Mike Kucaba

Right now a really good works space. I thought I could paint outside here in Mesa,but at 100-110 for days on end and the night not much better that has slowed me up. I need to enclose a portion of my carport and air condition it. The dustiness of the desert doesn't help either. I'm pretty much just idle now.

This is a nice kit as a base.The body dates back to 1962 when it came with all parts to build a stock,1934 Ford as a coupe or roadster.It received a chopped top in the 90's to do the ZZtop car and is dated in details to be sure. I think that slipping the chassis from something newer would help and yes the body fits are pretty poor. This kit has been re-issued to death. there was recently a Thom Taylor roadster version with some updates to the chassis/running gear.

Very nice triplett of classic race/street cars there. Good job!

That sounds like a great idea. Check out using an O-ring for the halves of the ring. Detail Master uses an O-ring as the rim in one of their wheel kits. You could also try sanding down a styrene wheel rim the size you want and using that to make the mold.Getting the halves equal so that when sandwiched could be the hard part.Maybe some fine tuning on some abrasive would be necessary. HTH

"I can imagine seeing it in 1:1 scale, with exhaust rumbling outta each of the usual lower-side panels and also coming outta the combined-exhaust stack in the roof... " Especially if you set it up with one of those flamethrower devices in the roof stack! Very neat concept and execution.

Yeah. This is getting old... similar to the best putty,best clear,best yada yada yada....

I did This to one.

An acrylic spray in an aerosol can?

If you want a clear that can go over both enamel And lacquer the only one I'm aware of is Testor's 1261 or 1260 in spray. It is an enamel safe clear lacquer.

Veddy XKE ish. I like it.

Yes they were.

WOW WOW WOW!!! I just may have to re-think picking up this kit.Excellent work!

I was under the impression that if you were an active IPMS member (even just locally) you paid $5 to enter the contest. That $50 is for all- access for all the seminars,activities etc.and unlimited models entries. That's what I experienced at the Nats in 2011 here in Phoenix. I URGE you to go just for the sheer amount of all types of modeling. Unless you don't have a pulse You WILL be blown away. I've been to 3 Nats now and everytime they just get better. I even took a second place in 2011(okay so there were only 2 entries) Definitely check out the vendor area too. Tell the folks at registration that you want to enter the contest as cheaply as possible. Most everyone there is a modeler too.

Have friend(s) run ads locally looking to BUY some of the stuff that was stolen. See who contacts them and check them out. Check addresses and phone numbers etc. when contact is made. Give this to the police.AND your insurance company. They want them as much and maybe more so than law enforcement and sometimes have more resources. Thieves can be deceptively clever AND stupid. Good Luck!

I like this a lot! I remember a few car/ truck/ transporter models over the years,but this one is off the HOOK!! Very unique!!

I think everything has a shelf life except Twinkies and Spam.

Very convincing! The only thing I would be the tires.They look like new tires that are just weathered and not worn to match the weathering. Nice work so far

I'm late at the gate in complementing you on this build -up.You really captured the look 100%

Fantastic idea

Bring something light weight to cover the entire display. It's amazing how much dust will settle over evrything if not covered. Also take several pics of the display right before you cover it up.If something comes up missing,you'll have photographic proof of it. The overnite thing is tough to decide. Whose going to verify the security? Hopefully it's someone like county sheriffs or entities like that. Check with other people who have done the show before about lost items. Don't Touch warnings all over the display help. I like raising the tables with 12 to 18 inch PVC pipe to keep them at a height so little hands can't grab the little "toys".I know that's not popular with some folks. GOOD LUCK

I haven't been there since 2007,but isn't the toy show show part both days? It use to be that load in was Saturday and then John opened it up for the public from 12PM -3 or 4 . Then everyone would go to the model display. Sunday was the toy show. I do remember the toy show only being opened for vendors on Saturday maybe around 2000-2001.

I suppose ,never really tried it.Just out of curiosity,why are you using tube glue and non-toxic at that?

Very slick alternative to the wire and tube style.Personally I have never had an issue with those unless the size of the wire and tube were grossly out-of-scale.These are a refreshing change. How are the doors retained when slipped into the square channel? Is this a friction fit or did I miss something.

I've always liked this idea of customizing a custom.You have some unique ideas on this and a great concept.I also like this comment,(I'm trying to limit myself to two or three simultaneous builds, 'cause I actualy like having one finished.) I sure wish I could adhere to that maxim. Keep at it on this one.

All the parts for that can be had at Modelhaus. Their vacuum formed windshield is a great choice,and more in scale than the plastic one,especially for a convertible.