Johan 62 Olds F-85

Vincent Heemskerk
Following!

Robert W Martel
I definitely remember this car. I was a few years out of high school and working in Orange, Mass. I think I paid like $35 for it !
It had a 215 cu in Aluminum V8 engine w/4bbl carb. It was a small car, same basic car as the Pontiac Tempest.
Mine was a 4 door sedan. It was a great little car, drove nice, was comfortable and had plenty if ZIPPPP !! That aluminum V8 was a little Hottie !, with the 3 speed automatic it was quite a peppy little car. The 2 doors & convertibles WERE cool cars!

Robert W Martel
Hi Vincent,
This one is relatively simple, everything is molded on, very few parts. Mine was black inside & out, so really it will just come down to putting a nice paint job on the body!

Robert W Martel
Now I remember when I was a kid,,,, why, when the AMT & Revell kits were $3, these Jo-Han kits were $1.29 !! We didn't buy many of them! Because they're JUNK !! Very few parts,,,, the distributor is molded on has no shaft, there's no carburetor, the starter is molded on & upside down!! All the chassis stuff is molded on, makes it harder to paint & detail. All the interior, seats & side panels are molded as one piece, the side panels are so poorly molded you can barely make out the door handles. Plastic axles!! Yikes Batman !!
Speaking of which Batman (Adam West) is dead !!

Vincent Heemskerk
Robert, it sounds like painting will be challenging. Are you going to try to fix the shortxomings of the kit?

Robert W Martel
Vincent,
I did find some better tires & wheels to fit it. I think they'll look good on it. The rest I'm not going to worry about. I got the black & the first coat of clear on the body. As long as I can get the exterior paint to look good that's all that really matters, but that's what takes the most time. The rest is done!No one else will really see the bad parts anyway. I'll save my better efforts for a better kit. These Jo-Han kits were notorious for poor quality. But it's a car I had, so I just had to build it !!

Norbert Steffens
though it's an old kit it's not that bad i think.

Kerry COX
Wo Hooooooo!!. The time when the pilot was part of the cockpit type of thing. 🙂 🙂 🙂
And the white walled cross ply tyres.!! 🙂 695X14's ???
Today, you can get EVERY little bit of the engine bay and dash as a complete and total kit in it's own right. :-O How I love it. hahahaha 🙂
With some gentle care and attention, this is going to be looking just as good as what is on the shelves today, for sure.
The price on e-bay was a but of a surprise, especially when you mentioned the original price. Ah, just a bit of inflation. hehehehe
Looking forward to the rest mate. 👍

Norbert Steffens
@ Kerry: You're damn right

Robert W Martel
Norbert,
No it's not THAT bad, just not as detailed. It will look just fine! From a foot or 2 away ! lol

Kerry,
Yea !! I remember when ! And they came w/all the ordinance shown on the box!
Not sure what size the tires were. Scrawney little white walls!
It will look fine, it's just not up to AMT & Revell standard. I did hate to pay that much for it, but that's what they've been going for! I see one now for about the same $$ and another that the guy is asking $289.62 +S/H !! Rediculious. At least I'm not foolish to pay that price!!
Yea, over 50 times the original price. If I had only been smart back then I could be making a fortune now !! LOL

Kerry COX
Robert, Rest easy mate. 🙂
The prices here are not much better. :-/
I still have my Tommy Ivo's 4 V-8 engined "Show Boat" dragster I bought when I was a kid and now re-released.
I was never a 'car' guy, but if something like the 'Daddy Roth' stuff was on the shelf, I usually bought it. !!
But being an army brat with dad moving from one place to an other, I did tend to favour the army stuff of the day.
The tool makers of the day had a hell of a time engraving the detail (What there was of it) and deserve all the accolades for getting us interested in the first place, though the box art at times was a bit misleading. 🙁
I do see more and more of the older kits hitting the comp tables, but the finish usually lets them down.
For what detail you have to work with on this beast. I do salute you. as it's not like they were made with the competitor in mind really. 🙁
I am looking forward to the final outcome, as you have a good touch and obviously, a lot of patience. 👍
Cheers. 🙂

