Issue #159 just hit my mail box

[crazyjim]

I agree, John. Thanks Jairus. But a question. If you just cutoff the frame rail and glue it as shown, wouldn't that make the frame shorter?

[Harry P.]

I agree, John. Thanks Jairus. But a question. If you just cutoff the frame rail and glue it as shown, wouldn't that make the frame shorter?

Look carefully at the diagrams. The secret is cutting the frame rails at an angle of at least 45 degrees. That way you can glue the cut sections onto the top of the rest of the rail, but the overall length of the frame rail stays the same.

If you study the illustrations you'll see why that's possible.

[sjordan2]

When I first got this issue, I went "Huh?" 5 pages on a small-scale Sunbeam Tiger metal curbside? 8 pages on re-doing 1/64 Hot Wheels? A rehash of the Trumpeter Falcon kit? I even e-mailed Harry about my disappointment with this issue.

HOWEVER, while I think there are a couple of other articles of limited interest in the how-to section, I sat down, paid closer attention, and found a LOT of very useful information. I have a couple of diecast / metal kits to work on, and I learned about the best prep techniques, stripping and paint techniques and materials and sources, and this issue has now been flagged for future use.

Kudos to Wayne Moyers, and for his mouthwatering reviews of diecast models I can't afford.

Let me add this, in relation to another current thread on common mistakes and errors: His diecast reviews this month are complimentary of the manufacturers who are using current technology to offer dimensional chrome pieces at 1/43 scale for fine trim, etc., either plastic or PE. Why can't the higher-volume kit manufacturers upgrade to the same?

[Harry P.]

Let me add this, in relation to another current thread on common mistakes and errors: His diecast reviews this month are complimentary of the manufacturers who are using current technology to offer dimensional chrome pieces at 1/43 scale for fine trim, etc., either plastic or PE. Why can't the higher-volume kit manufacturers upgrade to the same?

Just an "educated guess" here... but I think it all boils down to money.

1/43 scale models (both diecasts and kits) are aimed squarely at the adult collector market. Just a quick look at the subject matter offered in that scale will tell you that the manufacturers of 1/43 models are not trying to attract the kids and teenagers. Their target market is adults; and adult collectors are willing to pay the price for high quality. The fact that the average 1/43 model sells for more than $100 would tend to back up my theory.

On the other hand, 1/24 and 1/25 scale kits are aimed at the mass market (well, as "mass" a market as there still is for model car kits)... and the "average" builder is very price conscious. In fact, I'd say the average model kit buyer is more concerned with the cost of a kit than the kit's accuracy, which explains why kitmakers continue to churn out reissues of badly done kits, or badly done new kits, and those kits continue to sell.

I would say that as far as 1/24 and 1/25 kit manufacturers are concerned, keeping the price down is more of a priority than absolute accuracy in the vast majority of cases, and that's because "average" casual model kit buyers are cheapskates! Look at how much crying there has been the last few years as kit prices have steadily risen. The average kit buyer is moaning about the fact that model kits don't cost ten bucks anymore! And in those rare instances when the kitmakers did step up with more realistic, "adult-oriented" kits, those kits sold poorly, or even bombed outright. The average kit buyer (I mean the casual buyer, especially kids, not the "hard core" guys like most of the members here) expects a low price, and is willing to overlook inaccuracy... and the manufacturers know that, and tailor their releases accordingly.

[mikemodeler]

Good points there Harry, and as a buyer of kits that occasionally gets around to starting and finishing one, I buy for the subject matter more than correct dimensions on that quarter panel!

I had a passing interest in the Trumpeter Falcon until so many flaws and omissions were pointed out that I figure that $40 could be spent on something more worthwhile.

BTW- still waiting for #159 to show up. The "other" mag came today and have already given it a quick scan. MCM must be really good as the mailman is still reading it !

[Chuck Most]

One little nit... did the new kit reviews section get lost in the carpet?

Be that as it may, liking one five niner so far, still haven't soaked it in. Might need to combine the truckster cab from the patch panel how to with Jairus' Z'd frame...

[Darin Bastedo]

I'm really glad to see MCM starting to really get a sense of what it wants to be. Rather than trying to mimic the look and content of their no longer "enthusiastic" competitor, they are branching out and offering us coverage of aspects of the hobby not before seen. To me SA is the Hot Rod Magazine of the Model world, well established and very mainstream in it's target market. Lots of red 69 Camaros and Mustangs. MCM has started to blossom into the Rodder's Journal of the model car world, with interesting stories of vintage kit subjects, stories on box art, and other interesting but obscure subjects. The Editorial style is much more intimate often giving a nod to what is going on here in the forum, and adding personal details to the event coverage.

I'm a Subscriber to MCM, and rarely if ever even buy SA off the newsstand. Too often there content is either similar to material I already have in back issues, or is something already covered in MCM.

[Harry P.]

One little nit... did the new kit reviews section get lost in the carpet?

It'll be back next issue.

[Harry P.]

The magazine is "Model Cars" not, "1/25 plastic model American cars 1950-1972" and can have a wider focus. In fact, that's key to maintaining a non-formula magazine month to month, mixing it up and keeping it fresh.

That exactly right.

At MCM we try our best to feature the whole wide range of the model car hobby, which includes a lot more than just 1/25 scale plastic kits of American cars. And yeah, sometimes the occasional boat or tractor even sneaks in.

But that's because we're quirky...

[RancheroSteve]

Just got mine today - nice work everybody!

Anytime I pick up a magazine I don't expect every article to be of equal interest to me, so I think it's safe to say that not everything in Model Cars will appeal to all readers, but I think there's something of interest for everybody in there. I for one appreciate the diversity, as well as the overall quality of the magazine.

[mikelo]

Just got mine today. Lots of good stuff. Only had a chance to give it a once & twice look over. Thanks for the Z-ing article Jairus. I don't know how many times I have tried to explain that to people.

Mike

[Chuck Most]

The magazine is "Model Cars" not, "1/25 plastic model American cars 1950-1972" and can have a wider focus.

Bingo! I really don't see the hang ups some people have with what material the body is made from, or what scale it is. Granted, I have my biases and my favorites like anybody else, but MCM does a fantastic job of covering the whole spectrum.

[Guest]

Got my copy of SA today, no MCM yet.

[Edward Gore]

issue #159 arrived in my mail box this week.

I dig that "Model Car-Toons" and the variety of subjects in MCM

[bigphoto]

Just picked mine up today kinda funny though the other mag has 2 funny cars too on the cover. But I purchased wisely!!

Edited July 9, 2011 by bigphoto

[Guest]

Got mine Friday, not a bad issue, but I really missed the reviews. Need to request another copy tho, it's pretty roughed up from all the postal workers reading it!

[george 53]

Got mine Friday, an it was the usual good stuff! You guys are gettin better at this! Even the Post Office delivered the last TWO issues with NO problems!