monkeyclaw

The Gen coupes are quite hot little coupes! My son has a '10 gen coupe (2.0 turbo) that has been fully customized, with all the tuning tricks as well....the modest 210 HP factory rating has been bumped up slightly (just shy of 350 HP). These cars lend themselves well to the "tuner" treatment....10 years ago I would have said" Korean car; are you kidding me?" But today we own 3 of them.....an 09 Sonata, the 10 Gen coupe, and an 11 Sonata Limited. I will say that these cars have all been great, the 11 Sonata being built right here in Alabama! The Sonata has just about everything you could want in a car, very cofortable to travel in, and gets 38MPG on the highway road trips. I have been "eyeballing" the R-Spec Gen sedan for a while; but since the intro of the HCD-14 concept; I think I will hold out, to see if the concept car moves toward production next year, before getting my own Big sedan...Anyway; just thought I would pipe in....If you like the gen coupe...Buy it; They are great cars............................Matt

Thanks to all you guys; It's nice to see some folks know what these boats are. The bakelite is really not the easiest medium to work with; it is very hard, and eats up cutting wheels! I have been working on the next boat, already have it dismantled; and the hull stripped down....the original paint was UGLY, as was the inside of the boat; so I am "skinning" the entire inside of this boat in Birch Plywood; to hide the old ugly that was there. Anyway; Thanks to all for your interest; and I may get the opportunity to bring these boats out to a couple model shows this year.....Most likely the NNL in Atlanta next fall....Matt

Thanks guys; These type of builds are always fun for me....Quite a bit of "stuff" to put inside the boat before you can put the bottoms on....anyway, I appreciate the comments....and for Harry P. Yes, Bakelite did go out in the 1940's That's why I was Thrilled to find this brand new kit FROM 1940 that had been stored perfectly for 72 years!!! Not many guys in our circles have had the chance to build one of these boats, So I jumped at the chance to do one from the kit...Working with 72 year old bakelite is challenging; but the bottom line: It's still just plastic.I have another one of these boats to do next; it was built in 1958; and I will be doing a full restoration and modern paint finish; as well as making a new return plenum to replace the rubber tube from the supercharger (YES, Supercharger) to the engine....I'll Keep you guys posted.............Matt

Here's what I have been toiling over for the past few months! This boat was built from an original kit from 1940; the hull is made of Bakelite (remember that stuff old guys?), The engine is a Hassad/shock one off that is .91 cubic inch, and runs on gas. Although the boat IS setup to run; it will certainly never see the tether pond. The boat is 26" long and 8" wide. Matt

I think I just might have to have one! I have never like the vette enough to buy one; and didn't really see myself as a "vette guy" ; But this car is a game changer for me....it looks like GM has finally taken the "American style" down a few notches; you know, taken away a few layers of Mt. Dew & and Honeybooboo, and trimmed down to world standards. No doubt performance has always been there; but I think this new look will propel the Vette into SERIOUS supercar status.....Finally...................Matt

The mitsuwa truck kits are from Japan; and are very nice kits to build. Thay are kinda pricey when you find them here in the U.S. But I think well worth the price for the quality of model you get. The car carrier is pretty modern; and the dump truck is also very nice. In a model world where all the same trucks keep getting re-released, it's nice to have something different in your stash to build.............Matt

I would have to say the 1/8 scale Lamborghini Muira by model rossi of Italy would be at the top of my Christmas wish list! One can only dream...............Matt

Not an expert; but I think the 3408's had one one the back; to go to twin setup; just cut out the center section; and mount one turbo on the back of each side exhaust manifold. You should have "handed" turbo's as you want both sides blowing into the middle; intakes on the front; and exhaust to the rear. It will take a little plumbing work; but should be pretty easy to accomplish. Having a diagram would help; if not, just google Twin Turbo; and I'm sure a gozillion images will come up. IMO it doesn't really matter of gas or diesel; if you like the physical setup....do it.....................Matt

Don't know of a 1/12 XJS; But Imai or another Japanese maker did an XJS kit in 1/16 some years ago....I do see them on ebay occasionally. Price $50-$70 for a mint kit.......................Matt

Seeing the truck in person was great! I cheered when they announced it won the Tv/Movie theme class. Great work ROY and congrats...............Matt

Hessel; I never thought there was ANY question about the Dutch truck modelers building abilities.....The only question for me has been trying to find a better adjective than AWESOME!!! You guys rock............Period..................keep up the great work............matt

Well; On paper the idea sounds great; but in reality what you will get when the model companies use some "artistic license" are kits like the old AMT Junkyard dog. with dented fiberglass bonnets. I may be a bit on the leary side; but in my defense, There are quite a bit of great custom parts out in the aftermarket, I know this as fact; and indeed when I was casting smaller scale big rig parts; I mastered a ton of custom stuff; But I think I was ahead of the market; as the sales of the parts didn't reflect MY liking of building customs.... I sold some parts; but I just don't think everyone else was ready for them at the time. I would also welcome ANY new truck kits out to the market, as new subjects are always nice to have. If you want custom parts for your trucks; message eric at Porky-N-petunia; he has plenty..... Now if I could just get some new 1/16 scale truck kits.....That would be awesome too; bit I am pretty sure that's not gonna happen; and that's what scrath building is for ....................................And as a side note; I don't think that modelers have to be pidgeon holes into one modeling genre...I personally build Lots of different subjects; so let's all get along .......Matt