Robert W Martel
Kerry, I remember that one, was thinking of buying it just for the 4 Hemi engines!
Army Brat Eh !! well, I bet you saw a lot of interesting "stuff" as a kid.
And, Yea I am still amazed at some of the detail of some the older kits, considering they didn't have computers and CAD 3D to do it for them !! lol
What gets noticed most on a classic car IS the paint job. Real or model. The rest won't be noticed much. Getting that SMooooth Shiny finish is the Holy Grail !! lol

Kerry COX
The 'Holy Grail'. YES. LOL I have seen SO many old kits that looked like an orange, and mostly, it is the Acrylic paint that does that, almost drying before it reaches the surface being painted. 🙁
I have, after many a failed paint job, learned that acetone in the paint as a thinner really helps the paint to 'lay down' creating that glorious smooth glossy finish that needs no polishing, and it evaporates from the paint 10 times faster than regular white spirits, (turps), dramatically reducing the drying time, especially with the Tamiya enamels. 🙂
My DAD was in Engineers, mostly carpentry, but lots of earthmoving stuff I used to see.
I have revived many an old kit using Mr Muscle oven cleaner (caustic) to remove old paints. handy for removing chrome too.

Robert W Martel
Yea,,, Kerry,,, I'd like to do some enamels, but don't see how in my bedroom. Hmm,,, , interesting about the acetone,,, but yes it could go so much faster if I could spray on 1 (2) Magic Coat (s) on the body and just build the rest. Acrylics are fine for the rest. I could build one every week!!! LOL
I'm getting it better, the 56 Pontiac has the nicest clear coat so far. If I could duplicate that every time I'd be SO pleased. I haven't matched it again yet.
I can paint & sand them nice & smooth, it's laying that coat of clear> I'm spraying & sanding the primer, spraying & sanding the color coat (maybe twice!), spraying & sanding the clear coat (hopefully once), do the trim, and put on (hopefully) the LAST coat of clear. And they must dry at least 2 days to sand them (3 of 4 is better).
It just takes a lot of time! At this point I'm settling for less that perfect (close to the 56) just to get them done.
There's just not enough time my friend, but I'm doin' the best I can. LOL But I still cant stop buying them !!!
I haven't had to strip down an old enamel paint job,,,, yet! I've used various things,,,, brake fluid, degreaser stuff, ammonia, bleach, whatever for removing dry but fresh acrylic & chrome. No problems
The oven cleaner may be needed at some time. What I would really like is to get one of those ultrasonic cleaners ! Maybe,,, I've been wanting one, bit so far I really haven't had a need for it,,, yet.

In a few days I'll give it a first sanding & see how she looks. Right now I'm just getting the little stuff done for the AC-47. It's getting close,,, then paint. then I'll get back at the tank, it should go pretty quick.
I like FLAT paint jobs !! so much faster.

Kerry COX
The 'ultra sonic' a brilliant idea. :-O I have seen the results they produce, and a lot better than chemical warfare for sure hehehehe🙂
Oh yes. !! Confined areas are not ideal for the enamel paint application, Choke. !!!! I was not aware of your limitations when it comes to that.

Robert W Martel
I'll get one of them at some point. One that's big enough for a car body is about $90.
Yea, I'm pretty much limited to acrylic, but I'm getting it better.
I tried Tamiya spray primer once,,,, WHEW!! good stuff, but the fog will kill you and mist sticks everywhere. At least acrylic overspray is just DUST and comes right off.
I do it all in my bedroom, no room in the garage, besides its either too hot or too cold. I wish I could do it in the garage but it would just be a hassle. And due to my mobility factor, it's just easier to have it all here in the BR where everything is within reach. I'm dealing with it !! lol

Kerry COX
Hi Robert. 🙂
Mobility factor. ?? Mmmmm
I am not one to pry, but what has happened to limit your movement mate.?
I hope that doesn't sound insensitive or rude, but it concerns me to know people are limited in any way.
Just tell me to mind my own p's and q's if I am over the line here mate. :-~

