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Post by mrmike on May 10, 2019 12:39:26 GMT -7
My new project and the return of McNally, Boston PI. This story is called The Other Woman and it is a work of fiction. All persons described in this story are not related to any one living or deceased. The Build Revell's Cadillac Escalade kit #85-4482. My paint will be Tamiya TS-18 Metallic Red with Tamiya AS-15 Tan (USAF). Upon opening this kit, I was kind of disappointed that this kit is a curbside and not a full detail kit. The box art is deceiving as well. The box art shows a long wheelbase Escalade and the model is a standard wheelbase model. I need to find some mesh for the grille and I may attempt to convert the exhaust system to a true dual tailpipe system.    The Story The tall and well dressed man walks off the elevator and into Attorney Charlotte Rothmann's new office suite and he checks in with Mandi, Charlie's receptionist. He is about 50 years old, but he looks much younger than he actually is. Charlie calls him into her office and offers him a seat across from her desk. "I have been served with papers for divorce by my wife, Liza." He presents her with the papers and Charlie quickly reads through them. "I need all your financials and assets papers if we are to move forward," says Charlie. Damian Williston agrees to Charlie's request and then they discuss her fees and the process ahead. Damian says thank you and he leaves Charlie's office. McNally is sitting outside in the waiting room and Charlie calls him in. "I have a new assignment for you," she says. McNally will return... |
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Post by leon on May 10, 2019 13:16:42 GMT -7
Nice kit Mike! Looking forward to the story on this one.
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Post by Deano on May 10, 2019 13:29:55 GMT -7
I'm hooked already.
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Post by mmthrax on May 10, 2019 13:48:05 GMT -7
Haven't seen this kit before.
Looking forward to it.
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Post by DeeCee on May 11, 2019 0:23:52 GMT -7
Should be a cool build.
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Post by dumpydan on May 11, 2019 3:06:27 GMT -7
This will be nice, just to bad it was not the long base. You should send Revell and e-mail and tell them how disappointed you were.
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Post by mrmike on May 11, 2019 4:15:49 GMT -7
This will be nice, just to bad it was not the long base. You should send Revell and e-mail and tell them how disappointed you were. Thanks guys! I think sending Revell an email about my disappointment wouldn't accomplish anything. The kit is out and as far as I can tell, it's an older mold. Revell is unlikely to change anything if I was to complain about the kit. And, I'm probably the only one who would. |
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Post by mrmike on May 13, 2019 14:10:22 GMT -7
The Story At home, McNally starts doing background checks on Damian and Liza through the apps he has on his computer. Liza works part-time from home for a make-up manufacturer and retailer. She has a savings account with about $2500 in it. She has been driving an older 2009 Land Rover Discovery with about 80,000 miles on it. She has kept up the massive house and property in Brookline on her own for the last 6 months and she keeps a good eye on her two children. Damian Williston has a home on Beacon Hill on Beacon St. His sports car and his motorcycle are back in Brookline. He has a savings account with about $40,000 in it. He owns two small businesses and a large software firm. He has a 2006 Cadillac Escalade in excellent condition with about 90,000 miles on it. The Escalade is treated better than he or his family is. The Build I started off with assembling the wheels and tires. I am not too crazy about the overly large wheels and tires in this kit, even if the tire sidewalls do have detail on them. I have a set of Pegasus 23" Phat Daddy's that I may use instead. They are five spoke wheels and are generally the same as the HUGE kit wheels.  I spent about 10-15 minutes searching for moldlines and flash on this body. I found some on the cowl edges and a little flash near the rear hatch opening. The body is ready for a good washing and then primer and paint!   So far, I haven't gotten too much done on the Escalade. I should have more done on Wednesday. More to come... |
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Post by mrmike on May 16, 2019 8:26:01 GMT -7
The Story McNally needed more information from Damian and he drives out to Damian's home on Beacon Hill, were he was greeted by the sight of several Police cars and the Crime Scene Unit truck. He is allowed onto the scene after he shows his PI credentials and asking to talk to the detective in charge, Lt. Det. Adam Troy. Damian's girlfriend, Tina Leavitt was found murdered in his kitchen. Lt. Troy tells him that Damian is in the living room with his personal attorney, Wilmot Jackson and McNally thought that Charlotte Rothmann was his attorney. In the living room, McNally is introduced to Attorney Jackson who tells the Boston PI that he and Attorney Rothmann are no longer needed and that he needs t leave the premises. McNally asks Damian is that what he wants and Damian just shrugs and stares to the floor. He turns and leaves the house, walking down the granite steps to the sidewalk and pulling out his cellphone and calling Charlie. He tells her about the dismissal by Attorney Jackson. Charlie says she'll find out from Damian what is going on and she'll figure out what to do next. The Build The exhaust system has been upgraded to a true dual tailpipe system instead of the dual into one into two exhaust.  I painted many parts of the Escalade yesterday.   Now for some detailing and assembly. McNally will return... |
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Post by stitchdup on May 16, 2019 8:42:01 GMT -7
Nice work Mike, it looks like the kit has a pretty decent interior too with the side panels and rear door trim. I haven't seen that in many kits
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Post by mrmike on May 16, 2019 13:31:30 GMT -7
When I first opened the kit, I was a little disappointed that it is a curbside. That started to disappear when I started and finished my story (and in record time, too) and then I started working on the Caddy. It's designed to be an easy build, but I'll complicate that. I'll hem and haw over it figuring out changes and modifications I want to make. I'm already trying to raise the suspension a few scale inches. The interior looks to be fairly straight forward assembly-wise. And, I'll have to figure out if I want the third row seat or not.
