mr moto

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!

Unfortunately, I don't expect to see that from Detroit in 2017 or any other year but I'm ready if it happens! Very cool look and great work.

I love that! And I really appreciate seeing people bring back an old glue bomb. It's kind of like preserving a precious natural resource.

Thanks everbody for all the good words and MERRY CHRISTMAS! Someone asked about the paint color on the carb and fuel pump. That's just some Testors aluminum paint followed by a just a little bit of a rust color wash - kind of like dry brushing with a wash. In answer to another question, the skirts came in the kit. It includes a lot of parts that haven't been seen in a '36 Ford box for many years. Before anybody asks, yes it has the six carb manifold and the three carb manifold for the optional Pontiac engine. Here are a few more pictures. I added a "necker's knob" to the steering wheel with a "Lady Luck" image on it. That seemed like good period touch. My idea for this build is that it's back in the day of street rods and local car clubs so I printed a 1959 license plate for it and that's the whole decal sheet down below.

Just finished this today. It's the Round 2/AMT 1936 Ford built mostly out of the box. There's a few added details and tires from Modelhaus but the great majority of it came in the box. The tires in the kit are actually excellent but the 5.00 x 15 street rod tires made it a lot easier to get it as low as I wanted. Paint is Duplicolor; Seattle Silver, Toreador Red and Greek White on the exterior and Wimbledon White, Toreador Red and Light Briar Brown on the inside. These are all the photos that I have uploaded right now but I'll add some shots of the interior, etc. later on.

Fabulous stuff! I'm especially in love with the two Mercs and the two Chryslers. Did you scratchbuild the up-top on the '59 Merc?

I love it! That's simple and sweet.

WOW! I love your rocket ship!

Great job! I just love '59 Chevies and your two-tone job really does a great job of showing off the lines.

I just checked BMF's website (you can order direct BTW) and they still make the black foil and the ultra bright chrome. However, my results with the black foil have been about like everybody else says. On the other hand, it's not impossible to work with. Try it and see and if it can do what your project needs.

Great build as always! Did the white tires come in the kit? They don't really look like an old Aurora kit item.