Exotics_Builder

I have yet to try it, but I was thinking of heat shrink tubing. There are several colors available or you could paint it.

I don't disagree with you. I brought this up to Revell the last time I met them. I suggested models such as newer BMW sedans, new Impala SS, modern pickup trucks (especially HD types), Cadillac CTS-V (including wagon and Crossover), modern SUV/COV's. They won't NOT consider them, but only have so much R&D and tooling dollars in any year. And there is that 50,000 kits to sell to break even. The die cast market and actual buyer demographics contribute to final decisions. Along with those of us who favor selected genres. A lot of people were stroked by the recent 50 Olds and 57 Ford. None of those two "float my boat" and I passed on them. I still feel good about the fact that a segment of the market had a need fulfilled with quality product. Meanwhile, I'm still hoping for 1/24-5 Ferrari FF, modern BMW M5, Modern BMW M3, Porsche Cayenne, Maserati Quatroporte, etc. And I also build older cars, as well. Revell is only around 11 miles from my home. Almost in the back yard. At the recent Ferrari Expo held in Hinsdale Illinois there was a bunch of modern model cars, some racing and some street (mainly Ferraris). A Revell leader was there and I and a couple of others brought up, in our opinion, the "crying need" for these types of cars, even if some of them are curbside. Fujimi and Aoshima do a large majority of their 1/24 scale models as curbside, or semi-curside (engine inserts). Here is what I did to a curbside Fujimi M5 about 20 years ago: A lot modern engines are hidden by those ubiquitous plastic covers to hide all the electronics. Admitedly, I like detailing, but am currently building a Fujimi Fiat Abart 695 Ferrari Tributo. Converting it to US spec and detailing the interior is still a lot of fun. I just suggest we continue to let our voices be heard and hope that some of the newer models we would like to see come to fruition. Don't lose faith!

In general I like it. I, personally, would prefer a 5 –star wheel more the BBS-like wheels. I owned a 68 and 70 ½ Z/28 and enjoyed them immensely. Some points on this car were interesting though compared to those two model years: It is a small block, but an LS-7 (427 cubic inch approx.) which would have been a big block COPO in the day instead of 302 ci that came on the 68 and 350 on the 70. Air conditioning optional. The 68 and 70 could not have AC at all because of solid-lifter engines. It wasn’t until 71-72 that the old LT-1 solid lifter was sold with AC and that was rare. Carbon Ceramic brakes. Anybody see a Ferrari, Lambo or other exotic jacked for the wheels and brakes? Manual transmission only. The 68 could have an M21 or M22 4-spedd tranny only. The 70 had an option of a turbo-hydro. I guess we’ll wait and see what the model manufacturers will do. Brent Barrow made a good point about market for newer cars. But I think we will see a mixture of old and new. But there are a lot of newer cars that likely will never show up in plastic simply because not enough market or variant.

The annual event has come and gone. I had to leave about 1:45 PM, so I don’t know the winners of the contest. The GTR club had two tables at the swap meet. Tom Tanner had the contest going. It is a small focused contest, but quality of entries is high. I was working an entry, but I am only 90% complete, so no go. I did sell a few models at the swap meet. Here are some photos of the contest and the link to the album, including the 1:1 cars that were “sitting” around. http://s150.photobucket.com/user/exotics_builder/library/2013%20Ferrari%20Expo%20Contest%20and%20Swap%20Meet

October 3-6. October 3-4 is supposedly the trade only days and the 5-6 is for the public. Don't know yet if a Make-and-Take will happen. Will be at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center which is located on Meacham Road a little south of Algonquin Road. It is about a mile north of Woodfield Shopping Center. WIll post more info once the club learns more.

You're right, they do. I just pulled the picture off his web site as I'm in the office today. I know Carter AFB's have been available, but I'm with you on the Holley's.

What are you trying to do? For stock, Carter AFB's would be correct for a higher horsepower 409. Morgan Automotive Detail offers such carbs in resin: If you are using the snorkel aircleaner, the bette detail would be lost unless you plan to have it lift off. Otherwise, you could look for smaller Holley single or double pumper carbs for more of a street machine option that would be streetable.

