gasser59

Not to worry Vince. I was just trying to drum up some interest and let folks know the debut of the dio was going to be at MASSCAR next weekend.

Thanks for your kind words Charlie. Much appreciated. Yes, Casey, its one and the same. I'm really looking forward to seeing photos of this all set-up at the show.

Here's a few photos to share. I know there's other SLM'es on here. Please post pics of your builds so I'm not the only one. The ice machine is from Scale Modeling by Chris and comes with the decals. I made an electrical power connection for a little bit of realism. The phone is also from SMBC. I added a newspaper on top, an old style Pepsi can and a metal encased phone book.. The newspaper stand is all scratch built and the front newspaper even has a very small picture of my 'Altered Ego' Fiat and the headline reads "Local Drag Race Tomorrow." Decals for the sides and back should be here soon. Then it will be complete. I have a few other incidentals like a toolbox, transmission parts, a '53 Ford handyman's truck that'll get some weathering, a Lincoln arc welder (yet to build) and a flagpole with fabric printed flag to contribute as well although they'll all not make it to Terry's for the MASSCAR show. Comments welcome.

I can't take credit for the idea and story behind this as that goes to Phil Elliott. Let me set this up. Its summer - in 1967. The setting is in the midwest the weekend before the big drag race and is set in the parking lot of a motel where the racers and crews are putting the final touches on the race cars after traveling. Some national teams have shown up as well as a bunch of local guys trying to prove themselves. There will be lots of activity going on. The first public showing of this 4' x 8' diorama will be at the upcoming MASSCAR show on Sunday, March 16, in Taunton, Massachusetts. It won’t be completed but it will be a good representation of what it will eventually be. More items will be coming in. If you have the chance and are going to MASSCAR, stop in and say HI to Terry. I have just a few pieces that I'm contributing including an ice machine, clamshell public phone, newspaper stand, flagpole and a Dodge C-700 ramp truck which has quite a bit to be done still. I've also done the artwork for a number of the race car's decals. I'm still working on the Mr. Norm's SuperCharger ramp truck decals. A big thank you to Terry Sumner for taking on the dio after Phil got it going. A number of SLM members have contributed and I can't list them all so I won't even start for fear of leaving someone out.. I'll post pictures tonight of what I have done so far. Hopefully there are others on here who can post their contributions.

Now that is pure gorgeousness Charlie. Love your work.

That engine looks like jewelry. Man oh man is that nice.

In a word....gorgeous!!

WOW - what an update Clay. Love your work and your detailed descriptions and photos explaining every step. Awesomeness right there.

"Me...me. Pick me." In an Arnold Horshak voice. Thanks for joining me yesterday Chris. We took a tour of the local TechShop facility in downtown Chandler. That place was awesome, a bit pricey, but still awesome.

Oh so right. PM sent.

Sublime. That's it. I'm all out of adjectives that haven't been used already regarding this build. Looks perfect.

Perfect!!! Those look excellent.

Gorgeous rework Art. Glad to see an update. That truly is "art".

Magnificent John. This is really shaping up to be another of my favorite builds of yours. Keep it going lil' brother.

Although you've gotten some great suggestions for what to build your structure with, you've only gotten a few responses to your original inquiry. If you have a home center near you, they usually have 1/4 sheets of plywood in various thicknesses. A quarter of an inch would be to thin but something a little thicker would work well. You can always use wooden strips on the edge to finish it off. Good luck and post your progress.

My diorama is over 20 years old but still looks appropriate if not a little dusty. I used 'Grain of wheat' or even 'Grain of rice' bulbs and even used one for my working trouble light on the floor. Here's a link to my PhotoBucket page: http://s437.photobucket.com/user/flyfshr/library/Scale%20Auto%20Builds/Diorama%20Pix?sort=3&page=1 Maybe this will help.

Tom - thanks for following along. Danno - thanks for your vote of confidence. Well...with a bit of work, I was able to get this sanded and repainted. I was very fortunate as some of the glue fell inside the body but didn't land on any of the woodwork. Onward and upward.

Jim indeed does some gorgeous work. Love those rims.

A bit more work done on the hinges and as I was gluing them in place, the clear extension tube got the Zap A Gap split and a ton of glue went down the side of the body. Of course I didn't realize this and squeezed even harder making even more of a mess. A few choice works escaped my mouth and my wife decided to go sit on the patio. Nothing that can't be fixed however DSC is looming in a few months and I have several builds I need to finish up, this one included.

Thanks so much John, Drew and Harry. Really appreciate the comments. Here's a better shot of the hinges. More later.

Sick...absolutely sick!!

Thanks Tom and Dan for your comments...they're truly appreciated. Its certainly been awhile since I posted and not really much to show but I have been working on the hinges for the doors. I'm using printing plate wrapped around piano wire and the curbside has them attached to the camper shell. I know the picture is quite blurry and its hard to tell what's going on. This camera's macro feature doesn't work nearly as well as my old one. I'll try to take better pictures later and post them when I get to the hinges on the door. For now, here's what I got. Comments welcome.

What he said.

I couldn't figure out why it needed so many batteries so thanks for clearing that up. This makes much more sense. Outstanding update bro.

X2 - check.