As kids my Brother and I were always big model builders. After High school I passed most of my collection on to a Cousin. I am still a toy collector and try not to collect anything bigger than 1/25th scale. Diecast cars and trucks became fun for me as I liked to cut them up and modify them. Several diecast and plastic models in my collection are replicas of real cars that I have built and owned. I find building a model helps in the design for the real thing. My current 66 Malibu Wagon that I am converting into a 2dr Nomad style build started out by designing a diecast 66 Chevelle model into a 2dr Wagon. As I think of changes in my design I can first try them out on the model to see if I will like them. Over the years I have had several cars that my family and I really enjoyed. It may not be practical for most of us to keep all our builds but I find having the models of those cars is a cool way to hold on to the memories.
Well the larger design model I made several years ago for my 56 Chevy 2dr to ElCamino conversion is finally finished. It had been sitting in a box for years until a friend offered to airbrush the colors for me. For this one I modified a diecast Franklin Mint Wagon. Very pleased the way it turned out. Probably will display it in the case with my other Franklin and Danbury Mint cars.