Back from the California Convention and had a blast.  Brought a large scale display along.  nothing too wild, just something cool and simple.  Kind of a faux model kits display of new Hot Wheels Roth-style kits to come.  Called Monster Madness.  They are both 1/25th scale complete with custom boxes.  Pic below, and more pics coming soon to the gallery..

Monster Madness

Also a little something extra I brought along for those custom hounds who love it all.  A "FINKSTER" Dairy Delivery limited to only 10 as a convention exclusive.   Soon to come and online version in hotpink over-chrome.  Keep your eyes peeled on that email list to find out how to get one of your own.

"FINKSTER" Garden Grove 2007

I am getting ready to head out to the Garden Grove, CA - Hotwheels Convention in about 5 days.  Hope to see you guys there.  Stop by and get a pass to the party.  And speaking of that, don't forget to get your ONLINE party car limited to 50, in the For Sale link above.  Sale starts Thursday, Sept 27th.

Atomic Series with 1 of 10 chase car

Glow in the Dark

Atomic 2007 -  Tritium & Radium

Jump on that email list to find out how in the next 3 days! 

It finally stopped raining around here long enough to get some work done.  Started working on the Custom Bash cars for Bash 5.  You think I am gonna show them here?  Nope.  Not yet.  Soon enough my little custom fiends.   Still putting the final touches on a few things yet.  Here's a little trivia for your Hotwheels collectors.  Anyone know what this is? 

My newest - 25th scale Dairy Delivery

******************************************************

Busy week this week.  Spent the weekend in Minnesota for work and fun.  While there I went by a guys house house who has some great goodies. Mark Moriarity who restored Ed Roths Rotar and Road Agent, has an Outlaw and the Cpt. Pepis (Megacycle), among all his other Roth and other 60's showcar goodies.  He bought the Tiger Shark better known to us Hotwheels collectors as the Python, and is restoring it back ot the original version it started life as. the Car Craft "Dream Rod".  Below are a few pics as well as my 6yr old son sitting in the Outlaw, that rests in his living room!.  Not many can say they did that.

Hey folks,  It's been a busy summer for sure.  Managed to get a couple of things finished.  One of them was this WW2 themed Bomber style bus titled "Lil Darling".  It has a replica plane piece with the "Nose Art" inside.  It was a fun one to build.

"Lil Darling"

Of course with my love of Gatorade, I had a few of the empty powder containers left.  They are pretty cool as a miniature version of their cooler they sell.  You know me, I just had to do SOMETHING with them.  So I made a Gatorade themed Bus titled "Gotta-Race" painted Kandy Orange.  Well I got so many emails on these that I had to make a few more to represent other flavors in kandy over chrome colors.  Only one of each color, and that's it!  Here are 4 new flavors.  "Arctic Frost" kandy ice blue, "Fruit Punch" kandy magenta, "Lemon-Lime" antifreeze, and of course "Pink Lemonade" kandy hot pink.  Enjoy!

"Gotta-Race"

Pic thanks to Connie Basham ~ www.ConnieBasham.com

Well, the Dearborn Nationals are over and I missed them.  Had too much going on and it gives me time to plan for the October Convention.  But that also meant there wasn't a Custom Bash party either. Sorry to those that looked for that.   I did manage to be involved in a small way at the Nationals, so that was pretty cool.  Here is the Poker event VW Drag Bus I made hosted and put on by Neil Rambaldi.  They were limited to 15 Buses.

  Another event that just wrapped up was the DCX Die-cast Event.  I made some cars for this as well.  Limited to 20 VW Drag Buses with marbelized pink paint.

 You can see more of these by clicking on the pics.

In other news, I have been putting the finishing touches on a few single customs that grabbed my imagination and really interested me.  Hopefully will have some pics and info on those as well.  

Another thing to note is my email will be changing.  It is now nscustoms@comcast.net

  Until then, try to remember that water doesn't help your urethane clearcoat flow any smoother from the airbrush! 

One of my latest.  A custom Dave Chang EVO done up my way.   New paint, all new chassis details and extras.

 You can see more NS-EVO details and pics HERE!      This one is on auction now.  Ebay Link!

