As we approach the end of the year and slip into holiday mode, I thought I’d take things easy and look back at some of the models I’ve built this past year. Some of them I’ve shown before, so I’ll concentrate on the others that will be new to you. Due to the lead time involved in getting this up on CC, there will be some others I’ll finish up by the end of the year that are still in pieces on the bench as I write (8th December, in case you were wondering.)
Here’s the bench this morning. Those two 1956 Fords will be two-toned; unfortunately, we’ve had a humid start to summer here – which is not good for spraying paint. The tan one will get white; for the green one I’m considering a darker green. The sedan at the back left is a Toyota Chaser, which needs window and side molding trim detailed. That’s comparatively easy, but fiddly. Back right is a Toyoda AA, which needs some complicated pinstriping to finish up. And the front bumper glued back on.
And, as often seems to happen around here, some will probably remain unfinished for a bit longer. I start each model I build with the best of intentions, but sometimes an assembly challenge will sideline it. That may be a serious matter (how can this part possibly fit there?) or something fairly innocuous (some of those small details are just SO fiddly, and these fingers aren’t getting any younger). I have a few models sidelined like this.
Anyway, on to 2023’s completions. Here’s a Nissan Skyline sedan from the early nineties R32 generation, my personal favourite. Using my artistic licence I painted it in a sixties Chevy metallic blue, and added some chrome around the windows, because I felt it needed it. The kit came with a clear hood to show off the engine.
I painted this one to match the iris flowering outside my kitchen window at the time. Inspiration is where you find it. Sometimes I have to hunt; other times it’s in plain sight.
This one will be unfamiliar to most. It’s an early nineties Nissan Cima, in Impul 731 form, with a turbo V6. The next model Cima became the second-gen Infiniti Q45.
Not everything I’ve built this year has been Japanese, but you’ve seen my other Japanese subjects already (see Turning Japanese). There was that Ferrari California at the top. Ferraris are all about the engine, so here it is. The kit was a present from my son about five years ago.
When we’re talking supercars, we have to have a Lambo too, so here’s the Diablo.
And an Audi R8. I was going to do the side panels in carbon fibre, but liked the brooding menace of the single-colour dark red.
Oldies got a look-in too. This 1940 Ford Standard coupe is a brighter green than Ford offered.
And there’s this “Blue Bandito”. A re-release of a sixties Monogram kit of a 1929 Ford-based hot rod. With a name like that, it had to be blue.
Also in a non-factory colour, this pearl green 1951 Chevy Fleetline. Standard apart from the colour. Pastels were common then, but not like this.
Bruce seems proud of the injected small-block in this ’55 Nomad. I based this on a magazine car, but went my own way on some details.
At the start of the year, I finished up this red ’61 Chevy. I came across the box in the shed and had forgotten I’d started it! The paint’s a bit rough but it was done years ago. A few parts had got lost along the way (like the tail lights) so I improvised.
I built this 1967 Thunderbird for a Facebook group Thunderbird challenge last month. I liked the prestigious look of the metallic maroon, but went my own way with the gold interior.
Another FB challenge ‘victim’ was this ’76 Matador. “Build an AMC,” they said. Okay. I think they were expecting something along the lines of my orange ’76 Gremlin (see Independents Day), but what they got was this. This is as finished; though I think I need to lower it even more.
Also done for an FB group challenge, but this time a 24-hour build, this “Tijuana Taxi” is pure whimsy. Monogram had a lot of wacky-looking cars designed by Tom Daniel; this one always tickled my fancy, so I finally built it. Some guys in the 24-hour challenge literally build nonstop; with my health I can’t do that, but they’re understanding. I just stop the clock, rest, and restart when I can, keeping the total under 24. No stress.
My favourite build for the year? Possibly this dirty old T, built from the AMT 1925 Ford roadster kit. Most guys would use all the vintage hot rod parts, but I took it in a different direction.
All the best for a Merry Christmas, and a safe new year. See you in 2024!
Love seeing the models you create some real lovely ones there, particularly like the green 51 Chevy, and the nissan cima,
I used to build a few as a kid but for various reasons never got deeply invested in the hobby for various reasons
Do have a few kits in the attic that I should get round to building one day though, when I have some more spare time.
