johnbuzzed

I have one of the original issue kits and I do like it, but if I remember correctly, a few of the parts are molded with a lot of... reinforcements? Namely, the door panels and block halves. I am curious about the nature of those molded in ribs. And I do think that the tires and wheels looked a bit undersized. It's been a long time since I looked at the kit, so please correct me if I'm wrong.

I gave this some more thought this morning and realized that it would be nice if a model manufacturer could collaborate with the domestic car companies to produce models of the Challenger, Mustang and Camaro that are used for NHRA racing- not in Pro Stock, but for the class in which Don Garlits now drives, whatever it's called. In this way, those of us who wanted could build replicas, and the modeling community would actually have a source for contemporary speed equipment. I know I would buy a few of the Challengers and Mustangs.

Mike, try Hobby Town down in Monroe, on Dickerson Blvd, between 74 and... Old Charlotte Highway, I think. I have bought several issues there since we moved here in late '09. I think maybe the Hobby Stop in Rock Hill, exit 77 off I-77 has the magazine, too, but I would call them 1st. Thanks for the info re: printing.

Wow, I remember being in that parking lot like it was yesterday...

Very cool- and totally different for that kit! Gives me a few ideas. But I think it's a '41 Plymouth...

Did Golden Press not realize that they would be short-staffed for the holidays or did a lot of their people call in "sick"...? And how far ahead do they start printing issues? I would think that the December issue would have been put to bed in November for shipment before December, but I'm not a publishing company. Whatever. The fact that the new issue is available just gives me another reason to get to a LHS asap (I'll still pick up SA and FSM at Barnes and Noble, too).

So far, so good. I'm gonna follow this build as I like this body style.

I don't recall building many, if any, of the big name customs or hot rods of the '50s and '60s and I built maybe 3 or 4 replicas of actual racecars over the past 52 years; I really don't have much interest in building a specific subject that anyone else could and did build. That's why I had shied away from military modeling for some time- it's not too acceptable to build a P-47 in fictitious markings. I build automotive subjects as though my bench is my own little rod and custom/racecar shop. I do appreciate the creations of the big name designers and builders but they don't inspire me to re-create theirs in scale, rather, they inspire me to apply that same kind of creativity to my own works. I don't care if any manufacturers work with any of the big names but I would rather see that money invested in better kits with a wider range of past and contemporary optional parts (as applicable), better detail ( I want to see "Goodyear", et al, on the sidewalls) and more fidelity to the actual vehicle.

I like your work, Mike. Very clean and not overly complex.

That's really nice and super clean.

Amen to that- I concur in spades and fully agree. Your Mustang looks good so far.

That is one nice model. Those Polar Light Coronets are good for something quick to build, even if they do need a little attention- but, what kit doesn't? Did your kit have a six cylinder distributor? Both of mine did.

Yep, what he said. And, it depends on what one is building and what kind of parts one needs.

I know that there are some builders who use PE parts anywhere and everywhere, even if if the use is not appropriate for the type of car or the actual part itself. It just doesn't look right, but some of them do very well in judged contests. Go figure.

Amen!

Yep, Rich. Dave would like this one.

I collect only kits that I have all the intention in the world to build. Whether or not I actually will is another thing. I do kick myself for once having a never-reissued JoHan '67 Fury and butchering that kit to make it "better"... if I ever find another, it will be built box-stock (maybe... ).

Are entry forms available on line?

If your skills are good and you have the basics down pat, you can do well at a contest with or without any aftermarket parts-- I speak from experience. A few years back I took a first place award with an unpainted (though well-massaged and polished) Dakota pickup in a shelf class at a "major contest" and did OK (2nd place?) at another contest with the same kit built box-stock; again, no paint. Conversely, I have been skunked quite recently with a project that has over 180 parts that were either aftermarket, fabricated or parts-box parts. Go figure.Each modeler has his or her own aspirations, ideas and "dreams" for a kit/project/build and there are no guarantees for results of any kind. In the long run, it's all about being happy with one's creations.

For the rest of us!

Really nice build of one of my favorite driver's dragsters; and I appreciate your modeling philosophy, too.

Since I likely won't be on the forum for a few days, I'd like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas- even if you don't celebrate, you can still have a merry day- and a happy, healthy, peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year.

He's right, you know; especially for re-release of re-releases of kits from the '60s and '70s. I wonder if the manufacturers ever produce more that one set of molds for parts for any given kit...

Congratulations to you. I think welding is a good career- one way or another, society will always have metallic items that need to be joined via heat, whether for structural or esthetic purposes. Whatever you do, study and practice. It will be worth it.

I wonder what %age they get for mumbling, yelling and gesturing wildly to sell a car?