Best Paint Competition - Oct 2005

[Piggy89373]

Best Paint Competition - October 2005

Please read this carefully and in its entirety!!

The Best Paint competition will be open for entries for the month of September and will close at Midnight (EST) on Monday, 31 October2005.

Restrictions: Halloween Theme. Design and paint a body with Halloween in mind. It can have vampires, ghouls, flaming demonic monkeys, or be just a big pumpkin....it doesn’t matter as long as it’s Halloween inspired. If the judges have to guess how it fits in, it will NOT qualify. A small blurb explaining the connection is acceptable, but it MUST be Halloween inspired.

The best paint competition is an opportunity for people to express their unbounded imaginations on an R/C car body. Realism is not required. Let your imagination loose on a piece of plastic to create a work of art.

Each of the following areas will be judged with a maximum of 10 points. After the points are tallied, the highest score wins.

1) Design: How well does the design fit/flow on the body? Is it visually appealing? How are the color choices? Originality does not count, but naturally something that every painter has done will not score as high as something unique and new.

2) Execution: Regardless of how complex or difficult it is, how well is it executed? Are there paint bleeds? Are the lines straight (or correctly curved)? Are their obvious mistakes? Fingerprints in the paint? How well executed are the fades and other basic painting techniques? etc.

3) Difficulty: How hard was this body to paint? Is it one color? Is the entire thing 5mm checkers with 4 different colors in each square? Are the mask lines through difficult areas of the body (i.e., wing mounts or stadium truck beds)? It may be 2 colors, but is one marbled? Is one color a candy that requires a special backing technique? This is where experience as a painter helps the most.

The photo and background will not be judged but a clean, well-lit photo that clearly shows the body is needed. Too often, muddy or poorly lit pictures limit the cars chances of winning. Please limit your entries to 3 photos per car. Keep in mind that a better picture will attract more attention for the People Choice.

RULES for Best Paint competitions:

1) Any body may be submitted to the competition (Truck, buggy, touring car, etc).
2) Any body submitted may NOT appear in another competition.
3) Photo editing the pictures (other than cropping and adjusting brightness/contrast) is highly looked down upon and may result in disqualification.4) Anyone may enter a body (professional painters and Modelers are welcome!)
5) Insulting entries or painters in any way will not be tolerated.
6) Restrictions: Halloween (see above for details).
7) 3 entries per person.
8) Cars must be painted within the last 6 months.
9) Imagination is key

Each submission must include the following:
Body and chassis manufacturer and size.
Paint used.
Masks used (hand or precut)
Class entered

Failure to follow the rules or failure to submit the required information will result in a disqualification.

Classes of entry
Pro - If you paint or have painted for money, you must enter into the Pro class. If you have won 2 contests in the amateur category, you are automatically moved up to the pro class. If you’ve been painting for years (not for money) and people look at your work and say, “how’d you do that” or "holy crap, that’s awesome! Do one for me”, then you belong in this category. This shouldn't be a guessing game.

Amateur – This class is designed for beginning to intermediate painters. If you have been painting RC bodies for several years and people ask you “how’d you do that” or “holy crap, that’s awesome! Do one for me”, then you don’t belong in this class. 90% of rattle can users qualify for this category. If you are confused, the masses will speak out and place you accordingly. If you enter this class and it’s discovered you have painted for money, your entry will be disqualified. Be honest with yourself and to your fellow painters.

Winners from Septembers Best Paint Competition will judge this month.

Rules for the Judge - You will have to judge within 5 days of the end of the contest. If you are unable to do so, please contact Piggy89373 via PM within 24 hours of the end of the contest.

Viewers of this competition are encouraged to keep their comments to a minimum. Negative, derogatory, or inflammatory comments will not be tolerated. If the aforementioned comments are made by a contestant, their entry will be disqualified. Additionally, they will not be permited to enter the contests for a period not to exceed three months.

Next months Best Paint Competition will be restricted to Video Game themed bodies only.

Let's show off your talents and above all, have fun. Let the competition begin!!

[Piggy89373]

Not sure which mod or admin stickied this, but thanks for watching over us.

[Piggy89373]

One last word of warning and suggestion: if you're planning on using a camera phone...don't. Find a buddy with a digital camera. Camera phones will not give the detail your car deserves.

Best of luck, and let's see what all of you can do!

