Model Car Culture Podcast

In this episode of the Scale Riders podcast, we’re recapping all the action from Spirit of Speed 11 at the NHRA Motorsports Museum. From catching up with good friends to digging through vendor bins for vintage parts, it was a day packed with inspiration and classic model car culture.Tune in as we break down the swap meet haul—including vintage kits, glue bomb rescue projects, and rare custom parts—plus plans to bring back interview-style episodes, upcoming local builder hangouts, and thoughts on staying motivated through the hobby.

In Episode 285, we’re gearing up for the upcoming Spirit of Speed 11 Model Car Contest & Swap Meet! We break down what to expect at the show, swap meet hunting tips, and sourcing rare parts and donor bodies.Later, we dive deep into custom bench work—discussing roof chops, shaving trim, and shaping body lines with epoxy putty and styrene. We also cover favorite custom tools like ceramic knives, vintage heated cutting tools, and rotary techniques, along with essential bench safety tips to protect your lungs and eyes while grinding.

Reminiscing AMCE Custom Corvette Bubble Top Idea

Model Kit Is There For You

Working on the Kustom, I feel a lack of tool for the job. Oh yes Sculpting Tool.

In this episode of the Scale Riders podcast, we’re cutting through the noise and getting straight back to the bench. After dealing with a creative slump, I talk about breaking everything down to basics, finding purpose in model building again, and why I chose to step back from overproduced content to focus purely on raw, unedited bench sessions.I also dive into the latest progress on the custom build—swapping a '49 Merc roof onto a '56 Bel Air and grafting on custom '57 taillights—plus a game-changing CA glue and marker trick to save time and primer when leveling out seams. Finally, we talk about the history and heritage of the hobby, why model kits are like vinyl records, and plans for an upcoming local swap-and-sell meetup in California.If you enjoy the conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment sharing why you build!

In this episode of the Scale Riders podcast, we're diving back into the workbench with a vintage 1949 Mercury AMT kit. I break down what it took to get out of the modeling slump, going back to basics with rattle cans, and laying down a custom multi-shade gold fade using Tamiya TS-21 Gold, Titanium Gold, TS-75 Champagne Gold, and TS-65 Pearl Clear.We also take a deep dive into model car history, discussing rare vintage kits, catching up with friends in the community, and reading through Bud Anderson's classic November 1962 "Model Car Builders Corner" article from Hot Rod magazine.

What’s up everyone, just checking in and letting you know what I’ve been up to lately. In this episode, I talk about making YouTube my main content hub, current events in the hobby, and what’s been going on behind the scenes. Thanks for tuning in and being part of the journey.Free US Shipping on orders $50 and over — Limited Time! Use code: FREESHIP50https://scaleriders.com/https://www.youtube.com/@scaleriders#scalemodel #modelcar #hobby

In this episode of the Model Car Culture Podcast, I’m joined by Alan Gonick — longtime model car builder, photographer, and writer from Southern California.Alan shares decades of experience in the hobby, including: His legendary ’57 Chevy custom build Techniques for bodywork, molding, and scratch-building His history writing for Lowrider Bicycle Magazine Stories from shows like Cactus Classic, SoCal events, and more Deep insight into classic model car craftsmanship Tools, materials, and techniques used before modern 3D printing How research, history, and creativity shape better model builds This episode is packed with real model car knowledge, old-school techniques, and inspiration for builders of all levels.If you’re into scale modeling, custom builds, or model car history, this one’s for you.🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES🛒 Store: https://scaleriders.com/ 🎙 Podcast: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/scaleriders 👕 Clothing: https://www.124limited.com/ 🛠 Amazon Affiliate: https://amzn.to/46qiLFq📩 Scale Riders Media Group For brand partnerships, video sponsorships, or advertising: [email protected]

In Episode 277 of the Model Car Culture Podcast, we’re joined by Bullitt Eighty Seven, a forward-thinking model builder from Texas known for high-end custom, drift-inspired, and concept-driven scale builds.This deep-dive conversation goes far beyond the workbench. Bullet 87 breaks down his creative process, from early sketchbooks and industrial design influence, to 3D printing, scratch-building, and storytelling through model cars.We cover:Traveling with builds and finishing models on the roadTurning real-world automotive culture into scale conceptsTopographical map artwork and hidden Easter eggs in buildsAdvanced use of 3D printing vs scratch-buildingRace cars, drift cars, time attack concepts, and custom trucksWhy storytelling matters more than box artHow art, design, and problem-solving shape better buildsThis episode is packed with real insight for serious builders, creatives, and anyone pushing past the instructions to build something personal and meaningful.🛒 Store:https://scaleriders.com/🎙️ Podcast:https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/scaleriders👕 Clothing:https://www.124limited.com/🛠️ Amazon Affiliate:https://amzn.to/46qiLFqScale Riders Media GroupFor brand partnerships, video sponsorships, or advertising:📧 [email protected]