Cranky's Workshop Showcase

[Dr. Cranky]

The editor of Amusin Kruisin, a new magazine that comes out 4 times a year, published by Easy Riders Publications, is showcasing some of my builds in the next issue, and since I had to take some glamour shots in high resolution, I thought I'd share some with you.

Hope you enjoy. Happy 2009, Yours Truly, D. Cranky.

Edited January 17, 2009 by DamnCranky

[Clay]

I love all of your creations, and I am sorry to beat a dead horse but can you post a picture of your back drop? I am really interested in it.

[fordh8r]

Hat's off to ya Cranky! Those are some fine Rat Rod builds. Love those rusty lookin finishes, seems you got the knack for that type of build. keep 'em coming.

[RyanSilva]

Hey Clay, they're vinyl graduated back drops, with a matte finish. They dont absorp liquids oand if they get dirty, you can use soap and a bit of water to clean them. I think V 's is made by "adorama" they cost around 70 dollars if there the ones Ive seen.

But I found this http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/cubltowhbafo.html only 35 for a 20 inch version..Il be getting that.

You can find them on ebay also..in much bigger versions, for around the 35-40 dollar mark, but Im not sure how well they are made. type in Graduated Vinyl

Edited January 17, 2009 by RyanSilva

[Dr. Cranky]

Hey Clay, they're vinyl graduated back drops, with a matte finish. They dont absorp liquids oand if they get dirty, you can use soap and a bit of water to clean them. I think V 's is made by "adorama" they cost around 70 dollars if there the ones Ive seen.

But I found this http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/cubltowhbafo.html only 35 for a 20 inch version..Il be getting that.

Thanks, Ryan. Yeah, those are it. Let me see if I can dig up some pics of my set up . . . it's real simple, but you do have to spend a little cash up front . . .

[Dr. Cranky]

Oh, I forgot to mention, I use the larger sweep. The one in the add is small, so you can only use it with individual builds. I like to shoot my dios too.

[Dr. Cranky]

Here's my set up unlit:

And here it is lit:

The side lights are expensive, but they produce some great soft white light, and they come with these L-shaped reflectors you can use to light the front of your vehicles.

[Clay]

Hey Clay, they're vinyl graduated back drops, with a matte finish. They dont absorp liquids oand if they get dirty, you can use soap and a bit of water to clean them. I think V 's is made by "adorama" they cost around 70 dollars if there the ones Ive seen.

But I found this http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/cubltowhbafo.html only 35 for a 20 inch version..Il be getting that.

You can find them on ebay also..in much bigger versions, for around the 35-40 dollar mark, but Im not sure how well they are made. type in Graduated Vinyl

Here's my set up unlit:

And here it is lit:

The side lights are expensive, but they produce some great soft white light, and they come with these L-shaped reflectors you can use to light the front of your vehicles.

Thanks Ryan and Virgil. This will be added to my list of wants. I am tired of taking pictures on a dirty work bench or the kitchen table.

I will be moving my questions to another topic so not to take over you topic Virgil.

[Dr. Cranky]

That's cool, Clay. I don't mind. Besides the topic is really about taking glamour shots of your builds. Yeah, man, the same thing happened to me. The one who gave me a big push with the picture taking is Ken Hamilton in New Jersey. He walked me through it and I also got a chance to see his set up. Of course, Ken still uses flash lights, etc . . . he's got a more professional set up than I do, but digital cameras are really addicted to bright light, so you tinker.

I finally set up my own little table and I always have it at the ready. It makes for ease of use . . . so yeah, find a little spot for your set up and get trigger happy!!!

[CB]

A most excellent buncha postings thanks to DamnCranky, Clay, and Ryan.

T'anks guys. We gots to see some dem good ol' rods again,

and FINALLY DC's secret photo backdrop (altho I thought it would look more foggy? out of this wordly? kinda just floatin' there? )

[Bernard Kron]

They're all, of course, super-delicious. but I'm especially partial to Numero Uno:

A message from our sponsor...

[Dr. Cranky]

Thanks, B--yeah, this was the build that got it all started with the flat acrylics . . . I think all the elements came together, and the final touch--the tassels--was a suggestion from my good buddy in Utah, Hollywood Jim.

[Bernard Kron]

... this was the build that got it all started with the flat acrylics . . .

I recall you mentioning the flat acrylics in another post. I'm just getting going with my airbrush and was think about some for the Tube Rat. I saw some cool shades for cheap at Michaels. What are your thoughts about the quality, types, techniques required to shoot acrylics. I like the dead flat they produce and the broad array of shades available in the medium. Also, I know you paint mainly flat, but any ideas about clear gloss on them (I suppose Future is the obvious choice since it's an acrylic)? I use acrylics exclusively now for my brush work, having given up on enamels a while back.

[DR Dubois]

DamnCranky those rods are sweet! I especially love the green rat rod with the 49 Ford grill trim out back, ...and what is the front grill from? Excellent photography as well. Like the set up and will have to try some time.

Hey guys if you are looking for good acrylic paints to use may I suggest Createx Auto Air. They come in all kinds of special effects, pearls, irredescents, candies, metallics and transparencies, and spray on flat like automotive base coats! And you can use any two part clear, canned clear or the water based clear for a beautiful gloss finish too. I use this stuff for custom painting full sized art and vehicles, but am now trying on my models.

Also for a bkgd graduated fade sheet there used to be stuff available form Letraset. It is like poster paper and comes in a large sheet and in various colours. I haven't bought any for a long time and don't know if they still make or sell them, but if your near an art supply store you might wanna check it out. They're cheaper but they aren't cleanable like the stuff mentioned here already.

Hope you don't mind me posting these tips. Thought some of you might like to check them out.

OK Time to shut up now. Thanx for sharing those builds!

Edited January 18, 2009 by DR Dubois

[Dr. Cranky]

Thanks for the kind comments.

The acrylics I find best are Floquil and I also use Vallejo and Jo Sonja, which come in tubes, but I mix a dab of it with some distilled water and some flow medium, mix them to the consistency of 2% milk, and then test a few drops out of the airbrush. I used the Micron B and C from Iwata and so the paint has to be very thin or it will not spray . . .

My recommendation is to try a few times until you get the right flow . . . also, I always try to use the best quality acrylics . . . although for rat rods and junkers, I would image the store bought craft paints are just fine. I use them for the diorama work I do.

[87 Grand]

I've seen a lot of rats on forums, but yours just seem to be very authentic for some reason. They look to have a lot of thought and process in each build. If they were in the right dio setting theres no way you would know that they were models. Wow!! no words, just drool.

[bsoder]

Well virgil that is some mighty tasty eye candy Man!! hey are you still working on the Railroad??

[Dr. Cranky]

Thanks, chaps. Thanks for the comments and support.

Hi, B. Yes, I am still working on the layout, but with many many distractions!!!