accessed through my Gallery photos. My screen name for the group is the same as my email address; modelerjimg, so that explains the first paragraph. I thought you folks might enjoy it; at least I hope so. I'm amazed at the talent on this board, and feel like I've found some really awesome friends here. You have no idea how much delight I take watching your progress, and learning new things. Since I'm homebound for the most part, this board gives me wings!........ Clearly, my screen name means something. I've been building models since the mid to late 60's, and it's a relaxing, yet challenging hobby. It's not a possibility on really bad pain days (until I finish designing my in bed hobby table!) but when things are not too bad, I get out the supplies and a model. A lot of this stems from watching the old Godzilla movies, and the Ray Harryhausen "stop animation" clay figure monster and sci-fi movies of the '50s. To me, it was cool to see the miniature cities and towns get destroyed by whatever monster was in action. I guess it was the "God's Eye View" thing that got to me, especially after taking my first airplane ride in 1967. However, I was NOT one of those kids who blew up their models with firecrackers. I took too much pride in my work (and hard earned allowance) to even consider destroying them. In addition to my models, I had a small HO railroad set that my dad mounted on a uniquely cut out and painted piece of plywood, but that only came out around Christmas time. I'd scratchbuild buildings out of balsa wood, cardboard, and clear plastic shirt collar material during the year, and detail the interiors with "posters" from old Reader's Digest or National Geogpahic ads that fit the small scale. I'd go so far as to paint the scored cardboard brickwork I'd make with a good watercolor set and randomly paint the "bricks" in various tones. When the allowance permitted, I'd go to the hobby store and buy the tiny "grain of wheat" bulbs so I could light up the interiors. I strived for realism! It's too bad the layout only saw the light of day a few weeks a year. I've kept up with models all these years. I build mostly classic car models these days, but dabble in a few propeller aircraft once in a while. I like to build car models of either ones I've owned (or as close as I can get,) would like to own, or as gifts. I found it's amazing that you can get into a very meditative state while doing it. Kind of "Zen and the Art of Car Modelling." For a few delightful hours, pain takes a secondary role, and becomes tolerable for a while. I'm enclosing one picture of a '53 Ford model I built. It's the closest I've been able to get of my first car, a '54 Ford. I painted it the same colors as my real one, and added a lot of detail to the interior trim from guitar wire where the model maufacturer forgot to have it. It was a fun build, and I'm giving it to my brother as a gift, as he loved the car. I hope you enjoy it, and I'll post others as time permits. Cheers, and stay pain free! Jim
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Really nice! I have this kit still unbuilt, and considered the same paint scheme...your version looks great, so I may take the plunge.
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There aren't many comments, because I'm still trying to figure out how to keep my jaw from dropping everytime I see a new picture posted! It takes at least one hand to keep the jaw shut, and I'm a very poor one handed typist! I've been building models for at least half a decade more than Romell, yet my scratchbuilding skills can't hold a candle to his. I mainly build replica stock, so that skill set isn't maybe needed as much, but looking at the progress has been an inspiration and a learning experience. I'm learning some new and exciting things here. Outside the Box (guess the pun is intended) is a cool way to approach modelling. Having a blast following this!
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Beautiful work. I have a Nicholas Watts print of the C5-R at LeMans in '53 that hangs above my computer, and to top it off, it's autographed by John Fitch! I love these cars, and will be watching your progress.
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A beautifully built, elegant looking model. The sliding rear windows are a great touch.
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Beautiful work! I often wondered how Tamiya gloss aluminum would look on a car model, and it works perfectly. Thanks for sharing.
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Man, I love it! Great work, and I really enjoyed the story.
