Allow me to introduce myself

[The Red Ranger]

My name is Phil, I have recently gotten back into modeling pretty seriously, and after spending money buying kits that i wanted, I decided the right place for me to start would to finish up the projects that i never finished last time i got out of the hobby.

First up shall by my Mustang Monster. I used the Revell GT350 kit initially, but it didnt stay the stock kit for long. I threw on the Amt Shelby scoops, and actually molded the "C" scoops to look streamline as if it wasnt just an ad on. This was my first attempt using model putty, and I did my best to make it look natural. I think i did a decent job. My next step was the engine. Im a fan of the 428 I believe is the engine that came in the AMT shelby kit, and since i had already parted that kit out, i figured finish the job, I had to do some cutting and sanding to make room because it is a huge motor. It litreally wouldnt fit in the bay, and for final assembly, Im going to have to drop the engine through the front and attatch it to the chasis, as opposed to just setting the body ontop, becaue the valve covers and headers are too wide to fit from the other way. Yes i basically threw realism out the door, but its a sweet looking car. Now fortunately I had stumbled across an old old older project which was a clash of a nomad, and a Dodge Sidewinder, And the rims that are on that car are so killer, even has fire shaped tread, So i instantly wanted to use those, I had to cut out the back wheel wells to make them fit because they are huge and wide, but overall its a killer look. the front ones arent an issue by anymeans, And the pictures will show the car much lower on the front rims than it will finally be, i just don thave the front suspension assembly complete, since im using a custom motor, I have to custom make the exhaust, which is just about where i left the kit for the past three years, however not before I sprayed my concoction of green on the body. This was my first time ever using an air brush, And if i dont say so myself, it turned out nicely.

However its not even about half way done yet, I still have to decide a few things on the final paint scheme, My initial plan called for flam pattern, not so traditional flames starting from the hood and ending just past the first wheel well, and matching flames on the rear wheel well, and trunk lid. Its tenative but that was the first plan. Then im curious about what to do with the interior which is not pictured.

The next one that I aim on finishing was in the middle of final assembly, when idiotically i glued the windshield to the roof of the car, and because it was hands down the best spray can paint job i achieved pre clear coat, and the accidental glueing accured post clear coat, it deeply discouraged me from completeing the model. but ill tell you about it a little bit. Its the Revell, 69 charger kit, I sanded to roof becaue it naturally had a vinyl top, did away with that, I used the stock hood, which i cut the blower hole out as accurately as i could to the film. The blower i was dead set on obtaining the exact blower, and i found it in the Revell 68 Corvette roadster 2 n 1 kit, I used the belts and pullys and frankenstiened them with the charger kits 440. Yes ive been made aware its not a hemi, but at the time I was crafting this kit, it was immediately after the film, and i was niave and ignorant enough to think i could pass it off and no one notice... I was wrong, that was anoter issue that sorta discouraged me. Now that i am back i figure i should finish. I hate the AMT kit. First of all the charger in the movie is a 68, not a 70, which theres not a terrible lot of differences, I just dont like AMT's Kit. I figure what ill do is finish this one up as the pretty rear wheel standing beauty, and assemble the AMT kit as the wrecked version. hehe.

[Moon Pie]

Looking good, Red Ranger! I was not aware that you researched those out like that. Really like your choice of wheels on the Mustang!

( yeah, we're both Phill Stricklin. He is my youngest son. Kinda think a little of the ol' man rubbed off on him! )

[RJWood]

Good to make your accuance Phil, and Phil sr.

Its great to see father and son active in Car Modeling. My son (now 27 years old) never got into modeling, but then I did'ent do much building back then eather. We were into Baseball I coached many of his teams. Now he comes over to visit and he has to see what I'm working on. I think he might try his hand at it again. Anyway, I welcome you guys to the Model Cars Mag. Forums. The Red Ranger your Mustang looks great. and Moon Pie I think more than a little of the ol' man rubbed off on him.

[Moon Pie]

Thanks for the kind words, Ron.

It has been mutually beneficial. Phillip has learned the "old school" stuff from me, and he has taught me to think outside the box. In this day and age where parents and children all too often, go their own separate ways, it's quite enjoyable!