Repstock

This is what I'm talking about! Someday I'll get too old and the Clark model will probably get sold at a yard sale for $1.50, but comments like this are what make it all worth it. I know for me it's the doing I enjoy. Once I finish something, it goes in the showcase, pretty much forgotten, because I'm too involved with the next project. I could never build to the level of what's required to be competitve at high level shows, but I can build the best model I can with what I have, and enjoy it. I hope budgets never stop anyone from enjoying the doing part. For those of you who have every tool under the sun and large disposable incomes ...well, I sure enjoy looking at your stuff, too!

That has to be one of the kindest comments I have ever received. I want to thank everyone for their kind comments. If there's one thing I'd like to accomplish with this, it is to show that modelers on tight budgets can still play with the big boys. I earn an average wage, and I'm the only income in my family of 4. I have no fancy equipment, lathes, drill presses and such. I have no airbrush. I do have an ALPS printer, but I've had it many years. I build with a metal straightedge, #11 blades, files and sandpaper. My one power tool is a Dremel. I'm always on the lookout for scraps of sheet plastic, or parts that can be used in a model. I hope no one lets money (or lack of it) stop them from building what they imagine!

Here's a few more pics with more of the roof done. Hopefully these are a bit clearer. As you can see, the roof on top is a bit shallow, but I thought it was worth it to get the lighting effect.

I've been working on this again. I laid together the basic components, and this is what the station looks like lit by it's own internal lights. This was just to see how the lighting effects work. I'm pretty pleased with the result. Now I'm going to have to find a way to light the main sign to go with the building. I'm pretty happy with the fake fluorescent lighting as well as the upper cladding. I had to make a few compromises in the roof structure to get the correct glow, but nothing too serious. My camera isn't great in the dark, but you get the idea.

I'm not positive the cab is the same, but the "Blue Mule" style IS what replaced these. Maybe the cab is the same?

I've had access to one in a boneyard, and I've created CAD files for it. I notice this truck has virtually NO rivets. Any interest in this topic?

My models usually contain parts from different kits as well as parts I fabricate. Until there exists a universally accepted term that describes this type of modelling, I guess it's up to me to determine how to describe it. It's the lingo people develop that sets MY teeth on edge..."I just squirted my model with a rattle can and now I gotta let it gas out..."

The van in picture you show has a longer wheelbase. Do you plan to make that modification to the kit?

It's real. I'm going to modify one of the resin Chevelles into a Laguna. The Laguna will get the bucket seat/console/round gauges interior. The Chevelle will have bench seat/linear speedometer interior.

First of all, thank you! They're just Evergreen or Plastruct styrene strips. In this case, I laid two side by side so I would have a trench in between them to paint the black line in. I did the same thing on a 1973 Chevy pickup.

1. The best way I've found is to acquire a round file that cuts the diameter you want in the corner. As you near the edge use a lighter touch until the smooth radius is formed. 2. I can't really remember where I made the cuts, and I didn't take any pictures of that stage. This van is not a new build, I've done too much since then, I just can't remember... 3. I'm not familiar with that rear treatment. I'm not sure how I would approach it. I'd probably do it like I do everything else. I'm not much of a planner, I just deal with things as they arise. I'd have to become more familiar with just how that rear area looks form different angles.

I used two Vantoms...

Electronic systems tech for a wastewater plant in central Ohio. The dreaded union government worker.

I'll be in Sylvania Sunday only for the toy show. I haven't made an NNL in years. I'm hoping to do the NNL east for the first time next year. I do hope to make the Sylvania NNL again someday. Thank you for the compliment, by the way...

It's going to be cool when these Chevelles start getting built. I can't wait to see what everyone does with it!

WOW! Going to have to learn to work with metal!

Thanks to everyone for your advice, support, and kind comments. I haven't given up on this, I just have a few projects in the way. I AM going to finish this! (The building, anyway...then later, the pavement and pumps.) Stay tuned...

It was posted correctly under trucks, but I just happened to be looking at newly listed kits, and it had just been posted. Probably wasn't on eBay for 5 minutes total.

I do intend on doing the Laguna next. Bench seats or buckets and console? Opinions?

Yes. I'm taking the Chevelle with me this Sunday (Oct. 7), and giving it to Kevin of Missing Link. I understand Jeff Ballard will be involved as well. Jeff is really good at getting that final polished look on a master. I'm looking forward to building these kits. I must add that I have no idea how long it will take between the time I hand over the master and the kit becomes available.

I was just wandering around ebay when I saw this buy it now...which i instantly purchased. Believe it or not, I got another Transtar years ago with a buy it now for $25.00. I was just in the right place at the right time...I hid the seller's name, seemed the right thing to do...

Looks like I'll have to get a Grand Am and a GTO. I'm looking forward to this offering.

This was considered for casting, but I'm not totally happy with it yet...

That body does look really nice. This has no bearing on your build, but is that "pointiness" on the upper windshield correct? I'm not a Mopar expert, but I don't remember noticing that feature. I look forward to further developments!

Kind of. I had a hard time reaching all the spots to get them blended in seamlessly, and the texture kind of hides it.