Monty

Chris, my compliments to you for pulling off such a nice build out of a 1/32 slot car. The Mk IV is one of my favorite racecars of all time, and your version with its carbon fiber etc blends modern technology with classic styling for a remarkable look. lillakev, as far as the driver goes, I'll see your Tattoo and raise you Dr Miguelito Loveless from The Wild Wild West.

I normally don't deviate much from using Testors and Humbrol enamels, but some time ago I came across some Gunze-Sangyo water-based acrylics at a hobby shop and I was impressed with the selection of colors they offered, including some we might consider off-beat. Upon taking them home and trying them out, I found that they sprayed nicely and I had no orange peel to deal with afterwards. Here's where my question comes in: Recently I read a discussion about aqueous acrylics on here, and it sounds like it's not just a matter of letting the paint dry, then masking and shooting the next color. One poster, who I assume knows what he's talking about, said you need to "set" the paint with a hair dryer so the masking wouldn't pull up the previous coat of paint. Is that true? IIRC, the discussion was about WalMart aqueous crafts paints. Can we assume the same rules apply to Tamiya & Testors acrylics? It wouldn't be a big deal except that Gunze pulled these aqueous paints from the US market a couple years ago, so I don't have much margin for do-overs. Long story short (too late, I know) what all steps do I need to follow to mask and shoot a two tone paint job using these water-based paints?

My compliments on the tires. I can't even fathom how you did that P/E tread, but it's good to know I'll finally have some BFGs to put on my street machines. Once we've been given all the necessary ordering information, I'll be buying mine in sets of 4 same-sized tires. Quick hijack: What paint are you guys going to use on these tires? I've got an airbrush so I can shoot about anything. I think the military guys like Tamiya's acrylic NATO Black for tires, but I'm wondering if Testors Semi-Gloss black enamel might look more like a street tire that had been Armor-Alled about a month before. Hmmmm...

Art, can you give us the name of an acrylic lacquer primer you'd recommend for this? I may want to try this paint, too. While I'm at it, what's the best clear coat to use on this paint? TIA

I'm going to have to get this kit. It seems to turn out well for everyone who builds it. Yours certainly looks good in red, Ray. What challenges did you encounter, and what did you have to do to overcome them?

Mike, in regard to the kit wheels - you can do better. Do a search on here for SEL's resin Pontiac wheels. If memory serves, they make verions with and without the trim ring. I don't recall anyone who has purchased them being disappointed.

Welcome to the board, Simon! I think you'll find that the majority of members are fairly helpful when it comes to answering modeling questions, so it's quite possible you could be improving your skills in a relatively short amount of time. Our search engine isn't the greatest, but by just searching "Pontiac" you should be able to come up with pics & descriptions of various Poncho builds, including the Trumpeter Bonneville & the more recent AMT Catalina kits. Most of us build in 1/25 scale, but since Monogram offers some nice 1/24 Pontiacs, you'll see those too.

I'm uncertain about Heisenberg...

Geeez, Drew, I wish I could open some old boxes and find well-built, ready-to-finish kits like yours. For some reason, you just don't seem like the type of person who'd get a model that close to being finished & then put it away. Glad you found this one again! I've gotten used to seeing your name associated with various race car models over the years, so it's nice to see you apply your talents to a street machine like this. Well done!

Remarkable work, Andy! What paint did you use to get that incredible shade of green?

I don't have the numbers to back up my statement, but it seems like more than half of the people who try and get into this business run into situations that eventually cause them to shut down. I'm fortunate that I've never been stiffed by one, and we as a board are fortunate to have several reliable casters among our members.

I agree. The VL was my first 'brush and I thought it could really blow some paint....then I bought a Crescendo. I remember thinking it was like going from a Holley 600 cfm carb to a 750 Double Pumper. I seem to like the fat-body 'brushes better, so I probably won't be buying anything new for awhile, but your new one sure looks enticing.

Thanks for answering my questions. If you like it better than a VL, I'd say you've found a great airbrush. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.

Just out of curiosity, what made you choose this airbrush over all the other dual-actions out there? (Again, not arguing with your choice, just curious).

Nice job on the paint and interior, Paul!

Here is a list of things you should do to make that build look better: Shiny rules!

So, Tom, other than rendering silk purses from sows' ears, what else do you do during the day? You've taken a mediocre kit and turned it into a very attractive shelf model that you have every right to be proud of. I love the fact that you did it up in period-correct colors (looks like Chianti Red and Designers Cream) I'm still astounded at the lack of effort that Revellogram put into the underside, but your gap filling and weathering techniques made it much more authentic.

What do you guys think of this package deal? $110.00 for 3 airbrushes and a compressor, and everything ships for free. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Pro-3-Airbrush-Air-Compressor-Kit-Gravity-Feed-Dual-Action-w-Hose-Filter-/221076092650?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D320698039964%26ps%3D54 I'm happy with the airbrushes & compressor I have, but this looks like the ideal setup for someone just starting out. From what I can see, the compressor seems to have a built-in water trap, which is nice. I'm kinda curious whose airbrushes they're using...

It's been ages since the last time I saw a built Chaparral kit, and you've done a nice job on that one. Thanks for showing us.

I'd suggest you do a little reading before blindly accepting the suggestions of the boardmembers. Start by learning about some of the common differences in aribrushes and their various advantages and disadvantages (gravity vs siphon feed, single action vs dual action, etc). Keep these things in mind as you consider how you'll be using your airbrush, and you may find the list whittled down for you. One of our members has compiled this site http://sites.google....nsairbrushtips/ which I think you'll find helpful. Start by clicking on the tab labeled First Airbrush? and go from there. Keep in mind that as your interest grows, the things you'll want to do may be more than a basic 'brush can do, so don't automatically rule out a dual action brush, and as Pat said, don't bother with the Harbor Freight stuff. Last, be prepared to clean whatever brush you buy. We've got all kinds of tips for that, too.

Thanks Tom!

Is there a specific name or PN for that pewter paint? As I mentioned, I'm very interested in that shade.

Yea! Another Raider fan to commiserate with!

Actually, what you did could be considered a public service. You've helped warn those who were previously unaware that this kit might be closer to the definition of "toy" than "model". Most of us know that kits of this vintage oftentimes require a little extra effort to make all of its aspects look more authentic, but in this particular instance, it's almost as if Revellogram management placed intentional limitations on the amount of styrene the designer was allowed to use, not to mention the quality of engraving that went into producing the tooling. (I still can't get over the sheer cheapness of molding the differentials open at the top ) Fortunately, I had this kit filed under "Want Dat" instead of "Life-Affirming-Styrene-Grail", so the emotional trauma will be minimal.

Outstanding work and great color choices. I would greatly appreciate if you'd tell me what paint you used to get that pewter-like shade. It would be absolutely perfect for a couple projects of mine.