I did a similar approach but didn't drill all the holes. Iused a fine razor saw that fits in a No 11 Xacto handle. Same effect. But really tedious. But the hood hinging to be realistic is the next challenge.

I have yet to transfer mine from the DVR to the DVD.

All the above plus Model Factory Hiro and KA models offer wire wheel options. Most are in the 15 inch wheel size. You need to decide what lacing pattern best suits and whether you need big and littles (some are same size front and rear). And don't forget the awesome styrene chrome set on the AMT 65 Riviera and Fujimi sells some styrene sets as well.

It is more than done. They had a 12 minute overview on How Do They Do It show where they show the operation of the airport and a little bit of the elctronics and how they recharge the vehicles through a process where they are sent by computer to a charging station. There are several YouTube videos on this place. IT IS FANTASTIC!!

HD sells tires, but they're pricey and some people feel the sizes are wrong. Pegasus sells tires as well. I would look for the Pegasus tires, Scale Dreams carries them and Rick is great at supporting customers and answering any questions you may have. The Pegasus tires are low profile in 19 and 23 inch and the wider profile is 18 inch but stretches well. All the above have tread pattern. Otherwise you have to chose kit tires, particularly if you are looking for treadless tires. The HD wheels will need work to adapt to any suspension. And, you may have to decide what to do about brakes. HTH

Such as these... http://www.hlj.com/product/HYDHD03-0081 Unfortunately only 1/24 scale.

I do that often on the older kits that have that. I also go after the window cranks and inside handles as well, especially if the interior is very visible.

So what is your question? Are you looking for aftermarket vendors of such? For example Replica and Miniatures of Maryland makes a tri-carb manifold (amongst other options) for the SMB Chevy.

The AMT 57 TBird has all the custom parts and decent chrome and I got it at a good price. The two resin customs were done by RMR and are very good quality. The Tbird version is an “interpretation” of the Italien custom car. I’m debating whether to replicate that or do a unique custom. Bob’s paints had several new colors there that I decided would look good at some upcoming builds. The Brandywine may see itself on the RoG Ferrari SA Aperta rather than use a Ferrari color. Ferrari’s can be custom painted and I think the Aperta can benefit from this color. However, there is still time to make another color choice.

I got some great new paints from you yesterday and the yellow pearl as well. Thanks, Gerry

With a litle work, I have been able to start adapting the Revell details to the Round2 Camaro Convertible. Not a 100% direct fit, but pretty close. If Revell doesn't a ZL1, I'm hoping I can do the same to this one. Only I need to get the ZR1 engine intake and adapt it to the ZL1.

Looking forward for this and adapting Revell's Camaro detail, plus using the ZR1 engine spercharger with some scratchbuilding. Or, here's hoping Revell will announce one mid-year!

The Revell Camaro LS's are great options with the tranny attached to the engine rather than a transaxle as in the Corvette. The Polar Lights GTO LS engine is NOT (IMO) a good option. Another option is the Revell 99 Silverado which depicts a cast iron version of the LS, but still usable. In some cases you will have to work the intake/induction systems to fit what you want and also what you want to do to shroud the coil packs. The 2010 Camaro and Silverado are auto transmissions. The 2002 Camaro has a manual trans. Also the recent reissue of the SSR would have the Sliverado LS engine as well (again auto trans) HTH

Also the reason why it looked flat on the panel from my photos and I thought it was metallic. An interesting approach. Plus some decent detail photos on that site for those interested.

OK. A little sniffing around and I found the Hot Rod Institute photo archive of the Rat Roaster prep and paint. It appears they used the polished body metal, masked it, highlighted it and then clear coated. Here's some selected photos: And here's the link: http://www.hotrod.edu/siterun_data/photo_galleries/?image_category=41

I recollected real, but it was a year and a quarter ago. But the more I look at the hi-res photos, it appears to be painted. So, My put is that it is painted. The tell tale piece is the end of the "chrome" spear appears level with the body line. Looking to see if I have any more info.

Here is what I took at the 2011 IHOBBY show with the Rat Roaster on display: I still have the hi-res images on my computer. HTH Gerry

Well, it is a sales only event for some years now. The model contest was dropped a few years back. The February one is the February 24 at the usual venue, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Exhibition Building, 2015 West Manchester Rd, Wheaton IL