Harry P.

Actually, Skip only asks that I do a WIP so he can see how I do it. The finished model is mine to keep. BTW... I don't want to embarrass Skip, but I have to say he is one of the most generous people I know. He is always willing to share his knowledge and resources. A few years ago I was building a Pocher Rolls Royce, and he sent me not only hundreds of reference photos, but an actual, original RR owner's manual, filled with tons of great reference photos. Obviously I returned the owner's manual after I had scanned all the pages, but the point is, Skip sent me that "care package" of RR references–including what has to be a pretty valuable original RR owner's manual from the 1930s–no questions asked. And he is always sharing his knowledge and reference sources here on the forum. He's a good man.

My friend and fellow forum member Skip Jordan has proposed a project for me. He asked me to build a model of the Stutz Bearcat that appeared in one of his favorite movies, "The Wings of Eagles" (1957), starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. The car looked like this one (yes, that's Mr. Haney in a still from Green Acres!). Skip asked me to build this model as a favor to him, so he can follow along in my WIP. He sent me all of the material needed to do the job, including the kits needed, the movie itself on DVD, and a CD of reference photos. All he asked in return is that I use the kits he sent to kitbash the car from the movie. Actually, he even added that if I wanted to build a version of the car that I want to build... any version of a Bearcat, not necessarily the movie car, that was fine too... as long as I showed how I added the fully detailed engine from one of the kits to the other kit that has no engine. To explain... This is the kit I'm using as the "base" kit. It's a 1/16 scale 1914 Stutz Bearcat from Aurora. It's a nice kit, but has no engine: And this is the Fuman kit of a 1913 Mercer Raceabout, which has the engine and drivetrain detail I'll add to the Aurora Bearcat kit: Skip even sent me a third kit, a Lindberg 1914 Stutz Racer... just in case I could find any usable parts there for this project. So, Skip... this build's for you!

Sorry, Anthony, but I completely disagree with your views on this. Pointing out problems with a model, whether an injection-molded kit or an aftermarket resin kit, is an inherent part of a model building forum. I don't think Jürgen was listing the model's shortcomings in order to promote himself. His talents as a modeler are obvious and he has no need to blow his own horn. His work speaks for itself. He was merely commenting on the kit in an effort to inform others who may have an interest in building this particular model what they can expect. If we can't be honest here about a model's shortcomings, then the whole point of a forum is lost.

Dan... see that lonely little white mailbox? It's still waiting...

Did you stock up on provisions? You never know, one cloud turns into two clouds, then four... and before you know it you have a cloud emergency! Ain't that the truth...

If snow was a crop, I'd be rich!

ok... so you are near the coast, to the east of the lake, right? That's prime "lake effect" real estate. You guys ALWAYS get way more snow than anyone else. Same with everyone that lives on the receiving side of the winds moving over a large lake, like Cleveland and Buffalo.

"Efficient delivery of mail." What a concept. The USPS might want to try that one day... BTW... still nothing in the mailbox...

Why is his criticism "unjust" and uncalled for? Assuming he's being honest (and I have no reason to think he's not), I think that his pointing out the problems with the model is perfectly "called for." He built the model, he told us about the problems inherent in the model. How is that in any way "unjust?" BTW, that is a beautiful model, Jürgen. Your skill as a modeler is impressive. The only thing I would change is that I'd add a wash to the cargo crates to give them some dimensional "depth" and visual interest. As is, they look sort of "flat" and toylike. But the truck itself–beautiful!

Check your PM in-box.

Looks like we got another 6-8 inches overnight... and it's still snowing. I'm running out of places to throw this stuff! They were just talking to one of the local weather forecasters on the radio... she says that computer models "suggest" the possibility of as much as a total of two feet of snow here in the next several days. Is it spring yet?

It's snowing again! Supposed to get 4-6 inches by tomorrow. You should see the size of the snow mountains on each side of my driveway!

Just one of several stories floating around out there, but I read that John Lennon came up with the name "Beatles" because of the Crickets. Get it? Crickets...beetles...both bugs. But John changed "Beetles" to "Beatles" in order to get the "beat" in there... as in music (the beat of the music).

That 1/4 scale coupe is awesome!

All you had to do was read the instructions. They begin with these words: Bare-Metal is not meant to stick to a slick surface. Do not wax your paint job or use silicone on it before applying the Bare-Metal.

You can do monthly payments. Thanks, Rodney...

Here is a very early (1958) recording of the Beatles (then still calling themselves the Quarrymen) doing "That'll Be the Day" with John singing lead. At the time, George was only 14 or 15!

Think about this... BH was what, 22 or so when he died? By that time he already had a ton of hit records. Just to name a few... Rave On Love's Made a Fool of You Not Fade Away Oh, Boy! It Doesn't Matter Anymore It's So Easy Maybe Baby Peggy Sue That'll Be the Day Just think how much more he would have done if he had gotten more time to do it.

Opinions may vary...

I agree that Buddy Holly was a big one. But Richie Valens and the Big Bopper? Weren't they sort of "one hit wonders" that just happened to be popular at the time? I'd include Buddy Holly in with the big names in rock... not the other two, though.

Try playing with the adjustments on your monitor (brightness and contrast)... see if that helps.

I'm taking my chances with the lizard...

You didn't miss much. And the halftime show stunk big time. A Superbowl in New Jersey? Hey, here's a clue, NFL... Bruce Springsteen. Heck, I'd have settled for Bon Jovi. Or even Southside Johnny.

I think that as long as you stick to the big names (the companies with a proven track record and a national reputation, and not the Lenny's Insurance Emporiums out there), you'll be ok as far as claims go.

Yes, no third party stuff for me. I like to deal directly with the people who are providing the coverage.