TurboKitty

cool, that is only an hour and a half away from me I would like to go to one of these sometime, it sounds fun!

Never been to a model car club meet, and I'd like to go to one in my area. What does a meet consist of really? Sorry for such an amateur question lol, but I kind of assumed they are sort of like a miniature car club meet? Bring out the cars and shoot the breeze?

because even though I really enjoy this hobby, there is more to life than model cars. On eBids I can list anything, not just models. With the money I'll save from listing fees for other items (and I personally have a lot that needs to go), it gives me extra spending money that I wouldn't originally have as much of (that maybe I could use for.... models. So for me personally, it's a win win. I did a search for Revell, AMT, etc and it gave back a decent amount of results. It's not identical to eBay, but it is growing. I keep checking back to see what's been listed on emodelcars as well, and basically I'm just waiting to bid on something I actually want

just got done adding a whole bunch of photos, including several different patterns & materials, cars, etc.

love the blue on white color combo and the Kelsey Hayes recall wheels! Were they sourced from a kit or are they available from the aftermarket?

I wasn't aware that the Pro Modeler kit was reissued, but the one with the yellow logo looks more modern, so that's probably the reissue. I do know the original one had an incorrect roof line. This was corrected and made available in the regular issue '69 Charger R/T kit (blue car w/ white top). The Pro Modeler kits had Photoetched detail if I remember correctly, at least for the '69 Charger Daytona kit it did. I don't know if the Charger R/T had one, pretty sure it didn't. As far as parts content, I think they are basically the same (both have a 426 Hemi and a 440 Magnum engine option). The Pro Modeler kit was packaged nicer, and I bought the original one when it came out (incorrect roof). Besides the standard Charger decals, it also included General Lee like decals which were slightly inaccurate, but I think that's about it. The regular issue (blue car) did not have the extra "General Lee" type decals, and they were slightly revised if I remember correctly. They altered the tail stripes, and revised the 440 Magnum air cleaner decal I believe. Also worth mentioning, the Dick Landy '68 Charger came out after the original Pro Modeler '69 Charger R/T, and it had the corrected roof, (also it did not have the vinyl roof molded in as all the '69 Charger kits do, so if you want to save yourself some sanding of the "vinyl grain" and vinyl roof-only trim around the rear window "flying buttresses", then it might be worth it to get a '68 kit too, and just use the body from it lol). I hope this helps, I don't think there is any advantage at getting a Pro Modeler kit over a standard issue unless you want the photoetched parts, which like I said, I don't think they came in the '69 Charger R/T kit, at least not the original one. Maybe in the reissue? There is actually a Photoetched sheet available for the '69 Charger R/T kit that would be much better. All of these kits can be had for about $10 or so plus shipping if you know where to look. There are several ebay auctions going on right now that are less than $5 too.

not all Japanese kits are curbside models. A lot of sites will tell you if it has engine detail or not. Out of the ones I have, only 4 have no engines (I have 11 so far). Don't let it discourage you, if you really want an accurate engine, try your hand at scratchbuilding

what is the link for Facebook?

yep, sure did. I like the way it looks, I'm going to be getting some as soon as I find it that doesn't have an acid core lol.

nope, no engine in it. They call it a "curbside" model since, once it is all put together, it will look nice sitting just as it is, like a car on a curb lol. One thing you could possibly do is buy the AMT 2006 Nissan 350Z "Fast & Furious" model kit, use the engine in that, and possibly the mounting points, transfer them into the Tamiya kit, and carefully open the hood on the Tamiya kit. The F & F kit has a odd looking widebody kit on it: There are other 350Z model kits, Aoshima made a few but I know the red 2007 one does not have an engine either since the body is molded in 1 piece. Check to see if Fujimi or other Japanese model manufacturers have made one, there are usually a couple more that are a little bit harder to find. They often have bodykits or custom wheels as part of the kit too. They may or may not have engines though.