Robert W Martel
No no, I don't mind at all Kerry. I consider you as a friend even though we've never met.
Well I was pretty shy about it when I was a kid, but now I'm 64 years old, it's just the way life's been, most of it.
When I was 2, back in 1955, I caught the Polio virus, just before the Salk vaccine came out. It mostly effected me from the waist down, my left leg has some partial function, but the right has nothing, I can just barely move those toes. I'm actually one of the luckier ones, many kids were way worse off than me and many didn't make it through it.
I spent the next 8 years in different institutions, mostly at the Mass Hospital School for Crippled Children near Boston. When I finally got to go home I was almost 10 and started going to regular school with my 2 younger brothers. I was in the 5th grade.
SO,,, I've been hobbling around on crutches and a right leg brace for 62 years.
Trust me it was tough at first learning to walk on crutches & braces, I still have scars, but as I grew up I adjusted to it. As I grew up it was just part of (my) life. I didn't let it stop me from doing much. I was a regular jackrabbit on those things, I did most things anybody else did, or at least tried! Now I'm a turtle !!
Actually I've done pretty well over the years, considering. They said I wouldn't drive when I was a kid, but I had a fascination with cars (and anything mechanical) pretty early on. I was tinkering with cars when I was 12. My dad always had a junker or 2 around the yard. So I figured out how to drive left footed and over the years learned how to fix them. So I ended up pretty much doing that most of my life.
The issues started showing up maybe say 10-12 years ago. 40 plus years swinging my butt around on those sticks has taken a toll on my hips/lower back & my shoulders and elbows. My spine was distorted by the Polio early on, now I have arthritis in my lower back and hips and those joints are just pretty worn. If I try to walk, I just can't get very far any more before the pain just gets to be so much I just can't move!
So,,, my mobility these days is my electric chariot! I live in this thing all day! I'd be totally non functional without it. I can still drive, and I do walk a bit every day,,, from my bedroom to the kitchen for dinner! I still go out and do my own things, but If it's more than just a few minutes walk I take the wheelchair out of the trunk,,, like when I go to Hobby Lobby. I used to walk in there a few years ago when I got back into modeling, but I just can't do it anymore. If I walked in they'd probably have to carry me out!! It's the past 3-4 years it's gotten so bad.
Lately I've even been taking my electric chair around the block if I just need to do a quick errand. It's easier than getting in and out of the car and getting the wheelchair in and out of the trunk. There's a Michaels craft store, pharmacy, dollar store, post office, grocery store, and some others in a mall right around the block from me. Been doing that the past year or so.
Sooooo,,,,,, I do take a lot of pain pills (narcotics). That's why I'm a little woo hoo in the head (don't tell anyone!). lol. I couldn't function without them now. Mornings are the worst, it's tough to just get up and get moving. I've been saying for years now that I just keep pushing it, sometimes I don't know how or why. I'm not ready to just stop. Especially now that my grandson is around, I'm pushing it even harder. That's my biggest issue, is that I just can't do the things with him that I want to do! He's only 6 and he doesn't understand and sometimes it just breaks my heart.....
Aside from other health issues I've had the past 15 years, I'm living on borrowed time!
Even the Energizer Bunny runs out of oomph at some point, he can't keep going & going forever !! LOL
Most folks take good health & mobility for granted. Be thankful if you're healthy!

Cheers My Friend

Kerry COX
" I once complained when I had no shoes. Then, I met a man who had no feet." :-~
A saying I heard every time from my Mother each time I was not happy with my lot.
There is now, never a day go bye that I don't look up and give thanks for all I have, as there are a lot more people who have it a whole lot worse than I do, THAT is for sure. 🙂
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your not minding my question and your most vivid description of your life and how you have managed and come through it all so well. 👍
I salute you sir. 👍
I went to school with a kid who had Poliomyelitis by the name of John D Wiley at Oakleigh State School, and he became a rock star, disguising his disability for many years, doing it quite well as a matter of fact. 🙂
He always sang Bobby Rydell songs.
With the driving aspect, did you have a system of levers and adaptations that made it possible to get around independently.? I used to work at a vehicle conversion centre where we would build the systems for people who had only the use of their hands to drive, and that was a really fascinating experience and got me into wanting my engineering degree after I got out of the army when I turned 23.
I am now 70 and I am just starting to feel those little 'lazy moments' in my joints and hands, but walking as much as I do keeps the mobility factor an important part of my daily routine, but sitting on my bum for all the hours I do, well, I force myself to keep active, though the down time is worthwhile and productive. 🙂
I see guys my age at the "Men's shed" I hang out in looking SO much older than me, and I do count my lucky stars that I am as fit as I am.
Maybe it has something to do with 'attitude'. !!
Never say die. hahahahaha 🙂
Cheers my brother. Thank you for helping me appreciate my life a whole lot more. 🙂

