Exotics_Builder

OK. Here is a brief matchup of the original AMT 65 Impala Coupe and the Revell 65 Impala Coupe. First side view: Real Car: Now the two models: The Blue tape marked model is the Revell and the Yellow tape marked is the AMT From my perspective, both look reasonably good in profile. Revell’s profile is offset by the much deeper (raised) window trim. In the right angle, it skews the roof line view. Revell’s C-Pillar junction to the body at the rear side window has more of the curve in the real car than the AMT. The AMT’s wheel edges looked less heavy as the trim is more visible than the Revell. Rear Window area: Real Car: Now the two models: Revell: AMT: The Revell window is too rectangular. The inner part of the window frame is more rectangular than the outer. The AMT looks more prototypical to my eye. The Revell roof to deck angle looks to be a little flatter than the AMT’s. The AMT model, however, does not have the panel lines that are on the real car. So, with a little work, the Revell 65 can be adjusted. I do think the trim may be too thick, but it depends on how you paint. Paint thickness could cover that up pretty well. The AMT scripts and trim are pretty thin and could disappear under paint coats. Anyway, until I can get a 66 or better photos of one, that is as far as I can go.

No Webcam PLEASE!

For some reason, not all my AMT Round2 booth photos uploaded yesterday. I added them to a separate album and here is the link 2010 IHOBBY Expo – AMT Round2

You’ve already seen the AMT announcements so let’s start with the 2010 1st half Revell releases: Revell '57 Cadillac@ EldoradoTM Brougham 1:25 Sikorsky CH~54A Skycrane 1:72 Custom Ford Expedition/Snaptite 1:25 USS Buckley Destroyer Escort 1:249 Corvette@ZR1TM 1:25 '68 Dodge HEMI@Dart2'n1 1:25 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR 1:25 '62 Chevy@lmpalaTM Hardtop 2'n1 1:25 '67 Dodge Charger 426 HEMI@ 2'n1 1:25 Chi Town Hustler Charger Funny Car 1:25 Hawaiian Charger Funny Car 1:25 Mongoose Duster Funny Car 1:25 '69 Mustang Cobra Jet 1:25 Ferrari California (Open Top) 1:24 VWT1 Samba Bug 1:24 Ed Roth Outlaw 1:25 F-15 DIE Eagle 1:32 MiG 25 Foxbat 1:48 Creature from the Black Lagoon 1:8 GMC Syclone Pickup 1:25 Corporal Missile with Transporter 1:40 Monogram Kurtis Kraft Indianapolis Racer 1:24 USS Bonhomme Richard Warship 1:132 '55 Ford Pickup Street Rod 1:24 '56 Chevy@BeIAir@! 1:24 '32 Ford Street Rod 1:24 '57 Chevy@Nomad@ 1:24 '37 Ford Sedan 1:24 '82 Corvette@ 1:24 Mack"R " Conventional and FruehaufTankerlSnaptite 1:32 USS Chicago Guided Missile Cruiser 1:500 '39 Chevy@CoupeStreetRod 1:24 BuickTM Grand National 1:24 '48 Ford Woody 1:25 '66 Shelby Mustang GT350 1:24 '55 ChevyBeIAir Hardtop 2'n1 1:25 Twin Mustang F-82G 1:72 B-26 Marauder 1:48 Heinkel He 111H.22 1:48 F-4C Phantom 1:48 The Red Knight of Vienna 1:8 The Black Knight of Nurnberg 1:8 Ford F-250 Super Duty Pickup 1:24 Slot Cars Lola T-70 MKII #98 Parnelli Jones 1:32 67 Ford Fairlane #29 Dick Hutcherson 1:32 McLaren M6A#5 Dennis Hulme 1:32 Revell had early test shots of a couple of model kits, including the 62 Impala, but the Hemi Dart test shot was delayed. The Monogram name is back on many reissues. Apparently, the name has as much distinction as Revell Primary news from Lindberg is: Charger Police cars Lil Red Wagon Racing team hauler No Dodge Rampage pickup. It was cancelled. Both Lindberg and Moebius indicated that Chrysler had an official name change in the last week that is playing havoc with licensing. Testor’s is coming out with a line of textured paints in their Floquil brand Moebius confirmed the Hudson, Chrysler and International truck but indicated they would be late 2010 arrivals. All are to be 1:25 scale. MRC was showing off the new Mitsubishi Lancer and Mercedes 630 SL. The Mitsubishi is supposed to have LH dash. Ed Sexton indicated that he is trying to Aoshima and Fujimi to release LH dask versions of kits that would be popular in the US. More work to do on that. And the link to the photos is: 2010 IHOBBY Expo Photos

I'll be there on Saturday supporting the Revell Make and Take with other club members. I'll be taking photos. There will be announcements for the first half of 2010 by Revell for sure. Sadly, can't say anything I may have learned until the annoucement sheet comes out.

Here are shots I took at the GTR-NNL in early August.