Thanks Thomas. Yes, I remember seeing pale greens like on that Chevy but (in local production anyway) they were solid colours, not metallics. Glad you liked the Cima. The photo of the car at the kitchen sink was supposed to be this one (my bad). We have a lot of flowers out in spring, besides the usual roses, so plenty of inspiration.
I’m not sure if anything will actually get built in the coming year, but your posts have at least got me looking through boxes in the basement to see what looks interesting, so thank you. 🙂
There’s a ’68 Roadrunner that is at least half way along, so that one might see the light of day.
I am curious who made the ’67 Thunderbird kit?
Thanks Dan.
That Roadrunner sounds a good project to finish. It’s easy to get distracted a put a kit aside. I find a lot of my online friends lament not finishing a kit. It might be some assembly step that’s a bit tricky, or paint that didn’t work out, or a hundred other reasons. One online group has a ‘kit amnesty’ between Christmas and New Year, the idea being to choose one stalled project and finish it.
The Thunderbird is an old AMT kit, last available in ’67, updated through ’68 and ’69 then turned into a dragster (‘Allison Thunderland’). There are some reputable old kit dealers out there among all the online sharks. The dealer I got this from (since retired), offered (after a few purchases) to look out for anything in particular I wanted, and give me first dibs when he found one. (Thanks Tom!)
You do some seriously nice work. Very impressive.
Thank you.
Half the battle is deciding how to build it, sometimes!
Impeccable work, Peter! I loved seeing your work bench, and also the gent behind all of the model magic. As far as creative license, your instincts have all been spot-on, as far as I’m concerned. They’re all great, but I love me some Matador coupe. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you Joseph. Yeah, that Matador. There’s no reason you couldn’t de-bumper one and paint it raspberry pearl. The pink and orange upholstery might be a bit polarizing, but in retrospect I think the 20s might be a bit big for it. MIght dial it back to 18s and lower it a bit more, or try a different style of wheel.
I have another Matador kit earmarked for some more radical work along the lines of that beautifully photoshopped one we saw here a week or two back.
Merry Christmas to you! I especially like the 1961 Chevy and the Thunderbird.
Looking forward to more updates in 2024.
Thanks Jeff. I forgot about the ’61 because I’d built a few already, but came across it when I was looking for something else.
Currently I have a list of twenty topics at my elbow, so there’ll be more! BTW, suggestions are always welcome. 🙂
Great builds, very nice jobs on them all. Happy holidays
Thank you, Tom.
Love these! I always look forward to your posts, Mr. Wilding. They’re just a lot of fun; your craftsmanship and artistry is outstanding. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!!
Thank you, F-85. Glad you’re enjoying them.
A colourful and varied selection for Christmas. Nice builds! I hope Santa brings you some new horseless carriages in his sleigh.
Thanks Bernard, but that’s not likely this time around. The family pulled the plug on that a few years back, thought I had ‘enough’.
Fantastic work! I would imagine building these models is quite relaxing for you. A good stress reliever.
Not always……… a fortnight ago I had the worst modelling weekend I’ve ever had.
Thanks. Generally it is relaxing. Except when I come across an assembly step the instructions don’t adequately explain. Or mess up a paint job. A couple of days back I polished through the colour coat on a 1956 Ford, and I’ll have to touch that up – somehow.
You’ve been busy Peter. And good to see the face behind the models too. I’ve managed five builds- though there’s way too many on the bench.
I’ve plenty of time over the xmas break, but it’s usually too hot & humid here in Brisbane.
Merry Christmas and happy modelling in 2024.
Thanks Chris. ‘Way too many on the bench’ seems to be a hazard in this hobby.
Yeah, I know the Brisbane summer climate, from when we’ve stayed with family in Newmarket. After that we made sure to take our holidays some other time! (Americans, like your southeastern states)
Very nice! I’m not the biggest 67 Thunderbird fan in the world, but I like what you did with this one. That color looks very close to the Vintage Burgundy Ford was spraying on its cars in 1964-67.
I also really like the Model T! Thanks for sharing these models (and even yourself!) with us.
Thanks JPC. I think the actual Vintage Burgundy is a bit darker, more like on this Mustang. I wasn’t specifically aiming for that particular colour, but stopped spraying the tinted clear on the Thunderbird when I reached this shade.
