South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
Auto Modeler: 116 posts
Posted: Monday, December 17, 2018 - 11:46 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Warren,
Vinyl eventually would dry out and crack, & in the summertime they got really hot. Leather taken care of lasted a life time.
Like I said, I honestly don't remember if my seat sagged or not, but they never cracked, nor did they stick to your legs while wearing shorts in the summer time.
Joel
Mine have no cracks etc either. Leather can dry out and crack if it is not looked after. My car has never been stored outside in the harsh Australian sun so the seats are fine as is the top (which has been replaced I am sure as it is too good!)
You may be right, I may be crazy.
Joel_W
Associate EditorNew York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,974 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 18, 2018 - 04:42 AM UTC
Warren,
Honestly, I'd sell my soul for a 67 MGB that's restorable. But even if I could find one, my wife would nix the deal or my life for sure. To her a car is how you get from point A to point B. To me, it the drive between those two points that matters most.
Joel
On my Workbench:
Monogram 1/24 scale 427 Shelby Cobra
Just Completed:
Beemax 1/24 scale BMW M3 E30 1992 Evolution II
South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
Auto Modeler: 116 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 18, 2018 - 09:34 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Warren,
Honestly, I'd sell my soul for a 67 MGB that's restorable. But even if I could find one, my wife would nix the deal or my life for sure. To her a car is how you get from point A to point B. To me, it the drive between those two points that matters most.
Joel
I would help but I am a bit far away for yourself. I love my 1963. It was one of the first MGBs in Australia and possibly the very first in South Australia. Still going strong.
My Wife doesn't have an overt interest but she loves going for rides in it when we go to shows etc.
You may be right, I may be crazy.
Merlin
Senior Editor 
#017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 - 10:17 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Honestly, I'd sell my soul for a 67 MGB that's restorable.
Joel
Hi Joel
They're honestly not that rare over here.
Your comment reminds me of when I was I was about 12 years old and an ex-RAF WW2 veteran who knew of my love of vintage aircraft offered me a Westland Lysander for free! The only catch was that I'd need to raise the funds to ship it to the UK from Canada! Needless to say, that was impossible - but seeing the way the value of warbirds has risen out of all recognition since the early 1970s, if I had managed to raise the money it could have been a life-changing investment!
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
Auto Modeler: 116 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 - 11:19 AM UTC
Hi Rowan.
Do you want some more pictures of the MGB? Are you building an early version or later version?
Will take some pictures of the engine bay this weekend if you want them.. and better ones of the interior.
Cheers
Warren
You may be right, I may be crazy.
Merlin
Senior Editor #017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 20, 2018 - 07:16 AM UTC
Hi Warren
Well, the kit was originally released in 1966, so I'm guessing that means it's the early version (as far as I know, Airfix never reworked the moulds, and the kit seems to match the Wikipedia description of the earlier version).
Thak you - a few photos of the engine area would be great to get an idea of what should be under the bonnet. I've got to say the kit parts look pretty crude, so I doubt that I'll go crazy adding detail if they turn out to be totally hopeless in the first place, but it would be nice to spruce things up a bit.
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
Merlin
Senior Editor #017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 22, 2018 - 10:14 AM UTC
Hi again
It's my first day off work tomorrow in a wee while, so I'm looking forward to taking stock and (hopefully!) making a little progress.
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
California, United States
Joined: September 06, 2013
KitMaker: 70 posts
Auto Modeler: 35 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 22, 2018 - 10:50 AM UTC
Hi,
I have been following both your MG-B and Joel's 956 builds. I have been motivated to pull my 956 and an old Revell XKE out of my stash and move them to the workbench. You both do great work. Just an FYI Hobbyeasy has the Aoshime MG-B MK-2 '68 and MK-3 '74 in stock. My '68 shipped on Friday $33.72 with tracking. Never had an MG. My first car was a '63 Corvair Spyder convertible.
Russ
Joel_W
Associate Editor New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,974 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 23, 2018 - 03:28 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi,
I have been following both your MG-B and Joel's 956 builds. I have been motivated to pull my 956 and an old Revell XKE out of my stash and move them to the workbench. You both do great work. Just an FYI Hobbyeasy has the Aoshime MG-B MK-2 '68 and MK-3 '74 in stock. My '68 shipped on Friday $33.72 with tracking. Never had an MG. My first car was a '63 Corvair Spyder convertible.
Russ
Russ,
thanks for much for the compliment, it's much appreciated. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on your 956 build.
As for those 1968 B's. I'm planning on building 3 of them:
My street version, my semi race version, & pure stock as when I 1st got mine in 1967.
Joel
On my Workbench:
Monogram 1/24 scale 427 Shelby Cobra
Just Completed:
Beemax 1/24 scale BMW M3 E30 1992 Evolution II
Merlin
Senior Editor #017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Monday, December 24, 2018 - 10:03 AM UTC
Cheers Russ
I'm glad this has helped contribute to you getting the urge to do some auto-modelling. I do realise that I seriously need to show some progress soon!
I think I built the Revell XKE in the early 1970s, along with their VW Camper-van. I thought they were both amazing kits at the time so, looking back, I can't really understand how/why I got out of the habit of building car kits. Stupid, really...
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
Merlin
Senior Editor #017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Monday, December 24, 2018 - 10:44 PM UTC
Hi again
Merry Christmas everyone!
Well, I guess the car bug's definitely bitten! - I treated myself to this as an Xmas present:
The subject should make a nice follow up to the MGB and, in kit terms, something modern from Tamiya should be in a different league compared to a vintage Airfix kit.
