Aaronw

The advantage of a vector based program is the lack of pixelation. Harry is correct that you can draw a very crisp decal with a pixel based program, but if you want to rescale it (say 1/8 to 1/25) you have to completely redraw it or you will get distortion as the pixels adjust (3 pixels make a dot in 1/8, but only 1 in 1/25). A vector based program like Corel Draw does not use pixels, it uses a measurement between points. So in MS paint you will have to redraw your image if you resize it, in Corel Draw you grab the image, change the size and the image is just as clear whether 10x10" or 1x1". This is very easy to see in action, take a simple image, put it in MS Paint, then change the size. You will quickly see the problem. I'm not familar with Inkscape, but I know Joseph makes great decals, so it he recommends it, and its free I'd say it is worth a look. Personally I use Corel Draw, if you are in school or have kids you can get a good deal on the teacher / student edition (I got mine for about $85 in 2006). You can also find older editions pretty cheap on ebay, craigs list etc and for our needs you don't lose much by buying an older edition. I assume the same could be said for Adobe Illustrator if you happen to prefer Adobe products or you find a good deal.

The Midnight Cowboy wrecker uses the same or at least a similar cab.

Goldfinger

Ford didn't offer a diesel until 1961 or 62. As it is a prototype, and the H was the first to offer a diesel, it is possible that one or more of these trucks had a diesel, but also a good chance they had one of the big Ford Super Duty gas engines.

I'm actually currently building one as a 3800 1 ton with a 9 foot bed. The Revell pickup kits are very nice but I prefer the way AMT does their beds. I mostly build commercial trucks (3/4 ton +) and the way AMT sets up the kits with seperate fenders / bed sides / running boards makes it easier to turn the short bed 1/2 tons into longbed trucks.

Thanks, I had fun with this one too. In fact one of those rare finished it the same month I started it models. I was quite happy with the kit so expect there will be a few more completed in the future, just need to find the right inspiration. Very little, all I know is they were small, low pressure 20-30 gallon per minute pumps run off the fan belt, I imagine they resemble an automotive water pump, only plumbed to run water from the tank to a discharge instead of circulating water through the engine. They seem to have been popular on small brush trucks from the 1930s through the mid 1950s, but I have been unable to find any photos or drawings of the actual pump. Not a big deal on the model since you can't see the front of the motor where the little pump would be anyway. Online searches turned up lots of places where I can buy Panama hats and belts.

Where it says machinegun, cross it out and write in pizza oven.

Radio shack sells a wire wrapping tool you can use to get that nice, even coil. I'm sure you could make one, but theirs is cheap and works. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103243

That was mine in the old house, I'd clean up a bit and find whole models I forgot I'd been working on. When I moved I set up the new bench with lots of space and seperate areas for different functions, so I'm not trying to scratchbuild, resin cast, paint, assemble all at the same table. I also put shelves under the bench so I have a place to store my in progress but not working on right now models, instead of just shoving them off to a corner of the bench. It seems to be working fairly well because now I have a whole 2 sqaure feet to work.

Ozark Miniatures has some G scale equipment that might suit you. I know they have a couple of steam engines and accessories. http://www.ozarkminiatures.com/Scripts/default.asp I've bought lots of smaller detail parts like flanged wheels, tools, barrels etc. They are pretty quick and have nice quality white metal parts.

That is not completely true, real cars have all kinds of seam lines so it is good to actually look at the car and the model, so you don't "fix" lines that are there on the 1 to 1. Sometimes the model makers do a good job of putting the kit seam lines on the same spots the real car has seem lines. The hood on the AMT 1960 Chevrolet pickup is a perfect example, many people hide the seam line on the sides of the hood "eyebrows" but these seems are actually quite prominent on the 1-1. Now probably 80% of the time the lines need to go, but people should be careful about this when they judge a model (either in a contest or just posted online).

Artists oils are another option common among aircraft and armor models. I've started doing it on car models and I like the effect. Paint black or another appropriate dark color into the panel lines then wipe the oils off. It is subtle and will look like you didn't really do anything, but adds a bit of depth due to just a hint of the dark color remaining in the cracks. Acrylics are safe from the thinner and oils, but you will probably want to add a coat of Future to protect enamels or laquers I also agree with Jantrix, rescribing the lines can help a lot, particularly on a kit with shallow lines.

I've got one my wife bought me a few years ago, I think it is the one made by Exacto with two arms. I wouldn't put it in the must have category as I only occasionally use it, and I got on just fine without it. I mostly use it for working on really small parts so I have both hands free. While not essential, it is a handy tool, and since they cost less than $20 I'd say it is a worthwhile addition to a work bench.

That's what I figured, too bad. Thanks

Nice T. It is a fun kit, and I'm finding kind of addictive, so many things you can do with a Model T.

Thanks, this was a fun one to do. TJ I don't know much about where to get the rolling stock, but I got a lot of G scale bits and bobs from Ozark Miniatures. http://www.ozarkminiatures.com/Scripts/default.asp

AMT 1926 Model T 3 in 1 kit, done as a US Forest Service truck used to support fire crews. Paint is Krylon Dark Hunter Green and Black, custom decals done by me. Supplies are a mix of scratchbuilt, and G scale model RR bits.

Revell's 1937 Ford done as a US Forest Service patrol truck with a small fan belt driven Panama pump. Paint is Rustolium Hunter Green, custom decals done by me.

We can always use more green. Nice job on the USFS trucks, the Tree Cop Scout is my favorite.

You could largely do it with what's included in the kit. There are some period correct lights hidden among the more modern lights. Here is a tutorial for making a Federal Beacon Ray (rotating light) from an automotive bulb. I've seen one of Dave's beacon rays using this technique and they are spectacular, way better than anything I've seen in plastic or resin. http://www.scalefirehouse.com/watercooler/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=178

Is this kit still a possible re-issue or was it ruined along with the panel? There are very few kits of non Ford 1930s cars / trucks, if this Chevy were to turn up again it would at least provide a start for a truck or panel. What the heck is the Vampire van anyway, did it actually feature in the Dark ShadowsTV show or was it just another funky show truck from MPC / AMT?

Very nice, I built the plain stock version a few years ago using the same Tamiya metallic light blue. It is a great kit, and you did a really good job on yours.

I'm really amazed the are no kits with utility bodies, they always seem to generate interest when they turn up. Guess it is just part of that lack of interest in trucks. Ron I do work for the Forest Service, which is what generated the interest. A lot of people seem to think the '60-61 was an ugly design. Personally I like them, not as flashy as the 55-59, but they have a very tough, determined look appropriate for a work truck.

Probably a long shot, but has there ever been a kit of the Alvis TE21Drop Head Coupe? My wife and I have been watching a BBC series Kingdom on Netflix. The main character drives a silver Alvis. It is a nice looking car with rather unique styling, plus it would be kind of fun to do one since we've been watching the show together in my new mancave (its ok, she stays in the tool girl lounge ). Hoping maybe one of our UK members might have a lead on something, Airfix, Heller? Thanks

Wow another blast from the past. Thanks, glad someone liked them enough to dig up the post. Manny, you caught me, I admit I do have a bit of a USFS fetish. I'll actually be posting a few new ones in a few days.