jdcar32

I have been away from this forum for some, I'm asking for a lead to a scratch built Oskosh Airport Fire Vehicle that was posting in the Truck WIP several years ago ( 2012 +- ) . I can't seem to find it via a search here. Information appreciated.

Ya the getting in/out part is for the young regarding the C4, I'm going on 70 but in decent shape despite two knee jobs. I have a routine for in/out and as long as I can have the door wide open I'm good. Besides, I love the 'cockpit' experience and driving it so much........

I really like these, they are carbide and always really sharp. But being carbide they are brittle and do not tolerate bending or flexing. Under $10 on ebay I've bought a couple of sets. 1/8 " shank fits most holders too

I'm 6'3" and fit like a glove, once I get down in it ! Mines an auto, would not be able to clutch a 6 spd. With the sport seat all the way back I'm comfortable.

Had fun with these two, something different I guess. First attempt at figures and diorama type bases for a model. A combo of rattle can and craft acrylic paints. The bases use model railroad style diluted glue to fix plants and dirt, standard stuff but new to me. Some added touches needed, the kits are really basic old school tool.

Been a car guy all my life but never had the cash to fully indulge my zest for automobiles ( building models helped satisfy the itch ). I finally did manage to scrape together some resources for a nice '93 Corvette. There is a strong following and support for these cars. Being a high number production Corvette makes it affordable, and it has some truly exotic features. When this car was new I was raising a family and it's $32K sticker was way out of my league. But now the cost for a decent C4 is 1/3 of that, or less. This car has 90K well cared for, locally owned miles. The LT-1 V-8 runs strong, gets 25 mpg at 75 mph, and is fast enough for this old guy. I've replaced the usual age related wear items and buffed the Torch Red paint. I'm proud to own an American automotive icon.

all the body parts were firmly attached before cutting the doors and the lines are straight so it wasn't too bad. The trick was creating a sill structure at the door opening before cutting the doors loose so the body did not flex open.

Always admired the '36 Ford 5 window in the 3 Stooges short ' False Alarms ' . As you know the AMT kit is a real classic but as an older kit it lacks a lot of detail. Built the similar 3 window / roadster version as a kid 60 years ago so this build had a nostalgic element. I've added the following - door cranks seperated and remounted, opened doors and trunk, added mechanical brake linkage per Henry's original, hinged the 4 piece hood, wired and plumbed the flathead, carb linkage, steering linkage and box, window garnish mouldings. This the lower cost 'Standard' model with only one tail and no bright trim around the windshield just like the Chief's car. Paint is Tamiya rattle can black polished. Tires and artillery wheels are from the Revell '37 Ford truck which give the car a better stance. I had the photo etched grill but it looks too 1 dimensional to me so the kit grill is in place.

I haven't been on the site for quite a while and I'd like to resume following a build but can't find it. I was following it several years ago, an Oshkosh airport fire truck being totally scratchbuilt. Can anyone direct me to this build ? Thank you.

Didn't mean to mislead anyone, the hood hinges are not functional but they are removable for posing the hood.

Thanks for your comments, very helpful. I bought the Round 2 version because it has the Halibrand wheels. Looking forward to this build.

Thinking about the AMT Avanti for my next build. I think I've heard of fitment issues inherent with this kit. But what I'm really wondering about are the several releases that have been available : Millinium, Reggie Jackson, Prestige, Retro Deluxe, or 50th Anniversary. Do any of you have opinions/experience regarding which release has less tooling issues ? Thanks.

Here's an AMT 1951 Chevy Fleetline Deluxe converted to the lower priced Custom model : de-chromed, door panels modified by removing arm rests and pleats. Frame has added suspension details and full fuel and brake lines, also e-brakes. Trunk and doors scribed open, spare tire well modified to actually hold a tire. Tires are parts box, bigger diameter than kit tires. Paint is Tamiya rattle can military semi flat grey/green top coated with Mr. Clear to resemble Chevy's Aspen green. It's been years since I've posted, thanks for looking.

