I am so tired...

Of starting new projects! I just looked at all of the projects I started in the last few years and it just makes me sick. There are 52 and most likely more than that. I know others have much more and I am not alone in this tragedy. When is enough, ENOUGH? I am at my witts end with this problem. I got this way several years ago when I only had 11 models unfinished and decided to make a marathon run to finish them all. I did finish them ALL before starting anything else and it felt great!
What makes it easier , is the fact some of them are almost done and it's merely down to small details or just foil work. It's been one hell of a struggle for me in the last year. I seriously want to build and well finding the time is one thing....I have a family that needs me and well, there is more to life than just models. With that said, I still have to remind that I have plans to build much of the stock I have before it's "my time"....no idea when that will be, but it's something I want to enjoy while I am here.
I made up my mind to do something. I am going to seriously take a look at my kits and parts and everything else......decide what exactly I believe I will use during this lifetime and the rest is going up for sale! That's it!
My kids will inherit what I have at my departure, but I can't keep all this crap around....it's literally exhausting and depressing to look at.
I remember when I was a kid and had less than 20 models during a certain point and every single one was built. I could not afford to buy kits, so I would take them apart, swap parts and rebuild them just for the satisfaction. Remembering back to that, it makes no sense to have so many models as all it does for me is overwhelm my motivation.

Update: June 1st.
I have made a little progress in this mission. I have sold several kits and still plan to sell some more. There is so much going on , it's overwhelming at times.... I just can't wait until it's over with and we can (my family) get back to normal and enjoy life the way we all should!

2011 releases by Round2 AMT

I have not yet seen one for sale, so I am not sure if they are out yet? I want one, I mean..it's supposed to have the kustom parts and them Cadillac Sombrero's, so why not? Box art done by Brad Leisure!
From Round2's site.
"

1962 Ford Thunderbird

Item No: AMT682
Release Date: April 2011
Ford’s instantly recognizable 60s T-Bird design has been accurately and impressively captured in 1/25th scale AMT tooling. Now, for the first time ever, the kit will include previously unreleased custom parts for a deluxe 2 in 1 model that builders and collectors will not be able to resist!

• Scale: 1/25
• Skill Level: 2 (ages 10 and up)
• Glue assembly, paint required
• Molded in white, plus clear and chrome parts with black vinyl tires
  • Modern generation kit engineering
  • Deluxe 2 in 1 format with multiple building options
  • All new custom parts included
  • Retro styled packaging"
  

Don't forget to stop at their site, we have to keep people informed of what's going on! If ya don't tell other people...you are not helping the hobby! *guilt trip no charge*
http://round2models.com/

And check this out! (keep in mind I intend to talk about just the stuff I like personally)
They are bringing the TALL T back! Man this is great news!
"

1925 Ford “Tall T”

Item No: AMT670
Release Date: July 2011
They said it couldn’t be done, but AMT is proving them wrong again! Not available since 1975, the classic 1925 Ford “Tall T” is being reissued in its original Trophy Series format. Build 2 complete cars with this value-packed “Double Kit”.

• Scale: 1/25
• Skill Level: 2 (ages 10 and up)
• Glue assembly, paint required
• Molded in white, plus clear, clear purple and chrome parts
• Includes stock height “Tall T” hardtop body
• Build two complete cars
• Pad-printed vinyl tires and slicks
• Stock, street or strip building options
• Original 60s packaging"

Also promised is this 1950 Chevrolet Pickup with Texaco decals and the killer box art done by Brad Leisure.

"

1950 Chevrolet “Texaco” 3100 Pickup

Item No: AMT679
Release Date: May 2011
AMT Is Bringing Back The 1950 Chevy Truck! AMT reintroduces the popular 1/25 scale 1950 Chevrolet 3100 pickup with Texaco appeal. With new optional parts, like the “push bumper” and roof/fender flasher lights, this kit is sure to be a big hit for all the serious and novice collectors alike.

