Kit Basher

Torque, traction, and weight! The JD driver could have put it in four wheel drive, that would have helped. Still would have lost, tho. Cool video!

I agree, way cool. Both good information and good inspiration! I may get that Loadstar done yet.

Can I piggyback on this? Like Jody, I want to build a cab (for the truck in my avatar). I started a master using balsa, but I don't think it will work. Too soft and coarse. I'm thinking about carving one out of blocks of basswood, but any better suggestions would be appreciated. Does the foam/bondo method give accurate shapes? How do you carve foam? Is clay a better alternative? What kind of clay? I think I can manage the fiberglass, but making the master seems tough.

1.278. (approximately)

Very, very nicely done!

I agree with all of the above, plus, since I just got back into modeling a couple of years ago, the education I have received here has been invaluable. The inspiration of seeing the great work others are doing, and the willingness to share knowledge of how it's done, make this place an incredible resource. I have received gracious help, and kind comments, even when I have asked the stupidest questions. You are all a fine bunch of folks, and thank you.

Just wanted to say: I did not participate in this, but it was great fun to watch. So great job, Nick, and all the builders!

1953 Dodge Power Wagon.

Very nice! Looks great "chromeless".

I find that rubbing with 0000 steel wool will remove the shine. Since it's soft, it will go down in the low places. However, it's hard to argue with the results Cato gets with his techniques, as in the post above. That is totally amazing, I would have sworn it was a real car!

Awesome, as always, Ira!

The AMT Scout for an International V8. I suspect most of you don't care about it, but I do. (See my avatar)

They are all very nicely done!

Very, very nice!

You are right about the clean up and fitting. I particularly had an issue with the intake runners. The bottom section is too close together to line up with the cylinders. I ended up making a flange between the two sections, cutting the bottom section apart, and realigning the runners farther apart. A lot of fussy work that may not be worth the effort. Another advantage of having the Lindberg kit is using other engine parts. I used the starter and the oil filler tube, and some of the pulleys. I had to make my own belt, and brackets for the alternator and ps pump. The alternator came from a Bronco kit. I had to make my own distributor and coil. The throttle body came from an F250 kit. If you're not worried about that level of detail the basic engine should be fine. I look forward to seeing your truck in progress and finished.

X3 on Papillio. I got mine from Amazon.

Here is Ken Kitchens I-6 with the trans from the Lindberg Off Road F 150 kit. This is for a 1990 4x4. Just by eyeball it looks pretty close to the 1:1. As Chris mentioned, you would have to replace the transfer case with a tail shaft if you're doing 2WD.

Thanks, Jeff! The picture you posted does look right, except the alternator is on the other side on the kit engine. Is that just because the model engine has no power steering?

Does anyone know what engine is represented in the AMT 1970 Impala kit? I am looking for detail photos of it and don't know exactly what to look for. Thanks!

Perhaps "generic" would be a better term. The stuff you're seeing is what folks are talking about. As opposed to specialized thinners for certain paints, which are generally much "hotter" and more expensive. I usually buy a gallon, but a quart would last a long time for hobby use.

Tony, you will enjoy that B-17. Like you, I had a 1/72 as a kid. I bought the 1/48 on a whim a few years back, it's the kit that got me back into modelling. It builds up real nice, and you can spend a lot of time detailing the interior that no one will ever see!

Definitely check out the art section of your local craft store. I have some Floquil, IMEX, and Royal brushes that are good, but I also have some Grumbacher brushes that are much better. Well worth the money.

Really nice work and lots of cool techniques demonstrated. I enjoy learning something new, so thanks for sharing this, and keep it up!

Don't know if these are available "across the pond", but the little square bottles of Testors paint look pretty good to me. The colors are very limited. They are enamels, but when mixed with lacquer thinner they airbrush very nicely.

My most expensive so far was the replica of my '90 F150 4x4. It took three kits, a resin engine, a couple of tries with paint colors, and assorted other stuff. I didn't keep a tally, but I'm sure it was over $100.