The weather was great yesterday evening. I went over to the Cruise-In to see what turned up. Quite a few interesting cars were there. The lighting was difficult since the sun was low in the sky and it was difficult to get good settings for photos, but I did the best I could. Here are some examples: And the link to the album is below. Remember, even though the pictures in the Album are 800x600 pixels, I keep the 5 megapixel originals on my hard drive. Rolling Meadows Illinois Cruise-In 9-11-2009

Where in Illinois are you. There's a big train swap meet in Wheaton, DuPage County Fairgrounds, almost once a month (excluding summer months). That may be a good place to gauge prices. Gerry

There were some posts recently on wheels and tires. I decided I needed to inventory my stash. My jaw hit the floor. Can anyone say scale Tire Rack or Discount Tire? Anyway, here are some of the latest from Aoshima. One of these 20†sets will replace the Ferrari 599 stock wheels (Pentagrams). And, if someone does produce accurate 20†BBS’ for the Ferrari, I’m not sure that I’ll get them anyway. They are better, but they don’t “send meâ€. Here’s a link to my tire stash. Don’t be surprised if some of these are up for trade in the future. Scale Model Tire and Wheel Stash

A couple of car shows in Schaumburg Illinois. A good variety of stuff. Neither show exceptionally large. Sample Pictures: Here is the link: Local Car Shows - 2009-08-30

Well the weather cooperated and it was a beautiful day for the Geneva Illinois Concours D’Elegance. Weather in the mid-70’s and bright sun greeted a large variety of cars. The Ferrari “corral†was a little light as there were a couple of other Ferrari themed events the same day. But a large number of cars, especially a line of Rolls Royce autos made for an eyeful Here’s the link to the album: 2009 Geneva Il Concours Photo Album

Here's a couple of pictures of the California I did a few years back.

Multiple issues that can be corrected. Body: Not bad. There should be a very mild crease at the top of the front fender panels rather than the smooth rounded shape. It can get by without adjusting, though. Interior: Incorrect seats and side panels, missing hand brake. The 250 GTO seats and side panels were included and are incorrect. Remediate wth Replica and Miniatures of Maryland Ferrari California Interior kit. Engine: Basic 250 engine, but incorrect airbox and placement of filler tubes. Airbox for cold air is correct for 250 SWB, but, from what research I did a few years ago, only a sport version of the California had that airbox along with the gas filler poking through an opening in the trunk. Even R&MofM 250 engine, as exquisite as it is, would need that addressed Wheels: OK. For better options look to getting something like Model Factory Hiro's PE wheel set. Or stay with the wheels and give a slight wash of Tamiya Smoke Gray. Fit: Tight fit with the fender wells in the engine bay. Needs to well secured or will break off when fitting body. It is a nice kit. I've built one (am at office so don't have pictures accessible) and looking at building another with more detail. HTH Gerry

We were looking at them at the club meeting on Saturday

A midsummer event, this is the second rendition. About 130 models were entered in a NNL type format with 8 awards, a theme and peoples’ choice. For sure, Illinois and Wisconsin modelers were represented. The theme for this event was 100 Years of Indy and models related to Indianapolis Motor Speedway racing were eligible. This included Indy Cars, PPG CART, Pace Cars, USAC racers, NASCAR, support vehicles, etc. Before going into the models, let me introduce you to George Kroll and two of the eight models he entered. George is a member of the Lake Michigan Model Car Club and is LEGALLY BLIND. So, if you think you have problems building, think of George and his COURAGE. I was fortunate enough to win best custom with my 1950 Ford Custom Convertible and Theme with my 1955 Chevrolet Pace car. Revell was on site, with 2009 catalogs and a display, including built ups, of upcoming models. They were also generous enough to donate model kits for a raffle. Below is the link to the show photos. ENJOY! 2nd GTR NNL

A benefit car show was held at the downtown Palatine Illinois parking garage. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but went over anyway as it is about a mile away from the house. Well, it turned out it was mainly tuners (not my personal cup of tea) and a few sports cars and very few American muscle. There were three Nissan GT-R’s there, and a few Lambo’s, one Ferrari 360 Modena and some BMW’s. I took pictures anyway. Here’s the link: Palatine IL Benefit Car Show

Dave, Scale Finishes is offereing Ferrari Colors if you want to try him. Scale Finishes

The Arlington Heights Illinois American Legion post had a small car show as a benefit for veterans. There were only around 50 cars but there were some interesting ones. Here's the link: American Legion Benefit Car Show

I bought some sets back in the 1990's. They are nicely done. I used one set for a 34 Ford Street Rod, sold another to a friend for a car model he was doing and still have a set in the wheels box for a future project.

As usual, some interesting vehicles. From classics to muscle cars. It started to rain as I was going through and a lot of the cars' hoods were closed and tops raised. Here's the link to the pics Fathers Day Classic Cars

If you can't find a kit with them. Scale Equipment Limited offers some:

This should be the 20th. The first was in 1990. Haven't been to one since we moved east.

Well, winter looks like it is finally on the way out and the first local car events happened Friday and Saturday. On Friday, the first cruise-in of the season in Rolling Meadows Illinois happened in 80 degree weather and partly cloudy skies. Quite of variety of cars were on hand for viewing: Then, on Saturday, Continental Motors, in Hinsdale Illinois, had a swap meet along with a car display. Continental Motors is a Ferrari/Maserati dealer. Amongst the cars on display were a new California and 599 GTB: Here’s the link to the album. I have the original 5 megapixel images on my home computer if anybody wants more detail of a shot. 2009-04-25 Car Shows

I agree with Bob. Especially on the roll. Back in the early 90's some kid rolled a model of mine off the table at a contest. After that, no more turning of the wheels. But square on and stance are the most important. Gerry

That's a nice model color. If you're replicating that Spyder exactly, take note of the dash board differences. Here's the one I did about 15 years back: It's a bit dusty as I pulled it out of the moving box. HTH Gerry