Harry P.

Amen!

Oh, I see. I get you now. But I have to disagree with you on one point... a diecast model car is a model car. Nowhere is it written that to qualify as a "model car," the model must be made of plastic.

I would say it's just the opposite–that the guy who starts with a pre-built diecast model, takes it all apart, strips the paint, corrects all the flaws and adds a ton of detail not present in the original model, repaints and rebuilds it–he has done a heck of a lot more work that the guy who starts with an unbuilt kit. But I agree with everything else you said.

??? You said you expect the majority of the features (in the magazine) to cover plastic model cars. And I said that they do. So where do we disagree?

They do.

Does anyone else see the irony?

I know that the "diecast snobs" think that way, but it makes no sense. If you're into woodworking, and you want a table... you build yourself a table. If, however, you're not into woodworking, but you still want a table, you buy a table. Does that make the person who bought the table in some way inferior to the guy who made his own because he got his table "the easy way?" Of course not, that would be silly. Building a table and buying a table are two different things. So why should a "builder" look down on a "collector?" They are two completely different things. So why do some people who like to put together unassembled plastic kits of model cars look down on people who don't necessarily like building models, but like having models? To me, building a plastic kit and buying a diecast "collectible" are apples and oranges. What does one have to do with the other? Some people build models, some people buy models, some people (like me) do both. But even if I never bought a diecast model in my life, I don't see why I would scorn those who do buy them. It makes no sense. If you want a model of a certain car and you like putting the pieces together yourself, buy a model kit. If you want a model of a certain car but you don't get into the building thing, buy a diecast. One is no better or more "worthy" than the other; they're just two different ways to enjoy model cars.

Yeah, and I never will understand that.

Everyone has a different way of participating in the hobby. To me the phrase "model cars" covers a whole lot more than only 1/25 scale, injection-molded unassembled styrene kits. That's just one very small slice of the pie, which includes resin and cast metal kits, diecast models–both pre-assembled and in kit form, all the other scales besides 1/24-1/25, promos, and on and on. If a person wants to limit themselves to only one particular type of model car, or build only in one particular scale, or build only one particular type or style of car, that perfectly fine, of course... everyone takes part in this hobby the way that they want to, there are no rules... but a magazine called "Model Cars," IMO, should be covering a much more diverse range. We try to include a little something in every issue so that, no matter what your personal definition of what is or isn't a "model car" may be, you'll find something that interests you. That's the intent, at least.

Dude! Where have you been? I've posted a lot of my stuff here on the forum... Thanks for the compliments, though... and right back atcha! Now get those Chevelle photos working for me...

Because there are different opinions on how to achieve "world peace"...

It's not. It's partly scratchbuilt; it uses parts from several plastic models... Wait. It's still early!

Thank you!

Just to sort of echo what Chuck said... IMO the thing that makes MCM unique and different is the fact that we cast a slightly wider net... we run the occasional article featuring a... GASP!... diecast! Now while I fully agree that a tractor is not a car. I would also say that the techniques Chuck detailed in his article can be used on any model, including, of course, a model car. And the engine detailing and weathering he showed us applies directly to a model car engine. The reason we ran that feature is because it has so much good information on weathering and detailing. Not many modelers do it better than Chuck Doan, and the information in that article, while it does show a tractor, is worth its weight in gold to any car modeler. The feature was more about weathering than about the fact that the model was a diecast. We don't run "non-car" features very often, but when we find one that has a ton of good information that can be applied to your model cars, we'll run it. But don't worry, it's still Model CARS Magazine, and 99% of the features will be cars!

You won't find it at any book store...

Well, obviously I can't argue with what you said overall, as it's your opinion, and as such isn't "right" or "wrong"... but one thing you said is flat-out wrong, and I quoted it above. Of course diecasts are models! Where is it written that a "model" is only allowed to have plastic parts? I really don't see why so many of you guys seem to think that a scale model isn't a scale model if the body is metal instead of plastic. Let the bashing begin!

There's one on ebay right now for $150: http://cgi.ebay.com/1967-CHEVROLET-CAMARO-INDY-500-PACE-CAR-1-24-/130475197150?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D150560234862%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D9220729979007200357

I'm glad you liked Chuck's feature. He is an incredibly talented modeler, and it was our pleasure to bring you a feature on his work. And of course, the weathering techniques he uses apply to car models, too!

Put me down as one who thinks that car is cool looking! Both Chuck's model and the real deal.

You're supposed to be checking out the car, not the woman...

Remember, no hints or answers here. PM me with year, make and model. Extra credit if you can explain how the lady in the photo gets her hair to fit in the car! The answer: 1964-67 Panhard 24CT

"Ax Men?" Never heard of it. History Channel? Not a fan. But thanks to the videos, I get what that thing does. Basically drags stuff. A giant portable winch, sort of.

Very impressive scratchbuilding! But what exactly does that thing do in real life?

Just weathered a little. Flat gray acrylic craft paint, then some Testors Transparent Window Tint sprayed over it to dirty it up a bit.