Extras

[Neil Woolway]

Hi all

Can you guys tell me do most of you build your models straight from the box or do you all add different parts to make them custom and better. If so where do u get the additional parts and r they there for all models and makes.

Also what do you mean by the term curbside?

Can you get photo ecthed parts for all vehicals.

Thanks

[B_rad88]

well to answer your question, i do all types of builds, like box stock, to custom, to detail, to scratch built!!!!! and there is lots of places to find parts:

http://www.hobbylinc.com/prods/sk.htm

http://mas-parts.com/

http://www.stradasportsstore.com/Model-Cars.html

and others!!!!!!!

and not for all cars!! i found out that no one makes a photo-etched part set for a tamiya xj220!!! i am really bummed out!

Edited July 10, 2009 by KUZTOMMODELS88

[Harry P.]

Hi all

Can you guys tell me do most of you build your models straight from the box or do you all add different parts to make them custom and better. If so where do u get the additional parts and r they there for all models and makes.

Also what do you mean by the term curbside?

Can you get photo ecthed parts for all vehicals.

Thanks

Many kits can be built more than one way and include the parts needed to build different versions. The best way to start a "parts box" is to save all the parts of any kit you don't use. Eventually you'll build up a stockpile of extra parts.

There are also a wide variety of parts and bodies available from the aftermarket. Everything from custom bodies to complete engines to wheels and tires, detailing accessories and more.

Photoeteched parts exist both for specific kits and in generic sets. There are PE detail sets available for many specific models, but not all, however there are generic PE sets, like for example generic "seatbelt hardware," that can be used on any kit.

And finally, curbside generally means no opening hood (no engine).

[PlasticWagens]

Neil,

Is there a certain modeling subject you are most interested in? Many companies that offer "accessory items" for models tend to stick with a basic theme (Sports cars, Drag, Nascar, Hot Rods, etc.). Welcome to the site, there are plenty of people here to assist you.

In addition to what Harry has mentioned, curbside as of late has also included smoked windows in an effort to not show tha lack of interior. Many times these are built with leftover bits from scrap boxes and such to make use of parts.

[roadhawg]

I just can't build straight from the box, no matter how hard I try....I always gotta change something!

Sometimes, you might need to combine the parts of two different kits to build one certain model. The leftover parts go in the parts box. This, along with the extra parts left from other kits, is the way to build up a good spare parts box. It takes a little time.

A good source of spare wheels, seats, trim parts, ect, are the cheap diecast cars found a WalMarts and truckstops. I'm not kidding. A few years ago, I was building a 74 Trans Am. I couldn't find the correct seats I needed until one day, while browsing at a truckstop, I found a diecast '70 T/A that had the exact seats I needed.....for $4.99.

Also, just because there is no specific photoetch kit for a certain car, don't let that stop you. Think outside the box. I'm presently building a '68 Plymouth GTX, and found that the photoetch grille from a '66 Chevelle kit worked perfectly. Look around. You'll be suprised how things will work on something it was never intended for.

Good luck, and like PlasticWagens said.....theres lots of people here willing to help.

[FujimiLover]

I usually don't save parts unless they are universal items that could be use full in future projects. Parts such as universal wings, wheels, sport seats, sport steering wheels, etc. I have yet to learn scratch-building and I admire those who do it so well.

I have an RC helicopter of Airwolf and I've been wanting to scratch build some details for the nose, but can't figure out how yet. I'm referring to the three tubes up front, but I don't want to just stick aluminum tubes in its nose and call it done. It's gotta look right, and it's gotta have the piece where the tube actually meets the body. One of those details I need to learn how to make.

As for parts, I have stolen a set of windshield whippers from one of my older 1/18 scale die-cast cars to use on the helicopter as they were the perfect size. Only problem is, its suppose to have opposite window whippers as they go away from each-other and not with each-other like on cars.

Stealing parts from other models is fun. I always like swapping wheels from one car to another because sometimes a set of stock wheels just looks better on another car.

I forget who makes the big 1/18 scale die-cast Honda CRX tuner models, but I rebuilt one using a wing from a 1/18 scale AutoArt BMW M3, gold wheels from same said car, and repainted it gun-metal gray. I also took the seats from the same BMW and put those in the CRX. I even used SMS's C/F decal on the hood and rear wing. I don't think I have that model any more, but it sure was fun building it. Might build another one some day.

Swapping parts is fun, saving parts for other models is good if you have space for it and a handy way to organize it.

[roadhawg]

I'm referring to the three tubes up front, but I don't want to just stick aluminum tubes in its nose and call it done. It's gotta look right, and it's gotta have the piece where the tube actually meets the body. One of those details I need to learn how to make.

I know this has nothing to do with the topic, but the two smaller tubes down low on each side are pitot tubes, and can be found on real Bell 222's. The larger tube on the right side up higher is an "in-flight refueling probe"...like jet fighters have. If you like, PM me and I can send you some pics of these tubes on the "real" Airwolf.