GTMust

I just bought a couple of items, one from the US and one from Vancouver, BC. I suggested to the sellers that (if they wished), they could hold the items and mail them after the strike issue is settled, or mail them now and I will take my chances as to when they arrive here (if ever!). I did this, because I found the cost to send by UPS or Fedex is so exhorbitant, my "deal" purchases became more like a Fifth Avenue purchase. So, I guess "we pays our money and we take our choice". Hope this helps. Tony

Just wondering how everyone is coming along. The deadline is fast approaching and it will be interesting to see how many Foxes (the Mustang type) show up in the allotted time. Personally, I been struggling to overcome paint issues with Backyard Billy's car and fit issues with Driveway Dave's (that USAirfix kit is a pig!). I think they'll both be done on time but not as nicely as I would have hoped. I must admit a couple of times, I almost put them both back in the box in disgust, but since I like a challenge(?), they WILL get finished! How's everyone else doing? Tony

Maybe 20% of the population is (or was) rural, but certainly 20% of the landmass isn't...... and that's where we do a lot of our driving, especially trucks. And in Canada it's even more sparcely populated. Then take a look at the vast areas to cross by some means or other in places like Russia. There's been a lot of this thread devoted to our personal involvement with oil (gasoline, etc.) but there's a whole other uses for the stuff that we haven't even seriously touched on. Aircraft don't fly on solar power, even though they get pretty close to that energy source compared to cars and trucks. And then there's all that stationary machinery that needs oil to power so many other needs. Synthetic oils may be used for lubrication, but oil is still our main source of motive power. But, after all is said and done, I have faith in the geniuses of this world and the hope that, before we get to a state of total crisis, an alternate fuel source will be discoverd or invented. Someone mentioned the paranoia contained in this thread. But it isn't, it's reality.... as some members have already pointed out.

Really?????

I usually use the wood grain self adhesive shelf liner that I get in the dollar store. Shopping around various stores came up with a whole variety of grains and colours. They come in large rolls that will last a lfetime. And for a buck or two a roll, you can't go wrong! These shelf liners also make great marble columns, walls and floors for diaramas. Just use some water with a drop of dishsoap added to allow the piece to slide around into place, then squeegy the liquid out and let it dry before trimming it around the edges. There are all kinds of patterns available, so your imagination can run wild!

An awesome build, Mr Mike. By the way, did I say awesome? Tony

Coincidentally, this three page article came into my email inbox from a friend who is also interested in the future of transportation. While it mostly deals with the financial and economic costs of "money" (and future transportation as it primarily relates to electric vehicles), it may make interesting reading for some of you. http://evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=1994 (One "expert's" point of view.)

Harry, I like your thinking and it basically follows up on what I was trying to say in my original post. I'm sure society will eventually find an answer, and it'll probably be something we aren't even contemplating now. Hopefully, the "oil" era will last long enough to allow me to drive my collector car V8's around a little longer (on a very limited basis, of course!).

I don't get your comment..... what's wrong with open dialogue? That's how some of the best ideas get created. If someone posts an improper reply, it can be deleted individually.

Don't blame all those slow deliveries on Canada Post. I ordered some Bare Metal Foil which was "shipped" to me on April 19th this year. Here's where it's been since then: A message from Randy at Bare Metal Foil. (Thanks to him for his diligence on following this up for me.) (Quote) "The order shipped on 04/19/11. It went out USPS First Class Mail. The customs form number is LC038836155US. I tracked the package. It appears to be taking a circular route. The information states that it left Michigan, went to Illinois, and then was in Georgia on May 1st. I don't know why this is happening. But I had a customer from Canada inquire last week about his order. I requested that he try contacting USPS about the package. His order arrived about a week after his initial inquiry. The post office told him at the three week mark that the package was about 3-6 days from delivery. They felt that was still within a usual time frame for delivery. It did arrived a few days after he contacted USPS. Regards, Randy P. Mason Bare-Metal Foil Co. 248 477-0813 (end of quote) And here's what USPS had to say: Service Type: International Letters and Cards Shipment Activity Location Date & Time-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Processed through Sort ATLANTA GA 30369 05/01/11 12:41amFacility Processed through Sort ELK GROVE VILLAGE IL 60007 04/30/11 1:40amFacility Processed through Sort ELK GROVE VILLAGE IL 60007 04/29/11 11:59pmFacility Acceptance FARMINGTON MI 48336 04/19/11 1:27pm So, it was last seen on May 1st when it was processed through Atlanta, Georgia, almost two weeks after it was mailed. Where it has gone since then is a complete mystery as I still don't have it and USPS have no further record. Is it Canada Post or USPS....... who knows?

