New Kid

[mikevillena]

Hi folks,

I've only been on this forum for a day ( most of spent trying to upload a pic ) but I've already seen some really incredible paint jobs! Wow... and I thought I was the only one out here with a lot of time on my hands...
Anyway, I've finally managed to upload some photos. I just hope this stuff meets all of your high standards. Please feel free to comment or make suggestions. I would be very happy to share ideas with all. Thanks.

Mike V


1/10 th scale
Tamiya Eunos Roadster (bodyshell)
Tamiya M02-M Chassis ( running on 4 cells)

[mikevillena]

Another view.

[mikevillena]

Another shot ( very early in the build process). A big shout of thanks to Fester, Leadfoot and Piggy for their help in trying to upload pics.


Mike V

[Piggy89373]

Mike, glad you finally got some pics loaded on here. Awesome detail on that, does it drive or is it a static model? If it's an RC, you definitely need to enter that into the concourse competition scheduled in the next few months.

[AirBoston]

Wow that is nice! While I really do love fast cars, I've always had a sweet spot for scale models too. I really wish there were more scale cars on the market. I miss the hard plastic tamiya shells.

Would you care to share some of your secrets? I'm really curious on how you hindge the openings. Also, what do you use for the scale components such as the engine?

[mikevillena]

Piggy and AirBoston,
Thanks for the comps you guys. And you guys aren't slouches either (I've seen your stuff ! Geez, and here I am with my spray can). It drives and runs on an old school Tamiya M02-M chassis running on 4-cells ( I had to make room for the driver figure.... er...3/4 of a driver figure ;) ; she's missing her right leg ). I built it to compete in the Tamiya Champ Series Mini class ( the body shell must be mounted on a stock unmodified running chassis and must be driveable to qualify for best in show). I did another car about two years ago (pic) without the opening door(s).
Aside from the bodyshell and the driver figure (heavily modified action figure) everything was scratchbuilt from Evergreen styrene sheet and shapes, solder, brass mesh, Kleenex ( Registered trademark ) tissues, an old t-shirt and Bondo ( another R t ). I'd love to share more pics and techniques with you guys, but you'll have to be patient. I'm having to use two different programs and a floppy just to prep my pics ( over 150 build photos ) so that I can post them on this forum.
For anyone interested, you can send me an e-mail at michaelvillena@aol.com and I will be able to swap ideas and pics much easier.
AirB, I had to scratchbuild the engine from some plastic and reference photos.
send me an e-mail and I can send you some pics. Thanks you guys. I'm honored to hang with you.
Mike V

[AirBoston]

Ohhh, I'm a big Classic fan too! I've gotta see more of the GTV!
djm914-6@comcast.net

[ws6]

OMG isnt that the gtv that was in rcca mag a while ago...

this detail is amazing... this is somthing i have been wanting to do ever since i got into rc...

i would be interested in seeing anything you could show me about the build process... if you can...

tc3_02@yahoo.com

i would love to do the same with hpi's ws6 body or a camaro body...

thanks for have giving me the pleasure of having seeing these pictures

[mikevillena]

Air Boss,
I'll send you stuff as soon as I move to Netscape. BTW, I suspect you like German Racing Silver. If so, I remember a very, very special 914 that Zuffenhausen built; all alloy bodywork with serious fender flares, white and had a very hot boxer motor. I believe that was the only real (official 914/6) ever built and they ginned it up for Butzi ( Porsche family of course!). I also love 904's, 906's, 908's ( God, they dominated German and European Hillclimbs, Sports /Prototype races ), 917's ( who could forget the -30's that Mark Donahue kicked everyone's behind with in Can-Am.......twin turbos, 1000+ bhp at the wheels, titanium sub-frames, sodium-filled valves.... and that slick and sick World Record 917-30 with spun aluminium wheel covers that Donahue obliterated the closed circuit speed record with in Talladega ( was it 260 or 270?) (and these Nascar Boys think they are fast...hah! ), 930's, 934's, 935's ( who could forget Moby Dick screaming down the Mulsanne at over 250 mph or Jackie Ickxx thrashing everyone (and the horse they rode in) with the "Baby" in the 2 liter German Championships (with the exception of the first race....I think they DNF'D that one because there was no insulation on the firewall and Ickxx had heatstroke ), the early 936 with no airscoop and low rear wing ( so sexy in black with Martini livery). Geeezzzzz.....I could go on and on....
Anyway, I just hope you are a real fan of Zuffenhausen or I've just made a total fool of myself

Mike V.

