Harry P.

http://modelcargarage.com/

ok...you made me laugh out loud! I love it!!!!

The problem is my original avatar was TOO appealing...people kept taking it!!! I had no idea that the software here was set up so that anyone could take someone else's avatar and use it as their own. That totally defeats the purpose of even HAVING one...which is that it's your own personal "signature". Don't worry...this one is only temporary. I'm hoping that people will get the hint and start making their own. After a few days I'm taking my avatar back. After all, it's one of my own illustrations!!! Come on, people! Lemme hear ya... AVATAR!!! AVATAR!!! AVATAR!!!

Why not? That's what this place is all about. Don't worry about being "average"...that's what most of us are!

Every diecast you non-collectors take a pass on means more for me! BTW...I just placed an order for a new Danbury Mint 1:12 1930 Cadilac V16. Here's just a partial list of features: Operational cloth convertible top. Working headlights, tailights, brake lights through the brake pedal. Running board courtesy lights come on when the door is opened. Roll up windows. Driving lights that "steer" along with the front wheels. Operating suspension. Golf club compartment door opens...golf bag and clubs inside. Illuminated dash gauges. Operating hood louvers. Adjustable seats. Removable tire jack. All the usual underhood bells and whistles. And that's just what I remember off the top of my head! I think even you non-collectors out there might want to see a few photos of this one when I get it...

I see your point, but to me, kits and diecasts are all part of the same hobby...model cars. I wouldn't worry about the magazine getting into diecasts too heavily. There's already a regular feature on diecasts...so I'm pretty sure the focus of the rest of the magazine will stay mainly on building.

Time keeps on slippin', slippin'.....into the fuuuuuuture........... (according to Steve Miller).

I like to build, and I also like to collect diecasts. My collection is roughly 50:50 kits vs. diecasts. In my mind kit building and diecast collecting are not mutually exclusive. To me, building kits is one thing, and collecting diecasts is a whole other thing. They're two different aspects of my total hobby, which is miniature cars. The fact that I collect diecasts has absolutely no bearing on my ability or "dedication" to building kits. I don't get the negative attitude some people have for diecasts. Sure, they're not like building a kit yourself, but they don't claim to be a substitute for building. It's apples and oranges...and I like both. After all, the name of the magazine is Model Cars...not Model Car Building. It's never been restricted to only building plastic kits. A diecast feature here and there is fine with me...

Gee...so sorry to hear that.

Nice work!

ok...I think I have one now that nobody else would want to use....

Hey Mark...which one of the guys in your avatar is you???

I'm afraid if I use that one I'll have to beat the chicks off with a stick!

Life can be so cruel sometimes...

Scratchbuilt chute pack...corrugated cardboard cut from the box the model came in (!)...wrapped in several layers of masking tape, flaps made of thick paper covered with masking tape, painted with acrylic airbrush paint and Testor's Dullcote. Chute release handle made of paper clip and wire insulation...

Why buy a diecast? Simple...because I like them! You can't compare a pre-built diecast to an unassembled model, because they serve two entirely different purposes. One doesn't "replace" the other. Some people like building models...some like collecting pre-built models, and some do both. It's like ordering take-out vs. cooking it yourself. They're both food...

Welcome to the forum! Glad to have you!

But I didn't upload my avatar from cyberspace...it's an illustration that I did. I created the illustration, and am using it as my avatar. I don't think our avatars should be made available as public property...the whole point of an avatar is that it's your own personal "thing". GREGG!!!! (I don't think he can hear me from all the way over in paradise...)

On second thought...maybe we can charge a fee for avatar usage... GREGG!!!!!!!!

Well, I didn't think guys were doing it maliciously, but still...it's MY freakin' avatar! What's this "avatar bank"???? That has to go. GREGG!!!!!!!!!!

I've just found another forum member who's using my avatar as his own. That's the second time in a couple of weeks that my avatar has been...uh, "borrowed". What's the deal, guys? Are you copying and pasting it from my posts? Geez, I thought my avatar would be safe to use without worrying about someone else grabbing it... I guess I should be flattered that you all like it well enough to claim it as your own, but I created that illustration...so please find your own graphic to use and let me keep mine! Or we can work out a nice little licensing fee...

Didn't your mom ever tell you that "dating yourself" can lead to insanity??? BTW...you're the second person to take my avatar and use it as your own. Can you find something different and let me have mine back? Since it's my illustration I figure I have the rights to use it!

Actually, the parts in the photo are from a Revell of Germany large scale "Kafer" (early 50's Beetle). But you're right, I'm using them on the Exterminator too! For example, the front wire wheel inside and outside halves in the Exterminator kit are a tight fit into the tires...they really don't want to snuggle down into the tire bead. But all I had to do was use 8 of these clamps spaced around the wheels to clamp everything tight while the glue dried. Perfect application for these. I only wish I had even MORE of these little guys. Maybe I'll "spring" (haha) for another three bucks and get a second set.

Stick to a smiley face and you'll be safe!!!

Got another Pocher a few days ago...bought on ebay. Those things are addictive.