I always try to put put a show quality finish on parts prior to casting; especially body parts. For engine castings I will use textured finishes; such as sand cast; or wrinkle finish to get just the right look prior to casting...........Matt

The closest thing I know of is the old heller 1/8 scale godier Genoud Kawasaki 1000 race bike....it's a great kit; may be hard to find one now; but will give you just the right "look".............Matt

Johnny; Nothing at all "wrong" with Making a few bucks along the way; If you are a modeler; sooner or later you will buy low & sell High. I guess the "deadset against" crowd either doesn't like money, or already have enough of it! As for me; I like money; and I enjoy making it from my "hobby"....not just the occasional buy-N-sell, or commissioned builds, or even making resin conversions; that's all just part of the "hobby" for me. To that end; I Am presently involved in the inventory and catalog of a Gigantic toy & racing memorabilia collection, that has been amassed over 50 years; by a very close friend of mine. I was asked to do so BECAUSE of my toy and model experience (HOBBY). For me the work as been amazing; and not truly "work" in that I have had the opportunity to handle some rare and very valuable toys and models while doing so; Several Thousand of them... as well as 1:1 racing stuff; and fine art as well. Again; IMHO the "hobby" is what you make it...if you are content to sit and assemble a model, then for you; That's the "hobby"....If you like going to shows; Then That's the hobby, and so on........It is what it is ..............ENJOY IT! Matt

Hey guys; Wanted to share this photo....It's the pair of 1/5 scale 956's I built last fall. They are finally finding a new home on display at the New DBR facility in Geogia....The cars do have large acylic cases for display; but I just love this photo in front of an ACTUAL Lemans cup! Matt

Austin; That's just the assigned risk category you fall into by age....but in time it passes; My own daughter didn't start driving until she was 21....YES 21! And it was just as bad, even though she was an adult. In this day and age insurance is a necessary evil, so you just have to bear with it. As A side note; I will say when I met Austin in Cookeville; He was one of the most level headed and mature young people (not kid) I have met in a long time. He has a great dad; and they do alot together; it's awesome. He builds great models for his age and experience level; and I am certain that he will continue to grow into a fantastic adult modeler in the future. Chin-up dude; it will all pan out.............Matt Burnet

Rommel; Nice project. I'll tell you the autograph transkit will really make it into a MODEL; no two ways about it.....you are gonna love transforming that pocher into the type of car you usually do. The great thing about that generation Pocher: the paint is so bad in most cases; it generally comes right off with lacquer thinner. I did a bunch of Testarossa re-paints last year....just fill a big tub with primer grade thinner, chuck in the parts; and the paint will just peel off....be sure to put a lid on the tub....it saves a ton of work. Looks like fun! Matt

Ebay is now all about the buyer; they do monitor direct communications through ebay; simply open a case with ebay; and I would certainly think think that ebay will be on your side. if the buyer did not stipulate; or offered shipping at a flat rate, that is HIS problem. Simply ask ebay to cancel the transaction and paypal will refund you pretty quick; then you can buy the kit from a more reputable seller.............Matt

Dave Natale at AITM has agreat selection of tires for all periods.............Matt

Here's the 1st progress pix of the "michigan" 6. Matt

Looking good....keep at it............Matt

William; I am thinking this version will be much better than the original one off; I am about 50 hours into it now; and I am very happy with results thus far...it takes a lot more time to engineer an engine kit that is "castable"; as all of the attachment points and such have to be considered, as well as making each component in a fashion suitable for the type of kit thickness castings I like to do.... No set price yet for the complete engine kit...this one will include the same transmission as the yellow 6 initially; and soon after I will option the allison styled automatic to the kit.................I am only planning on doing 25 of these on the initial casting run; with another 25 at a later date .Matt

Hey Guys; Been a while! Just wanted to let you all know I am finally getting some new work done. Been working on my new "Michigan 6" engine in 1/16 scale....this is the engine that I used in the "longhorn" truck a couple years ago. The engine is patterned from the Italeri peterbilt engine; but I have expanded the details over what the 1/24 engine offered. Many of the small bits that were molded into the engine block are separate parts....Sorry I don't have any pix to post yet; will try to get some up in the next couple days. It looks like the parts count will be around 50 pieces; which is up from the last engine I did. This engine will also feature an included intercooler & piping for top inlet/outlet for the intercooler. I expect to have this unit ready sometime in August.................Matt

Greg; simply cleaning well with prep-sol is sufficient....I usually give a good wet wipe; then wipe off the haze; and it's ready for sealer.... The amount of release that's still on your parts is the key to the amount of cleaning needed....If the part is so slippery you cant even hold it; then try scrubbing using prep-sol with a soft toothbrush; so you are sure to get in all the cut lines and such....I have been using prepsol for many years; and it always works well for me...I hope this helps.........matt