• Scale: 1/25
• Skill Level: 2 (ages 10 and up)
• Glue assembly, paint required
• Molded in white, plus chrome and clear parts
  with black vinyl tires
  • New Optional Roof/Fender Flasher Lights and Front "Push Bumper"
  • Genuine Texaco Decals
  • Super Detailed
  • Vintage Texaco Packaging"

THANK YOU ROUND2 FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO BRINGING BACK THE GOOD STUFF!

Revell 2011 promises

Looks like this year is going to be great at the hobby shops! Well it depends on your LHS...it could be high prices, but at least some good stuff will be on the shelves! I will be watching ebay for the good deals.
Revell is still on a roll with bringing back cool old kits! Among their 2011 releases are two kits that I just so happen to be looking for. Seriously, I have been looking for both of these kits on ebay and just haven't bought either due to ridiculous prices from "less than smart" sellers. Orange Crate is still pretty well available as it was released not that many years ago and it's so common..yet sellers want $40 or so for it. Tweedy Pie II is pretty easy to find, but to find the original version you have to wait every few days or a few times a month to find one and when there is one, it's not complete, the box is shot or something is wrong and just NOT worth the price they are asking. I wish some sellers would realize a buyer like me isn't going to shell out $60 for a kit if it's less than fair....I need a decent box...some kits I build like the box art and display the build and the box together in photos and in my home. Bad boxes....not too appealing.
Anyway, enough about me!
Check for these two awesome kits by this fall and ask your hobby shop to order them!
Revell Tweedy Pie #85-4922 formerly kit number H1286-198

Revell Orange Crate #85-4939 formerly kit number H1282

It wasn't all that long ago that Rod & Custom magazine did an artile on Tweedy Pie and Rodder's Journal also did an article with some very nice images of Orange Crate. The reference is "out there" if you want to build them. Both kits have awesome parts to rob. *wink*

NEW AMT PARTS PACK!

Hey, I just found a link to Spotlight Hobbies from Coffin Corner about this new parts pack. I hardly get over to SH, so it was a good thing it was posted on CC. This is an awesome idea and YES I want a bunch! Just look at the red stripe whitewall, that's bitchin'!

Posted by Tom the owner of Spotlight hobbies.

"

This is still in the planning stages, and your comments are welcome. No release date or price has been established, but they would try to keep it under $10.00.
The pack would contain 4 pairs of the retooled "pie crust" slicks, each with a different pad-print style as follows:
1. Racemaster Dragster lettering
2. Whitewall with Racemaster Dragster lettering
3. Wide whitewall
4. EXCLUSIVE TO THE PARTS PACK: Whitewall with red pinstripe
Style 4 will never be found in a kit, it can only be obtained by buying the parts pack.
If you want these to become a reality, tell your hobby shop or supplier to order "AMTPP001 MH Racemaster Tire Parts Pack"
I WILL BE CALLING BOTH HOBBYTOWN USA STORES TOMORROW!

UPDATE- 05-19-11
I called Hobbytown USA in La Vista, Nebraska  and asked them to order these. They have no idea about them and don't have a part number in their system to verify. If we are to call and ask our LHS to order these, Round2....you need to update? I want at least 3 of these parts packs.

Highly anticipated kits coming soon!

Let's not forget with all of the hub bub about OBL on tv and the crazy gas prices.....we have TWO brand new kits coming out real soon! The two cars have really drawn a crowd of interest and many promises of sales beyond just buying "one". Moebius Models has decided to dip into the automotive section and offer up two cars that have never before been released in styrene kit form.
Visit their site
http://www.moebiusmodels.com/

I want them both, seriously...at least two of each. I love Hudson's and the 300 is just icing on the cake of COOL!

As a real vintage box art lover, I have to say they did them both justice, even though the 300 is much more convincing. More to come when I get my inspiration photos together!

