***Your opinion wanted***

[Luc Janssens]

Hello all,

I’ve been following David Thibodeau’s tread, on building the new Revell 1/12 scale Mustang kit and noticed that there was some confusion, on what the finish of the chassis looks like.

Now this and also those returning questions like, “what color is this part, on that year model X”, got me thinking on a topic I’ve touched before in the past, which is:

Wouldn’t it be useful for us model builders if model companies, could post some sort of photo album on their site, for every kit in their catalog.

They already have the photos, because they used them to tool up the kit, so why not make them available "on-line" to their customers?

IMHO when clicking on the online catalog photo of kit x, y, z.., short cuts will lead you to the building instructions and a photo page, as per building sequence.

I’ve seen that some manufacturers add photo’s (some in B&W) on their building instructions, but I think they're too small to be useful, but when online, one could select and if you don't like staring at a computer screen when building, print the photo you need.

Anyway…, what I would like is your opinion on the matter!

Thanks for your input.

Luc Janssens

Edited August 27, 2011 by Luc Janssens

[Interceptor]

It sure would be useful to us modelers if the model companies would post their photo's.

Of course some of our (my) part of the fun is searching for all kinds of documentation on the subject I'm about to build.

On the other hand it sure would save some "searching" time.

Next question that comes to mind when following your point of view :

They already have the photos, because they used them to tool up the kit, so why not make them available "on-line" to their customers?

Only customers or every modeler ? I personally feel that it should be free, but do the companies see it this way ?

Or would the want us to pay again for using the photos ? Would this then in turn not have an influence on the price of the model?

Of course if one buys a model they can include some sort of digit code to enter the companies picture database.

Personally I say a very good plan. I'm all for it.

Interceptor a.k.a. Mark

[Luc Janssens]

Of course if one buys a model they can include some sort of digit code to enter the companies picture database.

Interceptor a.k.a. Mark

Hmm....when using a code and.....,asking some "basic info" one could obtain, useful info!

[rhs856]

I imagine hosting images of the vehicles would mean more costs for the modeling company (rights, licensing, blah, blah, blah). More costs for them would inevitably translate into more expensive models.

[imatt88]

What I would like to see, kind of along the same lines as your talking about, would be a book of some type, similar to the Sqadron "In Actions" that Armor and Aircraft use.

Edited August 27, 2011 by imatt88

[imatt88]

Can you imagine what it it would be like to have books like these for cars?

BTW...I had a real hard time posting and editing my previous post...very frustrating Anyone else having problems like this?

Anyway,

Cheers, Ian

[Eric Stone]

I just use 'The Google'. It's not so hard. If it's obscure enough that I can't find a photo or info on the web, then I'd have a hard time finding someone who would be able to identify a wrongly painted or finished part of that model.

For some reason I picture a database that the model manufacturer hosts being riddled with problems and rarely working, or not being extensive enough to satisfy the inquiries that sparked this thread. Let the model companies make the models. They don't have to provide your reference too.

[Junkman]

For the more popular cars, there are restoration guides, which I find quite useful. I also started to collect paint chip cars, i.e. I always check whether I have the one for the model I want to build, and if not, get it. Same goes for original sales brochures. Once I built the model, I flog the sales brochures again.

[Wayne Buck]

I do like that idea, however, it depends on "whose car" they used to model after and if it has been modified in any way that doesn't look stock. This is especially true in the case of older cars.

For example, I bought a 70 Z28 from the Franklin Mint expecting it to be an exact replica of one that just rolled off the showroom floor. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.

I guess whoever's car they copied was restored incorrectly, as the stripes were HORRIBLY wrong, it had the wrong seats, rear spoiler and some other things... It's been so long since I looked at it that I forget. What I do remember was that it was so bad, I chose not to even display it. My $20 ertl 70 Camaro looked way more accurate!

[imatt88]

Chris,

If you have paint chips and resto guides, can you give me an idea of what "Apple green" should look like on a Duesenberg motor?

As an aircraft modeler who just recently swithched back to cars, I am really going into uncharted territory here

Cheers, Ian

[sjordan2]

Chris,

If you have paint chips and resto guides, can you give me an idea of what "Apple green" should look like on a Duesenberg motor?

As an aircraft modeler who just recently swithched back to cars, I am really going into uncharted territory here

Cheers, Ian

[SoCalCarCulture]

I just use 'The Google'. It's not so hard. If it's obscure enough that I can't find a photo or info on the web, then I'd have a hard time finding someone who would be able to identify a wrongly painted or finished part of that model.

For some reason I picture a database that the model manufacturer hosts being riddled with problems and rarely working, or not being extensive enough to satisfy the inquiries that sparked this thread. Let the model companies make the models. They don't have to provide your reference too.

Couldn't agree more with this statement!

Since the model manufacturers have enough trouble trying to reproduce model bodies correctly what might they do to reference material!

[Greg Myers]

There are already many books available on this subject.I've always wondered what everyone does in the light of research. I have probably as many books as I do model kits. One series I find really useful is the "Muscle Car Color History" set put out by Motor Books. There are more than twenty books in this set.

[Greg Myers]

Books are our friends. You can't find this type of information on Kindle.Just as looking in these books doing your research you will have to look on line, in book stores (used and new), and other sources to find the books that help you the most. I would be glad to help if you can't find what you are looking for, as I said, I have a vast library.Aircraft and naval history as well.

Edited August 27, 2011 by Greg Myers

[imatt88]

Skip,

WOW, that is green , but an excellent pic, thanks

Greg,

If I need pics for engine colors, I will be calling you...

Cheers, Ian

[Junkman]

Chris,

If you have paint chips and resto guides, can you give me an idea of what "Apple green" should look like on a Duesenberg motor?

As an aircraft modeler who just recently swithched back to cars, I am really going into uncharted territory here

Cheers, Ian

Paint chips for engine paints don't exist, at lwast I have never ever seen any.

But I just happen to know that a close match for the Duesenberg engine colour is Humbrol No. 2 Emerald, which started life as BR/GWR 'Malachite'. It's very close to RAL 6029, Revell 61, Gunze 26, Testors/MM 1524...

I always used Humbrol enamel, since it automatically gives the correct finish.

Edited August 27, 2011 by Junkman

[Chuck Most]

I too rely upon books and online image searches, but I often find what may be a great 'detail shot' may not be a great 'reference picture'. Practically none of the images you find in print or online are taken with being reference for building models in mind. Sometimes you just want to see where the voltage regulator attaches to the inner fender... and it's not even in view in EVERY SINGLE PICTURE you find! When I photograph a 1:1, I tend to take a quite a few shots of varios areas from as many angles as practical, so I'm not left wondering what goes where. But I do have to agree- if such an 'image database' were set up, I think it would be a good idea, but who would host the site (I'm not expecting the model manufacturers to do it), who would take the photos, and would the photos be any more beneficial than what can already be found?

So, I guess the answer is 'Yes, I would like to see a site with images meant specifically for reference to modelers, and have the images sorted out in some logical manner, but I'm not sure how likely such a thing might be.

[Luc Janssens]

Thanks all, for your input!

Best regards

Luc

[Junkman]

So, I guess the answer is 'Yes, I would like to see a site with images meant specifically for reference to modelers, and have the images sorted out in some logical manner, but I'm not sure how likely such a thing might be.

That website does exist already. Visit http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums and go to "1:1 Reference pictures"

It might need a bit of improvement in the sorting department, but the start has been made.

On the other hand, when doing builds of contemporary cars like said Mustang, it should be easy enough to pop by your local dealership, get the sales brochures, and have a peek underneath a car that's on display there.

Edited August 28, 2011 by Junkman