In other news, the DCX Event is coming up fast.  It was a blast last year but unfortunately my schedule will not allow me to make it this year. I am involved in it in a small way but I will post info on that in the coming weeks.  They have some great stuff lined up as well as a few new guys in the Custom Alley lined up to show their skills thanks to Greg Roque.  There will also be some custom cars for sale as well as some great event cars in package type show deals.  You can get more info on these and other show stuff at the Diehard-Diecast website here...   http://www.diehard-diecast.com/NewsEvents/DieCastXExpo2007ShowPage/tabid/1701/Default.aspx

Until then, have fun!!!

Been a hectic month so far and the weather hasn't been helping much at all.  But that is to be expected living in WI.  I managed to get a couple of things done and they will be posted soon.  With the DCX event coming, you know there will be something good for that, as well as a few other things in mind.

Here is the first 25th Redline of the year.  S'cool Bus.  More stuff coming very soon.

It's a brand new year.  Actually almost 3 weeks into it but hey,.. I am a little slow.  Been very busy too.  Got most of everything updated to a new server and a new main site.  Hopefully nothing was lost in the transfer. I had to redo a  lot of stuff.    So bookmark your computer for the newsite here.

Just a little pic of one of my favorite 25th scale cars to get you by.  I will have something special in the next few weeks.  :)     So stay tuned.  Until then sit tight and I will get all the bugs worked out with the new site.  Enjoy.

And Happy New year folks!!!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Well my Holiday Haulers are finished.  How do you get one you say?  Well jump on that mailing list on the left, to find out how.  But you gotta hurry, because they won't last and there is NOT a lot of them.

NS Customs 2006 - Holiday Hauler

And another quick peak at that Christmas VW Drag Bus being offered by Rogue Dzines. Packaging Pic.  These aren't 2 different buses, they are one bus with candy red on one side and candy green on the other.  See more details below.  These things look fantabulous!

Talk to you soon. - Chris Walker "NS"

.....................................................................................................

Nov 23rd, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving!

I plan on eating WAY too much today. And then taking a nap the rest of the day.  haha  Just like usual you might say.  I gotta say I am excited to be a part of a new project.   See pics.

These are a limited offering coming from my buddy Chris Haupt "Rogue Dzines"  If you aren't sure who he is, he is the one who prints my graphics, as well as does the graphics for many other custom guys.  Myself, V-man, Rickster, Boxman - Jimmy Chavez, etc.  He also helps with the Custom Bash and cars for West Coast Customs.  You may have met him at the conventions.  He decided in the spirit of the Holiday to get out of the shadows and offer something of his own.  I think they look nice so I thought I would let you guys know about it.  He asked me to help him out, and with all the help he gives me, how could I say no?

So I agree to paint them for him, and figured as a little something extra and a gift to all who pick one up, I will make another Holiday themed car to throw in as a little Thank You for your support.  I am still working on that so no pics of that yet.  If you are interested in this, get on my email list and I will let you all know how to get yourself one through his link.  It will be a once a year thing for him to do something like this and I think they turned out great.   They are painted pearl frosty white, with candy red pearl on one side and candy green pearl on the other. Holiday themed graphics on the sides and top with gold foil.

That's all for now.  I have to go psych myself up to be able to spend the day today with In-Laws. lol...   j/k  :)

Take care all, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! - Chris Walker "NS"

Nov 11th, 2006

What's up folks?   I finally got around to updating my gallery.  So if you get time, go check it out.  Might find something that you enjoy or that might inspire you.  Or maybe just kill some time.  

I added an email list button to the left under the task bar.  Makes it easier to spot.  For those who may have signed up in the past, and haven't been getting any updates.  Please sign up again.  I have about 20 emails that come back undeliverable for one reason or another.  Maybe a typo in the email?  We wouldn't want you to miss out on anything, so you might have to rejoin.

NS Fuels Rocket Oil - Anaheim Convention 2006

  For new things on the workbench, well, been busy.  But I will finally get back to work on my 25th scale Dairy. Been wanting to finish that up for about 8 months maybe.  Had so much other stuff going on and other custom ideas in my mind, it gets pushed back.

As far as new custom ideas, I did manage to pick up a 64th Shelby Eleanor.  This thing is getting the full treatment.   I see they are starting to hit the shelves at all the K-marts now, so if you have one in your area, check them out.  If not, post on some boards and I am sure there are some folks who will be glad to help you get what you need.

