MILD

A very nice build and good photos as well!

Thanks to everyone for the kind words. Leaving the butterflies was a conscious effort but I can certainly see how a wash would have really brought out some detail and added to it. I will certainly keep that in mind for next time. The lack of plug wires was something that I thought about throughout the build. Who knows- I might revisit that project at a later date but I pretty much hit a point where I just wanted to get it all together and put it in a box on my desk! Thanks once again. The paint for those interested is simply a Tamiya rattle can metallic green (TS20 IIRC) straight out of the can.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=47727 A link to the soul destroying Dart should you be interested!

Here is a link to my second build: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39986&hl=&fromsearch=1 And my first: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35078&hl=&fromsearch=1 (coincidentally posted just over a year ago!).

For this build I really wanted to do a car in the style of an Australian burnout car. Over the last handful of years the scene has really seen a big improvement in the build quality of the cars. It might seem strange to some, but detailed interiors and elite level paint and panel are almost a required part of the cars now- not too many beaters in Summernats burnout comp! And of course, they need to be blown. I had toyed with the idea of getting a whole after market engine but instead decided on some Comp Resins pieces to dress up the 426 Hemi in the box. I'm not too sure I did the parts justice but it doesn't look too shabby on the bench next to my other two completed models. As this is only my third build I am still struggling to come to grips with BMF- or the foil tape I use as a substitute (I'm thinking of giving the real BMF a shot to see if I have any more luck!) and made a lot of errors. Clumsy fingers during final assembly means I did mark the finished paint work on the door but thankfully it's not too obvious once in the case (even though it sticks out like the proverbial in the photo!). I had the same problem with finger prints on glass which I'll look into sorting next time by using gloves. This was also my first attempt at some more serious body mods such as radiusing the rear wheel arches, deleting wiper blade mounts and antenna mounts. It's the first time I tried what essentially became a three toned paint job with spraying the interior roof lining white, engine bay black and the rest of the car green... the decision to omit the bonnet was a conscious decision to fit the theme. Please feel free to share any constructive criticism or ways to make improvements to my builds. I'd love to hear from you guys and I know that I am far from perfect so am entirely open to new suggestions! Thanks for looking.

Thanks to all who replied. I will post a link to the underglass thread hopefully tonight! That Willy's certainly looks like a contender for my next build to be sure!

I have finally completed my Dart (well... I just need to decal on the number plates and then I'll post pics) and to say I have mixed feelings is an understatement. I tried a lot of new things and not all of it went as well as I'd hoped... mainly stuffing up the basics (sticky fingers during final assembly marking the paint job... dirty windows etc). While I'm not at breaking point yet, I want to go back and make kit number four a completely out of the box build. I really want to get back to focusing on the basics because as you could imagine, after three builds I'm certainly no expert! Can anyone recommend a good kit that goes together without a whole lot of massaging and would make a good confidence builder after a bit of an uphill battle on the last one? I prefer the Revell 1950- 1970 American cars but I'm open to any suggestions. Thank you in advance gentlemen.

Gentlemen, given how common it is down here to fit an LS1 into pretty much anything, I'd like to put together a model with this engine conversion. What car exactly I'm not too sure just yet. Obviously the first thing I need is the engine itself. Can anyone suggest which kit contains an LS1 and if there is a number, which one has the best mould? Does anyone know of a resin one or a stand alone engine kit for this? Thanks guys.

And the worst part is an Australian dollar is worth $1.05 American last I checked... there's a lot to be said of buying power!

I'll agree with the cost thing. Here in Australia I'm paying between $40 - $50 for a Revell kit off the shelf... that's too many dollars to destroy!!

I'll admit to being frustrated from time to time but never angry about it. I do build very, very slowly and only have one project on the go at anyone time. As a matter of fact I refuse to buy until I'm ready for the next project. My first kit was enjoyable but it was all new. My next was fantastic as I avoided a lot of the mistakes I made first time out (and the Revell Black Widow 57 Chev is a joy to build). My current build- the Hemi Dart- is giving me fits getting the interior tub nicely in the body. I tried three times the other night without success before putting it away. I resisted the urge to try again last night but tonight I'll give it another crack. When I feel the frustration coming on I apply the three strikes and out rule. As everyone else has said it should be fun but I entirely understand the motivation to do better and the occasional disappointment when we fail. My kids help a lot because at 6 and 8 years old, everything is amazing- including my less than perfect models

Thanks to the mods for moving and apologies- I don't usually venture this far south!! My mistake.