[mikevillena]

TC3,
Thanks man. You are right, I got my 15 minutes of fame. You CAN do it and better, anyone can. Just takes time and a lot of patience and styrene plastic ( I think I've already subsidized Evergreen this year). As soon as I get moved to Netscape, I'll drop you some pics. Thanks gang!
Mike V.

[mikevillena]

Hey gang,

I just moved to Netscape so my new e-mail address is michael_villena@netscape.com However, I'm having problems posting stuff (again!!!! doh!) so you'll have to bear with me.
Mike V. (Homer)

[rcaddikt]

Hi Mike,

Welcome, glad you found this board! Looking forward to seeing more of your work, and tips. You wouldn't happen to have any pics of the Mercedes CLK GTR would you? Would love to see that again!

BTW, We've talked before, I was the one (of many, I know) picking your brain about the Miata, I had the Spongbob car at the last TCS race in WI.

T

[mikevillena]

Hey T,

Man, I LOVED that Spongebob paintjob! I'm happy to share what little I know with anyone here and would love to hear suggestions from everybody. I've just posted some pics of the CLK ( Riddle me this...) but the picture quality is so degraded. I'll try to cobble up more submitable pics of the Miata build up (now that I've got that uploading thing licked). I'd love to see your latest work.


Mike V.

[AreCee]

Mike,

This is the latest racing shell I painted, FYI.

Never mind, this board can't repeat an attachment made on another thread.

[mikevillena]

Bro,
Where be that thread?

[AirBoston]

Yeah, I like those cars. The 914-8 (couple thousand sixes, only two eights using 908 engines). I just might have to do the 1/8 scale 935 in Martini colors, but then I also like Jagermeister orange.

My 914 will be painted after the yellow and red Hippy 917. I plan on doing a 1/24 scale RC in this look soon. Right now, I'm doing a Jager 914 all in paint for a customer... and it too is 1/24 scale lexan.

Air Boss,
I'll send you stuff as soon as I move to Netscape. BTW, I suspect you like German Racing Silver. If so, I remember a very, very special 914 that Zuffenhausen built; all alloy bodywork with serious fender flares, white and had a very hot boxer motor. I believe that was the only real (official 914/6) ever built and they ginned it up for Butzi ( Porsche family of course!). I also love 904's, 906's, 908's ( God, they dominated German and European Hillclimbs, Sports /Prototype races ), 917's ( who could forget the -30's that Mark Donahue kicked everyone's behind with in Can-Am.......twin turbos, 1000+ bhp at the wheels, titanium sub-frames, sodium-filled valves.... and that slick and sick World Record 917-30 with spun aluminium wheel covers that Donahue obliterated the closed circuit speed record with in Talladega ( was it 260 or 270?) (and these Nascar Boys think they are fast...hah! ), 930's, 934's, 935's ( who could forget Moby Dick screaming down the Mulsanne at over 250 mph or Jackie Ickxx thrashing everyone (and the horse they rode in) with the "Baby" in the 2 liter German Championships (with the exception of the first race....I think they DNF'D that one because there was no insulation on the firewall and Ickxx had heatstroke ), the early 936 with no airscoop and low rear wing ( so sexy in black with Martini livery). Geeezzzzz.....I could go on and on....
Anyway, I just hope you are a real fan of Zuffenhausen or I've just made a total fool of myself

Mike V.