That's it for now, got lots of work to do coming up.  Check out the new gallery pics and enjoy yourself.  See you guys next time.

- Chris "NS"

Oct 22nd, 2006

Finally back in town.  I stayed out in SoCal until Tuesday 17th.  I always stay a few extra days to visit and take in the sites.   The convention was a blast for sure.  Met a lot of great people. For all the pics, see the events section to the left.  One person I finally got the pleasure of meeting was Chojiro from Japan.  This was his first trip over here and his work is top notch.  Between the both of us we brought home 7 trophies.  He got 4 and I got 3, so here is my revenge face.  Next year I will be heading to his country and competing with him and the other guys there.  Should be a good time.

One of the contest pieces I did was "The Bomb"  It was a grenade style display with a full custom VW Drag Bus complete with 21 windows and a vintage style WW2 paint scheme.  It was a very popular piece.  More pics can be seen in the events section to the left.

Out of all the highlights of the trip, one of the biggest was the Peterson Automotive Museum.  I got to see my work there with some of the other great stuff.  A really good feeling.

I got a few of my custom pieces I brought out to Anaheim listed on Ebay now.  Click Here to see them.  There might be something that grabs you.

Also, if you want to see what's new and be the first to get in on the limited stuff I offer for sale, join the email list to find out what's going on.  If you already joined and aren't getting any notices, I have been noticing a few emails coming back as undeliverable.  Maybe sign up again in case of a mistake in the original post.  I wouldn't want anyone to miss out.

Now it is time out settle down, and get busy on a few more things.  I got some great ideas, and some new stuff to try out.  It looks like it will be a fun ride and I hope you guys enjoy it all.  Until then, try to remember that the pearl powder you bought for customs does not make a good spice for baked chicken!  Later guys....

Chris Walker "NS"

Oct 8th, 2006

Convention time, 2 days away.  I will be in Garden Grove from Tues 10, - Tuesday 17th.   And of course upholding tradition, we will be having the ever popular, Custom Bash.  If you are going, be sure to stop by the room to get yourself a pass. (as long as they last).   Along with that tradition, we will also have a limited Custom Bash online version of the car in limited numbers and only available right here!  Click here or click on the pic for details to get yours...  BASH CAR.

There is only 10 left so don't wait!!!

Custom Bash - Online Car E-sheet

In other things, I am bringing a few customs along.  I have a limited number of Rat Rod rods. "Bad Attitude" so stop by and check those out. And have another 25th scale Drag Bus with me.  Not the 18th that Mattel made, this one is my creation.  And finally, if you haven't seen the new 64th scale Shelby stuff, stop by the room.  I will have some samples and Protos for your viewing pleasure.   Other than, check out the Events section for convention coverage as I get to it.   So you guys when I get back!

Oct 4th, 2006

The time is almost up.  Convention time is just a week away for some folks. Who's ready?    As usual I'm not.  But that's ok, who ever is.  We just take it as it goes.  Still stuck in limbo doing the same thing until after the convention.  Then I got some new stuff on the horizon we can get to.

Atomic VW Bus - Limited to only 10

Spectra-flame hot-pink over chrome with real riders.   These went fast, straight to the folks on the email list.  I enjoyed making something along this line.  I am also a Redline collector, and one of the more popular colors is hot pink.  Sometimes described as glowing or nuclear.  So it was only natural.  I always wanted to do a bus like this, and this was it.   They lasted only a short time.  The design was so popular I got a ton of email requests to do another like it.  So, I am always up for doing what the people like, so I offered a VW Drag Truck with the same theme. 

Atomic series - VW Drag Truck.

Following the same theme with the hot pink.   I enjoyed doing these so much,  I may do more in this type theme.

I other things, Here is something WAY different that is not normally up my alley.  But it was for someone special.  I got it finished and liked the look of it so much, I figured I would take a few pics.  Call me cheezy, but I kinda liked it.

Brats VW Drag Bus

In other things, over the course of the next 2 days, I will be adding a few more pics to the gallery of past customs.  Also, I will have convention coverage in the events section when I get back for those that cannot make it out there.  I plan to take more pics this time around.