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
#439
Washington, United States
Joined: November 05, 2005
KitMaker: 4,950 posts
Auto Modeler: 555 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 04:07 AM UTC
Isn't that the one that they had to cut the roof off of so that Sean Connery would fit in it for "You Only Live Twice"?
Hanger Queens in Waiting:
Monogram 1/72 F8F-1
Corsair the Sky Pirate - 1/72 Ace A-7D
Century Series - Airfix 1/72 F-105G
Anti Shipping - Academy 1/72 PBJ-1D
Academy 1/72 F-84E
Merlin
Senior Editor #017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 04:11 AM UTC
Hi Mark
I hadn't heard that, but it wouldn't surprise me. It would make a great question for our local pub quiz!
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
Merlin
Senior Editor #017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 04:15 AM UTC
Hi again
I've just checked and, according to Wikipedia, the Bond car was a specially modified Toyota 2000GT.
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
Joel_W
Associate Editor New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,974 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 04:40 AM UTC
Rowan,
It's not a proper MGB, but it's a 2 seater. Looking forward to your build of it.
Joel
On my Workbench:
Monogram 1/24 scale 427 Shelby Cobra
Just Completed:
Beemax 1/24 scale BMW M3 E30 1992 Evolution II
#439
Washington, United States
Joined: November 05, 2005
KitMaker: 4,950 posts
Auto Modeler: 555 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 05:42 AM UTC
Ah, a white Japanese drop top. My confusion is obvious.
Hanger Queens in Waiting:
Monogram 1/72 F8F-1
Corsair the Sky Pirate - 1/72 Ace A-7D
Century Series - Airfix 1/72 F-105G
Anti Shipping - Academy 1/72 PBJ-1D
Academy 1/72 F-84E
South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
Auto Modeler: 116 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 07:30 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Ah, a white Japanese drop top. My confusion is obvious.
The Toyota 2000GT is about twice the size of the Honda. Did you know the Honda has chain drive?
Photos coming Rowan.
You may be right, I may be crazy.
Merlin
Senior Editor #017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 08:43 AM UTC
Cheers Warren.
I've got one more request (it maybe doesn't need a photo) - the kit has a little dip with a turn-up on each front wing behind the headlight. As far as I can see from photos, it should be a smooth curve all the way from the windscreen forwards. Could you confirm that one way or another?
I suspect it's a sinkage problem on the kit (there are other definite sink marks nearby), but both kit wings match and it's neat enough to look possibly deliberate. I just want to check it's not a feature on the real car before I reshape it.
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
Auto Modeler: 116 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 08:45 AM UTC
As requested, MGB engine bay..
Note this one has a few changes;
1. The small white bottle on the firewall is a reservoir for adding a special chemical replacing the lead in new fuel.
2. Their are braided lines going to the oil cooler rather than rubber.
3. I installed a thermatic fan a few months ago.
That's it. Note the cooling fan is yellow.
You may be right, I may be crazy.
South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
Auto Modeler: 116 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 09:21 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Cheers Warren.
I've got one more request (it maybe doesn't need a photo) - the kit has a little dip with a turn-up on each front wing behind the headlight. As far as I can see from photos, it should be a smooth curve all the way from the windscreen forwards. Could you confirm that one way or another?
I suspect it's a sinkage problem on the kit (there are other definite sink marks nearby), but both kit wings match and it's neat enough to look possibly deliberate. I just want to check it's not a feature on the real car before I reshape it.
All the best
Rowan
Can you upload a photo of the problem area? It should be smooth EXCEPT for the air vent and the badge in the middle of the bonnet leading edge.
You may be right, I may be crazy.
South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
Auto Modeler: 116 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 09:26 AM UTC
Does this help?
You may be right, I may be crazy.
#439
Washington, United States
Joined: November 05, 2005
KitMaker: 4,950 posts
Auto Modeler: 555 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 09:32 AM UTC
Sweet ride. And of course it's British Racing Green.
Hanger Queens in Waiting:
Monogram 1/72 F8F-1
Corsair the Sky Pirate - 1/72 Ace A-7D
Century Series - Airfix 1/72 F-105G
Anti Shipping - Academy 1/72 PBJ-1D
Academy 1/72 F-84E
Merlin
Senior Editor #017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 09:42 AM UTC
Hi Warren
I think that photo pretty much answers the question, but I'll take a shot of the area on the kit tomorrow. It's literally right behind each headlight and gives a bit of a "Penelope Pitstop" look to the front end - cute, but I don't think it's right.
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
Auto Modeler: 116 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 10:35 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Sweet ride. And of course it's British Racing Green.
Thanks Mark.
You may be right, I may be crazy.
Merlin
Senior Editor #017
United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
Auto Modeler: 388 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 10:25 PM UTC
Hi again Warren
Many thanks for the shots of the engine.
Sorry - I missed them last night because later posts had pushed them off the screen.
They certainly prove just how empty it is under the Airfix kit's bonnet. It would really need a scratch-build to get the shape of the bay itself right before even starting on the engine. So, I'll just add a few basics and call it "good enough" - otherwise I'll never get the model built!
Here are a couple of shots of the area behind the headlight. It's hard to show in photos, but there's a distinct flare which I don't think is correct:
I need to sort out the nasty mould-lines (with accompanying sink marks
) beside the opening for the bonnet too.
All the best
Rowan
BEWARE OF THE FEW...
As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me. - H. Rider Haggard