Well guys, I guess I really stirred up an intellectual hornet's nest with this one! It's very interesting to read and consider everyone's point of view. Maybe out of these kind of discussions, someone will actually figure out how to keep our favourite subjects going long into the future, way beyond our lifetime and those of our descendants. (Poo is a definite possibility.... methinks!) Here's to a better future.... cheers!

Since the dawn of history, the human race has dreamed of travelling further than his/her immediate surroundings. In the very beginning, legs and feet were the only method available, but as time progressed, discoveries were made that made the journey easier. Animals were tamed and carried humans and their belongings on their backs. Then came the invention of the wheel. Now our forefathers could ride in slightly more comfort in primitive carts and wagons.... and finally carriages. But the horse (and in some places, other types of large animals!) remained the only known motive power for many centuries.......until the invention of the steam powered and internal combustion engines during the mid 1700's to the late 1800's. Of course, nothing I have written so far has not be written in some form or other many times over. History books have covered just about every development of transportation since time began. Personally, my interest covers the invention of the internal combustion engine and how it's development and use has transformed the way we live. Look at how far we have come, using that basic knowledge to develop the diverse methods of transportation technology around the world that we use today. And in such a relatively short space of time in human history. But what of the future? How will we live, when our fossil fuel resources are finally depleted? I don't know how many gallons of crude are left in the ground or under the sea for us to drill for. But logic tells me that it must have a limit at sometime. Don't get me wrong. I'm a car lover. I'm not a banner waving, tree hugging environmentalist who expects everybody to ride bicycles or walk everwhere; or go back to riding horses... (think of the polution that would create!). But I do understand that the time is fast approaching (maybe has already come and past), to get serious about where the future of all forms of transportation are going. The "experts" have come up with many altenatives to the internal combustion engine. Electric cars.... solar powered cars.... corn and other renewable resource powered cars..... ? All are options that have been presented but are any of them really workable on a world wide scale? All have major limitations. The world population has exploded and people in most of the major countries are now able to afford and buy cars that, just a few years ago, were completely out of their financial (and/or political) reach. When we do finally run out of oil, how many more power stations would we have to build (nuclear?) to allow every one to plug in their electric car overnight. Is that really realistic? Of course not! And the major car companies are suggesting that the electric (or hybrid) vehicles are "the way of the future"? Can we rely on the experts to save us from ourselves as we drive ourselves into oblivion? Right now we seem to be more interested in saving our environment, and it is, of course, a worthwhile cause. But what happens when we do "save" it? Without transportation, and without the abilty to transfer people and goods from place to place around the world where are we headed? Just a thought......!

I hope you've figured out a way to display this work of art! Maybe on jackstands with at least two wheels removed.... under an awning beside a transporter, perhaps? Hate to see all that beauriful detailing disappear under the body..... Tony.

I agree Dave, they would really finish the model off nicely. But I'm on a pension with a limited budget, so I have to make do with what I've got. Thanks for the info though, maybe I'll be able to use it in the future. Tony

Here are a couple of 1/32 scale builds that I did a while back. First is the D50 Ferrari race car. This was built from a 1950's Hawk kit from which I used and modified the body a little to fit a scratchbuilt chassis and interior. The wheels came from a Highway Pioneers/Revell 1952 Ferrari sports car. Next is a 1952 Ferrari, built from a Highway Pioneers/Revell kit from the 50's. I had a glue bomb spare of this kit, from which I pirated the wheels and some of the chassis framing for the D50 race car. Apart from the windshild, this is an OOB build. I started working on a Highway Pioneers/Revell Ferrari 342 "America" and will post that later (if I ever get back to it).