And finally, if you aren't on the email list, you might be missing out on offers or limited things.  So get on that and get the first word on what's going on.  Read below to find out how to do that.

Until then, if you want to have fun with lacquer and make silly string, don't add any reducer to it before spraying.  Tally-ho! 

 - Chris Walker "NS Customs"

***********************************

Sept 13, 2006

So what's new out there in customs land?  Word on the streets Jason Wheeler "BlueJayEh" got a sweet job building 1:1 Hot Rods.   What a job, what a passion.  Congrats Bro!   I know that was one thing he loved to do, and he sure could build the little ones too.  If you haven't seen Jason's work, you gotta get over to his site.  www.wheelershotrods.com

In other things, I got with Joe Falco from "Joe's Diecast Shack" and made a limited run of 50 Joe's Drag Trucks.  Some of of the money will go to Joe's site.  Click on the pic below for more details on that, and info on how to get your own.  Info is posted here and Joes site as well.  So you can bet they will go quick.  If you are thinking about it, don't wait.  Trust me, they won't last long.

Joe's Drag Truck - Click pic for info how to get yours.  Visit www.Joesdiecastshack.com

Finally, I had planned on doing a 25th scale Dairy Delivery.  I almost scrapped that plan, but got some great positive reviews and comments on that.  So looks like that plan will go ahead.

Also, from time to time I do some things just for the email folks.  So if you aren't on that list, you might be missing out.  Click below to get on that and get the info right away.

And to wrap up things, keep your eyes peeled any day now for the Shelby 64th scale line.  It should start showing up any time in the next week or so.  These things won't last long either.  Opening doors, hoods, rubber tires, etc.  Awesome.  You can get some final production pics here.

Until next time, let's keep those paint cans away form the dog.  Regardless of how fast he is, he won't look better with racing stripes.

July 27th, 2006

Shelby Buses, are now SOLD OUT!  If you didn't get one, and you were waiting for the sale, you gotta get on that email list below.  They sold out in about 12 hrs.   So if you got yours, they will be shipping in 2 weeks.

In other exciting news, Shelby Die-cast has just released pics of their new upcoming 1/64th scale line.  Click on the Mustang pic below to get all the details about this.

If you like Mustangs or muscle cars, you won't want to miss these.  Trust me!  Until next time, Hasta-Lasagne!  ~NS

July 26th, 2006

So what's new?, it finally happened.  The deal was struck, the authorization granted, the OK was handed down.  Here it is folks.  And I am darned excited about it too.

For better pics and details, click on the "For Sale" section on the left.   These are the Shelby VW Drag Buses "Performance" (blue) & "Trackside" (white).  Limited to 35 pieces and set to go on sale VERY soon.  And as always, if you are on the email list, you get first chance at them.  You can sign up at the bottom of the page.

July 17th, 2006

Well the new "IMAGE" VW Drag Trucks were more popular than I ever expected.   They are already sold out before the sale started to the general public.  So if you missed out, sorry about that.  You gotta get on the email list to get the info on when the new stuff is gonna hit and get the chance to get it early.   To join the list and find out the news, scroll to the bottom of the page.   If you are on the email list, you will find out what's new about some events coming up that some of us customizers are going to be taking part in, or the new castings being offered.  You will have the chance to get them a day earlier in most cases. 

If you missed out today, I got more great stuff in store.  Something big if all goes as planned.  Stay tuned!

July 17th, 2006

Can it get any hotter?  I don't think so. I know, we are all in the same boat.  But it doesn't make me feel any better about it.  With that sizzlin' heat out there, I thought it was about time to bring something new out.  At the DCX show I made 2 Supervans with Night Stalker logos on the old FC graphics.  I got a lot of emails about those and some requests to make some more.   I thought it might be a good idea to make them with one of our favorite castings, the VW Drag Truck.  I thought it fits pretty good, and it was about time to do it again.  So here we go. 

This will go on sale on Tuesday, July 18th.  You can get more info by clicking on the "For Sale" link to the left.

Other new things coming up are the Custom Bash party in Anaheim in Oct..  We missed Atlanta, so we gotta do this next one big.  So we are gearing up for that.  If you haven't been to the Bash yet,.. shoot me an email.   We would love to have you come out and enjoy yourself.  Unitl then, not much new except trying to deal wiht the heat and working on new stuff that cannot be released just yet.  Gotta nail down the final P's & Q's for this next one.  Its a doozie!   Enjoy, and get outta the heat!