[FESTER2004]

i am curious! is anybody working on a body for these contest?this 1 does seem tough.i am working on 1 but not for the contest.its a hpi 200m ford p/u flareside body!

[adrcracing]

Hay FESTER, shhh, I can't hear the crickets with you rambling on! lol J/K

I think I'm going to enter this one, I just don't know what I'm going to do.

[mes]

I'm thinking of doing one for the contest. I just need to pick up a body this weekend after pay day. I have a concept and can't wait to get started. I'm looking at doing a late model panel truck but I need to find a body fast.

[FESTER2004]

ok, i was curious? maybe ......i will do 1 too, i'll try to run down to the hobby shop this weekend.

[Farwar]

Hopefully there will be people entering since I get to judge part of it. ;)
Also since I won the last contest in amateur, am I considered a pro now?

[tripxrcer]

No, i think you have to win 2 to be concidered a pro... maby im wrong thow. you can always move up if you want thow!

[Piggy89373]

I advise everyone who's thinking of entering to enter, and for those that weren't going to enter to paint something and enter. Clean photographs will impress more than poorly lit or out of focus ones. There are some folks taking an interest in this section of the forums. I will not say who, but its more than just your everyday member.


Farwar, as long as you haven't done something to immediately move you into the pro class (see rules), you can compete in the amateur class. However, if you want the challenge of competing at a higher level, enter into the pro category. Fair warning though, if you move into the pro category you won't be allowed back into the amateur ranks (to be fair to everyone else). If you want my two cents, move into the pro category where your skills belong. ;)

[RespirologyRC]

Piggy I got something sweet and horrible :)
It seems like everytime I post a pic, I end up losing a lot of points because of my inability to taking a good photo. I'll let you know that this month I will a) take my time painting, b) learn how to use m darn camera, and see impress the pants off everyone with something sweet that screams Halloween!

Lastly who's this mistery person that you are insinuating about?

[RespirologyRC]

Sorry I just thought of this; Piggy I noticed that last month you had a pro and an amatuer class; I think that if 10 or more people enter 1/18 scale bodies that they should get judged in a seperate category. I feel that judges are discriminating against our 1/18th scale bodies. For one, these bodies are a lot harder to paint, and secondly I feel trying to judge them against the bigger 1/10 MT/TC isn't fair because you can add more details into a 1/10th more easily. It's like comparing pro athletes to special needs athletes; special needs being the 1/18 scake bodies :). Either way you should really have a seperate category if there are many entries.

[FESTER2004]

l agree with resp, i think the 1/18ths should have there own class

it would work as long as the class had a big turn out every month.

[^j!nx^]

maybe ill just mount a real pumpkin on my tmaxx and take a pic of it. LOL

[Piggy89373]

Micro scales are harder to paint. However, I've yet to see a judge on here not take that into consideration. We may have an occasional contest with 1/18 scale bodies, but as of now, we don't have enough interest to justify a separate group in both amateur and pro classes. Sorry bud, just the way it is.

[RespirologyRC]

then micros should at least be given a point spread. Like +2 or +3, just to make the table even. Well if the micros are going to be judged with the 1/10 scale then they should be given points. There is less room to maneuver an airbrush, and they are genneraly 4-5 times smaller than the smallest 1/10 scale. So if your not going to make a seperate category then at least do this to make it fair.
Thanks
Resp

[Piggy89373]

Micro scales are harder to paint. However, I've yet to see a judge on here not take that into consideration.
Resp, bottom line is to take it up with the judge(s). Best way to make point weighting a rule is to set a precedent over a few competitions. Take it up with the judge(s) and see what they have to say. I'm not opposed to it if the judges aren't.

[RespirologyRC]

sounds cool Piggy, thank you

[MrCrash]

I might try and whip something together in the next few days. It'll probably be another mini-t body, just because I have a few laying around.

[tkcustoms]

I'll be putting something together with the next week or so.

[gone_wheelin]

I'm hoping to have a couple bodies for this one too.

[winning edge designs]

Time to bust out the spooky graphics..........;), Jim, W.E.D.

[azizhousecallz]

I painted this car few months back but it falls within the guidelines, and i think its perfect for this Holloween entry. When i first painted it i sent the pictures to HPI for there gallery.
Body: Subaru wrx by: HPI
Size: 1/10 sedan
I don't know the name of the paint i used , but it was air brushed.
punisher decals were done by hand on reflective vinyl no mask used.
Class: amateur for sure!
http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher1m.jpg
http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher2m.jpg http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher3m.jpg

[globaltruckin]

Im going to be entering a body in this competition, this will be my first entry to the public eye. Do you have anysuggestions?? in terms of the way i enter and the classes? Good luck to all. Thank you.