Robert W Martel
Kerry,
My mom always said... if you think you got it bad, take a good look around and there's always somebody that has it worse! And that's for sure! I've recently met a guy, in my trips around the block, with only one leg, cut off at the hip! Some type of bone cancer. And he's homeless besides!
Hey! I remember Bobby Rydell !! lol
As far as driving goes I just drive Lefty, of course w/an automatic. It becomes natural pretty quick.
When I had my Toyota Stout PU, it had a 4 on the tree, so I hooked up a hand control to it. I used the hand control for gas & brakes, and my left foot for the clutch. I even installed a cruise control mounted on the handle. I had and drove that truck for 20 years and got pretty good with that hand/L foot control!
Funny, I also took engineering and got a degree at the local community College here 20+ years ago. I've always liked to tinker with things.
That's my problem I can't do much else besides sit on my butt,,, lately I've been going to the flea market on Sat just to get out and get some fresh air & a bit of exercise. Amazing how much of a workout it is just pushing a wheelchair around for an hour ! So keep walking !!
You're right,,, I think a big part of it is "attitude" !! Every day I wonder how the hell I'm gonna pull this off for another day, but then I wake up in the morning and start again. It's my grandson that keeps me motivated to keep moving at this point. It's a fight every day though!
Right,,, Never Say Die !! I ain't stopping till I just cant move, no matter how much it hurts!
Cheers Mate !!

Norbert Steffens
Robert: Wow I'm speechless. thanks a lot for your words..........

Robert W Martel
Norbert,,,,
Ya just can't take things for granted!, but most people do. Life can be tough,,, I've had my share, but I'm not giving in,,, I'll fight till my dyin' breath!!
The best to you and you're loved ones as well.

Clifford Keesler
I appericate your grit my friend. I am having a hard time getting around now also. I had the major stroke a year and a half ago. They say it is a miracle I surived it, as most people that have the type I did, either wind up dead or a vegestable. I have bad hips and knees, and must now use a walker. They want me to have hip and knee replacement surgery, but I won't let them. I know how having a hard time getting around is, sometimes I wonder why even bother. I'm lucky though I have a wife, 4 kids and 16 grandkids, that won't let PAPA give up. My modeling is theraphy. Thanks for sharing your story. Hey speaking of prices, I can remember when I used to pay .98 cents for a 1/48 scale Monogram model airplane in the BX(Base Exchange) Air Force Brat. My father did not retire from the Air Force until I had been in the Army 5 years. He did 22 years and was a Senior Master SGT. E-8, I was a Staff SGT. E-6 when he retired. Man did that piss him off. LOL. I have a few old car kits floating around also. One is the "Blue Max" funny car. I owned a 1967 GTO with a 389, with an eldelbrock cross ram manifold and 2 Holly 680cfm carbs, and a 4 speed manual transmission. It is faithfully reproduced in miniature in my display case.

Robert W Martel
Clifford,
Sorry to hear about you're stroke. You got lucky my friend! Those can be killers! I'm having to watch out for that too because I have high cholesterol and my arteries are partially blocked (already had heart bypass surgery). My heart Dr. is keeping a good watch on my condition (I hope!)
How old are you Clifford,,, I think you said at some point,,, but I forgot.
I know the feeling about "wondering why I even bother", but sounds like you've got a large family tree there to give you reason to keep on going. YOU are the ROOTS of that tree!
My grandson is what keeps me motivated, I'm miserable the days I don't get to be with him, but it's all worth it when I do get to spend time with him. He is a miracle himself, and I'm lucky to have him!
And modeling is GREAT therapy. I myself would go nuts without something to do. I never did have idle hands, always fixing or building something. I'd get cabin fever !!
I think they do too much of that Hip/Knee replacement stuff! Although if they could make the $6 million dollar man out of me, I'd go for it !! Or have my brain transplanted into a new body !! lol
Wow! Quite some military careers there! I see you were a Naval Hospital corpsman (not sure what that is) Were you by chance ever at San Diego Naval Hospital? That's where my grandson was born. They saved his life! He wouldn't be here if it wasn't for those dedicated people there! They performed a miracle to save him. I could not ever express how much those folks mean to me.
$ .98 cents !!! You must be older than me! LOL I know,,, stuff was cheap at the BX!!
A friend of mine had a 67 GTO, 389 w/4 speed. I have a kit of one. With 2 Holly's on it yours must have been a real blast. Those were the hot cars back in those days. They just don't make 'em like that anymore.
We just gotta do what we gotta do to keep going Clifford. When It's our time, we won't have anything to say about it. But I'm not one to give in without a fight !!

