larman

This is a fantastic build! Top notch work on a great subject.....

Unbuilt models are just parts until you do something with them. Original box art and old stuff is cool, but IMHO, if it's too "valuable" to build sell it while you can and buy more models that you will build!

I have seen plenty of drag models that are clearly classed wrong. For me, I try to follow the NHRA/AHRA rule books for specific years on my builds. I guess it is in the same vain as do you want correct plug wire order? Do you want authentic colors? Equipment? Everyone builds for different reasons, so I guess it wouldn't bother a lot of people. However, I tend to recognize it when it is wrong and I think there are quite a number of drag builders who woud also.

That is great work! you have the stance and overall look dead on! -Larry

Top notch work! You nailed the look perfectly!

Incredible work! This is easily the best built up I have ever seen of this "less than detailed" kit! Clearly a lot of extra work was done to get it to this level.

Both are beautiful! Terrific work!

Boy, That is NICE! Love those carbs! Great job! There is nothing like the sight and sound of a true max wedge car on the drag strip!

The biggest thing for me about 1/18 diecast, or any scale for that matter, is the problem with "metal fatigue". AKA the tin worm. I have had a LOT of 1/18 diecast from low line store bought Maisto models to expensive items from Carousel, AutoArt, Precision Miniatures, GMP, etc. Regardless of brand, you can have a model that will literally fall apart, or at the very least, get a paint "rash". This is particularly prevalent with the Ertl 'American Muscle" models. It does not discriminate by cost however and I have seen GMP and other high end models with similar problems. So, I have had a good number, about 5 to 10% of my entire collection of cars (collection in the hundreds) that have various degree of damage through no fault of my own. They were always stored indoors in a dry environment. There is also no guarantee that the others won't have a problem over time. In contrast, I have plastic kits that are from the late 50's and early 60's that are 100% fine, with the only issue being decal sheets that yellow over time. I did not buy any of my models to turn around and sell them for profit, but in recent years I have decided to sell a good number of items due to space limitations and changes in lifestyle.( Married now, with many more family commitments, etc) It is much harder to sell diecast for what you pay for them compared to plastic models. Most of the older plastic kits I have sold I made a little profit on, I am lucky to get my money back on diecast. When you put them on ebay, most people factor shipping into what they want to pay. I still can't offer free shipping like a high volume dealer, so it is hard to get a decent price unless it is a super rare item or in demand at the moment. I always find it laughable when the guys who collect 1/18 brag about the fact that they are "real metal" and have "weight to them". BIG DEAL! They may also fall apart, or have the hood curl up or have paint crack or rash up......Frankly, I would not have gotten involved with the diecast had I known about these issues. These days, I am strictly back to plastic in 1/24 and 25th scale with an occasional big scale project. Honestly, I am kind of glad to hear 1/18 is dying out, I feel like a lot of people are not aware of the possible issues these models can have over time.

Great model ! I was following the in progress posts on this one! I'm not gonna lie, because of your post and the Mongoose version you posted I was inspired to buy one of the Accurate Miniature kits on Ebay. There was/is a guy selling them for $7 plus shipping, minus decals and photoetch parts. Perfect for this kind of build! Thanks for the inspiration, and once again, you did a great job! -Larry

I was watching "in progress" on this model......absolutely stunning! Certainly one of the finest builds I have ever seen on this site and that is saying something because there are a good number of phenomenal builders here!!! Superior design and execution!!

Very nice!!! Street Roadster class cars seem to be overlooked by a lot of modellers. You nailed the look perfectly! Love the graphics and the wheel tire combo! -Larry

The '76 was a different body style, shared components with the Chrysler Cordoba. The '74 was the last year of the previous style, which went from '71-74. Infact, if you wanted to really super detail the '74 MPC kit, an AMT '71 kit would be a great donor.

I had a real '74 Charger and it came from the factory with the "road wheels" (magnum 500 style wheel). So those would be fine. You could also get Rally wheels and there was a wire wheel type hub cap. Of course, any type of mag wheel could work too, just depends on the look or era you are shooting for. I think the issue you have had Cragar SST style wheels on it. Motors would be 318, 360, 400 or 440. The kit motor is supposed to be the 440, but it has earlier style exhaust and air cleaner (stock parts). It is a nice kit, typical of the era. With a little research and parts scrounging, it can be built nicely. -Larry

This was more of a restoration project, here's what it looked like when I started. Finished model: B/MP drag car circa 1965.

Love this! Great work!

Those are absolutely great! Nice detail, but still have the look of the original Hot Wheels. What a cool and ambitious project! - Larry

Right on the money!! I have kept a Fotki album of every build of this kit I have seen posted on here and the Spotlight board, and I like this the best! Outstanding..... -Larry

That look's great, love the hub caps! -Larry

Beautiful model! I love everything about it....you nailed the stance, the wheels and tires are perfect for it, great color and scallops and the motor is killer too!

That is great! Love the color, very nice attention to detail! Look's real in the pics! The fastest car I was ever in was a hot rodded Nova..... -Larry

This is an awesome project, it is really looking great! Love the sculpted snake face......

This is great model building, the skull and aviator cap are killer!

Great job! that was a lot of work!

That is awesome! The Willy's is super cool too! Nice job.