Eric Macleod

Thanks for your kind words. I fell in love with the 1:1 at a Christmas Parade in Kalamazoo, MI just after the restoration of the real car was finished. Literally my entire modeling career has had this model in play. It's a lifetime dream to see it nearing completion. I appreciate you following along!

You are very right here. The wheels, and their alignment, are an aspect of the build that is not particularly interesting for others to watch as a WIP, but they are critical to the overall look of the model. I am indeed 100% committed to the competition of this model. I have said before, "if it's a job worth doing, it's worth doing twice." In the case of the cowl vents, I am now on my fourth crack at it. I'll get it sometime!.

I think this is quite nice indeed. You've posted other builds in front of this diorama I believe. It really adds to the effect.

Pretty slick. I like it. The notion of a quick, easy build is indeed very appealing.

I too find the new Miata uninspiring, but your model? Excellent build up.

I like it. I did one of these when I was in high school. The kit builds up well. You have done a fine job here.

I am back on this one with a goal of making a final push to complete it. I have tried cutting the cowl vents without success four times now but haven't given up...yet. I did push ahead with some work on the interior, which is really a pretty simple pattern with minimal fluctuations in the material. Hopefully more tomorrow.

And I think the actual Thomas Flyer used for the New York to Paris race started out as a Runabout, not a Touring Car. Of course I didn't learn that tidbit until my model had been finished for 10 years!

I sort of remember that also. I really wish I would have thought about that at the time I put mine together.

I used front fenders out of a distressed MPC Darraq kit and the rears were from a 1/32 Rolls Royce...a Pyro kit I believe. The rear seat assembly was sort of cur and pasted out of a Revell Lil John Buttera Model T Touring. The whole car was very much of a cut and paste but actually came together pretty well. If I were to do it again, I would use a different rear seat and carve pleats into it to match the front seat and I would add half round moldings to the fenders. Alas, I am reluctant to tear apart anything that is done with 150 unbuilts calling my name!

David, I really appreciate your comments. Yes the scale is strange but I have always liked the heft and durability of these models which seem to neatly tread the line between models and toys. I am speculating here, but suspect when these kits were introduced they were intended to be more of a toy than a completely accurate scale model, though I suspect someone like Tim Boyd may know more of this sort of history. I appreciate your comment that these are marvelous. I agree, but only from the toy-like delight they provide rather than my superior building skills (or more accurately, lack there-of). I have had thoughts of trying to build one of every Ford Model A bodystyle offered in 1930, though I think that would mean building about 14-16 more of these models to create them all. I have also thought of really going nuts with one of these to see what could be done with one. I have considered fully detailed wiring, brake levers, and a realistic interior among other refinements. If I were to do so I would recreate one of the really rare Model A Fords, such as a '30 formal Town Car or a Ford A-400 Convertible Sedan. Maybe some day.... Again, thanks all for looking. Eric

At 1:20 they are quite a bit bigger than the Danbury/Franklin Mint models. I would suggest simply displaying them on a different shelf so they don't look too weird!

My dad started me out on yhese as well. At one time I had every metal model made by Hubley/Gabriel. I have misplaced a couple of them but they are around somewhere. They form a great father/ child bond and can be easily upgraded as model building skills progress.

Sam is correct, they were about 1:20 or so. Unfortunately when I built these about 15-16 years ago I never thought to take WIP photos. I can tell you a lot of JB Weld, Bondo, Super Glue and Evergreen half round was involved. Specific to the Cabriolet, I glued sprue to form the top bows then liberally slathered Bondo in between to form the top. Thanks for looking in guys!

Here are two 1930 Ford Model As that Hubley never offered. While I get it with the rare Cabriolet I always was surprised that the very common Tudor was never produced. Taking the bull by the horns I created the Tudor from the Fordor kit and the Cabriolet from the Coupe kit. I added a passenger side sidemount spare to the Cabriolet and deleted sidemounts completely from the Tudor. I don't think I have ever posted these here before. Comments are always welcome.

More details will be added but for now, I shall return to my again delayed L-29 Cord project. Thanks to all who have looked in on this one!

I have the main components of the kit back together. I decided to photograph it together with my other Thomas to show the difference between the factory stock and the car as modified for the race.

I have thought about buying this kit also. It helps that I happen to have one of these locally to use as a reference. I will watch your build with interest!

While I was a high school student I built this old Thomas and "weathered" it, mostly using thinned out paint and brushes. I uncovered it and it clearly looked even worse for wear. I am going to reassemble it and maybe add a few things. Here it is on the messy bench as of this morning.

I have a 1:1 version of this so seeing one built up always warms my spirit. Nicely done overall!

I agree with the others. These are excellent. Its great to see so many early models posted here right now.

You have inspired me. I'm going to have to get one. As always, great work on your part!

I too have thoroughly enjoyed this amazing model. I can't help wondering what you have up your sleeve next!

This is not an easy kit to work with. Very nice model!

I would have been very happy with the paper version. The work on that one alone is very impressive. I look forward to seeing what both of you come up with. Eric