Post by Deleted on May 8, 2008 11:33:03 GMT -5
Hey guys!
One quick word for everyone. I have been very lucky to have build models of cars for the drivers who drove them. I started this way before there became a glut of die-cast models on the market. Many die-cast or wrong, inaccurate and aren't very good and lack that personal touch that only a good craftsman, such as yourself can put on the car. They also lack the passion and are rather cold.
If you get the chance...build a model car for the guy who drove it. You'll start a friendship you never thought you could have with a guy you admired as a kid, like I have. I have built models for 6 winning drivers of the 500, and several for men who didn't. This was before Carousel came out with their 18th scale tin pots. Nothing against die-cast, but they are for those who can't build models or don't have the time or talent. I have a few as well. But I would rather spend the time and the money with Lance Sellers or Bil Jorgensen and build my own model and make sure I get it correct. Trust me on this one, many drivers don't have models built of their cars...and many drivers are model builders as well!
I'll never forget the time at Long Beach, when I found myself lucky enough to be in the pits standing next to Mario Andertti and asked him about a rumor I heard that he too, built model race cars. The rumor was, Mario likes to build model Ferrari's. He said he did and was very happy to talk about it. Then over came Nigel Mansell and he builds model race cars as well. Mansell likes British Grand Prix cars. Then came team owner Paul Newman and joined in the conversation and he too, likes to build model race cars. Over the years....I have found out that Johnny Rutherford was a HUGE slot car racer and model builder as well. So is Al Unser Jr. and big modeler as well.
While working and writing for the late great, "Motor Racing Replica News", I was lucky enough to interview and build many models for former drivers. If you get a chance to, do it!!! You'll never regret you did.
Best to you
Russ
One quick word for everyone. I have been very lucky to have build models of cars for the drivers who drove them. I started this way before there became a glut of die-cast models on the market. Many die-cast or wrong, inaccurate and aren't very good and lack that personal touch that only a good craftsman, such as yourself can put on the car. They also lack the passion and are rather cold.
If you get the chance...build a model car for the guy who drove it. You'll start a friendship you never thought you could have with a guy you admired as a kid, like I have. I have built models for 6 winning drivers of the 500, and several for men who didn't. This was before Carousel came out with their 18th scale tin pots. Nothing against die-cast, but they are for those who can't build models or don't have the time or talent. I have a few as well. But I would rather spend the time and the money with Lance Sellers or Bil Jorgensen and build my own model and make sure I get it correct. Trust me on this one, many drivers don't have models built of their cars...and many drivers are model builders as well!
I'll never forget the time at Long Beach, when I found myself lucky enough to be in the pits standing next to Mario Andertti and asked him about a rumor I heard that he too, built model race cars. The rumor was, Mario likes to build model Ferrari's. He said he did and was very happy to talk about it. Then over came Nigel Mansell and he builds model race cars as well. Mansell likes British Grand Prix cars. Then came team owner Paul Newman and joined in the conversation and he too, likes to build model race cars. Over the years....I have found out that Johnny Rutherford was a HUGE slot car racer and model builder as well. So is Al Unser Jr. and big modeler as well.
While working and writing for the late great, "Motor Racing Replica News", I was lucky enough to interview and build many models for former drivers. If you get a chance to, do it!!! You'll never regret you did.
Best to you
Russ