Peter: I am simply agog at the intricacies and the “fiddlyness” of all your models! It has truly been an ENJOYABLE experience as you’ve revealed each grouping to this audience and then you even read my mind, as I was wondering: “I wonder what Peter looks like” by providing a self shot. Here’s wishing you the best of the holiday season, and Best Wishes for continued model assembly in the New Year! 🙂
Thanks Moparman. Glad you’re enjoying the ride. I was a bit wary of beginning this series, not sure of the reception I’d get; I:ve been overwhelmed by the response.
Yeah, I’ve always aimed for scale fidelity, as close to looking like a real car as I can manage. That being said, I take liberties with colour; that Nissan Skyline’s engine compartment for example though an unmodified factory-stock car it isn’t all in the colours it ‘should’ be. I’ll often try to suggest the type of metal underlying the painted surface, to add some more visual interest.
Fiddly – you bet! I’ve drawn the line at wiring up the engine, though. Some guys do it so well, but as the neuropathy progresses I find just maintaining my usual level of detail is enough of a challenge. I’m content to use paint and shading techniques to suggest detail – for me it’s more fun that way. And it’s what I:m used to doing.
Your comment wins you a Mopar, hope you like these. 🙂
Beautiful! Now, just put a 1970 Charger on your list! 🙂
I don’t have a ’70, but can I interest you in a ’69? 😉
Merry Christmas Peter! Thank you for all the good will and cheer, you bring here!
I’m arriving so late, usually check this site much earlier every day. I spend at least 25 to 30 minutes savouring your posts, and photos every time, Peter. Amazing work, and variety here. I especially love the photo of your workspace. Such a spacious, well lit and cheerful work area, you have created for yourself. I figured, you built various models simultaneously. Given how big your collection is. Really makes creating beautiful examples of your work, so much easier.
I’m glad you found the perfect outlet for your talents. Always a genuine treat and pleasure to be able to see your work!
I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful holiday, and 2024 is a great year for each of you! Thank you!
Daniel, I burst out laughing at your comment about my workspace! Other guys online have wondered how I ever get anything done, it’s so cramped compared to what they’re used to. And how I don’t get parts from various models mixed up. At the moment it’s fifties Fords and a Mini – so no possibility of confusion.
For lighting, I have one east-facing window over my left shoulder, and a north-facing one to my right, plus my adjustable fluorescent work light. Plus the room lights too, which aren’t in the ideal place relative to the table, but the rest of the room is kinda full. I often find I have to adjust the colour balance in my photos due to the fluorescent light, and don’t always get it right. Might replace the fluorescent with something else (any suggestions?) – or learn to adjust colours properly. 🙂
If you’re wondering how the second colour on the ’56 Fords turned out:
And here’s the Chaser finished.
Not an exact match, but my ’57 is similar.
Very nice Dan! Your greens are a bit closer together (light darker and dark lighter) than mine and I think all the better for it. Might have to mix myself a batch of that light green, I quite like it. 🙂
LOL I guessed you’d have a great reaction to comments on your cozy workspace! I’d describe it as very practical and functional for you. As everything is within reach, while your actual open space is plenty enough for one model. When you have additional models on the go as you do, yes, it does appear tight. As long as you have designated areas for everything. I’d go with whiter lighting myself. Replicating natural daylight as much as possible. I like cool white (5000-6500K), for my illustration work.
I so much love, your colour choices!
You’ve had a more productive workbench than me, even if you get roped into playing Santa (no fake beard required!)
Not exactly Santa, but in my tribe handing out the presents from under the tree on Christmas day has always been the job of the eldest male. And I do have the beard (and physique) for it! 🙂 Thanks.
Why, I say, that last photo – all this time, it turns out it was Santa hisself making all our CC toys!
Very interesting to see him in casual attire, too, indeed, possibly a world-first. I can’t help but ask, are you ever tempted to do The Suit in, oh, I dunno, metalflake red some years, Santa?
The ’40 Ford, the ’51 Fleetline, the agreed-beautifully-shaped R32 sedan (and sedan more than coupe) are all close candidates, but it’s ultimately that T-model for COTEOTY (Car Of The End Of The Year) from my wide-ranging judge panel of one.
Your amazing work brings a proper little tonic of delight to (at least) the world of CC, Pete, and I hope some of that joys radiates back through the screen from us to you.
Happy Christmas, sir.
