monkeyclaw

Andy...SAWEET! I like the carbon fiber. I am finally getting a bit done on my first one....going for that "skirt dragger" look...just basic shape for the fenders; still lots to do.......matt

Thanks to all; I appreciate the support; and it's nice to hear you guys like the parts..........here's what the studio looks like

Tim; as always; another masterpiece! Great looking picker rig...............matt

Craig; that would be me! My main focus has been BIg RIG truck parts for the last couple of years; but I am "shifting gears" and trying to do some different subject matter for builders to use.....so many models......so little time! matt (monkeyclaw)

Nice work; I love those Tamiya minis....here's a couple pix of my 12th scale mini...this one was just plain FUN to build..........matt

Dave; no problem, I have had thoughts of doing a couple more "vintage" trucks; but I don't think I am going to get to them until late spring/early summer. I had to switch gears, so to speak, so I can focus on a couple of CAR projetcs for resin casting....well , one of them is sort of a truck....a mid 1960's mini cooper sedan deliovery body & chassis for use with the Tamiya 24th scale kits...not something that will do well here in the U.S. but I think the guys in the U.K. and Canada will really like it..........matt

I agrre; great model kit; and a great build up......SAWEEET!..............matt

Dave; the needle nose variant I have done represents 1957-1963 style; you could modifythat bonnet; but there are substanital differences in the fender shapes between the two models of truck from that era...so it's a "toss up" ...but if you are into the oldies; I have just finished up both single and tandem drive torsion bar rear suspension setups for the old KW's....just did some test shots today...and they look pretty good....I will get them uploaded to my site this week...feel free to email me off board anytime monkeyclaw62@aol.com matt

Hey Guys; Here's the very 1st piece I have done for MY chopper....weber side draft carb....now if I can just get the rest of it done (LOL).......matt

Here's the 1st pix of the side draft....did some "test shots" today from new molds....this carb is 8 pieces; I assembled one just to get some pix...should add a bit of "POP" to your chopper! matt

I too know how much "FUN" they can be whilst modeling....with 4 dogs and 8 cats....I often feel like I need a full time animal wrangler; just to get some work done! For the most part....they know the model benches are off limits....but the youngest kitten still tests the boundaries on occasion....keep a squirt bottle on the bench! (LOL)...here's a shot of MY dog......a 5 Y/O skipperke (BUDD) matt

Hey guys; I have seen some great builds of the new revell 1/12th scale choppers on the forum; picked up a couple of my own....Just wanted to let you guys know that I am pouring molds all week; and one of them is a nice 12th scale weber sidedraft carb setup to use with these chopper kits....rather than just the kit air cleaner...as soon as the molds are finished up; I will post pix...I will be doing a couple sheet metal (tank/ fender sets as well shortly.... feel free to email me off the board anytime.....matt (monkeyclaw)

A good source for reference pix is ALWAYS www.hankstruckpictures.com there is almost ANY truck you are looking for. As far as the weathering; that will vary greatly depending on application....coal hauler; rock hauler etc; There were even tractor , bottom dump trailer and water tanker versions of the truck.... I am doing a water truck myself; to go with my other Hawaiian cane haul equipment....I hope this info helps a bit.........matt

lots of good suggestions; I agree , that Laquer is the way to go...I do it all of the time; one tip i found works well; Try spraying the decal sheet itself; with a light coat of the "SEALER" in the testor decal maker set....it is a laquer base clear, and seems to keep the decals together really well; as well as provide a good etching base for the final clear coat......other than the decals themselves! Matt

Hey Guys; Here's a couple pix of further sub-assembly progress on the 935....hub/rotor assemblies, and fuel cell....working on the dash right now...........have a look.....matt

Bill; I would say that is a builder....I have done several of the Tamiya Porsches over the years; and they build up very nicely.....I would also say that having a built Basic engine to put in the model is a good thing, I am bummed I don't have another engine for this one...it would be nice to display this engine on a stand...to show off all of the P/E and details! I can also say this....BUY the SMS super detail set before they are all gone! It is a bit pricey....but WELL worth every penny!!!! I'll keep you posted on progress........matt

Jairus; It is the Tamiya 1/12 scale "martini" 935...I am building the 1979 Lemans car that was driven by Dick Barbour and Paul Newman.....in "Hawaiian Tropic" livery, and using the Scalemotorsport photo etch set is quite a challenge....seemingly MILLIONS of tiny P/E parts....just the kind of project a guy with only 10% use of his hands should be working on! (LOL) In building this car, I am fortunate to have full access to all of Dick Barbours' photos and technical data from when the car was raced....it helps get all the little details "just right"; as every race team did something different with these cars..........I'll keep you guys posted as it progresses....thanx for checking it out........matt

Hey guys; just wanted to share a couple shots of my Hawaiian tropic 935 project, got the basic engine assembly done; working on all of the plumbing and wiring.....check it out....matt

Hey Guys; I am looking for anyone who has the resin BRE conversion for the big Tamiya 240Z kits; The conversion kit was done by modelcarmuseum in Guadalajara, Mexico; he also sold them on ebay ...the screen name was Victoriamgb....unfortunately; I missed this item when they were making them; I have contacted these guys....and no joy....I really wanted to build this project for Tamiya-Con in April; so if anyone can help me out; please feel free to email me off board........thanks in advance.............matt monkeyclaw62@aol.com

try emailing Jamie at this address jlrahmo@aol.com....I just spoke to him ; and I know he is indeed still turning parts.........matt

Hey guys; The old version of the condo cab just didn't work; the molds would not last as tey were way too negative; it has been re-done into a nidroof cab; with the condo HITOP as a seperate part....the cab now has interior panels throughout, even the headliner; and is a much better casting all around; and accepts all of the FLD kit parts for assembly....The XL hood can be used with this cab; and is "kit thickness" (.020) ; the xl hood could also be used with the kit cabs to build a flat top version as well; assembly to the FLD kit does require omission of the axle setback plates in frame assmbly; and moving the springs to the forward mounting location (as with the FLC kit) ...the springs already have mounting hoops for the provided hood hinges....once you have he rolling chassis; set the hood; then cab; then frame accessories (boxes and tanks) that seems to be the best way to do it...I hope this info helps........matt (monkeyclaw)

Hey guys; Thanks for the thoughts; I was curious to see if I was the only person interested in this vehicle as a model subject...and with the effort of doing a one off; it's just as easy for me to cast the darn thing to be able to biuld more than one of them.....I appreciate the details info; and I have owned a couple of these over the years; as well as most other VW models...bug, Type III's are my fav's....anyway, it boils down to this...eother do it for the hasegawa 24th scale kit......or the Tamiya 1/16th scale kit....Hmmmm...........choices? I figure it will make a good summer project.............matt

Thanks man! I am using this truck as a teaching aide...I do a youth class at the public Library; just wanted to show the kids that you DON'T have to spend a lot to make a decent model....If you have enough left over parts...eventually you can build something............matt

Hey Gregg; you know me; always up for a challenge....It's just a shame you couldn't pick something a little bigger! LOL.........but I will be doing one of these up....just for you! matt

here's one done from parts box items ONLY.......matt