johnbuzzed

Now that we're empty-nesters, my wife is taking more of an interest in my hobby, which she has tolerated for a looooong time (as has the rest of my family). She even agreed to get one of our club t-shirts to wear to contests and shows, and she's mentioned that she's considering her first snap-kit. Does your wife, husband, spouse, significant other, mate, life partner, etc, build models, too? How about your kids, your mom or dad?

We are "here" because we're not "there". We are here because we are not somewhere else. We are here, because we are here. And, in the words of the immortal Mike Brady: "No matter where you go, there you are." "Roll the bones..."

"I am just wondering what you guys think is the limit to spend when building a model car or light truck? For guys that build big rigs, I ask the same, but please specify what type of model you are referring to. And dioramas - that's a whole different kind of build but let's look at those as well. I know that a diorama can be years in completing and I am not so sure that there is never room for improvement or that one more detail just to add realism." There's no need to separate cars, light trucks, big rigs or dioramas- you can spend as much or as little time and cash as you want to on any type of model. It's kind of like "How fast do you want to go? Well, how much money do you want to spend?" It all depends on the reason for which you are building the model and the depth of your financial resources.

Harry's right. We modelers do tend to keep the problematic kits available for psychological reasons- buying a re-issue of the same kit that one bought and built 40 or more years ago is like taking a step back to a time when things were fun and life was more simple. We almost expect to be able to buy one and build it in a weekend, just as we did when we were much younger. And, we shouldn't be shocked at the current cost of kits. Very few things do come down in price over time and when they do, it's due to obsolescence as a result of newer, better technology- think "consumer electronics". But sticker shock is getting to be a factor among us older modelers as more of us approach or are already in the days of living on limited incomes; conversely, how can younger modelers afford to buy some kits at current prices? Mowing lawns? We all welcome new kits that have been produced via the use of new technology such as new molding techniques and CAD-CAM, but not all of us want kits with zillions of itty-bitty parts that are difficult for older eyes to see and older fingers to manipulate (did you know that there are 1/35 scale tank kits that have over 1,100 parts?) And kits like that can be intimidating to a less-experienced modeler of any age. There are times when I can really appreciate a quality curbside kit such as those produced by Tamiya, Aoshima or even some of Revell's snap kits. Not a lot of parts, but boy, they do look good when they're completed. But one thing never fails to amaze me- why has the price of Hot Wheels cars remained so low for so long? Current prices are maybe two or three times what they cost back in '67... but look at the cost of a small, square bottle of Testors enamel over that same time period...

We have an '08 Sonata with 90+ K miles. I've changed the oil, wipers, battery, tires; you know, minor stuff. The dealer changed a PS pulley under warranty while I had the car in for an oil change- I didn't even complain about it. The car is still quiet, it runs great, everything works; the only thing that broke is the cupholder in the console. We're very satisfied with the car and we would certainly buy another Hyundai. Back on LI, there were at least 7 Hyundais on one block (of twenty houses) in my neighborhood; one neighbor would buy nothing else and they still have two now. And a quick glance at a recent ... Car and Driver (IIRC) shows a 2013 Sonata 2.0 Turbo four cylinder test drive; the 1/4 mile time is in the low 14s. That's real close to '70's Hemi territory. Not too shabby. I'm not saying that all Hyundais are perfect cars nor am I saying that ours is but there was a time when I wouldn't even consider owning one... how things can change.

I wouldn't want to to do it for a living. What would I do for a hobby?

A hick farm boy from Philly?

I couldn't see the picture that you posted, but I wonder if it is the same picture that was printed in one of SAE's April issues...

Tamiya spray (TS series) and Testors One-Coat Lacquers, anytime. For basic flat black or white, the cheapest stuff that Lowes sells. For military flat colors, even on to use on cars, Testors enamel sprays.

How about a good quality snap-kit, perhaps, along the lines of Revell's current Mustang ragtop? No engine worries, no zillion-piece chassis, just the eye candy...

Are any available in the aftermarket, 727s or 904s ?

Would duallys be advised even with the tandem axles?

I'll be combining the Racer's Wedge hauler with the Dodge Little Red Express cab and front "clip". The chassis won't be detailed, so I can get away with a lot of non-prototypical stuff to make it a nice-looking curbside build. The Wedge body has wheel cutouts for tandem wheels, which is no problem, but I would like to know if they should be tandem, single wheels or tandem duallys? Thanks in advance for any help.

Thanks, Mike. I'll check them out.

If all else were exactly equal about the cars and driver skills, track conditions and other variables, then lighter weight would yield a faster car. That's my humble, layman's opinion.

How does one contact Chief Joseph or Ma's Resin?

Ahhh, pain pills... almost as good as muscle relaxers . Before you realize it, things will be back to "normal".

I can't see it now but I'll check it over the weekend from home. Thanks for the building tips- I have one of these on my shelf with plans on paper for it.

No problem. Thanks for the info. I edited that post a bit, moved it to the more appropriate area and deleted it from this area.

There is also a Hobbytown USA in Monroe on Dickerson Blvd, which is off 74. It's a bit of a drive from Charlotte, maybe like a half-hour due to traffic lights, but they do have a lot of stuff and a fairly knowledgeable staff.

How about AMT's MoPower funny? I have one that I bought new back in the early '80's and it looks good to me- but of course, I haven't done any test-fitting yet...

Try "The Hobby Stop" at exit 77 off I-77 in Rock Hill- I would call them first 803-327-4121. They do have a website.

Wow, dude, chill- not everyone has the abilities nor wants to do all kinds of body mods. Many people would like to buy and use something that is more accurate; more true to the real thing, without a LOT of additional work. Otherwise, we would all be buying plastic pellets and injection molding our own whatevers.

Looking good, Rich. I have one of the '58 Plymouth kits and I'll try to remember re: the exhaust when time comes to build it.

My sympathy for your loss... Maybe someone from the MASSCAR club can help you with this.