Thanks for the reply John, I'm not expecting much of a response but I sure would like to know what became of Tom.

Hello, a few years ago I sent Tom Coolidge a partially finished 1958 Pontiac sedan as a gift, one of his resin kits. Wondering if it ever turned up anywhere, and also wondering what became of Tom. He was ( is? ) a credit to the hobby. Thank you. Jon

Hello, a few years ago I sent Tom Coolidge a partially finished 1958 Pontiac sedan as a gift, one of his resin kits. Wondering if it ever turned up anywhere, and also wondering what became of Tom. He was ( is? ) a credit to the hobby. Thank you. Jon

Hello, a few years ago I sent Tom Coolidge a partially finished 1958 Pontiac sedan as a gift, one of his resin kits. Wondering if it ever turned up anywhere, and also wondering what became of Tom. He was ( is? ) a credit to the hobby. Thank you. Jon

Tom is a great guy to deal with and his products are top notch, he is very knowledgeable and he is a modeler....................

Anyone interested in scale models of all sorts should browse The Internet Craftmanship Museum. A wonderful world of truly unique and amazing scratch built replicas . Cars, ships, steam power, aircraft, engines, guns, and on and on. Most of the scale engines run. Dedicated to miniature machining, metal working, and old school craftsmanship. Individual craftsmen from all over the world are featured. Highly recommended !

Another note of interest, go to craftmanshipmuseum.com The Internet Craftmanship Museum and check out Model Builders / Roger Zimmermann. He has built a large scale Avanti in the same color from scratch. A lot of truly incredible work on this site that will be of interest to any modeler.

I've seen a maroon R3 Lark on Youtube with those magnesium wheels and "the Stude Tomato" is an R3 Lark that runs in the Muscle Car drags. The Studebaker block was designed from the beginning with strength and durability in mind, perfect for the supercharger application. Never saw an Avanti ( model or otherwise ) with the alloy wheels, what a great addition. And the luggage is just too cool. Really neat to see your kit bashed combination and how well the 1:1 car is represented. Very nice indeed !

Remember that Studebaker had Packard under it's wing for a short time in the late 50's, and during the same period Studebaker had a short term deal to import Mercedes Benz as part of their ( Studebakers) plan to avoid extinction.

I have a 1:1 Midnight Grey 2005 P71 I bought at auction 2 years ago with 120k miles. I love it, one of THE best cars I've EVER owned ( I'm 62 ). Solid , responsive for a big car, the motors are bullitt proof if cared for, most police agencies lavish mechanical care on these cars. So I've been meaning to build a replica for the shelf, I already have a spray can of the OEM color I bought for touch up. Does the kit you have have holes in the roof? I suppose I could fill them, my 1:1 is a detective version, no lights except a spot. I think I have seen a plain cloths version of this diecast too. Check out the web site crownvic.net. It has a huge amount of info on these cars, every thing you need to know from knowledgeable owners.

I've got the MCW 1958 Pontiac Chieftain sedan. The casting has the usual air bubbles but is decent for the money. But It has two small 1/8" diameter inclusions, one in the fender and one in the roof. The outline of these darker areas show through the paint after a Dawn dish soap soak and scrub, two Tamiya primer coats and three Tamiya top coats. At this point I'm ready to dremel them completely through and patch with styrene plugs super glued and sanded. Any similar experience's with MCW or other resin ? Fixes ?

Late 60's, my buddy Tony has his Mom's '68 428 Country Squire wagon, it's loaded with histerical teenagers, and we are barreling down 45th Ave in Gary Indiana at what seemed like at least 60+ mph. At least one of us was on the roof stage coach style hanging on to the roof rack for dear life. I was tucked away in the back seat laughing like a mad man. Of coarse the same car had a 3rd rear facing seat, useful for stoyaways while entering the drive in movie. OHWHUTFUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Tony's DAD had a '66 Toronado good for 100mph less that a 1/2 mile after leaving high school, I know 'cause I was riding shotgun.....................