Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2008 0:38:20 GMT -5
Hello Everyone,
Reading from some of the posts in some of the threads here, I see and get the feeling some of you are a bit timid to trying one of the resin Indy Car Kits currently available to us modelers. All I can say is DON'T BE!!! Most resign kits are easy and the guys that are left doing castings are great and have weathered the storm of pretenders, and these guys are doing great work!
I have been lucky or unlucky enough to know and have met all of those that have tried the resign Indy Car Model market over the past 20 years. From Garage 97, to Gary Doucette and Chris Etzel. All tried, some succeeded and some failed. All were interesting, some great, some very bad. All tried their best. My only word of warning is get it now! Cottage Industry guys come and go without warning. I personally know of 8 modelers who were always going to, "Order a kit from Chris in the next few weeks." to be only left high and dry when Chris suddenly stopped producing kits. You snooze, you loose! I have turned all of them down to sell one of the Etzel's Speed Classic Kits I have left.
Both Lance Sellers and Bill Jorgensen do great work! Bill does past winners, pole winners and such. Lance does work on some very interesting mid 60's cars and past winners as well. Get one of these kits and try it for yourself. Before it's too late! You'll be happy you did!
Best to you all!
Russ
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Post by herk56 on Apr 13, 2008 8:20:23 GMT -5
Good point, Russ! I am also guilty of saying "I've got to get an order together soon"! I missed several of Chris's kits that I would give my left-hand threaded nut for now!
Brian
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Post by macsparty on Apr 13, 2008 9:13:06 GMT -5
I agree. I've only actually finished two of them, but I wouldn't say they are any more difficult - or easier - than plastic kit. They're just different.
Unfortunately in Etzel's hayday, I was at a stage of my life that I just couldn't afford that much money on a car kit. Now that I can, they're gone! I've been buying as many of Bill's as I can justify (and some I can't!), and with some of the kits Lance has mentioned as coming up, I'll have to budget for those as well. The more variety, the better!
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Post by lazierfan on Apr 13, 2008 12:51:44 GMT -5
Russ if right on this point. Get them while you can, even Bill Jorgensen stop making kits for a little while at one point. I have I think at the last count close to 25 different kits and bodies from Bill . One of the rarest is probably a 95 Lola Bill did just in case one did win the race in 95, but I don't think he ever offered for sale at any point. I am getting ready to sell an Etzel dallara on ebay soon.
Like Russ I have met Bill and Lance ..and even Mike from Indycals. All are great guys to talk with and are always willing to give tips.
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Post by indy on Apr 13, 2008 13:38:27 GMT -5
I agree. I've only actually finished two of them, but I wouldn't say they are any more difficult - or easier - than plastic kit. They're just different. Unfortunately in Etzel's hayday, I was at a stage of my life that I just couldn't afford that much money on a car kit. Now that I can, they're gone! I've been buying as many of Bill's as I can justify (and some I can't!), and with some of the kits Lance has mentioned as coming up, I'll have to budget for those as well. The more variety, the better! I'm with my friend MacSparty here. I was in college during Etzel's big days so I never got any. I'd like to do the '98 Cheever car for the IMS display but finding one would be my first problem.... Eric, IIRC Bill sold the master of the '95 Lola on eBay several years ago and I honestly just don't know what happened to it - maybe the winner built it up instead of making molds from it - I dunno!?!? I really need to prioritize what I want from Bill so I can at least get what I will definitely build - I honestly want it all but maybe I can settle for just a few pieces. Jordan |
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Post by kitbash1 on May 5, 2008 14:00:35 GMT -5
What ever happened to Gary Doucette? He had some interesting aftermarket stuff such as the Speedway Wheel disks in aluminum.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2008 19:41:56 GMT -5
Hi Douglas,
Gary as pulled a Harry Houdini or a Chris Etzel act. He is disappeared! Gary did do some very interesting things. Then one day, someone tried to call Gary and got his wife instead, who answered the phone and said, quite rudely, "He doesn't live here anymore and I don't know where is is!" and hung up. Before disappearing, Gary sold all his molds to a guy who'll never produce any of them and Gary left for parts unknown.
