coming on nicely Joel-actually looks like a 1:1 panel shop!

Really starting to take shape there. Lola do have some nice curves.

To all my friends here on AutoModeler who have been following my Lola T-160 build, I've reached a decision to stop the build for now, and move on.

To be perfectly honest, I've struggled from day one with this converted motorized model, and as a result it's been an uphill battle that has just sucked my enthusiasm and focus to continue with it. I've found myself looking for excuses not to model, or when I do, my work sessions just got shorter and shorter.

I've yet to box up, or not finish a single car build no matter how it was turning out as long as I gave it my best effort. But as I said, the Lola just beat me into the ground.

I'm still fighting closing up the interior openings for the batteries, and finding out that the cockpit bulkhead once installed as per instructions prevents the engine with the fan belt and pullies from seating square to the bottom, plus it has it's own issues.

So rather then continue to bang my head against my workbench, I'm just going to change direction and focus, and start another build.

My build list is still only one kit at a time, as well as alternating open with closed wheel. But since the Lola became my 1st Shelf Queen, I'm still going to be starting another closed wheel race car. I've got a few ideas, but will take the rest of the day to figure it out.

Joel

Cripes! I just read this for first time and you were doing such a great job Joel so I am sorry it has come to an end. I dont blame you, some of these old kits are more trouble than they're worth. Look forward to the next one.

Cheers
Michael

Sometimes the old adage rings true, it’s better to walk away and live to fight another day. If you keep at it the frustration builds and you do something that cannot be recovered to the kit. This has happened to me a couple of times. I have a Super Model CANT floatplane that fought me until I boxed it firmly back up, and a Minicraft Corsair that wore the fat end of a ballpein hammer.

Come back to it in the future once you have pondered solutions from a different perspective and without it staring at you from the bench.

Cheers, D

Couldn't agree more with Michael and Damian, Joel!

Sometimes it's best to cut your losses and walk away.

Looking forward to seeing what's in-store next

Michael, Damian, & Russell,

Thanks to all of you for the support and understanding. I just didn't want to let the Lola fade away like the old soldier General McArthur used as a Metaphor in his farewell address to Congress. It may sounds dumb, but it's not fair nor proper to my list friends who have followed this build and offered encouragement and suggestions, just to have it vanish and hope that no one asks what happened down the road. It's just not my "style", if I actually have one.

I knew at the start that the conversion would be a handful, but I honestly thought that I could pull it off even if I ended up closing up both upper body panels. Then why put all the effort into the engine compartment that no one would see? I'd end up with an odd ball curb side scale Lola T-160 that at best would be an average build.

So after many silent conversations with myself about it, I just decided that there is actually a time to re-box a kit for another day. Modeling has to be fun and rewarding to me. Like I said, the build had become all work and no fun, and worse, I was rapidly loosing the battle with it. Now that's a hard thing to realize, and even harder for me to admit. But I managed both.

Not sure what my next build will be as yet, but I'm 100% certain I'll get it across the finish line and be proud of what I've accomplished.

Again, thanks guys for all the support.

Joel

Hi Joel,

Hang in there buddy - as you point out, this is indeed a hobby. Being required to address headaches and long haul problems - is work; a job you do, where others are depending on your role, and, as you get paid, there’s an obligation to do it. That “magic” is exactly why I enjoy the freedom of the hobby - for me, it’s a fun creative outlet - if I choose to super detail, remain authentic to the original, or do something ridiculous - who really cares? If the project simply isn’t fun, or is more work than it’s worth - I agee with you! Put it down. For work I travel a lot - many long flights - I always take two or three paper backs along. I finally figured out, if I don’t like the book I’m reading, I don’t “have” to keep reading! Find another book!

Looking forward to your next build!

Cheers
Nick

Nick,
Well said my friend.

Joel

Joel, Thanks.

I am going through something similar with that AMT 289 Cobra (I started it just after the post of the box pictures). It is a late 60s-early 70s kit and is absolute rubbish. Engine is too small, molds are severely miss-matched - what should be round is square and what should be square is round, most parts are amorphous blobs. I was about to bin it, thought of this post, and instead shelved it until I've got a few easier auto builds back under my belt.

David,
Glad that my decision was a help to you. But honestly, when and if I pick up the Lola again is a completely unknown to me.

I've seen the Nissan from this series super detailed to IPMS & NNL National standards, and has been a big time winner. But the builder who I know has a skill level so far above mine, it's not even funny.

I've come to accept that for what it is, and moved on. If and when my skills improve enough, I'll try again.

As for the AMT 289 Cobra, I've heard that it does have some major issues, due to its age, and the market it was designed for. I've also heard that the Monogram kit is way better of a build and a lot more accurate.

Joel

I think I picked it up at a swap meet and didn't really know anything about it at the time. I really wanted a slab side Cobra more than the more common Semi-Comp one everyone seems to build.

I'll get back to it someday.