OT-Scale Models-OT

[randroid]

Gents,

As a kid I built a lot of plastic aircraft models but very few cars, and it occurred to me this evening that I haven't a clue to what scale they were made. I know there are many scales used, but how about the pre-made really expensive ones? You know, the cast pewter models that sell for hundreds of dollars?

I'm seriously considering changing professions because I'm tired of dealing with people who don't know half of what I do about our business and when asked my advice it isn't taken until the restaurant is suffering it's last desperate gasps of life. So what do I do after a dying proposition leaves few options?

I've been building scale models as a hobby since I was 9 years old and I'm not bragging when I say I'm pretty good at it, so why not try earning a living at it in lieu of taking a pee test to see if I'm qualified to shove a shopping cart in front of everyone walking in the door?

I have a medium, a method, and several techniques I'd like to adapt to it, none of which are original but none of which I've ever seen combined. I think such a model (I'll make one first) would leave every other model in the dirt if it came out as planned, but what is the scale preferred by collectors in the top-end models? That will make a large difference in the materials used and I haven't found an answer.

I've seen threads in here about models and the several members who have bought them, and I'd like to know if you got them because of their scale or in spite of it.

Thanks,

-Randy

[Niel Hoback]

Most of the really nice, (read expensive) die casts are 1/43 scale. You can get some very interesting cars in that scale, even a bathtub Nash.

I personally look for 1/18 because I am clumsy and not good with small stuff.

Diecasts also come in 1/25, but they are for the most part cheap porrly made toys. Oops, don't mention toys.

[randroid]

Niel,

Thanks for the information, that's just what I'm looking for.

-Randy

[Niel Hoback]

just pick up a Scale Model magazine. They are more ads than info.

[Norm's Coupe]

Franklin Mint makes both 1/43rd and 1/24 die cast scale models of various cars. I have a mixture of sizes in my collection. 1/18th, 1/24th and 1/43rd. Really don't care much for the 1/18th scale. Those were all given to me. I only buy the 1/24th scale models. That's for two reasons. One, it's still big enough to see the detail and two, they don't take up much room on a shelf. I've stopped collecting any of them now. Ran out of room to put them all.

It's not a bad idea you have about building models. However, it will probably take a long time to get well established. So.........I wouldn't quit my day job. Just do it on the side to start out.

[BobT-47P15]

Most of the model kits from AMT and Ertl are, I think, 1/25 scale.

I began building their models when they were brought out in 1958.

I liked to customize them further by using pieces of cloth to make

seat covers and tonneau covers. Unfortunately, I got rid of most of

those models during my college years or just after, thinking I had

outgrown such things. Gave several of them to my wife's little

brother.

Now, I have a few unbuilt kits that I've accumulated over the years,

stashed in a file cabinet drawer. Just waiting to see if I ever get in

the mood to build them.

I purchased resin models of the P15 business coupe and the P15

convertible from two different people who make them. One thing

you might be able to do is finish such models up for people if they

don't have talent or inclination to do them.

I corresponded at one time with a fellow who was having some

model builder friend do up one like his car. Don't recall just what

kind it was now. So, if advertised in the right places, there might

be some work to be had.

[Norm's Coupe]

Since you originally ask about model sizes thought I would clarify the difference between a 1/25th scale model and the 1/24th size. Especially since both sizes have been mentioned.

99% of the time when you see a die cast model about the size of a plastic model car it is a 1/24th scale.

99% of the time, the plastic model kits are 1/25th size.

To look at them side by side you probably wouldn't notice the difference in size. But, the size is usually printed on the box and sometimes on the bottom of the car itself on die cast models.

Hope that helps you a little.

[Bingster]

You know what you might think about . . .

Making even larger scale mantle piece models of car owners cars, like the person who offers to paint pictures of car owners cars. Like I have a '47 Desoto. You'd construct a model of it maybe two feet long.

Personally, I couldn't afford it. But I would shoot for those who can. Make Dussenburgs, etc. Just a thought.

One more thought. Like Chrysler, you could make molds of fenders, hoods, etc. that are interchangeable between various models.

[aero3113]

I would buy one of a 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe 2 Door Club Coupe

[Bingster]

There you go. One sale. You also might contact Jay Leno. No joke. I've had pretty good luck in the past contacting certain celebreties and media people when I was doing PR for my books. Maybe Jay would like some models of his cars. In fact, maybe he could use someone of your talents to construct models of how his restorations would look when done.

One word of caution. Charge accordingly for your time. I've lost my shirt in the past on jobs where I underbid the time it takes to do something.

Good luck!!

[Norm's Coupe]

There is one other important thing to consider prior to getting into the model making business.

Today, you build them because you enjoy it as a hobby. Being a hobby, you take your time and do it when you feel like it. That's what makes it enjoyable. If you do it as a business, you'll have to do it everyday and be under the gun to get them finished, so you can collect your money. That may not be as enjoyable over the long haul and they may even become a drag to build.

Some years back when I made the door panels for my coupe, I had several people offer to pay me to make them some. While I did enjoy doing my interior, door panels, inside visors, etc., I did not want to do it for other people as a part time job. Would not have been fun that way, so I didn't do it.