I met Gary in 1997 at Indy and he was a very nice guy. I'd like to hear from him because we were friendly and always talked about things. I still have a few of Gary's kits here. In my honest opinion, his 1936 500 Winner and his 1937 Shaw "Pay Car" were his best kits...His Demler was good also. Gary has joined Chris Etzel with Elvis and Amelia Earhart with Jim Morrison in the Bermuda Triangle.
Best to you
Russ
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2008 8:14:12 GMT -5
Hi Russ,
Don't know how I missed this post! LOL!! I agree, resins are not a problem to build. They pose their own set of issues such as gluing, but I have never found them to be any more difficult to build than a plastic kit. In some ways they are easier to work with. Every one who is serious about building any specific types of models will have to turn to resin at one point or another.
Bill <><
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Post by indy on May 13, 2008 13:55:17 GMT -5
I can find Chris Etzel - he's selling off his huge collection right now!! Won't respond to my emails though but ships when paid...
Jordan
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drdave
Front Runner
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Post by drdave on May 13, 2008 17:00:48 GMT -5
Ok, I talked with Chris about 2 months ago. He said he was playing music, involved with other things, and in general very happy. He said he had been aproached about selling his masters by several (including me) but it the stuff was in strorage and right now he really wasn't intrested. He said he wouldn't rule out ever making the kits again but, as of now he was 99% sure never would. So now you know the rest of the story!
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Post by slidinsideways on May 13, 2008 19:03:14 GMT -5
Sorry if I offend here... I understand completely when an artist gets burned out or loses interest in his work. That kind of thing can happen for any number of reasons. I just think it is a crying shame that the tools to recreate these masterpieces are being held hostage for no apparent reason! By his own admission then, Mr. Etzel has no further interest in ever (at least 99% none) getting back into the hobby. Why not sell the masters and be done with it for good? Or at least allow someone to reproduce the stuff and reap the royalties? All the while creating much pleasure and enjoyment in a hobby he once apparently loved...This kind of thing just leaves me shaking my head and wondering why...  Come on, Chris! Give us a break! |
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Post by herk56 on May 13, 2008 19:16:32 GMT -5
I agree 100% with Bill. If I had invested that much of my time, sweat, money & tears into something, I would want SOMEONE to carry on. It does seem like a terrible waste. Perry's Resin (I believe) has Gary Doucettes "Front Motor" masters and prevailing opinion is he will never produce any of those, either.
Brian
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Post by indy on May 13, 2008 22:17:02 GMT -5
I've heard there is a resin '91 Penske and someone (Perry's) has it with no intention of producing. What a waste - I just dropped over $50 on a vacuform version since I've never seen any other version of that car.
We need more kits but we REALLY need more resin!!
Jordan
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2008 14:45:11 GMT -5
The problem with Perry's Resin on the Front Motor stuff is that the molds need work to get up to Perry's quality and he's reluctant to release ANYTHING under the Perry's name that are of lesser quality.
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Post by herk56 on May 14, 2008 15:48:41 GMT -5
Well, judging from some of the Front Motor builds in Lance's gallery, that seems like a little bit of a lame excuse. Just be up front on what level of quality you are selling and what work will be required. I'd much rather have a kit that needs a lot of clean-up and even some scratchbuilding than no kit at all. Just my 2 cents - Brian
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2008 16:06:09 GMT -5
That's what he told me a few years ago right there in his workshop.
I disagreed, but Randy is Randy. Sometimes he is his own worst enemy.
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Post by indy on May 14, 2008 16:49:03 GMT -5
Which ones are Front Motor in the customer gallery? I have no idea what their product line was...
My impression is Perry is just sitting on the resins - anyone can feel free to correct me if I'm off basis here. But if I'm right then it is a shame because if it too low quality either sell it or fix it - he shouldn't take away some Indy options. Nothing personal but it stinks! Not picking on anyone person or company here - same for Mr. Etzel and many others that pulled up shop.
I get the feeling that most guys here would rather have a crappy starting point to build a car they want then nothing at all.