[mikevillena]

Yikes!!! I'm mortified....! You are right, it was a 914-8 and not a six. My memory has gone the way of my eyesight (that's why I've gone 1/10th).
I did a TL-01 with an Alfa 155V6 in Jaegermeister livery a few years ago. I hand painted all the logos with the pattern (traced a G-M sticker set with Saran Wrap and a marker) laid on the other side of the clear bodyshell to guide my unsteady hands. It turned out so so. That was my last attempt at complicated paint jobs. It did have a full engine compartment with all the radiator ductwork (my first attempt at super-detailing).

Any chance I can see your stuff when you finish?
BTW : Thanks for the correct info.

[AirBoston]

Here's your Build up pics, Mike...

[AirBoston]

pic #2

[AirBoston]

pic #3

[AirBoston]

Build Pic #4

[AirBoston]

Last build pic from Yesterday's email. Gee, maybe I can do this! Where did I put that GTI?

[ws6]

wow thats nice, but you skipped the part i wanted to see, how did you do the part with the engine bay and trunk, the curves and all...???

and just out of curiosity, do you bash with these on? the added weight would probobly make the suspension look alot more realistic???

[mikevillena]

Hey guys,
AirB I'm glad those pics got through. Those pics look clear and nice (How you DO DAT?) I was about to post scratchbuilding subframes on a new thread with descriptions... think I should? Yeah, where'd you put that GT1? You'd better find it pal! :p

ws6- I'm currently preping the pictures to use on the "scratchbuilding components" thread. You'll have to be a little patient because I still have to wash pics through two programs (sheeez!). I'll post it as soon as I'm able. I didn't exactly bash it around too much at the TCS Milwaukee; I did about 20 laps and tapped the wall gently a few times. After that I put it away and it now resides in a collector's display case (along with the Alfa, the CLK-GTR, the Austin Mini-Cooper, the HPI Altezza.....etc.).

[mikevillena]

Here are the last "walk-around" pics of the Miata.
Thanks gang :D
Mike V.

[mikevillena]

I always open the door for the ladies ;)

[mikevillena]

A lot of details get covered up....hmm, I should have built it with the top down? :confused:

[mikevillena]

I don't think the Miata would make a good mobster car...trunk is too small (one dead body at a time)

[mikevillena]

This trunk reminds me of an old MG...small and cramped

[mikevillena]

Details include passenger seat and a roll bar.

[mikevillena]

All done. I'll go and put this puppy away now. I've got a Ford Focus, several Porsche Carreras and a 911 GT1 on the bench for the next projects. Thanks gang for looking at my ride. Your comments, questions and suggestions are always welcome :D .

Mike V.

[Piggy89373]

Great googliemooglies man!! That's awesome!! Only thing missing is the cell phone in the bimbo's hand. Fantastic work, Mike.

[mikevillena]

Great googliemooglies man!! That's awesome!! Only thing missing is the cell phone in the bimbo's hand. Fantastic work, Mike.
Piggy...... :p she did have one and a bag of dog food and a leash, but the phone fell out and got lost on the way to the Milwaukee TCS. I also forget to make her a "Coach" purse :D . I know, I know.....I've let you all down.....I think I'll go and slash my wrists with my new X-Acto swivel blade knife :D

Thanks
Mike V.

[ITurnLeft]

One comment Mike, and this is mostly just to see what amazingly creative way you come up with to fix it.. Wheel nuts. You've got what, in 1:1, would be 6" wheel nuts.. You need to fabricate wheels to give it a 100% scale look. Based on what I've seen so far, I've got no doubt you can make it happen. So get to it!

You really buck the old saying of "don't sweat the small stuff", huh? Amazing work man.

[Piggy89373]

You should do a pick-up truck next....a beat up old ford. Put a pregnant big haired woman with a cig haning out of her mouth in the passenger seat and a guy driving with a beer can in his lap and sporting a mullet.

All kidding aside, you do some amazing work.

[mikevillena]

One comment Mike, and this is mostly just to see what amazingly creative way you come up with to fix it.. Wheel nuts. You've got what, in 1:1, would be 6" wheel nuts.. You need to fabricate wheels to give it a 100% scale look. Based on what I've seen so far, I've got no doubt you can make it happen. So get to it!

