Harry P.

Between the new releases, the reissues, the aftermarket, and the internet, things are probably as good in the hobby as they've ever been–maybe better. The only downside (to some people) is the gradual disappearance of the traditional "hobby shop." But we went from mom and pop corner store to supermarket... horse and buggy to automobile... candles to electric lights... we can go from LHS to internet.

Actually the Popemobile is a modified Jeep. The little Fiat is only his getaway car...

Too bad the Pope doesn't cruise around in a Volkswagen. They could use his help about now...

Maybe a special "Pope Francis Edition?" Comes with a Holy Water dispenser on the dash...

VW's problems are just beginning. Wait until the lawsuits start pouring in. Can't say I feel sorry for them, though. A completely self-inflicted wound. A shame.

Nick, I'm glad to see you back.

Not the "correct" color, but a beautiful color nonetheless. Very nice work on this.

If he would have painted the car purple it would have really been a "prince!"

Nice work, Doc! I always get a kick of of your creativity and sense of "art." You are definitely a unique talent... I don't think I've ever seen anyone else who does things quite the way you do. And by that I mean, unique is good...

No scale luggage available commercially? No problem. You know what to do... make your own! These were all scratchbuilt, some of wood, some of styrene covered with vinyl material lhat looks like leather. Scratchbuilding luggage is a lot of fun, and not too hard to do.

The easiest way to "perk up" the chassis is simply to paint the various components their correct color and not just paint everything black. Do a google image search if you need some references.

Yes, Art's right... finding a suitable "donor top" would make things easier... but remember, there would probably still be differences in the rear seat/top wells on a convertible vs. a coupe. It all depends on just how accurate you want to be.

That's cool! Where did you get the camshaft from?

But where's the girl?

Jeez man... where do you display all these cool tanks? You must have a ton of them built by now...

God be with you.

John, yours and Chris' model would make an impressive display on the contest tables. A real western shootout! May the better stagecoach win!

Almost every convertible top looks significantly different than the steel-top version. Like Skip said, you almost always see the shape of the steel frame as the top material is stretched over it, unlike the smooth, compound-curved top of a car with a steel roof. And remember, most convertibles (especially '50s-'60s American cars) have a narrower rear seat than the same car in hardtop version because the folding top has to fit into those wells between the rear seat and the outer sheetmetal when the top is folded. There is really no easy way to turn a hardtop model into a "convertible" if you are looking for accuracy. It can be done, but you'll need to do a fair mount of scratchbuilding if you want it to look realistic. 1967 Impala convertible vs. coupe. Big difference... As you can see, not only is the convertible top not smooth like the steel top, but the shape of the sides is completely different than the steel-top car. Not every car will have this much difference between convertible and coupe, but there will almost always be visible differences.

That's some impressive building. Kit? I don't need no stinkin' kit!

Very cool looking rig.

Paul, very nice, clean model. Understated, sharp, and a beautiful color.

Call me crazy but I think it's kinda cool...

Best price on ebay now is $6.75 plus $1.20 shipping.

That's cold, man...

I don't drink soda. Ever.