what is the regular price for an airbrush kit and compressor? I've never gotten around to getting one, now might be the time. Also, how loud are they when painting? I've always lived in an apartment and I can't get one if it'll be too loud : /

yep, that and while not German, Chrysler has used various Mitsubishi engines and parts in several of their cars over the years. The newer Chrysler cars are getting better reviews because of the fact that they have more of a European influence (via tuning, parts, etc) lol. More Euro content = better car (seriously it's true, American cars that are genuinely American built can not hold a candle to a European car in terms of quality, materials, and refinement. I don't like the way that sounds either, but we would have much better cars here if we got the Euro versions of a lot of cars instead of the watered down ones that we normally get. Ford's finally getting the hint since they brought over the Fiesta, and the next Focus will be a *Real* world car, I can't wait lol. I also am eager to see what Chrysler will bring out once their merger with Fiat is in full swing, around 2012 and 2013. There will be a lot of new products that look promising!

I don't know about the GTR, but the 350Z is one of their kits that has no opening parts and no engine. It is a curbside kit, but it still has really nice detail, especially the interior. I didn't know until I had bought it, lol. The 370Z is the same way

I'll have to pass, thank you anyway. I have the same Challenger 2 in 1 kit actually I just added a bunch of cars to my wanted list as well. I will add/subtract from it often. Thanks!

if the lack of items on emodelcars deters you, I found a new site that is similar to eBay only in that it has more than just model cars to bid on or sell. It is also free to list, and you can run items until they sell. I'm not meaning to take business away from emodelcars, but I feel it's people's right to choose where they want to spend their money, especially if it isn't on eBay lol: eBid Online Auctions (US Site) There are also eBid sites for other countries if you don't live in the US: http://www.ebid.net/ I like it!

lol yeah it kinda does. I'd accept a kit from my Wanted thread as long as it was also factory sealed (or at least sealed inside and complete). I'd accept another '68 or '69 Revell Charger R/T, '69 Charger Daytona, '70 Super Bee, or maybe another Mopar kit as a trade too, I just haven't added those in my Wanted thread lol.

Just got back from a local flea market with a factory sealed 1/24 AMT/Ertl Ferrari 250 GT S.W.B from 1989. The box is in pretty good shape save for a small crushed in spot on the top edge. Now, I don't really like classic Italian sports cars that much, so I'll probably end up trading this for something I really want but it was too good of a deal to pass up. Here is a pic I found on the internet of what the kit looks like, mine is in better shape: I also scored a round wall clock with my absolute favorite '69 Charger R/T ever on it! It's the 1 of 1 Spring Green Metallic '69 426 Hemi 4spd car w/ white interior, body color steel wheels, and poverty caps. It is a stripe delete car and it just has the "R/T" badges on the rear quarter panels. It was restored by Julius Steuer (Restorations by Julius). There was only one other '69 Hemi Charger R/T that was painted in F6 Spring Green metallic (it was an automatic). Here is the real 4spd car: http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2006/04/01/hmn_feature8.html http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2004/05/01/hmn_feature7.html I will be building a model of this as soon as I get all of the materials & parts.

I feel similar about it, I can't find a single bid on anything and there are some nice items that are reasonably priced. I had some kits on there for almost a week, nothing. Put the same kits on ebay and I already have several watchers for each kit. I guess if people want to spend more money than necessary, I'll stick with eBay. It just sucks because it costs to list items there, and on emodelcars it's free. I thought there would be a lot of activity there, with lots of kits and parts. Not so much, but it was worth a shot. Maybe somebody should spread the word about it, I don't know lol.

I have this kit: I am pleased at how the model turned out. This was the first Tamiya kit I bought, and the crispness of the body, fit, & finish is what got me hooked. It was easy to assemble, and even though the instructions are in Japanese, it is easy to figure out. Besides the rear window fitment, which wasn't really all that bad. Clear glue filled in any tiny gaps and it's not noticeable, especially with the black border painted in. I can't think of any other flaws really, I would definitely buy another one. There is also a black version of the same kit with slight variants, and there is the older bodystyle RX7 as well (which I haven't built). Without knowing exactly which kit you bought, I can only praise the Tamiya RX7 that I have, as shown above. Overall I've found that Tamiya kits are more accurate, in my opinion, than Revell or AMT/Ertl. There are some with no engine detail, but the kit that I have does have the engine.

no, not mad lol. You do know that your Ram also has some European influence in it, right? Well, depending on the model year it may have, lol.

