Exotics_Builder

Last notice of mine was at Riga PO on September 8. No further update yet

With Mark on that one I have never seen anything like that. Not having researched it yet, I guess if you have a cutting machine you may be able to use that to scribe the lines. But expensive and considerable research to see if doable. The only other alternative I can immediately think about is if you can find strip plastic in the right size and shape, you could glue those onto a .005 plastic sheet to get a laminated panel. Plastruct and Evergreen are the two biggest.

Yes.

Agreed. Not thinking of updating for some time. Also trying to decide if the Ghost catridge is a good option, or send any artwork that needs special handling off to be printed. $300 can generate quite a few decal sheets if one supplies the artwork

CorelDraw 2020 has a significantly improved trace feature. Improvements really started about a couple of releases back. Still needs tweaking, but less work. Normally, I would import a bitmap image and set it in it's own layer and visible. Then I would manually trace over it. Very tedious, but, if that is what you are going after, it may be the only choice.

You are quite right. I use CorelDraw to do my vector artwork. I will use the trace feature to get a rough vector and work from there. I have "cheated" a couple of times with a good bitmap or doing a hi-res scan. But the quality of the artwork is key

George has hit it pretty well. I have an HP Laserjet MFP 281 that I got at Costco for slightly over $300. I recently did the decals below for a friend (on white decal paper since I do not yet have the Ghost cartridge). The color around the decal is the body color of the model (it was slightly lighter since I didn't have the color on hand and had to approximate the RGB, but it worked. He had a time constraint, so couldn't refine the decal more.

They are under NASCAR selection https://shop.carneyplastics.com/Diecast-Display-Case-124-C157.aspx?s=IsFeatured DESC, OrderBy ASC, Name ASC&ps=24&c=157

Revell did a detailed 1/25 Challenger that had a decent engine and chassis as well as one like the C7 Vette and ZL1 Camaro, AMT was a curbside. Chargers, a different story. A few sources for the engine only, if that will work for you. https://downloads.revell.de/Manuals-Modelkits/07187.pdf

Mine shipped Tuesday, so we'll see how long it will take. My Scale Productions order sat in Customs for almost a month and then inched its way from New York to the West Coast. So who knows how long it will be.

Not big on trucks, but got this for a possible project

With you there. I got a Test Shot version from Revell as part of a Thank You for supplying them with the SWC Willys original box and decals since they had been lost. I then wound up winning another one at a contest raffle. And, they are both sitting in the stash because I was hoping a Sports Turismo would happen. If Mischa does it to his usual quality, I'd pop for one. But, I am also getting interested in the upcoming Alpha RS6 Avant (DTM mods but streetable). Would also be nice if Aoshima would do an Urus.

USCP is still planning on doing one per a recent text exchange with him.

Got back to getting the chassis mods installed and painted. There is still more to be done, but here is where I am now at: Finished the initial ribbing and connection plate. Adapted the Revell 1967 Camaro SS exhaust system to this model. Although the chambered exhaust is neat, not many Camaros came with it, and I am aiming for a more stock version. I will eventually join the exhaust pipes from the engine manifolds to the rear component. I will use the connection plate to hide that joint, rather than bend up full pieces at one time. As I am not aiming for a GSL level model, I decided not to spend the time to install brake lines on the axle housing. They would be nearly invisible on the completed model. I will likely do the same for the front brakes as well. For reference, I have included a photo of the original kit chassis as well as a photo of a real convertible chassis. And finally, the current state of the modified chassis.

Were you the one we met at Ed's House to finish up the interviews for the article? Chuck Hermann and I were there with some built model examples.

Just popped in

I have a couple of them. So far, works best on chassis work. I use a model railroad engine foam cradle for body work.

I find it better to Google using site:shapeways.com 1/24 "what I am looking for" So site:shapeways.com 1/24 LSX engine

I had the same problem. Never used it again

There have been a couple of posts about "carpeting". I have a few things in my repertoire depending on what I am trying to achieve. I started out with Ken's Fuzzy fur (or equivalents). For plush style carpeting, this still a good choice. I also have used some peel and stick materials with varying degrees of success. Next I moved on to embossing powder. Normally I will use white and then paint the final carpet color on it. But sometimes, if I can find the color I want, I will get and use it. For carpeting in closed top (especially chopped), where the carpeting i barely visible, I apply a fine textured paint. Again, I will apply the textured paint (masking off the spots where seats/consoles/etc. will be. Then I will either paint or leave be. In the photos below, you can first see the application of the textured paint. This is some color variation, but some carpeting would have that. I likely will not paint this further given it will be in the chopped wagon. Following is a photo of the interior of a Ferrari SA Aperta where embossing powder was used. I also crafted floor mats, so the carpeting is even less visible. Finally is a photo of a 50 Ford Convertible done in the late 90's where I used the "traditional: fuzzy fur. I think we all have techniques that work for us. I have even seen some kits where the molded in carpeting was good enough to just paint over. The one thing, to me, that I don't want is out of scale materials. I think that detracts from the effect and overall model. I am not recommending any particular approach, just presenting the techniques that have worked for me. One thing on thi forum, and others, is modelers presenting different techniques and approaches. If one is comfortable with one, give it a try.

I would appreciate that. I do have the MCG PE set and have been looking at the tabs they have at the back of the headlight setup to push the grill out. Still working on the chassis a bit more and then likely the interior before I get to this.

I thought so. Thanks.

Nice. Is that a 1/25 or 1/32 scale model?

Looking forward to that one