Hello from SoCal

[rightrudder]

Hello!

I'm a retired guy in South Orange County, CA who built models as a kid and got back into the hobby during covid. Let me say just how amazing this forum is...I'll no doubt spend countless hours poring over all the threads here. So anxious to learn new techniques!

Most builds have been Tamiya stuff, but I'm venturing into some AMT kits. I fell in love with this '62 Ford Thunderbird convertible that will be my next project. I've seen a few videos on wet sanding & clear coating, and this will be the first model where I'll attempt to make the paint really shine. Previous efforts have been rattle can jobs and I've never been too happy with the results in terms of orange peel. I did just recently get an airbrush, and I've used that successfully for chassis and interiors. Bought some BMF for the T-Bird and will experiment with that for the first time.

Here are a couple kits I've done in the last 1.5 years...Tamiya Ducati 1199, and a Hasegawa Lancia Stratos.

 

 

[slusher]

welcome aboard, Douglas!

[PappyD340]

Welcome to the forum Douglas, great looking models btw!!

[Zippi]

Welcome aboard Douglas.  Looks like your already ahead of the curve.  Nice models.

[rightrudder]

Thanks, guys. You really get spoiled by Tamiya kits...they go together so precisely. Looking forward to the challenge of "finessing" certain parts of the AMT '62 T-Bird. I watched a build video that was quite detailed, and so I know a few problem areas to look for.

Got a ton of paint, primer, leveling thinner, clear coat and other building supplies in the mail, so I can hit the ground running. There's a pretty neat photo-etched metal set available that I might spring for. What is your experience with these parts, especially the badges for the hood and trunklid? Do they look too "oversized" when applied? It seems the chrome trim and the badges are among the details that will really make the model stand out.

[Art Laski]

Hi Douglas,

Great models you have there. The bike is especially nice. We have a pretty good automotive model show scene here in So Cal. A lot of great guys, and we're all pretty close friends. It would be great to see you come out to some shows. You can check out my website at laskiscale.com for a listing of the shows we have going on around here, including the one I put on up in Chatsworth, the So Cal Open on May 1st.

Hope to see you around!

Art

[Dave72]

Welcome Douglas! Lots of great info to read here posted by a lot of talented, very helpful people. 

[rightrudder]

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys! I have learned so much here already; a great site for sure.

Art, I will certainly check out your website and try to get out to a show.