Miatatom

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.

Oh man, I love it! Very unique and imaginative.

Here's what I built. 100 CFM works great. Never any problem with build up of paint in the box/booth. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=76088

Check eBay. Thar's where I found mine. Cheap too!

I use a 100 cfm bilge blower in a booth that's 2' x 3' x 3'. Works great for me. They're used to remove gases from inside the bilge of a boat. They're 12 volt so you'd need a power supply to run it. I use one from an old computer.

Looks great! What were the problems you ran into? I love the 56 Fords (first car) and want to build one some time.

Looks great! I love those old evil handling Cheetahs. I always thought they had such a bad a** look to them.

Yeah, what he said!

I can only dream of being that good. You are a craftsman.

If the paint on the model is lacquer, the purple stuff isn't gong to do much. Works great on enamels. For lacquer, I use denatured alcohol. It takes a while but it will soften Tamiya lacquer enough to scrub it off.

Exactly! My skills are improving because I pick up bits and pieces of knowledge from a multitude of posts and subjects. There just might be a trick you have that some may really appreciate.

Tamiya Fine White or Grey Surface Primer, depending on the final color.

Sorry but that chair doesn't provide me with anything I can enjoy. Clench factor = 10!

Where'd you find it? Walmart, Lowes, HL?

Sounds like you may be leaving them in the water too long and all the adhesive is dissolving. Here's several threads that might help: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75227 http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41822 http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35783 http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=26609 http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45740 http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=76542 http://www.scaleautomag.com/How%20to%20and%20Models/How%20To/2009/04/How%20to%20apply%20decals.aspx http://ilovewood001.tripod.com/modeling/decal.html http://www.craigcentral.com/models/decals.asp http://www.modelcartips.com/decals-and-markings.html

Nice job, Shane!

Welcome aboard, Joshua. You can find anything you want in the forum by using the following search. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74605

Sure wish I could find just one at a price I could afford.

I think this is what you're looking for. I've got to make one for a 61 Falcon Ranchero I'm doing. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=33133

I've had several. Here's my latest! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/baddogracing/Car%20Stuff/Racing%20My%20Miatas/1.jpg

I got an email today with discounts. They have Super Clean offered as buy one get one free. The stuff strips enamel paint great. Check here to see if your area has a flyer with discounts. https://www.autozone.com/autozone/inourstores/circular.jsp?ed_rid=DWPIPMV-SHZ21-5XC3N5-OUFUEW-7MGA6-v1&ed_mid=272173

The fan I used is built to remove exhaust and fuel fumes from the bilge of a boat. Cheap too! http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=76088&hl=

I have 2 of these, each mounted on a 2 x 6. They solve a lot of problems associated with holding parts steady while painting, gluing, etc. A must for older less steady hands like mine. http://www.harborfreight.com/2-3-4-quarter-inch-articulated-vacuum-vise-3311.html