mr moto

Take a look at the 500K that's currently hot in "Under Glass". It's built about 98% box stock and you would have a hard time finding a better detailed kit today.

It was excellent for its day but it shows its promo roots in the chassis department. You would probably be more pleased with the Lindberg Petty Plymouth which is a very good modern interpretation.

I think the two movies are essential go-togethers. See The Wrecking Crew first if you can (maybe it's available on Netflix or something?) and then see Love and Mercy. Two excellent films!

There also weren't as many options available back then. Forget about the "technology package" or the "comfort and convenience group"! I remember seeing cars advertised as "Fully Loaded! Radio, Heater and Whitewall Tires!".

Here is one of the better known extinct vehicles, the Ferrari 156: At least one "clone" has been built - maybe more - but there are no originals. By contrast, ALL of the original Ferrari 250 GTO's still exist.

I'll inject a question into this. AMT created a "new tool" Ala Kart that was not well received but the original Ala Kart was one of the most popular kits of all time. Do you think that there would be demand for a re-issue of the original if they get all the tooling back together again?

I love the '34 pickup!

If nobody else is going to post any pictures of actual model cars, I guess I'll jump in there. Here's my '36 Ford "Plain Jane".

I don't find that they look alike at all. Anyway, I haven't kept up with endurance racing in many years but maybe I should start - those things are WILD looking!

Very cool and interesting idea and great work. I think you've discovered the formula for one of the most expensive street rods of all time!

The model building basics are the best low cost detailing tips. It's surprising how many models you see that are otherwise well built but there are visible seams where parts were glued together and visible mold lines. The mold line on the radiator header and across the radiator cap bothers me the most. It's visible front and center if the hood is open. Filling seams and sanding off the mold parting lines makes all the difference. Another good tip is to take the shine off of the tires. Especially true of hot rods or race cars that are open wheeled. The tread can be sanded with a fine grit. If the rest of the tire needs to be de-glossed, it can be coated with a clear flat (or semi-gloss) acrylic or just scrubbed with a cleansing powder like Comet. It's important to just pay attention to the overall appearance of a model to get rid of the "toy" look.

One of my uncles had a '59 Caddy when I was a kid and I remember the window tint was so deep that I felt like I was underwater when I rode in it. I had to capture that.

Those are from the MPC "Chuck Wagon" show rod. They're oversized but pretty effective on a car as big as the Caddy.

And now for something completely different ...

Great re-styling! I just love the rear fenders.

This one will be easy as soon as I can remember which manufacturer introduced the revolutionary advanced concrete brake system.

The new design looks good but I think the original was better.

That level of craftmanship is a real inspiration. I'm not sure if i'm inspired to do better or quit! That looks VERY real.

WOW! Let's talk about this one! Are the "patterned" panels on top done with decals or airbrush? If they are decals, what software did you use to create them? I almost forgot to say what a fabulous model that is. Great work!

NICE PAINT! What colors did you use?

I have to agree with everybody else. That's a great color for the '59 Chev and an excellent paint job. This will look fine when it's finished!

Excellent job! Those kits are hard to build. I built the Mysterion and felt very lucky to end up with four wheels on the ground!

FYI, they were hybrids last year, too.

I use a 5 gallon Craftsman portable air tank and it will get me through a paint job. Something bigger would be better except for taking up more room but 5 gallons gets me by. For filling it I use a "tire inflator" type pump (which also comes in handy for inflating tires, go figure) to pump it up to maybe 90 psi. If it starts getting low, it's very easy to pressure up.

This is looking like a fun build to watch!