Harry P.

20 degrees? In south Florida???!!!

Do you mean GSL XXII?

And without George Peppard...

How about a coupe body??? 32, 33, 34, whatever.

Yeah, right... that was "coffee"...

Future is not wax, it's simply clear acrylic. They might not sell that brand in Finland, but there is probably a similar product sold there.

Kei cars are those weird little Japanese cars that look sort of like cartoon cars. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kei_car http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mazda-r360-coupe01.jpg

How about starting up your own contest? From your posts I see that you have a long history in the hobby, and are sort of a "name" guy. Why not gather up a few interested partners and start up your own contest? That way you could use your own judging system that you've mentioned before. I'm sure you must have enough contacts in the model car world to be able to organize and pull off something like this. You couldn't compete in it, obviously... but it would allow you to enjoy the contest scene without the problems you've described, and get you back into the judging arena, which it sounds like you also enjoy. If you could persuade a local hobby shop to sponsor the contest. you wouldn't even have to worry about renting space. Some years ago several "nameless national luminaries" threw together a little show in a garage just for their own amusement. Look how it's grown. Your contest could theoretically become the next big thing!

Some people get all the satisfaction they want out of model building just by building models. They have absolutely no desire to enter contests, or have their work judged, or win trophies, etc. Like you said, Chuck, the finished model is in itself the reward, and all the "reward" that person needs. But some guys get their satisfaction by competing. It's just a different mindset. To the competitive types, building a model is only the first step in the process. Entering (and winning) contest is what revs their motors. However one participates in the hobby is cool, as long as you yourself are getting your kicks. Personally I'm in the "no contests" camp... I have absolutely no desire to compete. But to the competitive guys, the competition is what makes the hobby fun for them... it's where they get their kicks. Some of us want (need?) the hardware, some of us don't. Either way is fine. Different strokes, as they say...

There's a big difference between a poor and destitute photographer (no money) and a poor photographer (no talent!)

Nooooooooooo!!!! I'm too young for AARP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too much spray tan!

No problem... as long as I don't have to take Lassie to the moon!

As usual... way cool!

Camper van Beethoven! What do I win???

To quote Cracker: Happy....Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, and to you... BTW... Cracker is probably the best band nobody's ever heard of...

Juergen, fantastic work as always! You have one of the cleanest building styles I have ever seen. But what is up with a bat on the rear shelf???

The boot!!!! What's the point of a "convertible" if you use the up-top? BTW... better move it before you get a parking ticket!

You need to add some straps on that tailgate!

Actually I do feel like a 23-year old. Do you know any???

Nigel, we're all glad to know that your buddy is ok. And thanks to a guy from way across the ocean for caring so much about our problems over here! You're a good man.

Or maybe I could post some OT stuff and you guys would play along. I have so much backlogged... Seriously though... thanks to all you guys! I appreciate it. (although this whole "birthday" deal would be a lot more fun if it didn't have a number attached to it!)

Shut up? Marcos–No way! Everyone enjoys the hobby at his own level. Some build just to fill some spare time, some take it more seriously, and some take it very seriously. And then there's the "lunatic fringe"... But when it comes to posting our opinions and views, no matter how seriously (or not) we take model building, everyone's comments count equally! (Except for George... he's just goofy!) Just kidding, George! You da man!!!

mmmmmmmmmm.......pizza.........

Hey V... since you're down in South Florida, I assume you must be using kosher salt for your painting technique?