Exotics_Builder

Curtis pretty well nailed it. The 360 series from Revell AG was poor but from the 430 up the releases are getting better and better. The 430 kits are good alternatives to the Fujimi versions. The engine in the Revell 430's is slightly better but the Fujimi body is crisper. Wheels and tires are slightly better on the Fujimi, but both are small. The 612 is pretty good. The whell lip moldings are too thick but can be adjusted. The Revell 599 GTB has an engine whereas the Fujimi is curbside. The Fujimi body is a bit crisper than the Revell. I have seen conversions where a Fujimi body was fitted over the Revell chassis The Revell California is a very decent kit. There is no Fujimi equivalent. In the open top version, there is a gap that needs to be addressed between the interior and body. This is not a problem on the closed top version. The Revell 458 is far and above better than the Fujimi version. The Fujimi interior is quite plain and requires considerable work. My only peeve with the Revell 458 is the engine is too simplified. But since it is so buried in the engine bay, it is not a concern for most modelers. I just like to detail out engines when provided in a kit. In general, the biggest dislike I have of the Revell AG Ferraris is that the wheels and tires are too small and not prototypical enough. They also have the odd fabrication of wheel front, brake disk and then wheel rear so that the wheels can roll. I generally use aftermarket wheels that are more accurate on either the Fujimi or Revell wheels. But, you can get by with the kit supplied versions as well. Revell AG has announced they will be doing modified reissues of the 599 in the form of the 599 GTO and SA Aperta (599 spyder). They are the only ones to have annouced this. HTH. Gerry

I decided rattle can Testor's lacquers for this rather than airbrush colors. For sure I was going to go with White Lightning on the bottom over the gray primer to darken it a bit. For the top, I am still deciding on whether to use Purple Licious, Flaming Orange or Mythical Maroon. Any opinions are welcome. At the moment, Purple Licious is on the top of the list.

First pass primer on the body. Still needs some tweaking before color coat.

The C.A.R.S. in Miniature 2012 theme project is Pro “Something”. That is Pro-Street, Pro-Touring, Pro-Mod, etc. I decided to do a 1966 El Camino as a Pro-Touring version, with moderate upgrades. The Revell 1966 El Camino 2’n1 kit is a good basis for this. In general, I find the model a good representation of the 1:1 car with a great chassis, engine and drive-line. Although not Pro-Touring, I had one about 90% complete when we moved from Bellevue Washington to suburban Chicago area. However, it (and about 4 other models in work) got severely damaged in the move. I was able to salvage the wheels, engine and one of the bucket seats. The wheels and engine were repurposed to other models and that was that. When C.A.R.S. announced this year’s theme, I thought this would be a good time to get back on it as the kit is still available, this time with optional accessories. I also wanted to get an early start, unlike the 48 Ford Custom for the Lake Michigan Model Car Club 2011 theme. So I acquired another Revell El Camino and set off. Starting with the body, I shaved off all emblems and hood trim. I decided to do a custom door handle for a smoother look when finished. I had bought a few automotive bodies for paint testing, a couple of them Japanese cars. One of them had door handles that looked good and the body had an upper curvature close the El Camino body. So I sliced them out and merged them into the doors. I also decided to french the radio aerial to keep the smoother appearance. I may change my mind, but at this point I have decided to keep the bumpers chrome rather than strip them and paint a body color. I am considering a two tone paint job but am still working on the colors. The body and hood are in first pass priming at this point. Next update will be the chassis.

Yes. Needed a little adjustment.

Not a topic that really is an interest to me, but it was the club project for 2011 and was to be finished for the February 2012 meeting. I built the model pretty much as provided in the kit with a few mods. The mods I did were detail the engine a bit along with a Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland Thickstun air cleaner. I also added a side aerial and a MCG billet side view mirror. I didn’t have enough time to work out a carb linkage to get around the fuel lines, so I decided to let it go (it was tough as this is something I usually like to do, especially on older engines). Some lessons I got on assembling were: Finicky chassis that had a lot of parts needing placement that didn’t necessarily have locator pins (like the panhard bars). For those thinking of building it, I would assemble the chassis completely and then detail paint it. I had to do a lot of scraping and applying super glue. Even using the supplied suspension for the custom, the car still sits high. If I had more time to do it, I would have “hogged” out the suspension more to get it to sit lower. Do not apply the steering arm first as per the instructions. Wait until after you install the engine as the left header is interfered with as you install it. The model is painted with Testor’s lacquer Fiery Orange followed up by their Wet Look Clear. It polished out pretty easily. The interior is a combination of Testor’s Dark Tan and Light Ivory. I use a technique where I deepen the door and trunk lines before painting to provide a more realistic appearance. The downside is that it collects polishing compound more easily. I still need to clear that out and then I usually fill with Tamiya Smoke to add some darkening. Anyway, here are some photos of the 99.9% finished model:

Keep in mind this is now just a sales show and NO model contest. There are usually quite a few good vendors at the show.

So does Scale Finishes for US builders (or others).

Think Camaro COPO announced recently.

That is pretty much what Revell told me at IHOBBY. They had done the photo shoot at the end of the GEARZ contest. It will be a new tool. Unlike Tim, I have no problems with Chevy engines in 32 Fords

Here you go. Built up from IHOBBY

DITTO!!!

http://www.modelcars...by&fromsearch=1 Yes. Confirmed on Saturday goback, along with other questions from Board Members

If you recollect the IHOBBY report out, this is new tool SWC Willys with new decals. This was covered in some detail in the Revell IHOBBY report out and followup.

The show was this past weekend and some very interesting vehicles, including a “reunion” of COPO’s as well as Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins and lots of neat autos. Additionally, the show sponsored a model car contest and “Make and Take”. The CARS in Miniature club hosted this for the show. When I left at 3:15 PM Saturday, there were only a little more than 10 models entered (Sunday’s are when more arrive), but we had about 100 kids do the “Make and Take”. I didn’t make it back Sunday because of a prior commitment, perhaps some other CARS members have additional photos or more on the contest. Here are a few teaser pictures and a link to the album. http://s150.photobuc...te%20Nationals/

I am behind in cleaning up and posting pictures. This event happened November 12. There were many interesting and well detailed models there. As usual, non-military car models were less than other categories. Of note were the dioramas, including one of an auto junk yard. An interesting approach on the junkyard was that some of the effects were simply color printed on paper with a 3D effect in the art work. Check the trailer in the junkyard to see what I mean. There also was considerable use of electronics for sound effects and lighting, including a pirate ship with synchronized LED’s to simulate cannons firing. A Low Eider display had what looked like an IPOD Nano with a playback that simulated a flat screen TV display. The Lake Michigan Model Car Club did its annual display, with several members bringing in their work. Our President brought his famous (or perhaps infamous) excrement mobile. Anyway, here are a few teaser pictures and a link to the album. http://s150.photobuc...%20IPMS%20Show/

If you go to Revell's site, you can find instrcutions for most kits. The ZR-1 instructions are here: http://manuals.hobbi...rmx/85-4216.pdf

Tools and Paints The Testor’s automotive paints will have more added to the enamels than lacquers. There will be improved primers made available in several color options, some flip-flop options, a wash and multi-colored pearl coat. There will be additional info on this by year-end. The Iwata Neo airbrush for entry level airbrush years is double action and will retail in the $50 range. An interesting facet is a removable gravity feed cup with small and large cup sizes. Innovative Hobby Supply had some interesting products, including a tape that mimics canvas, peel and stick chrome, wood grain, trunk floor mat and others.

Moebius There are some other items of interest to announce, but they are not locked down yet and too soon to publish anything. I took a few extra photos of the Hudson convertible and the subs. Pegasus New wheel sets are 15 inch, not 19 as perceived. There will be a higher profile white wall tire also used.

Lindberg/Hawk Buddy G Toy Trucks – metal bodied. The ones at the show were prototypes. Didn’t get scale, but they appeared to be smaller than 1/25. More to come Bull Horn Model T – 1/16 scale. New Display Case – eliminated the “bubble” on the top of the clear case. Sturdy diamond plate chrome base and stackable 1969 Yenko Camaro – initially die cast and plan for plastic down the road. Die Cast version in picture. Red Devil racer – in planning stage for later 2012 Kustom Koffin – in planning stage for later 2012 White Lightning – in planning stage for later 2012 IMC Talked to Ernie and there is more in the Johan space they are planning but too soon to announce.