June 15, 2006

Well, been a slow month, taking time off and working on a few private projects.  Getting ready to get geared up for the Oct Convention in Anaheim.  While going through my customs and displays, I noticed a few extra things I had that I had forgotten about.  So let's just call this a "Lost Treasures Sale" lol  Here are a few pics of what I have and listed on Ebay if you are interested.  Click on the pics to take you to the Ebay Auctions.

This was a Custom Spawn Bus I made, 1 of 2. Click pic for better pics & info.

This was a Christmas Bus I made for the HWC contest.  Click pics for better pics and info.

Also a final thing I never posted on here that was pretty exciting.  Elliot Handler, father of Hotwheels and Mattel, turned 90.  Mattel threw a party for him.  The whole story with pics can be found on the Hotwheels website HERE...  

At the party, Mattel had various displays set up and a couple of my cars were in the displays.  You can see the pic at the link above, but here is a pic pointing out which ones I built.

Very cool I think.  So with that, I will say keep the Dremmels fired up and the paint spraying straight.    I am out of here! 

June 4, 2006

Nothing much happening at the moment.  Just putting last minute details on customs for the October show. 

The RCX show was a blast.  Had some great stuff to offer form many different diecast companies.  Finally got my pics finished.  You can see them in the Events section to the left, or click here.. RCX SHOW

Got some new stuff I am planning in the next month or so.  But that's it for now.  Until then, enjoy the pics, and keep them Dremels cuttin'!!

May 3, 2006

With RCX just about 48 hrs away, the excitement is building.   From the press it looks to be a great turnout.   I will be sure to take plenty of pics and have them in the event section of the site.

I will have a number of the JL Karmann Ghia sets there that I designed for Charity Wheels, if you want to pick one of those up at the show.

Also, here is a sneak of the RCX VW Bus pair that was made for the show.  Let me know what you guys think.

That's all for now.  If you are in the area, don't miss it.

April 29, 2006

Also at the RCX show, I will have a few of my newest creations.  A 25th scale VW Drag Bus.  Full chassis detail just like it's counterpart.

If you are going to be anywhere in the area of the RCX show mAy 6-7th, I suggest you stop by and check it out.  It looks like it will be a blast.  And while you are there, stop by and say high.  I would love to see you. For more info on this, click the banner below.

To subscribe and get the info on when things become available and whats happening before anyone else, scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see what you need.

DieCast-X RCX Show

I will be in Anaheim CA, May 6-7th 2006 for the RCX/DCX Die-cast Show.  You can click on the banner below for info for that.  They made a "bio" page for all the customizers showing for that.  Greg Roque is heading that up.  Hell of a guy, and is really passionate about not only the die-cast stuff, but really into the custom things.  I thank him for the involvement he is doing to really push customs more into the mainstream.  To check out the "Bio" page with all of the customizers attending, click here... RCX/DCX Customizers

March 17, 2006

An all new VW Bus.  Voodoo & Concept.  Series 1- 2006   No longer available. 

March 13, 2006

Email list seems to be a good thing.  Got a lot of people jumping to the top and subscribing to that.  To subscribe and get the info on when things become available and whats happening before anyone else, scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see what you need.

DieCast-X RCX Show

I will be in Anaheim CA, May 6-7th 2006 for the RCX/DCX Die-cast Show.  You can click on the banner below for info for that.  They made a "bio" page for all the customizers showing for that.  Greg Roque is heading that up.  Hell of a guy, and is really passionate about not only the die-cast stuff, but really into the custom things.  I thank him for the involvement he is doing to really push customs more into the mainstream.  To check out the "Bio" page with all of the customizers attending, click here... RCX/DCX Customizers

The new 25th scale Dairy Delivery bodies are finished.  I still have the chassis to finish up and will have those soon.  Also I will be unveiling something at Anaheim that I hope will go over HUGE!

A new offering will be available coming this Friday, March 17th, 2006.  Check out the For Sale section to see more details.  Stay tuned for details on that one very soon.

So stay tuned and I will get some nice stuff going soon.

