Miatatom

Thank you very much, sir.

For my 500th post to the forum, I thought I'd discuss some things I've learned. I'm certainly not very good yet, but I have learned a lot in the 2+ years I've been a member of this forum, which is excellent, IMO. When I first returned to the hobby, I was excited to build some of the cars I would have had during my lifetime, but for the lack of money, as well as some of the cars I had actually owned. That was mistake #1. I chose kits that required skills that I didn't possess yet. Things like two tone paint jobs, seams down the center of a kit, etc., weren't apparent obstacles but they sure made for problems with a novice like myself. One of the things I learned was “thinking in scale”. Kits with small A pillars and body parts are a challenge. If you're heavy handed or aggressive or looking for a quick shortcut, you're probably going to mess up some plastic. I did. I had to keep thinking, “it's plastic, not metal”. I've got several models that I started and put on the back burner because I've got to get better to fix the mistakes I've made. Some may be beyond fixing. If you're getting back into it or haven't refined your skills yet, I suggest starting with something very very simple and very very sturdy. You'll gain confidence when you finish one. I did. Also, select something that's cheap and easily replaced. Starting out with an expensive and/or rare kit is another mistake I made. Find something cheap and decent in design and have fun. If you mess up, it's no big deal. Work slow, think things through and you'll probably have some fun and success. When it's not going good, get up from the bench and go do something else. Make it fun!

The 5" PVC plumbing flanges I used for arm holes protrude about 3/4" out the front. I put the gloves through the opening and fold the ends over the flange. I always take a piece of duct tape and tape it down to prevent the plastic sleeves from tearing. They are held in place with large hose clamps. You've just about gotten me motivated to do a short video with more details about the booth and how it is set up and works.

This cabinet from Harbor Freight can be adapted http://www.harborfreight.com/abrasive-blast-cabinet-42202.html I wanted a lot of room so I built my own. I've got about $240 total in it, including the bilge pump , tubing and other miscellaneous stuff. The gloves I use can be bought here. They're very thin, inexpensive and work great. QC Supply PO Box 581 Schuyler, NE 68661-0581

If you want to totally eliminate dust, you've got to create an enclosure. This is what I did. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=76088

What kind of paint are you trying to remove?

I like this place. http://www.hobbylinc.com/Plastic_Model_Cars_Trucks_Vehicles?gclid=CKL01JGhnq8CFQS0nQodGniHag You can always go to Hobby Lobby with their 40% off coupons that they offer each week too.

If anyone has never seen Grand Prix with James Garner, you have missed the best racing film ever, IMHO.

Lacquer thinner will clean enamel paint but I don't know how well it will work if the brushes are already dry.

I like it a lot!

I live near Chattanooga and Friday Hassler was big in this area. Love the Ruby Falls decals. I know his former daughter in law. Please post more pics!

I had to look twice to be sure it wasn't a 1:1! Great work!

Congratulations! You must be so proud.

Beastly and beautiful!

James, is the alcohol 70% or 91%? Did you wipe it on or spray it? What did you use to remove it?

Thanks!

I looked to see when I bought the Falcon and it was in the middle of April. Only took 2 1/2 months so maybe I'm starting to get a little groove.

Thanks everyone for your nice compliments. I doubt I'll ever finish all the models in my stash but I'll be trying.

Love the color. Looks great!

Here's what I use and I like it. http://www.radubstor...products_id=329

I'm working on the Tamiya McLaren M8A and I've run into something that's odd. This kit seems to have 5 extra parts that aren't on the instruction sheet at all. They are parts A3, A4, A11 A28 and B2. Anyone run into this with this kit?

Beautiful! I love those Tamiya lacquers. Yes, I agree with Don above, I'd love to see your techniques.

Thanks for the compliments guys. I just looked to see when I joined the forum and it was 5/29/12 so I've been at it for over 2 years trying to finish one. Only took a few weeks to do the Falcon. With over 70 models in my stash, I need to get busy or I'll never finish them.

After many starts and misses, I have finally finished a model. Each model I started presented it's own challenges, especially since I was jumping back into the hobby after about 55 years away. Those await me when I have enough ability and knowledge to fix them. I looked in my stash and pick the Falcon based on simplicity of design and ease of build. I'd suggest the same strategy for anyone that starting or restarting this hobby. Completing one builds your confidence. As for the Falcon, I had one of these back in the 70s. Hauled a lot of dirt bikes in it. It was a 62 and originally it was a USAEC (U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, now U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission) truck. I bought it in an auction in Oak Ridge, TN. Replaced the transmission with a C4 and rebuilt the straight 6 engine. I think it was 144 cu. in. The original color was grey so I decided to finish this one in Tamiya TS76 Mica Silver with a few coats of Future on top. The interior floor and door panels and seats were sprayed with a charcoal colored acrylic that I mixed. The inserts in the seats were painted with light grey acrylic. I'm not totally satisfied with the acrylics. Sprayed Future mixed with flat acrylic on the seat and door panels to knock the shine down. This model has a number of flaws, especially the BMF work. Hopefully the next one will be nicer.

I've got one ordered! I've got the chassis of an original built and maybe this time, I can finish the body without messing it up. My original decals were going to be a struggle too. Happy to see it available again. The old ones were getting pricey.