Revell K.S. Pittman Willys Drag Coupe - 1/25 – Modified reissue of Revell’s very nice Willys. Same as new version Stone Woods and Cook Willys with new decals X-34 Landspeeder™ - ?? – RoG catalog lists as 1/14 scale but it appears smaller than that. Our best guess is between 1/24 and 1/20, perhaps close to G scale ‘62 Corvette® Roadster 2 n 1 - 1/25 - New tool. Multiple options. Appears to be new body on top of Pro Modeler C1 Corvette chassis and engine. Revell just received test shots so mounted on a display board. Expect late 2Q2012. Although all the test shots are still subject to change, there will be no hardtop in this kit. ‘29 Ford Rat Rod - 1/25 - Reissue with new decals ‘77 Chevy® Van - 1/24 – Reissue. Same short wheelbase van as in the Van with Race Car Trailer issue a few years back Round2 Polar Lights Batmobile – with Photo Etch fret 2010 Camaro Convertible – Show Room Replica Series. Unassembled promo type. I asked if they were going to update to 2011 as there does not appear to be any indication of a 2010 convertible due to a supplier issue. The rep didn’t know but would follow up. 2010 Camaro Convertible – Show Room Replica Series. Unassembled promo type. 66 Nova Slot Racer – previous plastic kit parts mated with a slot chassis and engine 57 Chevy Bel Air Slot Racer – previous plastic kit parts mated with a slot chassis and engine 70 Camaro Slot Racer – previous plastic kit parts mated with a slot chassis and engine 06 Camaro Concept Slot Racer – previous plastic kit parts mated with a slot chassis and engine

Not a lot of new tools were shown or announced. Most notable were: A new cutting mat from Excel where both sides are usable and stamped with a grid. Excel also add a new set of fine tip tweezers. Xuron was promoting their new PE cutter that they introduced last year. I just got one about two months and it is far more versatile than the original version. Tool Tron showed some ergo handled cutters and an interesting rotating storage set with 4 stacked clusters that rotate. Retail is about $19. Looks useful for holding select parts. Alpha Abrasives is expanding their line with micro polishing sheets and pads, including sets with foam blocks with a soft and harder side to control polishing. They are also offering 6x6 inch micro fine sanding sheets up to 12,000 grit. Ram continues to expand their scale lighting options, particularly for cars. Now that LED’s are prevalent options continue to abound On the paint and accessory side: Grex had nothing new since their pistol grip air brush was announced a couple of years ago. The rep indicated they plan to have some new product at next year’s show but could not say anything at this point. Badger has more lines of aqueous paint coming out. They also are selling sets for beginners which include air brush, compressor, hoses, paints, etc. They have several new compressors (some quite silent) and have a new chrome airbrush. They also displayed their Universal 360 set which includes the airbrush, hose and some bottles. The Universal 360 is a model that a gravity fed that can also be rotated to accept bottles. Very versatile. Finally badger was showing their battery powered paint stirrer. It has been around for years, but is very good at mixing paints in the jar and easy to clean Testor’s has new color ranges coming out, including some new automotive colors in their synthetic lacquer range. I couldn’t get any info from the representative I talked to and the marketing information she gave me wasn’t useful either. She did say these would be released in February. Finally, a company called E-Z-Mix had some paint accessories of note. Most interesting was a syringe with a micro brush on top. You remove the micro brush, load the paint, reattach the brush and apply color to the brush through the syringe. There also was a clear plastic canister with a closing lid like a paint can to hold mixed colors. Finally, there was displayed small micron filters to transfer paint and strain it. This way to the album:

I got carried away and reported it 1/8 thinking of the Revell kits. Here is the catalog info

Only one body in a case has the metal flake and there is no way to tell. It is part of a program by Round2.

My bad, I missed this is in the initial report out. Only new tools are the 2010 and younger Corvettes and Camaros in their Showroom Replica series. If as the Corvette’s already on the shelves, they are unassembled promos, but are glue kits. 2010 Camaro Convertible – Show Room Replica Series 2012 Corvette Coupe – Show Room Replica Series 2008 Corvette Convertible Pace Car – Show Room Replica Series