Ha! Never really thought of myself as Santa. Among my group of friends there are two with longer beards (one of whom has played Santa on the CFA truck for 20 years at least!). I think red metalflake would make the big S too visible; for his job Santa needs more stealthy attire. Red and white is bad enough!
I’m glad to be able to bring joy to others. The comments always give me a lift, so yeah, that joy comes back. For sure.
I’m with Justy on this: the Model T is a gem. It looks like a very old cast iron toy car with the authentic patina of time, but of course with more accurate detailing. Well done.
And once again, thank you for your hard work in making this series happen. I know your serious health issues have made it challenging, but your work really deserves this larger audience. It’s something to be very proud of.
All the best!
Thanks Paul. I’m amazed, and humbled, by the response to these. Makes me wish I’d thought seriously about doing these earlier.
The T – that’s exactly the effect I was aiming for, so good to know I nailed it. When I was about seven, a family friend managed to open a tumbledown shed on her block and found a 1926-ish Studebaker tourer the family had somehow forgotten about. I tried to recreate what I saw that afternoon, but on a humble T: the dust and dirt, the faded paint, the corrosion, the bare metal. And the feeling of an object forgotten.
Peter, thank you for sharing these, and all of your posts here. I continue to be amazed at both your skill and the scope of your collection. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Eric.
Excellent work with lovely results, thanks for continuously sharing these and then delving more in-depth in this series. What is most remarkable to me is the breadth and variety that you create, while I did a fair bit of modeling it was pretty much limited to what I was mostly into myself, i.e. mostly a specific era and general type of vehicle. Just like here at CC most people will “specialize” in a subject or era or brand or style or whatever, yet you built pretty much anything as far as I can tell and this batch of pictures shows that. From modern Ferraris to old Fords to 80s JDM Toyotas to mid-engine exotics to Flights of Fancy Customs (and much more too) it’s all represented, impressive!
Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year to you and your family!
Thanks Jim.
It might not seem like it, but there are actually some ‘no-go’ areas for me, because I’m just not interested for example Nascar, drag racing, and Formula 1. Not knocking the style of racing, or the drivers; the cars just do nothing for me. Sometimes I’ve been interested in a type of car but that interest has waned over time (American cars generally, and Le Mans racers), or have had a sporadic interest that’s come back occasionally (WRC cars, hot rods).
This year’s exotica-fest was an outlier, they’re not usually my thing. Though I will have to do an article about exotics some time, they’re mostly older builds. Likewise the old Ford; while I was once really keen on the prewar stuff, I hardly build any these days. Oh yeah, there was that T. I never claimed to be consistent!
Give me a subject I’m not really into, and strange things can happen. The Ferrari came off well; this Mercedes 230G feuerwehr wasn’t so lucky twenty years ago…
When I was into models as a kid in the late ’70s and early ’80s, I used to gaze at the photos on the boxes (Revell especially) and wonder how in the world they got them to look so real.
Now I know.
Mr. Wilding, your builds are without a doubt the CC highlight of the year for me. Best to you.
Hey, thank you. Some of those Revell boxes were great. The other brands relied on illustrations, some of which were excellent and very emotionally appealing. But it was great to actually see the built model on the box so I could judge how accurate the contents were.
I once unintentionally got in a stoush online with a guy who built models for AMT boxes. I’d innocently remarked in an open forum that all their models on their boxes were the same colour, which made the range (as seen on the shelf) look boring and he accused me of dissing his build. Touchy! I appeased him, saying the build was fine, it was just the colour. He said that was their choice.
HIghlight of the year? Wow, thanks. I’m (temporarily) gobsmacked.
67SS396 you say. Hmm, lemmesee now, should be one here somewhere…..
Peter, thank you for posting pics of your scale model builds. I waited a few days to think how I would post.
You have a talent most of us do not. Back in the 1960s I won a few awards for model builds, my older brother won more model builds. Brother went on to be an automotive designer.
I have a collection of about 125 scale 1:24 diecast, some modified by scale model experts. I love my Thunderbirds and have all the Danbury Mint T-Bird series. I consulted with DM for a year in the development of a 1963 & 1966 T-Bird. But then DM, Franklin, others went under when China government took control.
Been trying for years to find a scale model builder to replicate my 1st auto (1963 T-Bird hardtop), and my current auto (1966 T-Bird convertible). Would be nice to find someone to help me finish my scale model T-Bird collection.