[Customs] Illustrious Debut. Series 1 Released.

After months of on/off planning, I finally bring something to the table. I have a feeling this series is going to lead to improved execution of tools used in customs through repeated practice and tackling common issues.

Huge problems were afloat when dust kept getting itself caught onto wet paint and because the colour in question is none other than white, debris is very hard to miss when observing these pieces of work. I've learned to keep coats thin, and to never make a wet coat of paint as that is already too much. On a more brighter note, the Illustrious Series focuses on quantity over quality - that's what all the specialized series and one-offs are for, thus this can be overlooked for now though I still would like to avoid getting crummy finishes if possible. I may need to invest in a pair of white lint-free cotton gloves to handle these when I'm finished painting as the paint likes to accept fingerprints or whatever comes into contact and stays there for even 2 seconds.

So to reiterate, the Illustrious features cars exclusively in white with a mix of black and gold however way I please. The general theme I aim to maintain is black wheels with a gold rim with gold accents on the body (i.e. door handles or shiny grills). Decal styles will vary but will keep the name of what it is.

The Illustrious Series will always release in groups of 5 (though this is not written in stone yet), and it is broken down into categories of 2 formats: Classic and Modern, as well as class groupings: Muscle/Rod, Concept, Sport, Super, Luxury, and Racer.

from top to bottom: Aston Martin DBS, Ferrari 599XX, Ford Gran Torino Sport, Lotus Esprit, SRT Viper GTS.

The gold on the Sharpie's is a spun gold, a little darker than ideal, but it works great on the wheels. Other than the Torino, none of the cars required axle refitting so it saved me several hours of work. Plus I don't run the chance of tilting the axle, a problem I've had when I was still a beginner. The 599 and Esprit got the most amount of dust while the Torino is dirty thanks to my fingers smearing all its dirt onto it. Hopefully I will avoid these in the future. Or maybe I should try polishing compound.

Again, you can always refer to my spreadsheet (via Google Drive) to see the whole roster which you can find on the Customs About page. Thanks for viewing.

[Diecast, Carded] Another Haul. Call for Blog Layout Changes.

There's a bit of stuff to share and announce. As you may have noticed, I've changed the layout. I'm thinking of swapping out those image links on the right hand side and moving them on the left in the form of text links to look much more concise. I also wasn't digging how far apart the images were separated by default and I'm unsure if I can change that via HTML. But anyway, I figured a directory looks more intuitive if if wasn't on the right-hand side so I'll stick with this to see how it goes.


That aside, I've been cleaning up my card collection, and updating my inventory with my records since it's been a while. Looks like there's quite a bit to do. Discovered cards I haven't recorded and some that are no longer available cards just to name a few. Then there's the need to update the overwhelmingly large Customs log. That's been needing an update for a while now! While I'll be working on that, here's the new haul to gander at for the time being.

 Both long over-due. Been meaning to uncard these hatchbacks since day 1. It was purchased with the intention of applying a custom rally livery. I just haven't gotten there yet.

 Yay! Now if I'm lucky, I'll be able to find the London Bus.

Up for trade. If it's not gone after a certain point, it's going towards a custom.

Also up for trade. Will include in a lot if it's not gone after a certain point.

Randomly found this 2009 card at Square One. Really baffled how a random old card just shows up like that. Not big on the F430 Spider casting, but it's up for trade never the less.

SRT Viper GTS. For 82 cents, of course I'd nab it.. to put it in a lot in the future.

Oh that's right, I used a different backdrop sheet this time. I like this because  don't need to leave room for the "AOS" text on the left. This works as a better watermarking anyway.

 '70 Chevy Chevelle SS.

Really digging the modified chassis. I love how the rear wheels aren't size 2 and the Gulf livery of course. Mattel should invest their money into this chassis rather than the previous if you ask me.

 '62 Chevy Corvette. 

Like the colour, don't like the size 2s in the back. It also gives it the impression the wheelbase is too short. Will definitely wheelswap to fix this.

Opening up the possible error.

Nissan Skyline R34

Rear light tampos are horrid but the colour scheme is great.

Surfin' School Bus.

Love the graffiti. Swapping those wheels without hesitation. Someone hid this 2 peg columns down where the Ballistix were. Took it anyway. Finding Hot Wheels is like finding nuts for squirrels; you better hide it good or else!