Aaronw

But you are still placing a requirement on a specific modeler (whomever that is) that they are not allowed to ever under any circumstance cut corners, even when building a model for themselves, granted possibly being seen in public. I equate a statement like that to suggesting that a MLB pitcher can't go out and play baseball with some kids in the park because he isn't putting his all into striking them out and OMG he is ruining baseball. You place these into a commercial situation and I can see your point, but even then it isn't really the builders fault as the editor who allowed subpar work into the magazine. Given a high enough stature that the magazine should have expected better, I can understand some blame going to the builder as well.

This should have been the question of your OP, and it seems to have been lost in the noise. No builder should feel an obligation to create a 100% model everytime. I'd like to think Gerald Wingrove could build a Revell Snap-tite and brush paint if that is what he felt like doing without being vilified for not creating another masterpiece. However if a model magazine featured such a snap-tite (out side of the April 1st edition) instead of one of his amazing creations they should fully expect the justified wrath of the readers. You are comparing two completely different things with a known modeler showing his work on a forum and a magazine publishing a model that is perhaps sub-par.

When the hobby starts paying NFL star quarterback wages.

Wow, that is kind of wild that a car maker is tying into the games that way.

Not car models, but I've seen many comment that the model companies should be targeting kids by tying kits to car themed video games. Italeri is doing just that but with tanks. http://www.italeri.com/news_scheda.asp?idNews=465

Wow, I just had a look at that link, some really neat stuff. Randy thank you for asking this question, and Bill thanks for the link. I may be busy poking around in there for a while.

Ok, that makes sense. Looks like a good choice for the Hummer.

Um, I see tires and rims on there, change of heart or something else. Looks good.

Guess I missed the earlier Celica kit. I don't see Aoshima kits much, guess I need to start paying more attention to HLJ.

5mph bumpers and proper ride height would have fixed that...

The Cruze is nice, but I'm far more interested in that Celica Rally car. Nice to see new faces and new ideas being added to the model making side of things.

I bet the chipmunks just came from a game of pong to get themselves worked up into a killing frenzy.

This is what I use. I put left over bits back in the original package with the uncut stuff, so I know what it is. Six tubes made from 3" ABS pipe, and 4 made from 2" ABS pipe. The base and dividers for the sheets are made from 1" pine shelving. I divided everything into like types, rod, round tube, square tube etc. The 4 smaller tubes (behind the 3" tubes) are for metal wire, rod and tubing. Behind it all is a slot for extra long material.

The cab is interesting. Looks like somebody made an effort at changing it into a Pioneer cab.

Wow a lot of changes, but it's looking really good. The Paystar bumper is a great addition. You know what might look neat is a bumper turret. You've got plenty of room up front now. A hose bin or short section of hardline is another popular option.

Thanks, wasn't sure if Tamiya had their own or not. Never too sure with Tamiya / Italeri when they offer something the other has done. I have a few Italeri / Tamiya kits and a few more Tamiya / Italeri kits.

If you can abide diecast Welly does a nice bay window microbus. We had a '72 when I was a kid and that was the only way I could find the later style. I think your wip was the one I was following. I could actually smell that old VW interior smell while you were doing up the interior. It is very strange how the mind reacts to some things.

Not a big deal to get the reducer, just didn't know how much it mattered and trying to keep cans of "stuff" to a minimum. Sounds like it matters. Also sounds like an outside job with a mask. Thanks

Because of its age I had to have a pint of paint mixed up for some touchup spots on my car. Since it is a color I could imagine using on a model (similar to Tamiya Mica Blue) and I'll have plenty left over, I'm curious about thinning it for that use. It is a fast dry acrylic enamel, can I use regular store brand thinner or should I get a can of the reducer they sell for it. I know they recommend the reducer for spraying a full size car, but don't know if that is necessary for the small quantity used for a model. Not that familiar with automotive paint, I know the two part urethane paints are pretty nasty, but assuming this being an enamel I should be ok treating it like a standard rattle can as far as safety precautions? Air brush and spray booth with good ventilation being adequate. Is this stuff any worse than Tamiya or Krylon? I do have a cartridge mask available, but honestly rarely use it unless using something notably nasty, and then I don't want to use it in the house. I know it may be hotter than most rattle cans so a good primer coat is assumed. Thanks

I just picked up an Audi Quattro. Says Tamiya but I'm not sure of actual heritage since Italeri and Tamiya have a thing going, and Italeri has the Esci molds. Cool if it really is Tamiya but I'm expecting to find Esci on the plastic.

I've seen a few builders come on here and get a little huffy about honest critiques of their work. I've also seen some of these same people after stoping to take a breath start to see that they are not being attacked, take the information provided and really start to improve. With that improvement came more willingness to accept critical comment.

I was thinking 2002 as well, although I don't know which came first as far as rip off goes. I've been hoping to see some of the Esci rally kits return, Fiat 131, Escorts, MB 450SLC, Golf Mk1. Actually Esci has several kits that would fit into this thread, nothing to oddball, but a lot of older (70-80s) European cars we don't have current kits for. Guess we are waiting on Italeri to dig through the Esci vaults.

Alvis 3 litre drophead coupe, not many built but I really like the look of these. The "funky" addition was to distinguish from cars that would surprise no one. Seeing another Ferrari, Porsche or even something like an Aston Martin DB5 retool may delight some, but it wouldn't have that never saw that coming thing. Doesn't actually have to be weird but it helps. Some of the cars posted are actually quite popular and / or attractive but fall short of that so called "license to print money" kit. Mostly just an excuse to post some interesting European cars that would make a neat if unlikely kit.

and what do you think led Rob to that industry, I'm sure the Atari 2600 and Commodore computer played no part in that at all. A kid playing video games has no less chance of that leading to a good career than a kid gluing parts together. They both generate an interest that could lead to a career, but neither promises success.

I've used embossing powder too. I just sprinkle it on the wet paint, then once it dries, give it a second coat over the embossing powder. It gives it a fine texture to suggest carpet and differentiate from vinyl or leather upholstery. A $3 bottle will last a long time since it only takes a pinch or two on most cars.