RE: NASCAR decals

So far as Raisins reason for clear coating ...has anyone tried clear coating the decals while they are still on the sheet? I have done that before Testors came out with the decal clear coat. I do it all the time with gloss or flat clear...depends on the sheen you want, and it also keeps old decals like new if you aren't quite sure if they will break up if they are old or very thin. I've NEVER had a problem with clear coating the sheet before I use it, especially on my old Cady decals that can't be replaced!

Just a thought for keeping the rivet counters happy in shows as the vinyl decals on 1:1's aren't oversprayed, are usually glossy but still have the 3 dimensional look while not being buried under 20 coats of clear paint.

-Mike

I have given this a bit more thought and I think it comes down to this..........are you building a "model/replica" or are you building a diorama.

Using the roof flaps as an example......A model/ replica depicts a vehicle not a situation. Although the roof flaps would normally be closed on a NASCAR racer they can be opened. Therefore on your model they can be opened as well. This is no different than opening doors, or making a removable air cleaner to show a detailed carb.

A diorama however shows a scene or situation. In this case I would agree with Drew. if the car is in a situation where the flaps would be closed then it would be wrong to show them open.

That being said.........the bottom line is build it the way you want it!

Raisin

Ok I gotta say something on this subject, as far as paint on Race cars go, alot of the colors are single stage(glossy with out clear) or a base coat/clearcoat, DEPENDING of the type of color used. Drew was saying the WHOLE car is being wrapped with vinyl nowadays, not true. Most of the main colors are still paint, and the graphics are vinyl decals, SOME graphic's ARE painted. It's all UP to the teams on how they want to do them. Now on the point of whats realistic on a model?....ok we are ALL building our models WRONG if you really want to get down to the nitty gritty,....

1. Our models are made of plastic, not sheet metal

2. Do your models tires have air in them?

3. Does your model have oil and trans fluid in them?

4. Does you model have brake fluid, and do the brakes work?

5. Will it go into gear?... does it even have a ring and pinion in the rear end?

6. Is there fuel in the tank of your model?

7. Is the timing set, and does your distributor have a hold down bolt?

8. Radiator full of coolant and water?

9. Lights work?...how about the high beams?

10. Do you EVEN have a set of keys for it? ...lol 

 Why are we nit picking such stuff like who clears what? or roof flaps?....bottom line does it look good? is the quality there?....come on guy's it's all about building a nice model to please yourself.......if some one builds a Nascar model with opened roof flaps, it's just to show that the builder took the time to make them work. Are you going to complain that the cars with the engines out of them are not realistic because you rarely ever see the engine out of the car?.....again bottom line, does the built model look good?......come on guy's, there is too much time wasted on this subject....lol.......but I really like statement number 10........just keep building and enjoy your models.......I know I do...........Slick

First of all, it was the negative TONE of this article that rufffled many feathers in the hobby.  We all build to our own tastes and likes, or at least we should.

How ironic is it that Drew writes an article like this with a super detailed Dodge Daytona circle track on the cover. This isn't the first time he has voiced his negative opinions either.  He's gone to other message forums and put down other modelers' efforts and taken the attitude that his way is the only way to build Nascar models. Rather than rant and rave about the methods other modelers use to modify their models, Mr. Hierwarter would have showed much more class had he just simply replied that he did not make those modifications to his models and then refer the question to a modeler who does, such as Clay Kemp or Dave Thibideau.

And, for the record, the roof flaps on these cars DO stay in the opened position. These flaps are inspected during tech inspection and they are inspected during race prep. For people to say they don't stay open is not true. How many times have you seen crew members pushing these flaps down on pit road after a spin? I have personally been in Cup garages and seen these flaps in the "up" position without anyone holding them in that position.

You can disagree with the way a model is built, there's nothing wrong with that.  What there IS a problem with is the way the thoughts are expressed. It comes down to respect and Mr. Hierwarter showed little to none in his most recent article.

Oh, and for the record, after spending 12 years working the flightline in the USAF, it is NOT uncommon to have the crew dressed and ready to climb in their airplanes while the mechanics are busy trying to finish a job or addressing a last minute mechanical malfunction, otherwise known as a "Red Streak" or "Red Ball".  Again, for those not educated, it might look foolish, but to those who have been exposed to these things firsthand, it's not out of the realm of possibility and it adds a totally different dimension to the model in question. It's all about having an open mind, not about condemning others because they don't build the way YOU think they should build.

I think I will alternate building my race cars... one time with clearcoat and roof flaps open and the next without clearcoat and the roof flaps closed. That way I will be right and wrong only 50% of the time, or right 50% of the time...or wrong 50% of the time...I'm so confuuuuuuused!!!.

thats why I build drag or street cars....and they are gonna be shiney!!!