dvonalmen

Things change in life and we just have to accept the change for what it is. I, personally, am a Corvette enthusiast. I drive Corvettes on a daily basis. To me Corvettes should be a front engine rear wheel drive automobile. But change happened, I don't like it but it happened. Then again, no one from GM or Chevrolet or Corvette asked me for my opinion on the decision to change the layout of the Corvette to a mid-engine design, which by the way I do not like at all. Changed the rules on Sports Cars and I will have to live with it but it won't stop me from enjoying the hobby or attending the shows. I say all this to say, DAK maybe you need to put your hat in the ring as the "Head Diorama Judge" and get the NCC to reestablish dioramas to their own category once again. Have a nice day. David Von Almen, gentleman modeler

Really nice definitions for us auto modelers. Looking forward to this year's National Convention. Have a nice day David Von Almen, Gentleman Modeler

Nice job. Remember the boat fondly only the ones I was with were all painted in camo markings. David Von Almen, Gentleman modeler back in Georgia (Viet Nam Navy Vet 1970/1971)

Very nice job on the video. I too like that there is no useless talking to kill time. Keep up the good work. David Von Almen, Gentleman Modeler

Nice build and nice subject. Personally, I would have left the girl in the box. Being a car guy, with collector cars that I do take to shows, no young lady no matter how nice she looks would lean against any of my Corvettes. David Von Almen, Gentleman Modeler

This talk of Olds 442s is one I like to read. Having owned a 1977 Olds 442 for over 39 years (lost it to a car thief, along with my wife's 2003 Corvette convertible) I always like to read about them. As for 1985s I am happy that a model manufacturer is producing a kit. I just wish they would do a kit for the 1976 or 1977 but then I can dream. I did get one of the NASCAR kits of Richard Petty's 77 Olds 442 that I am going to try to take from a race car back to the "stock" version. Have an old JoHann kit of the 1975 Olds Cutlass S that I will get the interior and wheels and maybe the chassis. But this thread is talking about engine color. Well my 77 had a blue engine - it was sort of a light blue. I still miss that car, even seven year later. Have a nice day and I look forward to seeing pictures of the finished model. David Von Almen, Gentleman Modeler

I had no problem getting my reservation last night. Luckily living in Hawaii it was only 7pm for me. The site worked as advertised by Len. Went to the 2023 Nationals webpage, clicked on the link and done in about two minutes. Have conformation in hand and ready to travel to San Marcos next August. Should be loads of fun and a great time to visit with my modeling friends. Have a nice day all. David Von Almen, Gentleman modeler

Got my reservation with not one problem. Was the fastest, easiest reservation I have made yet to the Nationals. Great work Len. Looking forward to being there next August. David Von Almen, Gentleman modeler

Hum...I guess that means I don't loose any sleep because that is 7:00pm Hawaii Standard Time Friday, Sept. 2nd. Lucky me.

Welcome back to the fun with plastic people. Looking forward to seeing your work. David Von Almen, Gentleman Modeler in paradise

Tony, welcome back to the modeling world. Now to answer your question - no as an IPMS member you do not have to enter any contest. You can just go to any of them and enjoy being with like minded individuals. Seeing the models in any contest can inspire you to try new things. Have a nice day and enjoy building again. David Von Almen, Gentleman Modeler in Paradise

Very nice. Love the paint choice. What a beautiful finish on the whole model. Have a nice day. David Von Almen, Gentleman Modeler in Paradise

Very nice Joe. The pictures brought back memories of my Grandfather, a retired Fire Chief at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. I had the chance, as a little boy, to climb on the crash trucks and the other fire trucks when we would go to visit him at the fire hall on base. Lots of fun for a small boy. My Grandfather retired in 1961. Before he was a fireman/Chief he was an automotive mechanic and during WW1 he was an aircraft mechanic with the 94th Aero Squadron. Earlier than that he built a race car for the very first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Thanks for the memories. David Von Almen, Gentleman Modeler in paradise

The way the current schedule seems to be running with the Journal I won't see the May/June issue here in Hawaii before I leave to fly to Las Vegas for the National Convention. You guys on the mainland have the advantage on me. Your Journals arrive at least two weeks before it ever gets to the island. Anything less than first class mail comes by the "Slow Boat to China" method. See you in Las Vegas in a few days. David Von Almen, Gentleman Modeler in paradise

Dak, I always speak for myself. I just learned a long time ago that there is more to life than just siting at the workbench. If my model building had been "a way of life" I would have missed out on a lot of very interesting things that happened along the way. But like I said we just have to agree to disagree. I am heading to the beach this morning then maybe I will work on my convention entry this afternoon. David Von Almen, Gentleman modeler in paradise