Rik Hoving Custom Car Photo Archive

By now, if you haven't seen Rik's fotki site....then you seriously are lost in the custom car world. Rik has been involved in many publications and has been archiving legitimate information from a historical aspect for years. There is no site around that houses as much history and inspiration as Rik's fotki site. It's very well known in the custom car community, even by the people who really built those beauties. Names like George Barris, Gene Winfield and the list goes on....if they are still alive and have access to the internet....they have more than likely heard of  or visit and contributed to this massive archive. Rik travels far and wide to meet people, experience what it's like to be inside famous custom autos as well as record history with his camera. Imagine how cool it would be to sit in the Hirohata Merc! Rik has done it.
Not only is Mr. Hoving involved deeply in the 1:1 scene, but he is also very well known in the small scale model car hobby. He has mastered model car parts for companies like Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland a resin after market company. His attention to detail and "cool" is far exceeding the average modeler's dream.
I have never met Rik in person, but I have known him online for a few years as he joined as a member of my forum Traditional Rod and Kustom in scale and I was happy to contribute some of my own 1:1 car show photos for his site.
I asked for permission to use Rik's archive for my own enjoyment and to help spread the word and history by blogging right here! He was more than happy to oblige. So from this blog forward, expect to see some of them killer photos and maybe some words to go with them right here on TRaKables!
Thanks Rik!
http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/

Kustom & Hot Rod Models Magazine

Hey! What the hell are you waiting for ? Christmas??? That's months away and you don't have time to sit around with nothing good to read! Get over to Don Graham's site and buy every issue of this magazine! If you don't buy this magazine, you won't know what you are missing. It's everything people complain is missing from other publications. It's everything that is cool in kustom and hot rod modeling! It's  dedicated to the old school ride! Damnit stop reading this shit and go get your magazines! There is a SALE on them right now, so save some bucks for gas money right now!

http://koolkat.magcloud.com/

Here's what you will find inside! Note that these are not from the above issue #7.

I only had photos of some of my stuff in there :-)

DILLIGAF CRUZERS

What is that? You might be asking right about now. DILLIGAF is an acronym for "Do I Look Like I Give A Fuck". Hey, I am so layed back all of the time and I really don't give a fuck most of the time. I do what I have to do, get where I need to be.....no matter what it takes. I figure if I give a fuck, that means I am worrying and worrying about shit sucks! Who needs stress?
Now to the Cruzers part. The Dilligaf Cruzers is an Austrailian car club with alot of members with the same attitude. Tony Burrell and the club wanted to make me an honorary member...the only USA member of their club. I was really taken back by that, I mean a car club wants to honor me from another country? Wow! Man that's aweseome! I accepted the honor and since 2008, I have received Christmas cards with the whole club's signatures and well wishes....AND they had a kustom hat made for me with my name on the back, the Austrailian flag on one side and the American flag on the other. This hat had to have cost $35 US dollars, and I don't take it lightly....money doesn't grow on trees. I want to thank the club for their friendship and support all the way from Nebraska in the USA!
Here's to you brothers and sisters!

Stude that isn't rude!

I run into this every so often, can't get enough of it. I haven't seen a nicer, more classy kustom of one yet.
KKOA 2008, World Of Wheels and etc..

A hometown '62 Galaxie that makes me feel warm inside

I saw this for the first time at Flashback's Bar and Grill here in Omaha back in 2006. Since then I saw it a couple times at other shows like World Of Wheels. I didn't ever meet the owner, but he did some paint work on the roof and put chrome reverse rims on it before selling it. I found other images on HAMB which he is a member of. I don't know what drew me to this car, but I just love it. It's a Ford, it's a '62 and it's got a kustom vibe.....what could be better? Does anyone know where it sits now?.....I am sure I read AUSTRAILIA.

Photos below here are that I found on HAMB. Above photos are by me.

Bo Huff Customs '61 Pontiac

I wanted to take more photos , but it was super hot and everyone wanted to walk in front of it. I would love to replicate this in scale. 2008 KKOA.

El Loco Gringo

This is the sickest '55 I have seen in a long time and photos don't even do it justice. I took these pics in 2008 at KKOA in Salina,KS. I ran into Bob Bleed from Austin Speed Shop in the model tent, I recognized him from the Mad Fabricator Society DVD's I have. I hope to make Salina this year, I need my fix!

El Matador

This is the car at KKOA in Salina, KS 2008. I can't get photos to work on facebook, so here ya go guys. Click to enlarge.