61 Ranchero, 1st after 50

[JPL-ACE]

There are a lot of nice models here and I am a little embarrassed to show mine. In my defense, I have not built a model in 50 years or so. The reason for starting again is interesting or at least unusual. I got rear ended a few years ago and went from bed ridden to final check out of rehab. They told me to recover more dexterity and strength I had to do more exorcise and fine delicate work on my own. So I do the exorcise 1 hour a day to cover that and decided to dig out my old box of unfinished models stored away. This is my first finished model. The level is about what I did at 13 (in 1959 !) You can see more and read more (including how us dinosaurs built models) on my website:

scalemodelcars.weebly.com

Anyway, I chose this kit from my brothers stock as a simple and dumbed down starter. 1961 Falcon Ranchero. When I say it is finished, I mean it is as done as I want at this time. I have 3 engines made to drop in depending on mood. Mild to wild. the 289 Cobra would be a nice ride back in the 70's. The 427 wedge would have been a powerful street wagon (if a little nose heavy). Then there is the SOHC for the wild show off engine. Take your choice. If you zoom in you can see some interesting details and lots of sloppy work but I am very satisfied with my improvement over the months of work.

Later on I will show some old unfinished models from the past and maybe some drawings too. I will continue to build as I have a large supply of kits (started and new) including all the real cars I have had that I dearly miss now (I do have a couple still). More on my website for those interested.

[Miatatom]

Reminds me of my experience.  I got back into model cars after about a 50 year break and the first model I completed was a 60 Ranchero too. ?

[JPL-ACE]

3 minutes ago, Miatatom said:

Reminds me of my experience.  I got back into model cars after about a 50 year break and the first model I completed was a 60 Ranchero too. ?

Thanks Tom. Must be a trend.

[cobraman]

Looking good ! I myself would choose the 289. Nice little street car.

[Miatatom]

5 minutes ago, JPL-ACE said:

Thanks Tom. Must be a trend.

It's an easy kit to start on.

[JPL-ACE]

32 minutes ago, cobraman said:

Looking good ! I myself would choose the 289. Nice little street car.

Thats my choice too. The other 2 are for looks as they would be so nose heave as to just burn off the rear tires. Fun Fact:  I understand that is lots of fun in Australia. Clouds of tire smoke. Or so I read.

Thanks, Gary

[afx]

I like the color choice.

[PappyD340]

Looks darn good to me and I love the color choice, I agree with the rest I would go with the 289 also!

[JPL-ACE]

To PappyD340 and afx;

The color is Grabber Orange, I think it is a Ford color.

Thanks for the complements.

[ChrisR]

Nice!!

[Classicgas]

Very nice.  Much better than my first after getting back into the hobby. 

[TransAmMike]

Very cool Gary, nice engines too?

[Zippi]

Yeah the 289 Cobra is the ticket.  The 61 Ranchero 1:1 would make a nice little daily driver to tool around town in. 

[slusher]

very nice..