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Post by mrmike on May 18, 2019 7:24:41 GMT -7
The Story The following morning, McNally arrives at the Courthouse to give testimony in another case that he had worked on, but walking down the hallway to the courtroom, he sees Attorney Wilmot Jackson. Attorney Jackson asks why McNally is in the Courthouse and tells him that he is no longer wanted on Damian Williston's case. "Until I am told by my superiors, I will remain investigating this case." Attorney Jackson says that McNally is in his way of defending his client and McNally replies that if he is in the way, then Attorney Jackson is the reason for his being there. McNally gives Damian's attorney a hard look and continues walking to the Courtroom. Attorney Jackson says to himself, "Damn fool! I'll show him." The Build The chassis is nearly finished.    McNally will return... |
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Post by leon on May 18, 2019 8:37:38 GMT -7
Chassis looks good Mike!
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Post by mrmike on May 18, 2019 10:15:47 GMT -7
Thanks leon! It does need some touchups and the wheels and tires.
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Post by mmthrax on May 18, 2019 20:45:42 GMT -7
Wow, that kit has lots of detail.
I was not aware that it had torsion bar suspension. Interesting.
You're doing a fine job.
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Post by mrmike on May 19, 2019 4:45:39 GMT -7
Thanks Mark! I had notice the torsion bars as well and wondered about them. It would seem that they weren't exclusive to Mopars like I thought they would be...
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Post by mrmike on May 27, 2019 18:57:23 GMT -7
The Story That evening, Attorney Charlotte Rothmann arrives at Damian's home and rings the doorbell. He opens the door and looks surprised to see Charlie. Allowed inside, Charlie then asks what is going on with him. Why was he allowing Attorney Jackson to make demands upon her and McNally? Damian doesn't know the answers to her questions. He says that he can't think right now with all that has been happening. Charlie asks if he wants her to continue being his divorce lawyer and he says, he doesn't know. After a few minutes, he finally says for Charlie to send him her final invoice for her services. Charlie replies that was the answer she was looking for and she leaves the brownstone. She calls McNally from her car and says that Damian has fired them, but for McNally to continue looking into Tina Leavitt's death. He says he will continue investigating. The Build More work done on the chassis today. With the exception of the wheels, the chassis is done.  I started on the interior.   McNally will return... |
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Post by mrmike on May 28, 2019 8:50:58 GMT -7
The Story The following morning finds the Boston PI sprinting up the stairs to Lt. Det. Troy’s office on the 4th Floor of Boston Police Headquarters. He approaches Adam’s officeand sees Capt. Frank Bladen in the office with him. Adam sees McNally approaching the office and waves him in. He is introduced to Capt. David Bladen, the head of the Homicide Unit. McNally asks if he can see the Homicide file on Tina Leavitt's murder and Capt. Bladen asks what is his involvement on this case. McNally explains how Damian Williston hired Attorney Rothmann as his divorce lawyer and a day later, his personal attorney wanted them dismissed and their wanting to find the killer of Tina. Capt. Bladen, satisfied with McNally's explaination, grants access to the BPD File on the murder of Tina Leavitt. Capt. Leavitt shakes McNally's hand and says goodbye and leaves Lt. Troy's office. Adam says to McNally, "He told me that he wasn't going to like you." "Must be my winning personality and charm," replies the Boston PI. The Build I added the tow hooks and the wheels to the chassis. I'm still thinking on how to finish the exhaust system.  I finished the interior with decals and side panels.  A mockup of the chassis and interior. I really like the raised suspension I created!  McNally will return... |
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Post by stitchdup on May 28, 2019 9:53:57 GMT -7
Thats looking good mate, its surprising how some detail paint can bring a cirbside chassis to life
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Post by leon on May 28, 2019 13:22:35 GMT -7
Interior and chassis look good Mike!