Patrick Hagelstein
Robert, reading your life story over here I come to understand the things you wrote to me earlier on. Even so, after reading your (and other's) life story I can only say: 'Hang in there!' You already came that far having children and grandchildren. Also during basic training my Captain said: 'If you feel misserable, look how misserable the others are...and help them!!!' Now I'm a Captain myself and had to look after some people. I try to do as much modelbuilding as my spare time allows and I also find it therapeutic. I'm not that wise as you guys but given your spirit I hope to be like you once! Keep strong and keep building models! Cheers! Patrick

Kerry COX
How fantastic is our band of brothers. ? 🙂 🙂 🙂
I knew there were a few old fella's here, all with some amazing link to life. 🙂
Robert, we certainly opened up a wealth of stories here.
We all should be in a book with colour photos of all here, all holding their favourite build proudly for the camera. 🙂
I can remember attending 'model shows' when I was a small child in Brisbane, in the City Hall of all places, right in the middle of the city, and MOST of what I remember was all hand made, carved from wood or cast from metal and the flying models with HUGE rubber bands. !! :-O And the spectators outnumbered the contributors. hehehehe🙂
And yet, year after year, the crowds kept coming and the venues got bigger to the point that today, it's almost a business running these Expo's now, and the BULK of these modellers are pretty well old aged, but with many eager beavers in the shadows showing us all a thing or two, but it's just stunning to think that a lot of us here are veterans of our nations and the modelling hobby, plastic bags full of wonder and visits to every air show or ship that was visiting for a day or two, with mouth wide open, never forgetting a thing and wanting one, 'just like it' on our shelves. Boys and their toys is still a phrase I hear at every hobby meet, and I have to agree really, we boys are all Peter Pan's in some way, falling into some disrepair but never loosing that energy and lust for life. We are in good hands if the follow on's develop just as much passion as we all have for this hobby and life.
Thank you all for being prepared to post your stories, as personal as they are. 🙂
It's great to be in such wonderful company........still. LOL 🙂 👍

Robert W Martel
Patrick, Kerry,
Isn't it funny that of all places, to meet so many good people on a modeling site, share stories & emotions with perfect strangers, yet feel as if they are life long friends.
And to think,,, at first I didn't like Scalemates. It was just pesky and kept coming up whenever I was looking for a review. I'd look and there wasn't a review for a particular kit here, so I thought "how worthless is this"
Took me a while to realize that when scalemates didn't show one, usually there wasn't one out there. So one day I stopped and really took a look at what scalemates was all about,,,, and joined up!
I'm sure glad I did !! So many fantastic model builds going on, so many ideas and inspirations.
And I know I'm only seeing a small portion of it. I don't get to the News Feed section often enough, but whenever I do I always find something that catches my attention.
I wish now that I had kept up with modeling over the years. I've never been to a model show! Maybe I'll get a chance one day.
The one who dies with the most toys wins !! lol

Martin Oostrom
Thank you all for your stories very inspiring how you tug along.
Robert, if its about buying, nobody will beat you 😉. Almost every dat there's something added to your stash 👍

Robert W Martel
LOL Martin !!