Jan 18, 2006

Finally got my email list up and working.  To subscribe and get the info on when things become available, scroll to the bottom of the page and you will se what you need.

That is pretty much it for this time around.  More info coming soon.  Stay tuned!

Jan 6, 2006

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, things seem to be getting beck to normal around here.  Had a very bumpy Holiday Season. Too many things to list here, but things are starting to look good. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Great New Year. 

I am currently working on getting the next casting ready to offer, and it is looking good so far. It will be ready in about 3-4 weeks if all goes as planned.

Also, I am excited that the new Johnny Lightning "Karmann Ghia" is ready to order and will be shipping around Jan 20th I believe.  You cannot order it from me though, but you can get it from the guys at www.CharityWheels.org.  They came to me for a design, and I whipped them up something special.  It will be offered in 2 colors, Black and Magenta with Tribal Flames.  You will also have the chance to get some White Lightning versions with white rims/white rubber tires.  The ONLY way they should be offered.

The 25th scale Dairy Delivery is almost finished as well.  You can get them right here in raw form to make your own customs!

Also, I am late in getting to this, but in the next 5-7 days, I will have a section below to join a mailing list to find out when the next goodies are going to be offered. 

So stay tuned and I will get some nice stuff going soon.

Nov 4, 2005

My local paper ran an article on me and my custom hobby.  Below are the links to the article.  It was pretty exciting.  AE Press picked up the story and ran it in multiple papers across the country much to my surprise.  I got emails form various friends that read it.  I never thought anyone outside my county would even know about it.  So that was a shock to wake up and read those emails.

I have been working on the master for the 25th Dairy Delivery to make a casting of it.  I have been customizing it to change it a bit so it is not the same as the standard Dairy Delivery.  It should be ready pretty soon.   Also a few other tricks up my sleeve coming also.   So stay tuned.

Oct 14, 2005

Back from Irvine CA.   It was a blast.  I went out from Oct 2 - 9th.  Did the whole tourist thing and had a few business meetings.  All went very well. 

The Custom Bash was on Thursday night Oct 6th after the dinner.  We got a separate room for it and had a blast.  We made Dairy Deliveries and had them Blister Packed on real printed cards.  You can get more info on this at www.CustomBash.com

I had a great time at the Custom Contest as well.  I entered my Pomona entry one last time since it was a separate event from Pomona.  I won 1st place in Large Scale.  The great news is that my wife Marcia entered a few customs of here own.  Among the various things she made, there was a VW Drag Bus with trailer.  The bus had fenders from a low flow molded on and the trailer had the front of a Drag Bus molded to the front of it.  The trailer also opened up to reveal a surfboard.  It was decorated in surf style colors with a "Ron Jon Surf Shop" logo and flames on the roof.  She won 1st place in the Hot Class.  I was so pleased it brought a tear to my eye. So congrats to her.     Now she will be in PRO.

I will have all the pics of this event loaded up in the next day or so in the Events section on the left.

Updated Oct 10, 2005

Bash Was awesome and more details will be posted very soon.

 The Bash cars this year are limited to 100 pieces.  But we will be offering an online version in an alternate color limited to just 50 pieces right here!  That's right, you get a more limited number than the folks at the Bash!  How does that grab you?  These will be available right here for a limited time until sold out.   Just click on on Sale below to get yours.

For pics and happenings on the Custom Bash, check back here after Irvine next week, or you can go to www.CustomBash.com to see more.

So that is all for now.  Thank you to all who got your own 2005 Nightstalker VW Drag Bus set.   Hope you are enjoying those.  And look here for more updates and promotions as they come.  And new one will be soon enough.

Updated Oct 1, 2005

VW Buses limited to 35 pieces, each individually numbered.

Hotwheels Custom Car Show, July 05 Pomona California

This was an awesome time.  We went out there to promote and have fun.  I entered a few things in the contest and also entered the Custom Build-off. 