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Post by mrmike on May 28, 2019 18:47:37 GMT -7
Thanks stitchdup and leon! Some detail painting can really bring a curbside to life. Sometimes a curbside kit can have more detail that a full detail kit! The Story The Tina Leavitt Murder Investigation was becoming as cold as the weather outside. McNally was acting in a very, very professional manner, especially around Attorney Wilmot Jackson like he was walking on eggshells. It was time to shake this Investigation loose and find Tina's murderer. The best way to draw someone out of the woodwork was to annoy somebody. He has to be very careful annoying someone so he can obtain the evidence necessary for a conviction. Since he has been working other cases, he has been away from Boston Police Headquarters for about a month, so he'll stop there and talk with Lt. Det. Adam Troy for the latest information. But, Adam doesn't have anything new for McNally to go on. The case has gone cold as the weather outside and Det. Darvell doesn't seem to be getting anywhere. Adam calls Det. Darvell into his office for any new information on the case and Darvell says he hasn't been able to find anything new on the case. Everytime Darvell visits with Damian, his attorney is there. McNally asks why is Damian's attorney always there. Darvell explains that whenever he wants to talk to Damian, he has to make an appointment to see him by order of his attorney, Wilmot Jackson, which he does. But, Damian was cleared as a suspect months ago, so why the special treatment? McNally says that making an appointment will give Attorney Jackson time to be at Damian's house for questioning and all questions are not answered by Damian. His attorney blocks them all! The Build I decided to add the body to the chassis and interior to get a good idea of my progression. The suspension lift and the Pegasus wheels look great!    McNally will return... |
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Post by mustang1989 on May 28, 2019 18:59:00 GMT -7
Thanks Mark! I had notice the torsion bars as well and wondered about them. It would seem that they weren't exclusive to Mopars like I thought they would be... I can't remember exactly when GM started using the torsion bar front suspension but they certainly used it on the 06 models. If my memory serves me correctly it was around 1999 that they started showing up.
Good progress so far Mike.
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Post by Deano on May 28, 2019 19:35:06 GMT -7
I like the new ride height.
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Post by mrmike on May 29, 2019 5:29:21 GMT -7
Thanks Joe and Deano! I didn't like the lower ride height and to me any 4X4 should be able to go off-road when needed. I know that the onwer in the story is not an "off-roader", but this Escalade needed something a little more than the stock ride height.
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Post by mrmike on Jun 6, 2019 12:50:23 GMT -7
The Story Driving into Beacon Hill section of Boston is no big deal, unless the roads are snow covered and icy from a mid-December snowstorm. Not a problem for McNally who is driving his Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. this day. He decided to pay a visit to Damian Williston and just talk to him like he was a friend. No cops, no lawyers, just two guys greeting each other and sharing the news of the day. Just dropping in to talk with Damian will eliminate the need for his attorney Wilmot Jackson to be there. Damian welcomes the Boston PI into his house with a little scepticism, but McNally soon wins him over as a friend. In the kitchen they both have a cup of coffee and Damian tells of his court proceedings with his ex and the murder investigation. He's tired and he wants to be free of the constant pressure on his back and it is getting more and more difficult to deal with. McNally asks why the need for his personal attorney to be there all the time? Damian replies that Attorney Jackson insisted on it, only to be told that Damian was cleared by BPD Homicide as a suspect and Jackson's constant appearance only deflects the questions being asked and slows the whole process down. Damian says he has relied on lawyers and assistants to guard him from the necessary things needed to get done day to day. He needs to stand up and do things for himself. McNally agrees with him. Damian tells McNally that he didn't kill Tina, but he wished he knew who did. Nobody is allowed in the house, so Tina must have known the killer and let him in. McNally agrees with Damian. The Build I finally got the Escalade painted yesterday with Tamiya TS-18 Metallic Red over white primer. I also set the exhaust tips in their required positions.  I thought about replacing the grille with some photoetch mesh, but nixed that idea when I thought of painting the grille openings with the Metallic Red. Looks great!  While I was painting yesterday, I ran out of paint and and I was nearly finished. I bought a new can this morning and finished the bumpers and the side steps.  McNally will return... |
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Post by leon on Jun 6, 2019 13:01:45 GMT -7
Paint looks great Mike!
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Post by mrmike on Jun 6, 2019 19:20:39 GMT -7
Thanks leon! Gad!!! I hate these large pictures! I'll have to repaint the grille!
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Post by mmthrax on Jun 7, 2019 6:33:59 GMT -7
Making good progress. I know what you mean about the camera. Very unforgiving. If I can make my project look good "for the camera", then it should be good enough for everyone else.  I think you are doing a fine job. Carry on sir.... |
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Post by mrmike on Jun 7, 2019 9:13:08 GMT -7
Thanks Mark! I've painted the grille three times and that is as good as it gets. It looks great when you view the grille at a normal distance, but the closeup shows obvious flaws. Like football coach once said, "Keep running that play until you get it right!"
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Post by Deano on Jun 8, 2019 0:15:05 GMT -7
Yes, the large pictures hold no secrets do they?? It is a cool idea and will look great in a normal viewing. PS, I'm liking the lawyer for the murderer thinking-hard-smiley-emoticon
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