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Dale Earnhardt's 2001 Goodwrench Plus "Last Ride" Monte Carlo Intro Well, after Dale died, I was looking for a way to celebrate his career in my own little personal way. I started collecting all of my #3 memoribilia for a "shrine." After thinking it over, I decided to go for something that would make me proud to look at every day, and I couldn't think of any better project than a superdetailed model of his last ride. It all started from a 2000 Gordon kit that I bought for the purpose. A call to Slixx and some referance material was all I needed. First Thoughts Since this was to be the most detailed model I've ever done, I started having my doubts about it, and realized that I'm not after a show stopping piece, but I was looking to greatly expand my modeling skill and have something to be proud of at the same time. This attitude started me plowing head first into referance shots and tips pages like there was no tomorrow. Kit Quality The kit was the basic 2000 Revell-Monogram build. Left alone, it really could have been pathetic, but in the hands of even a slightly experienced modeler, Revell's job can be finished. The windshield and side window were both scratched from being underneath all the normal styrene parts, and the body had some warping on the front air dam, everything else was good with minimal flash and mold lines. The Build The kit went together very well, and looks great with the small touches and detail painting I added. I tried to liven up the bland areas like the underbody with detail painting and some differential cables. The hardest part by far was trying to get the engine oil, fuel, and coolant hoses in the right places, and getting them to STAY there. I also had a hard time finding pictures of how all the hoses are routed. At the present time, the building stage of this model is complete, but there is still the decal stage and clearcoating to be done as well as some last minute touching up. Final Comments Well, I don't want to go jinxing myself or anything, but this is easily the best and most detailed model I've done so far. Thanks to the guys at Randy Ayer's board for helping me along when the building was getting a little rough. More to come as I finish this one. The Stats Manufacturer: Revell-Monogram Status: Current Project Paint/Finish: Primed with Krylon flat white, finished with Krylon gloss black, and cleared with Krylon crystal clear. Modifications: Cut rear springs, detail painting, full engine plumbing/wiring, interior wiring and detailing, restrictor plate aero package (bigger spoiler and roof blade), scratchbuilt window net, scratchbuilt grilles, specific Daytona grille tape pattern, and modified Slixx 2000 Goodrwrench decals for 2001 conversion. Construction Shots Completed chassis underside. Engine shot. Notice the oil, fuel, and water lines, and black tie downs. These were by far the most difficult details to add to this kit. Another engine shot. Engine underside. Notice the three visible oil lines routed along the bottom of the pan. This was another fairly difficult detail. Interior shot. Another interior shot Notice the steering wheel placed on the dash, complete with radio cord running into the side of the column. into the column. Completed chassis front. Finished Shots Model not yet finished. Check back soon!