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AMT's 1960 Ford Starliner. (Photos Restored)
Jim Gibbons replied to David G.'s topic in WIP: Model Cars
I agree with the evil grin in front, but to me, the '60 has a different aspect in the rear view. I always liked the design; it's kind of a love/hate thing with many people. If I recall, Alex Tremulis, who worked for Ford at the time, approved the design which was based on the Quicksilver showcar, but never liked it. As a child, it was one of my favorite cars. My neighbor had a Country Squire wagon in white with a red interior. I'd look at the rear view, and to me, the taillights looked like smiling eyes. Add the horizontal fins, and it kind of looked like a contented cat with ears down getting his head scratched! I guess that's why I ended up with a '60 Sunliner; to me, the ultimate model. In reality, it was a bit of a crappy car outside of good mechanicals. Panel fit was horrendous, hardly a piece of trim lined up with each other, and be VERY careful entering a driveway with a slope. There was so much rear overhang that scraping the bumper was easy. Don't ask me how I know! The aluminum trim behind the rear wheels was a great rust trap, but at least if the sheet metal behind it started to rust out, the trim still made it look okay. The narrow trunk lid was one of Ford's worst ideas; you had to be Elastic Man to reach anything that migrated under the fin area, or in back. On the convertible, I found out while working on it on a lift at work, that if you left a door open, you couldn't close it while up due to body/ chassis flex. Changing a fan belt without a lift was a chore; I had to park it over a ditch at the cul-de-sac at my apartment complex to get to the generator mounting bolts. I became an expert at soldering the bloody radiator expansion tank to cure the leaks. I should have simply bought a new one, but I was a poor college student! It was a really wide car, the widest in modern automotive history, yet due to the extreme tumblehome and door thickness, was really not that roomy inside for the size. My previous '56 Fairlane "felt" roomier, I guess the seating and roof height had a lot to do with that. All said, this model is also one of my favorites. The best part is that all the body panels and trim line up! Something Ford couldn't accomplish in 1960. David's build has inspired me to put my other projects on the back burner, and finish this one soon. -
AMT's 1960 Ford Starliner. (Photos Restored)
Jim Gibbons replied to David G.'s topic in WIP: Model Cars
Sorry, David, that somehow we've gotten away from your beautiful '60, but this has somehow turned into a bit of automotive safety history! It is facinating how safety advances have taken place. In my previous post, I acknowledged Volvo and Saab's inroads in modern seatbelt technology. Since I had mentioned my father's '65 Mercedes, that body design was the grandfather of modern "crush zone" design. The "Heckenfloss," or tailfin design first came out in 1959 with the MB 220SE. It was MB's first major foray into crash research, and the unibody was purposely designed to have progressive crash zones. One of their pieces of literature of the time (I think my brother may still have the spec sheet from MB) showed their crash testing, and one of their proudly shown pictures was of their "popout" windshields and backlights. I guess the philosophy at the time was that injury from solidly placed glass was more dangerous that that which would "skid" away in an accident. There is no doubt that the Europeans had safety in the forefront, and the Japanese followed their ideals. I'll talk to my brother soon, and if he still has the MB single sheet safety promo, I'll ask him to scan and send it to me for posting. When I do, I'll discuss the many interior safety items I remember from my dad's MB; I think it would be better if I post them in the General forum, and let David have his moment with his beautiful '60! -
AMT's 1960 Ford Starliner. (Photos Restored)
Jim Gibbons replied to David G.'s topic in WIP: Model Cars
My friend's 73 Nova also had the separate shoulder belt/ keyed insertion system that was effective, but a bit of a pain sometimes to insert into the release. Volvo pioneered the "unibelt" and included it as standard equipment in 1959. Saab had the same system, and my father's '60 93F, '63 and '69 96's had them, too. The '60 and '63 only provided the belts for the front seats as standard; rear seatbelts were dealer installed. My father bought a new '65 Mercedes Benz 190D, and it came without belts. My father had the dealer install lap belts. The MB lap belts had an early form of inertia reel; you still had the friction adjustment at the buckle, but when released, the tongue section retracted around a cylindrical arrangement so it wouldn't flop around. I believe by the late '60s, early '70s, most European cars had unibelts with an inertia reel take-up which is how we know them today. My father's '73 Volvo 144 had lap/shoulder inertia reel belts for all passengers, even the middle rear seat. Now back to '60 Fords! -
Wringing my hands and cackling like a mad scientist! I can't wait for this to hit the shelves! Thanks for the info, Art!