You really buck the old saying of "don't sweat the small stuff", huh? Amazing work man.

Hey ITurnLeft...Thanks man. You are right, those wheel nuts are HUGE, but I had to use a STOCK Tamiya running chassis and wheels (the TCS Rules are strict). I did try fabricating (I almost went blind) some Borrani wire wheels about a year ago, but they got lost during my last move. However, if you're willing to foot the hefty Optometrist's bill, I can try it again :p .

Again thanks for the compliment. :D I think I'll go and look for your stuff..
Mike V.

[mikevillena]

You should do a pick-up truck next....a beat up old ford. Put a pregnant big haired woman with a cig haning out of her mouth in the passenger seat and a guy driving with a beer can in his lap and sporting a mullet.

All kidding aside, you do some amazing work.

Piggy,

Know where I can lay my paws on a Tamiya Ford F-150 Lightning? Ahhs gonna git me one of dems fan ceee teruks an ahms gonna put sum good ole fat tars an den ahms gonna duk tape mah gun rack out der 'n da bak. da'll lern dem fan se siti slikers an dem fan cee op'nen deeerrag shoots to dang mess wid me an mah wohman......

you wouldn't happen to have a mullet, do you? :D

[Piggy89373]

Mullet...no, but sadly, I did...gotta' love the 80's. Don't forget the dead dear tied to the front of the truck, the empty beer cans in the bed, and the dream catcher hanging from the rear view mirror.

Is this the truck you're looking for? (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGA59&P=7)

[mikevillena]

Mullet...no, but sadly, I did...gotta' love the 80's. Don't forget the dead dear tied to the front of the truck, the empty beer cans in the bed, and the dream catcher hanging from the rear view mirror.

Is this the truck you're looking for? (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGA59&P=7)
Hey Piggy,

Good morning man.... yeah I had a mullet too (can you imagine an Asian-American with a mullet? I assure you I looked like an IDIOT!) Wieys dont cha tinks ah kin tok laik dis?
Thanks for the link. Duh...why didn't I think of Tower Hobbies? Now that I've seen the Lightning, I think that might be too fancee a teeruk to use. Wasn't there a old Ford pick up by Tamiya in plastic (kindda like the one from Sanford and Son...."you big dummmmeeehh")? That might be a better fit for our err...sophisticated couple to ride around in. I like the dead deer and the cans and the dream catcher....oh man......yer takin' me bak to mah good 'ol dayz.....

Mike V

[mikevillena]

Piggy,

I don't know if I'm clear enough in some of the descriptions of my ideas on how to scratchbuild stuff....I realize that my pics aren't exactly clear either. Any suggestions?
I do want to share a lot more ideas with the gang but I don't want to confuse people.
Thanks
Mike V.

[Piggy89373]

If you're going to do a redneck machine, forget Lamont, Grady, and Elizabeth. Although, that would be a good farm truck. For a proper redneck truck, you need something classy to take you to the Jerry Springer Show, something from the mid to late 80's.

Next, need to throw on some large mud tires. Remember, you have to remove the inner wheel wells to allow the tires to fit. KC lights are a necessity on the roll bar. One corner of the rear bumper must be dented slightly in and downward. The rear quarter panel also has to have a bondo patch. If I remember anything else from my brother-in-laws truck, I'll let you know. I'd get you actual pics, but he sold it about a month ago for a bronco.

[mikevillena]

If you're going to do a redneck machine, forget Lamont, Grady, and Elizabeth. Although, that would be a good farm truck. For a proper redneck truck, you need something classy to take you to the Jerry Springer Show, something from the mid to late 80's.

Next, need to throw on some large mud tires. Remember, you have to remove the inner wheel wells to allow the tires to fit. KC lights are a necessity on the roll bar. One corner of the rear bumper must be dented slightly in and downward. The rear quarter panel also has to have a bondo patch. If I remember anything else from my brother-in-laws truck, I'll let you know. I'd get you actual pics, but he sold it about a month ago for a bronco.

If I can only stop laughing, I'd send you a reply....bwahhahahahahahaha!