My brother in law enjoys welding all types of ornamental stuff for the yard. He does do nice work too. I mentioned to him that he should make them and sell them. However, I got the same answer from him that I gave people about the door panels. It would no longer be fun if he had to do it. It's only fun when you don't have to.

So...........might want to keep that in mind before you leap. Remember, although you may do great work, not everyone is going to like it when they get it. Then you have to listen to all the complaints too. Making it even less fun. And.........you know how particular some people in the old car hobby are. So, that will happen somewhere down the line.

[Niel Hoback]

I used to do a lot of simple easy quick stuff for any on the friends relatives or neighbors that had a problem. They always wanted to pay me because they saw it as work. My reply has always been "it ain't work till you gotta do it". Until then its just my way of fooling around keeping busy and having a little fun.

Do it while its fun, because it won't always be that way.

[PatS....]

When I was in Jr high school back in the 60's I built quite a few models (still have most of them)

My dads boss bought a new 67 Thunderbird 2 door and I went and bought the new AMT 67 T-bird and built a replica of his, at wood shop in school I built a base for it and mounted two pen holders on each side and gave it to him.

He had that thing on his desk long after the real car was sold and I got about 50/75 referrals to do the same for his friends and family and even customers who saw it on his desk. I also made a bunch for a couple of car dealers here for the salesmens desks.

I charged $45 back then. Good money for a 13/14 yr old!!

The only drawback was that they were dust magnets and tough to clean without damaging them. I did a couple with plastic covers before I stopped. I still have one or two in a box somewhere.

[Normspeed]

Randy, the latest issue of Ol Skool Rodz, pg 64, has a writeup on a fellow in London England who started out doing models from kits, got into things like the barn find look, and eventually began his own company, Auto-Rex Models. He does commissions for one-off builds of the stuff. Amazing work. Here's a pic of the one page writeup. His email is mrautorex@hotmail.co.uk. You might shoot hom a note and I'll bet he would love to chat with someone who is considering this line of work.

Here's the magazine cover:

http://www.olskoolrodz.com/images/issue32/Rodz32Cover_mid.jpg

PS, the issue also has an article on a 1918 Dodge roadster powered by a slant six with a torqueflite. Very nice.

[Andydodge]

I have a passing interest in models, been building them for 45yrs, and have a hooby shop......Scale Automobilia, www.scaleautomobilia.com.au ........I specialise in plastic cars,trucks and aircraft kits & some diecast, no toys, trains,barbie dolls, radio control,tanks, figures etc......just things with pistons that go varoom......regards, andyd

[Andydodge]

Randy.......there certainly are those who make a living building models for clients, however its not the most secure living , have you seen any of the following magazines?.....Scale Auto, Model Cars, Truck Model World, Fine Scale Modeller ?.........the level of detail in the models generally pictured in these and other mags is the level that you'd be aiming for.......I opened Scale Automobilia 12 yrs ago and have been involved in various model shows here in Australia and get asked by people if I build models for clients, I personally have not done so, however I do know of modellers who have done so and continue to offer this service. The biggest problem is trying to work out what to charge or how to calaculate a final price as a lot of clients will want something for nothing or cannot comprehend the time it takes to build/modify etc a model into something it wasn't......am happy to give you any info, advice or help I can, email me directly if you like........regards, Andyd

[Bingster]

I think he hit the nail on the head in that people do not generally know what it takes to produce something. I get that all the time even in painting and plastering. They want nice things but aren't prepared to pay for it. That's why as snobbish as it sounds, I think it's best to aim for a market who can afford these kinds of toys.

[randroid]

Gents,

First and foremost, thank you all for your responses. I never expected such good advice and am grateful for all of it, and as the project develops I'll certainly keep you all informed.

What I have in mind is not so much fine intricate detail (although I'll certainly aim at 100% scale accuracy) but an appearance so striking as to set them apart from anything else on the market. Not trying to be mysterious here, but the concept is so unique that I may end-up grabbing a patent or two along the way so don't want to divulge too much until I look into it a little more deeply. (I hold several copyrights and it was enough of a pain to get them that the idea of a patent may not be worth the hassle, but I want to explore all avenues first.)

I'm aware of the issues inherent in turning a hobby into a business, my writing being a prime example, which is why I want to embrace the KISS principle. Some detail will be necessary, of course, but only time will tell how deeply I'll get into it. I have the next few days off from work so I plan to busy myself gathering materials and testing my ideas. I also need to spend some time taking the measurements of my P-15 (I wish I could find working blueprints of the exterior because with that resource I could model whatever I would get commissioned to do) but with new snow on the ground and temperatures below frozen that may not happen today. Hell, I might get halfway into the first model and decide it's such a pain that I'd rather just let it go, but I need to give it a shot first.

Whatever transpires, thank you all again for your excellent advice.

-Randy

[Young Ed]

Randy I've got builders blueprints for a 46 dodge truck. I'd be happy to send you a copy. It has a picture of the truck from 3 angles with measurements of all sorts.