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AMT's 1960 Ford Starliner. (Photos Restored)
Jim Gibbons replied to David G.'s topic in WIP: Model Cars
I should have a camera soon, as my older cheap one died. Right now, it's just unpainted assembly, but will post as I progress. I'm leaning towards leaving it as a Starliner, as I don't have a number of materials needed to scratchbuild a top well and the other related changes to make a convertible. I'll paint it like mine, though, with a red body/white roof, red interior. The only thing I'll add would be the Modelhaus full wheel covers. As far as seatbelts went, my Sunliner had them in the front only. Ford offered them as a factory installed option starting in 1956, but more commonly, they were dealer added. Since mine were front only, they were likely dealer installed. Two years ago, I was at a car show, and someone was selling a '60 Sunliner identical to mine in all equipment and color, but there was not a seatbelt or piece of mounting hardware to be seen. I later had a '66 Fairlane station wagon (great car, sweet little 289 with 3 on the tree) that had Ford lap belts all around. Converting a '61 into a Starliner would depend on measuring the two models side by side. The old '61 annual may have dimensional differences. The real cars shared the same windshield and basic structure, so it's possible to do. The main difference would be at the rear, as the '61 doesn't have the dip in the window between the fins that the '60 does. Hope this helps. -
Mini's Johan cutlass vs newage donk trend !
Jim Gibbons replied to David@MinidreamsInc.'s topic in Model Cars
What Romell said! Wheels aside, a clean, beautiful build that I'd be proud to have on my shelf. Great work! -
AMT's 1960 Ford Starliner. (Photos Restored)
Jim Gibbons replied to David G.'s topic in WIP: Model Cars
Very nice! I've done some work on mine, mainly chassis and engine, but haven't decided whether to make it a convertible like the 1:1 I had back in the late 70's. That would require a fair amount of work to duplicate the 3 tone black/red/white upholstery pattern of my red Sunliner, plus I think the door panel pattern is a little different. I'm in agreement with you on the instruments; I found that color scheme on the real car was difficult to read, especially in daylight as there was very little contrast between the white letters on a grey background and the aluminum trim surround. Not one of Fords "Better Ideas." I think I'll just do a mild black wash on the gauges for a little depth. Just a hint when you get to the "Starliner" script on the trunk; the lower part of the letter "S" should be painted or foiled solid, as that was a pivoting cover for the trunk lock. Looking forward to seeing it completed! -
I agree with Harry/ Larry; I used to build quite a number of the old Pyro 1/32 classics and Brass Era models back in the day, and I think they're quite good. I forget what year the Cadillac touring car was (1911?), but it built into a beautiful, albeit fragile, model. They included "brass" plated parts. I wish I still had it. I'm hoping the Mercedes Benz SSK gets reissued someday, as it was my favorite.
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I built this kit for a friend as a gift, as she had one in her vintage racing team stable. One problem I had was the fitting of the photoetched grille. Much of that was poor planning on my part, as I painted the main body BRG, but did a grille surround in yellow ala the Lotus team. Unfortunately, I didn't compensate for paint thickness with the addition of a gloss coat, and the grille ended up being a bit concave. Since I had a deadline to finish it, I couldn't correct it. I told my friend, "It's just that you caught a cone in the nose while autocrossing!"
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BTW, Harry, I liked your rendition of the Cougar. I assume you'd include the sequential turn signals in the rear view? It would've been a potential boost to Mercury sales, IMHO. Considering the current Mustang's popularity, an upscale version with the retro styling would be a winner.