Clifford Keesler
Robert, I am 65, and did 20 years in the service. I was a Huey pilot, for 4 years, then got what they call rifted. They no longer needed as Many Warrant officers, as the Vietnam war was over. So they made me an E-6 Staff SGT. and sent me to school to be a CH-47 Chinook Flight Engineer, which I did for 7 years. I got out of the Army and figured I would get a job with one of the Airlines, or McDonald Douglas, this was long before they were bought out by Boeing. The economy tanked and the airlines quit hiring. McDonald Douglas offered me a job working on F-15's in Saudi Arabia, but I did not want to go work overseas, so I joined the Navy. I was a Helicopter mech, working on SH-3 Sea Kings. I did that for 3 years and then the Navy decided they had to many aircraft mechs. and made me a Hospital Corpsman, which is something like a Medical assistant, But they sent me to Fleet Marine school and made me a battlefield Medic and sent me to the Marine Corps, where I spent the rest of my career. I was stationed at San.Diego for awhile, but not at the hospital, I was at Camp Pendelton. I have met a lot of good people here on scalemates, who I consider friends, you being one of them, Kerry Michael H. Michael P. Augie, and many more. I cannot go without my daily fix of scalemates. LOL. I have learned so much from everyone, and my modeling skills have improved,from what I have learned. Though I have been modeling since I was 6-7 years old, when I first joined scalemates, I did not know what P.E. was, I did not know about pre-shading, post shading, or how to use decal preps. I did not own an airbrush let alone know how to use one. I used the old "Hairy Stick, or spray cans. So it has been a most enjoyable experience.

Robert W Martel
Wow Clifford, sounds like you've had quite the career! My hat is off to you.
Pretty much the same for me. Never heard of PE or used an airbrush until I started modeling again. And the rest included is all new to me.
Oh, but what FUN !!

Clifford Keesler
It is great fun, and I enjoy every minute of it. LOL.

Robert W Martel
LOL Me too !!

Kerry COX
AND ME. :-O :-O :-O !!! hahahahaha

Kerry COX
Yes Clifford, I whole heartedly agree with the "daily Fix of scale mates. In all honesty, I have looked at quite a few other 'sites', but with the 'photo box' requirements to post images, I lost interest, but here, it is the ultimate for me, as it really is 'real time posts and conversations. Instant coffee if you like. 🙂
I used to think that it was really strange to read stories of "How we met" on the internet and scoff loudly. Oh yeah!, desperation is a bitch, but here, all the life stories are so interesting and understandable.
The tapestry of life is amazing, and every day a million stories pass you on the street, but here, it's kind of nice and warm to read about my mates and what makes them tick, all without crying into a beer. 🙂
I wonder what the folks on Wangerooge would say if most of the mates here turned up for a week of German Island hospitality. ?
I myself am looking forward to next march on being on the Island, as last time I tried, I was stroked out, be it a mild one, and I was 'advised' by my medico, maybe next year Kerry. 🙂
Yes, I am suggesting that we, or those who can and want to, make some plans to be somewhere sometime to say. G'day mate. 🙂
That would be a hoot. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Any takers, as I am positive Holger would leap at the opportunity to make some arrangements on his Island home for us. 🙂
Got you thinking. ???????
hahahahaha 🙂

Holger Kranich
I agree to the "daily fix of scalemates"!😢 Cant live without it anymore!😎
SCM became home for me. And i too consider some of you here as a friend! And hmmmm... What would the Folks on Wangerooge think when a bunch of resin chewing and glue sniffing insane styrene addicts come to visit? They all know me and my plastic tick and they would all think that you are all my Brothers! 😄

Kerry COX
One big happy family. 🙂 Just think of the boost to the Islands economy Holger. 🙂 🙂 🙂. Cigars all round. 🙂

Robert W Martel
You guys are all as goofy as me! LOL Must be from smelling that plastic cement! I really enjoy scalemates and all y'alls company.

Clifford Keesler
So do I, Holger I apologize for forgetting you, as I consider you a good friend also. There are so many.

Martin Oostrom
I've got two brothers and a friend of 25 years that I consider as one. So there's room for more 👍

Holger Kranich
@ Clifford: Please no worries!

Robert W Martel
Ok, so this one I just finished yesterday. The clear coat didn't come out as nice as I would have liked, but that's the breaks. The pictures make it look good, but it definitely has some flaws!
It looks just fine sitting in my garage, so It's good enough, for now!
Just need to finish up the AC-47, then I can get started with something new. Yipeeeeee !!