Build-Off- We had 2 hrs to finish a custom VW Drag bus that Mattel provided.   It was kept a secret what the casting was.  Dremel and Tamiya helped to sponsor this event, and Dremel brought out the new Lithium-Ion battery powered Dremels for everyone to use for the event.  We put a serious strain on them, but when you have 2 hrs of serious custom work, we could have burned up an electric.  Half way through, it was announced that we would have to build this custom without paint since the paint ended up missing.  No problem.  It just meant more creativity.  In the end, I won the grand prize among a lot of great people.  The prize package was some Dremel parts, bits, and the new battery Dremel.  VERY COOL.  Also a prize package from Tamiya of some really nice model kits.  I was happy.  So kudos to Tamiya and Dremel for helping make this happen.  What the best part was, is that it kept us customizers busy for 2 hours with the building to help take our minds off of wondering if we might win anything in the show.  There was some fierce competition in there, so the anxiety was high that day with everyone.  Not to mention, it was nice to be able to take part in something like this with everyone, and get everyone together under one roof.  The entrants ranged from some of the best customizers there are, to younger folks who juts wanted to give it their first try in the name of fun.  And that was what it was all about.. It was a lot of fun.

Car Show-  One of the best ones I have been to.  I brought a few things out, and an old favorite of mine, the Large Scale Bye-Focal.   I won a few different classes. 

• 1st place in Large Scale with my 18th Scale HotRod Hauler.

• 2nd Place in Repaint with the "Aztec Gold" 59 Impala

• 2nd Place in Diroama with the large scale Bye-Focal Display

The prizes were some billet aluminum etched medals- NICE, and some really nice Hotwheels prize packages.  They weren't stingy with the prizes either.  I had so much, I had to give some of it away since I couldn't carry it all.  I could have mailed it home, but you gotta give some away to take care of your guys.

.

Texas Regionals, June 2005, San Antonio, Tx.

This was the first one for these guys and I gotta tell ya, I am glad I went.  If you didn't go... DO IT.  Seriously.  To start with, they are the friendliest bunch of guys. I spent most of the time hangin' out with my sweetie friend Connie Basham.  She was responsible for all these pics.  Without her, my pics wouldn't be half as nice.  The dinner was also a great time.  The food was good, you got a VW Bus, (Never a bad thing) Of course I am partial to it since I designed it. But the best thing was the roasting of Amy Boylan.  The dinner was in honor of her.  Also to go with that theme.  They sold a Chevelle painted to resemble her full-size Chevelle.  Titled "the Last Tiki"  Amy Boylan and Ira Gilford were presented plaques that Rob Johnston and myself presented to them.

There was too much going on there to list them all here.  But one sight to see was the TH racing at midnight in the atrium.  What a site.  The custom contest went off really well.  I was happy to be able to help pass out some awards to those VERY deserving winners.  I made a "Thank You" VW Drag Bus to give away to those that won 1st place.  Also I sat in on the autograph sessions and really enjoyed that chance to meet with more people. And I made 3 prints to give away too.   It was a blast.  Autographs from left to right.. Myself, Amy Boylan, Ira Gilford, and Tom "Mongoose" Mcewen.

Irvine and beyond, new things coming up!

Irvine is right around the corner again.  And this one looks to be a blast.  I will be out there for a week.  I have some die-cast business to take care of, then there is a little time for the convention too.  So plenty of fun planned.  Speaking of that, the Custom Bash will be in full swing.  We have some great thingsgoing on with this one.   Funny thing, what started out as a small get-together with some of my customizer friends, Rickster, BaltimoreGothic, RViloria, and Rogue, turned into a full blown PARTY!  No problem though, the more the merrier and I love to meet new people.  Most of the people that come now don't customize, but it gives them a chance to meet those that do. And of course get a chance to just have a great time and relax.  We have a lot of things in store for this, and you can read all about it after Irvine here or on the Custom Bash website at www.CustomBash.com.

As usual, any convention coverage will be posted in my convention section.  But to get the feel about everything that goes on, you cannot beat the pics posted by Connie Basham on her site.. www.ConnieBasham.com   She has the nicest pics of the events, and is everywhere to capture ALL the action when it happens.  She is a huge help to me taking pics of my stuff. She is responsible for most of the pics on my site, and without her, they wouldn't look as good.  So please go to her site and check it out.  She really takes the time to do it right.   That is about all I have for a while until after Irvine.

Before I sign off, be sure to check out the brand new updated Gallery.  There are pics in there of almost everything I have ever built.  Including my full size cars. Enjoy!  See you when I get back!  Chris W   "NS"