Thanks Charlie and Harry. The Fiddler's Green site looks interesting, Jim. Thanks I can't believe the design of the armoured car either, especially with those wild graphics. But it's a true (as close as I can get) copy of the actual vehicle/s. I guess those were still the chivalry days of "be seen and shot at". Tony

Thanks for the kind words, Lee. I haven't seen that issue of Fine Scale Modeller. Both the Rolls Royce and Model T armoured car kits are available in 1/35 scale from the Czech company whose name I can't remember. They also have a series of Model T's including a scout car and "petrol" wagon. They aren't bad kits but the details are a little heavy and look kinda "chunky" whne built. But I've never seen anything in 1/24 or 1/25 scale before. The Airfix Bentley was issued in both 1/32 scale and "big" 1/12 scale but Heller did a 1/24 scale Bentley so that was probably used. If you have that Magazine, is it possible to scan the relevant pages and PM me with a copy of them? Tony

Replating is expensive. I've re-done chrome by stripping off the old and spraying gloss black... then brush painting Alcad over the black. I know it's not the the accepted method but let each coat of Alcad dry out for a couple of minutes and two or three coats should do it. This photo was taken "in progress". Here's an example where the kit came with no chrome on the bumper at all. I haven't cleared it so I expect it would come even brighter if I did: (I didn't "chrome" the wheels or headlamps.. just the bumper.) I have few on the bench as well. Some almost done.... others barely started.

Thanks Jim.... this is just the "tip of the iceberg". Glad to see another 1/32 scale fan. I've been collecting and building these kits for most of my life, so I could probably keep this series going for many years! Like to see some of yours, if possible. Tony

Slow progress, but at least there's some......! Interior complete but not finally installed yet. Engine in place and hooked to driveshaft and exhaust system. Chassis, interior and body in place to check for alignment... but not glued in. Wheel location and stance seems to be working using the Roadrunner kit wheels and tires on a wider rear axle.

I've always been interested in the dawn of the automobile and how it has affected our lives. I have many 1/32 scale antique and vintage models built form kits manufactured by companies such as Highway Pioneers, Gowland and Gowland, Airfix, Pyro and subsequent reissues by Revel and Lindberg, etc. I will post many of these in future threads but thought you may be interested in some scratchbuilt WWI replicas built from basic kits. First a Model T Ford Ambulance built from the re-issue by Lindberg of the original Pyro Model T couplet (convertible) kit: Next is a Rolls Royce Ambulance built from an Airfix Rolls Royce Town car kit: An armoured (Polish campaign) car also from the Pyro Model T kit: And a Renault Military truck from the same era built from the Pyro Renault Town Car: Not what we normally see on the forum, but I hope you enjoy...... Tony

Hi Ron, From another 1/32 scale builder...... I assume that '32 Chevy Pickup is the Pyro/Lindberg kit? Nice clean build and great paint. Two great additions to your display shelf when they're finished. Tony

Thanks for the nice comments Guys. I have a bunch of similar kit builds and scratchbuilt 1/32 scale projects that I'd like to post. I've avoided posting stuff in this scale as it doesn't seem to be a popular as 1/25 and 1/24. But now I'm wondering if other members have built in this scale and just how popular it may be? Tony

This project started when I found some old pictures of motor homes from the 1920's and I had a spare 1/32 scale diecast 1924 Chevy delivery van. Here's what I started with: Removed the van body: And finished up with this: Had fun with it and that's the main thing....... Tony

I would have been happy with the first base coat of shiny paint! But adding the metalflake and clear has brought it up to a whole new level. Great work throughout the build. Tony