Martin Oostrom
Looks fine on the pictures Robert. Nice and shiny😎

Martin Oostrom
Took a look in your stash to guess whats next. Total shock! It looks like you have your own shop :-0
May I vote for the large fire engine?

Robert W Martel
Thanks Martin, the pics ARE deceiving! But I'll be satisfied with it.
Well,,,, the fire engines I'm kind of saving until my grandson gets a bit bigger, but I do have 2 of them! Yea, I do have more kits than I could ever build at my age! lol But I'm still buying more !!
I'm not sure what's going to happening here, I may have to be moving soon. I'm just getting to the point of painting on the AC-47, which will probably take me the next couple of weeks (3 color camo). After that I may need to start packing (dread it). Packing, moving, unpacking & setting up again will take me months and put a big damper on my modeling fun! OUCH!
So who knows, it's all up in the air right now. But I'll hold your thought in mind !

Kerry COX
Robert WM. What did you use for the chrome strips and fenders mate.? 👍
The finish looks fine to me, and if I may. 👍
A light polish with some Tamiya 'finishing' compound will give that edge and sparkle to the paint.
Great result and a big 'well done' from me mate. 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Me also Robert, it looks great.

Robert W Martel
Thanks Guys !
You're Gentlemen & Scholars,,, too bad there aren't more of us. lol
It's far from perfect and does have it's boo boos. The chrome on the bumpers wasn't very good, but I didn't mess with them only dipped them in Pledge.
Kerry I've been using Vallejo Liquid silver for the trim. I use the .2 needle and just spray it lightly, almost dries instantly, and looks fuzzy after a few coats, but that all goes away with a soft cloth the next day. I've had no trouble with it getting under the tape. It's alcohol based, and I think it looks pretty good. Not as nice as the Model Masters Chrome, that stuff looks almost like chrome, but definitely better than plain "silver". I've used the MM on a few small things with a brush, and I did spray it once, but it's enamel and was a bitch to clean up, and if you make a mistake it isn't coming off. The Liquid Silver is a bit more forgiving if you catch it quick. If I was really good at airbrushing the MM would be the way to go, it does have "shine" to it. I was going to use it on the last one but I chickened out thinking if I goofed I'd have to start over. AND, It being enamel takes DAYS to dry!
It just takes SO much time to mask off the trim. This one took me nearly 2 days to mask! not sure it's worth the time. I'm almost thinking just paint them and to heck with the rest, except on the Special cars I had.
The clear coat on this one just didn't come out as nice as I had hoped, so I had to sand & polish it a bit. Of course the trick is not to have to do that! The 56 Pontiac is still the nicest finish, no polishing, and it sparkles and is pretty smooth, but I haven't been able to do it that good consistently, YET !
I've used both the Pledge & Acrylic Poly clear. The Poly seems to always need polishing, but it's a good tough finish. The Pledge I know I can get good without polishing, but haven't been able to do it every time. It's not as tough, and if it needs polishing it needs to dry for a week before its "hard".
I've been using mostly "craft" poly, and haven't used the MM clear much yet, because they say it yellows, the craft stuff says Non Yellowing ! ??? So I haven't quite figured out yet which is the better way to go.
I've done about 40 kit's this past 3 or so years. I've made huge improvements from the first one for sure, but it's the consistency of spraying I'm still waiting to kick in. LOL
I'll have to look for some of the Tamiya Polish. I've been using Mothers California Gold car wax, a bottle I've had for many years, but it's almost gone. I'm also needing something better to polish the clear glass (cars or planes). Pledge makes old glass look better, but it's easy to mess up/scuff, and hard to get without sags. I've seen videos of guys polishing out old glass and make it crystal clear. I guess I just don't have the right stuff yet !! Another little thing to work out. lol
Cheers mates!

Clifford Keesler
I have been considering trying Taymia's polishing compound.

Sebastian Meyner
Tamiyas compound is great stuff! I use it frequently for clear parts...it always does the trick 👍

Clifford Keesler
Thanks Sebastian. Too bad their decals aren't as good. LOL.

Kerry COX
The Tamiya compounds are great. Just use the one that is applicable. I use the "finishing" compound for all my clear parts and for the final coat of paint, be it clear gloss, enamel or acrylic or coloured.👍

Robert W Martel
Ok Guys, I'll have to get some!