TimKustoms 2022 Builds - an even dozen.

[TimKustom]

This year was probably the most prolific year I’ve had building models since my youth. I have a hard time believing I finished a dozen models in 2022, but I'm looking at them. Some of these were more serious than others, but all were fun.

First up is this AMT 1965 Impala Convertible Advanced Custom. Started in September of 2021, it got wrapped up in early 2022. Quite a challenging “box stock - box art” build. The only kit I know of that instructs the builder to cut off the front clip and replace it with the included custom parts. This was my first fogged paint job, candy ink from Green Stuff World and Splash 2k clear made it somewhat less stressful.

After the Impala, I needed something a little less stressful. I had ordered some “Viola SE 30th” paint from Splash and decided it would look good on an Aoshima Miura that had been in my stash for years. Built in 3 weeks, what a great kit, but I feel a bit late to the Miura party.

Next up are some builds you might have seen in the pages of Model Cars Magazine. Hope you enjoyed reading about them as much as I did building them.

I had been waiting for the Salvino JR Models Gen 7 Nascar since their announcement. Building that kit alongside replicating my first “glue kit” was pretty special. This pair got put together in a bit over a week, but having the modern car’s decals designed before the kit arrived did help a bit, watching Chastain's 2022 on track antics made it even better. 

Next was Revell’s new VW camper. Another superb kit. My original plan was to build this at a campground over a long weekend, but all the local spots were booked during that time. It was still built over a long weekend, proving a nice model doesn’t always take months (or years) to complete with a little planning. Tamiya Paint also helps make that happen. My first use of panty-hose on a model car as well.

The next pair was my first 3D-printed kit. I didn’t print them, but converting the Atom into a somewhat reasonable Nomad was a fun challenge. Again, planning and Tamiya paints allowed this pair to be finished in about a week of evenings. A lot of people scream 3D is the future of the hobby, could be, but I still have too many kits to build, we shall see.

You should be reading about this Salvino JR Models late model modified shortly. Built from a test shot, the story will be in issue 217. Don’t want to give anything away, just please don’t call him Cole.

While slugging along on the above models, I was also bashing on this Pro-Street 1985 Ford EXP. I wanted something “rad” to display at the ACME show. Seemed a blown, injected fairgrounds cruiser with checkerboard seats would be appropriate. This one has an interesting story to be told another day.

These last three didn’t go on my shelf but were some of my personal favorites of the year.

This purple Pro-Mod was built by my good friend Tommy May in 1990. Despite being detailed to the max, it had a serious flaw – the acrylic clear on the body never dried leaving the finish comparable to fly paper. He gave it to me about 15 years ago, I told him I’d try to fix it. Well, it finally got fixed after being stripped, requiring all the body work to be redone, then repainted with the same X-6 Tamiya paint with Revell Beretta decals. This time it got Splash 2K clear, that dried solid as a rock. When he got to see it in person, he wanted it back, which is cool by me.

This Green Gremlin was started by a fellow I’ve known for more than 40 years. We built model cars all through elementary school and I remember his Coors T-Bird being way better than my original UNO Buick. We reconnected recently and he said he had this Gremlin he started and due to his health he didn’t think he was up to dealing with all the “little bits.” He had sprayed a decent lime green paint job, and I knew he was a fan of Roadkill’s Hemi Gremmie, so I threw in the little bits needed to turn it into this. When I gave it to him a couple of weeks later, he teared up a bit, which was even cooler by me.

My latest one is a replica of my brother’s 2006 Mustang GT. I’ve wanted to build him a replica for a while, and now was the time, it would make a great Christmas present too. The main challenge was I didn’t get the kit until December 20th. Tamiya paints to rescue. He said I nailed it, except for the center caps, because he lost a decal on one so he took the rest off. I replied, I should have gotten you some new center caps then.

Here’s to hoping all of you can have a great modeling year in 2023.

[Phildaupho]

Great builds as I would have expected but that 65 Impala is incredibly gorgeous. Perfect color on the Miura. Love your contributions to MCM. Happy New Year.

[Zippi]

Great looking models.  I like the Pro Mod.

[espo]

Beautiful looking builds and paint work. Would never have thought of that shade on a Mura, but it sure looks good. The '65 Impala reminds me that I have one that got as far as primer and has been sitting in the box ever since it was first issued. 

[AMT68]

Amazing looking builds. 

[TooOld]

Great stuff Tim , and beautifully done as usual !  I like them all and call me crazy but that Gremlin is really cool ! 

[slusher]

Fantastic looking models for the year!

[TransAmMike]

Yep, great looking builds ya got there Tim!!

[ModelcarJR]

Excellentt builds! I really like the VW Camper as I know someone who has one but its not as cool as yours! ??

[bbowser]

4 hours ago, Phildaupho said:

Great builds as I would have expected but that 65 Impala is incredibly gorgeous. Perfect color on the Miura. Love your contributions to MCM. Happy New Year.

I couldn't agree more!  Hope to see more of your work in the mag this year.

[Dragonhawk1066]

Those are outstanding!! 

[70 Sting]

Super-nice work. Thanks for sharing.

[PappyD340]

Super nice group!

[Joe Nunes]

Top notch quality on these beautiful models!  Nice variety and color choice too. ?

Joe 

[Modlbldr]

All very nice builds and great quality too. I love the color of that Miura. I have that kit to build.

Later-

[Peter Lombardo]

Wow. all really well done. but the custom Impala and the camper are stellar.  Great year of builds.

[SpikeSchumacher]

Awesome builds Tim! 

 

[Plowboy]

You had a great year Tim! They're all very nicely done! 

[MeatMan]

Impressive work!

[ChrisR]

Awesome builds!

[Koellefornia Kid]

Top notch builds! The Impala looks so sweet!

[ATHU]

Very very nice!! Love the Miura!!

[ismaelg]

Love them all! The VW bus and the Miura are my favorites.  Also love the Atom. Never seen in model form before.

[Dennis Lacy]

You had quite a year, Tim! Not something I usually pay attention to but the VW Camper is so awesome. Killer attention to detail throughout. I enjoyed that article. 
 

Now, I absolutely LOVE the Pro Street EXP. That is just bad ass! It looks perfectly 90’s period correct. 

[spencer1984]

Some fantastic work across the board, but I particularly like seeing that EXP!