I'm very nearly done with my third build- the Revell 2 n 1 68 Dart. However, the current problem I am having it getting the interior tub to fit in nice and square so the lower part of the fireall (the part attached to the floor) marries up with the firewall that is glued to the body itself. I've looked through those Darts in the underglass section and all seem to fit quite well sO I am guessing there is something I am missing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I really don't want to have another debaclethat was ftting my 1960 Impala tub!! Thanks in advance gents.

Congratulations. Although surely you have better things to be doing than posting here right now

Thanks to all for the suggestions as well as the good explanations concerning ghosting. Now I actually have half an idea what I am talking about I will give the superglue a go and work from there.

Once again the car lives:

Can someone please recommend a good product to deal with minor sink marks that result from shaving moulded badges, arial mounts, wiper mounts etc. My Dart project continues and the body is in primer however it really has highlighted a number of issues that I would like to correct prior to paint. This is the first body where I have really carried out these minor modifications and as such I am unsure where to begin when dealing with them. I do have some Green Stuff here but if there is a more elegant method than smearing putting and sanding it back I'd love to hear it. I have heard mention of Mr Surfacer but am unsure what exactly it is this product brings to the party. Thanks in advance- I can't wait to have this one boxed up on my desk and the photos posted here!

An Australian company - Davies Craig- makes electronic water pumps that plumb into the lower radiator hose. This could be an option as well- no issues with clearance and it'll be hidden down in the bottom of the bay. http://www.daviescraig.com.au/Electric_Water_Pumps-list.aspx

Thanks gents. I was only thinking last night that I might try my hand at scratch building an electric water pump, get a pre wired dizzy, some boot material and of course then some photo etch lead seperators. This is a slippery slope I think

Didn't even think of the FnF car! Great suggestion. I'm currently in Wodonga, via Adelaide, Darwin and Canberra. I get around

Gents- I am hoping someone here can offer advice from their own builds or a good idea as to how to tackle this. I am currently building one of the kinda recent Revell Dodge Dart 2n1s usng the kit 426 and adding a Comp Resins 6/71. The item I got from Comp has the blower, the belt and the plate. I have a couple of questions to put something together approaching reality and not simply looking like throwing resin at it for the hell of it. Firsty, the 426 block is longer than the blower itself- where is the best place to orientate it? Towards the front, central or rearward? I've asked previously in the General section and can confirm it is the correct scale Which accessories are considered fair game to be left off the motor? I'm thinking I'll utilise the dizzy but might flick the alternator (I'll tell people it's hidden!). The factory clutch fan will be replaced by an alloy radiator and thermo fan set up. Does anyonehave any pictures either of real life combos or previous builds using the same parts I have described? I'm really at a loss (hence the seemingly directionless post) as to how to make it not 100% realist but not a Hot Wheels car. The style I am going for is the Australian burnout cars that do the rounds these days so I'm guessing you drag guys are the best to ask. Thanks in advance and if you need clarification on anything I've posted or if I m posting complete gibberish please let me know and I'll try and fix it up. Cheers.

Two. Another on the way

It'd be a shame to see any member walk out on this forum. Yes- it does occasionally get a little strange around here, especially given that most who frequent here are grown men, but for the most part it's easily ignored. The good parts of the forum- the awesome builds and advice- far out weigh any arguments or e-battles that a select few seem to enjoy so much. I am personally a big fan of self editing the board- if I see something not worth my time, I don't devote any to it. I suggest the experience here may be improved if others utilise the same skill. That's not to detract from the work the moderators do by any stretch, but we all know they can't be here all the time and some strays will slip through the net.

Everyone be cool!

Thanks to all who replied. Given the fact I already have a compressor I think it may be worth picking up a decent airbrush to at least give it a go and form my own practical opinions. Something that I hadn't previously considered was the use of the smaller touch up guns- I can see the merit in that for larger things such as the bodies themselves. I guess now is the time to check out one of the airbrush threads for advice on which one to pick up! Thanks again.