[Piggy89373]

For as funny as it is, I'm serious about my bro-in-law having a truck like that. He lives in the panhandle of Florida. Much of that area, if you're not familiar with it, is your stereotypical redneck metropolis. All kidding aside, great place to visit and some of the friendliest people around.

So, when are you doing the how-to on engine emplacement and detailing as well as the how-to on interior design?

[NotWalkinBlind]

The top of the tailgate has to have a dent in it... from backing up with the tailgate down and hitting a tree or something. Like this... (just a quick Photochop of a pic I found on the net)... I've seen this so many times on real trucks.

[mikevillena]

Piggy and NotWalkinBlind,

My apologies if my "twang", "drawl", etc. offended anyone. I've worked with and live around people who talk that way and live that lifestyle. That prototypical "redneck" (a term that I don't use often, but then again these guys are proud of it) truck is a common around here. But you know, I moved here from Chicago and I love it here. And these folks are some of the nicest and kindest people I've ever met. The only drag (chute ;) )is that there isn't a hobby shop in town, while I had several to pick from in Chicago :( . Like most of you, I'm into instant gratification and I need to have that kit or bodyshell in my hot little hands before I plunk down my hard earned bucks. Besides, I gotta see the stuff before I covet the stuff (Hannibal Lechter says so). But thanks for all of the suggestions. You both have been a wellspring of ideas. I suggest that we add a "redneck" theme to the monthly paint contest. :D

Piggy, I'm in the process of washing pics and trying to gin up copy for "scratching details" and I was wondering if my write-ups were clear enough. I really do want to share my ideas with everyone. I don't have too many clear pics of the engine build-up on both the Miata and the Alfa, so "scratching engines " will have to wait until I build the next one. Again, thanks to you guys (and gals) for all of the comments and kind suggestions.

Mike V.

[NotWalkinBlind]

I wsn't offended by it at all... it was a lot harder to read than if you had been sayin' it, however. :)

I haven't read everything you've posted in this forum, so if you've already answered my question, just refer me to the right thread, but have you checked into doing this full time for pay? I know there are "manufacturers" that sell handbuilt models... I just don't know if they're all getting them built in Malaysia or somewhere.

For instance:
http://ewa1.com/cgi-bin/sshp/shop.cgi?searchtext=REDline+505%&c=search.htm
http://www.autosportmodels.com/
http://www.racingdioramics.us/

Read all the way to the bottom on this one:
http://www.islandcollectibles.net/

This one is from Hemmings' website:
Legendary Motorcars
1 Wayside Village #350
Marmora, NJ 08223
United States
Fax: 609-399-2512
Producer of handbuilt model cars for the connoisseur collector. Very limited production. 1/43rd scale, resin cast, retail price $325 and up. First issue is a 1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V coupe and convertible. Second issue is a 1956 Continental Mark II coupe and convertible. Write or fax for more information.

Also, there may be some here, but it's a massive list of links I don't have time to go through:
http://users.powernet.co.uk/apexuk/modeltrace/cars.html

[mikevillena]

Hey NotWalkinBlind,
Sorry 'bout the slow response to your post. I've been trying to upload stuff again. I'm going to go and check out those links you've provided although, I just do this for fun and I'm sure all of us do. That way, I'm not stressed out. Besides my eyes are too bad to even try 1/43th scale! LOL Thanks bro.

Mike V.

[NotWalkinBlind]

I dunno what you mean when you're talking about "slow response"... anything quicker than 48 hours is acceptable here.
:)

[mikevillena]

Cool man,

As it turns out, my chainsmoking hamster has just taken up drinking so my computer is glitching major

[mikevillena]

NotWalkin,

Wow, those sites are AWSOME. I hope every checks them out as well. You know, I just might try to do this for a living.......

[mikevillena]

Hmm....let's see.... 100+ hrs on the Miata at $---- an hour ......hmm.....I just might make rent and buy more plastic and that new HPI DeThomaso Mangusta bodyshell and have enough left over for Ramen noodles.