Jordan
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Post by herk56 on May 14, 2008 17:39:04 GMT -5
In the right hand column, the 8th, 10th and 11th pics down from the top and in the left column, the 11th pic UP from the bottom are all Front Motor kits.
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russd
Race Winner
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Post by russd on May 15, 2008 8:37:15 GMT -5
I'd like to add, that by supporting the resin car producers you also are supporting the decal artists as well. I'm not sure of the level of work that goes into a set of decals, but I can imagine that the research and hours of trial and error getting the right shade and fitting to compound shapes is considerable.
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Post by duane on May 15, 2008 21:04:16 GMT -5
i've been supporting them both as of late! i've picked up quite a few of the jorgensen kits off ebay and from lance sellers as well.
a while back i mentioned to my wife i'd like a couple of kits that i'd seen of chris etzel and for my birthday i opened up a kurtis midget and a kuzma offy! yea, i think i'll keep her!
this indy stuff is really grabbing me!
duane
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Post by herk56 on May 30, 2008 7:37:26 GMT -5
So you're the guy that keeps bidding against me - LOL!
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Post by mrindy77 on May 30, 2008 11:01:36 GMT -5
Just out of curiousity, what Etzel kits or parts are people most looking for?
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Post by macsparty on May 30, 2008 11:08:26 GMT -5
Just out of curiousity, what Etzel kits or parts are people most looking for? I'd love a Miller. I think Bill J did one, but it hasn't been offered for a while. |
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Post by indy on May 30, 2008 17:10:37 GMT -5
Just out of curiousity, what Etzel kits or parts are people most looking for? I'd love to have his 1998, 1999, & 2000 Indy 500 kits. First priority is the 1998 kit as I volunteered to that one for the HOF display! Jordan |
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Post by herk56 on May 30, 2008 20:03:15 GMT -5
I'd really like a couple or three of his Watson Roadsters!
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Post by duane on May 30, 2008 20:24:30 GMT -5
hey herk,
you can blame russ for that! he said to get them while you can and that's what i'm trying to do! LOL! between lance and bill it's been really tough on the wallet but the quality of these kits are worth every penny.
duane
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Post by indy on Jun 4, 2008 10:57:23 GMT -5
Taking the suggestion from here, I went ahead and bought a long desired piece - a 85 March from Bill J. It is for a "future build" ....er probably a WAYYY future build. But I figured it was best to get it now while I still could. Besides once it gets built it will be strange to see a March 85C in something other than Danny's red and white winner  Jordan |
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Post by macsparty on Jun 4, 2008 12:04:20 GMT -5
Taking the suggestion from here, I went ahead and bought a long desired piece - a 85 March from Bill J. It is for a "future build" ....er probably a WAYYY future build. But I figured it was best to get it now while I still could. Besides once it gets built it will be strange to see a March 85C in something other than Danny's red and white winner Jordan What are you thinking of doing, Jordan? I finally scored a set of Interscope decals to do Ongais' car with my Jorgensen March 85C that's in the stash. |
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Post by indy on Jun 4, 2008 12:51:34 GMT -5
This one is ear marked to become a Pennzoil Z-7 - Rick Mears' 1985 ride - car of the defending Indy 500 winner and Pocono 500 winner. When the 1985 Indy 500 ran , I was still 7 (just barely) so I rooted for my favorite who I picked after seeing him win at Indy 1984... Rick Mears!!! Who is still my favorite driver today. I have about half of his cars in 1/25 scale (just recently acquired his '84 & '91 winners) and about half in 1/43. Now I'll have the 85C in both scales. I have a copy of this old 1/24 March 85C diecast (I paid about $10) so it will be interesting to compare it to Bill's piece (since I notionally think of Bill's work as very accurate). BTW, congrats on the Ongais decals!! I'd been hoping you'd get some soon! Jordan |
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Post by macsparty on Jun 4, 2008 13:12:56 GMT -5
That's going to look sweet, Jordan!
I've always felt I missed out on Mears. My first race was 1980, so I missed his first by a year, and the only race I've missed since then is 1984! I think I must have been unlucky for him for a while, every time I showed up he lost. ;D But I did see his last two!
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Come on, Chris! Give us a break!