Hmm, well in that case, ok then lol. I will check out Radio Shack and see if they have some that doesn't have the acid core. If it cuts easy with sprue cutters, awesome. Thanks for the tip Dave!

no worries, nobody starts off as a pro Build your cars to suit you, as long as you are happy with them, that is what counts.

welcome aboard, it's nice to have another female modeler (I don't think I was the only one, but hey lol). I too am crazy into Mopars, thus my name. I hope you enjoy your stay, and I'm looking forward to seeing your work! ~ Michelle

Time for a little update: I tried finding straight rods of solder to make the exhaust out of, and I can only find the kind on the little rolls, which unfortunately had an acid core, so no go with that. I ended up straightening a wire hanger but can't get it to bend right, so who knows. I may just get some copper wire and paint it, but it'll end up looking like the kit exhaust in that case. Anyway, I took apart the chassis to get it ready for the updated Minilite wheels that are now on the 1:1 car, still need have yet to get a complete set of those (I have 3 lol). The rear axle and leaf springs have been completed and detailed to 1968 Correct specs. The leaf springs were painted to resemble natural steel, with BMF strips covering the clamps. The rear axle assembly was painted gloss black, with white and yellow factory markings replicated, paint runs and all. Lastly, the rear brake line was bent out of parts box wire and applied to the axle. Once I get the new wheels, it will be ready to go back on the chassis after the lines are replicated on that. As for the body, I have applied a 2nd "coat" of thinned black paint in the recesses, painted the front panel behind the grille black, and made some hood latch hardware to be installed at final assembly. It got a fresh coat of model polish as well, and it is looking pretty good! The rear glass, side vent glass, and front glass has all been installed and I still have work left on the engine. I've made a throttle return spring and oil dipstick so far, which need paint, waiting on a wired distributor, among other things. The grille has been detailed and the "Charger R/T" decal has been applied as well. Pictures soon, I still need to borrow a camera!

First off, welcome! I too am newer to the forum. I have been building model cars for the last 12-13 years though off & on. Don't let the quality of other members' builds deter you from showing off your work. We are here to help out if you have any questions, and can offer suggestions on how to improve your skills if you want. As for your questions, I think that airbrushes are pretty popular because they allow you to custom mix colors as well as the ability to spray thinned nail polish (which comes in TONS of colors of course) with great results after a little practice. Besides an airbrush, there are also spray paints in 3 oz cans (and larger cans for automotive paints) that are common from Testors, Model Master, etc. Primer is readily available in a spray can as well. Both of those produce better results on average than brush painting, which should be reserved for small details like trim pieces, dry brushing, etc. Personally, I have never used an airbrush, always sprayed my models with Testors or Dupli Color Automotive rattle cans. Some advice, pay attention to what type of paint you choose to apply over whatever primer you're using. Acrylics are water based, and are the "weakest" of paints. More common are Enamels, followed by Lacquers (which are the strongest). Enamel is a harder paint, which could be considered the most durable. Lacquer is somewhat softer and not quite as durable, but it is overall easier to use. Both can result in nice finishes with a little prep, sanding, and polishing. Here is a site that explains the differences a bit more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/enamel-paint-vs-lacquer-paint As far as model kits themselves, on average they offer more detail than kits of old. There are lots of places to get kits for reasonable prices, and there are literally hundreds to thousands of companies that make detail parts and accessories for model cars to add realism. Here are a couple links to good sites I've been directed to by fellow members: Rocketfin Hobbies Scale Dreams Jim 'N Ohio Scale Equipment Ltd. Model Express Morgan Automotive Detail (MAD Parts) Scale Modeling by Chris Emodelcars (Sister site where you can sell model kits) Check out the tips & tricks section for lots of good stuff, and if you need anything else, always feel free to ask! ~ Michelle