[FESTER2004]

aziz-cool body!

global-the deterimiation of what u class u belong to is on the first post here. are u beginner painter????

[tripple]

silverado fits maxx,savage
paint:
fast black
fast red
spaz window tint
spaz chrome spaz holographic
class: amateur..I have only painted a hand full of shells...so i would think this is the class i would belong in.

[tripple]

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

[tripple]

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

[FESTER2004]

that is soooo cool!awesome paint job!

[MT2 owns you]

i agree! really nice paintjob!!

[Buggyracer28]

tripple, that is AWESOME!

[Legend_Car]

nice silverado

[tripple]

thanks guy's

[globaltruckin]

Fester i've painted full size cars of my own, but im relitivly new to the rc painting stuff. Im thinking ameture class is where i belong. Also is there a thread on how to post pics? did i miss that or can someone pm me and tell me how to do it?

[Legend_Car]

how to post pics what you do is you have the pic in your documents on your computer and there is a button when you reply that says manage attachments and then you click this and browse for the file. then upload and submit reply

[azizhousecallz]

i have painted over a dozen bodies to date. i love airbrush, and use to do it in high school. but i do feel as though im a beginner. :D

[RespirologyRC]

Proline 2.0 crowd pleazer
faskolor, blue, red, yellow, sunflower, teal, grean, black and many other colors

[RespirologyRC]

Proline 2.0 crowd pleazer
faskolor, blue, red, yellow, sunflower, teal, grean, black and many other colors.
My design via BD masking

Enjoy----I hope you guys can figure out what the design is
1/18 scale

[FESTER2004]

I like it ,it looks like a dragon from hell,lol????

[romuald31]

Hello from France,
here's my contribution.

Body : HN Stratus2
Paint: Tamiya - blue and fluo red
Tamiya masking tape, fully hand cut

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1243/redimensionnementdekif53761hd.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7224/redimensionnementdekif53719od.jpg

My explanation is that we havn't Halloween, but Carnaval... So this body is for my daughter and she love it!!!

I'm sure , you must disqulify me, but enjoy it.....

Bye

[FESTER2004]

i found nemo again,lol!

that is one of the best cartoon paint jobs i have seen!

i hope the judges let u stay in the comp!

[azizhousecallz]

I painted this car few months back but it falls within the guidelines, and i think its perfect for this Holloween entry. When i first painted it i sent the pictures to HPI for there gallery.
Body: Subaru wrx by: HPI
Size: 1/10 sedan
I don't know the name of the paint i used , but it was air brushed.
punisher decals were done by hand on reflective vinyl no mask used.
Class: amateur for sure!
THIS IS AN UPDATE: One daytime photo added! ;)



http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher5m.jpg http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher1m.jpg http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher2m.jpg http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher3m.jpg

[Piggy89373]

For the record, Farwar and Integra d12 will judge this months Amateur and Pro Class (respectively).

Integra, considering the level skill displayed by Romuald31, I advise we place him in the Pro class and ask that you include his work in the competition.

[integra d12]

the posts are looking good. 10-4 piggy. Romuald your in the pro comp.

[RespirologyRC]

just remember to give me a +2 spread because of the mini bodies.

[^j!nx^]

silverado fits maxx,savage
paint:
fast black
fast red
spaz window tint
spaz chrome spaz holographic
class: amateur..I have only painted a hand full of shells...so i would think this is the class i would belong in.


Would love to see some better photogtaphy of that body! Looks like it could be very very awsome!

[RC10racer89]

wait azizhouse? Did you post that same entry twice???

[FESTER2004]

no i think he wanted to switch the photos so u can see the car better.

[Toyotatogo]

Nice STi .... :cool:

[2ndGeneration]

Just a little inspiration for the competition.

Been surfing these boards a bit for some inspiration, thinking this qualifies ;)


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/2ndGeneration/rx7-skullcloseup.jpg



This was done by HauntedMyst in '02

[MrCrash]

That reminds me. What ever happened to good ole HauntedMyst?

[WheelNut]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Where did he go? He used to lay down some wicked paint.

To bad there is the halloween resitriction this month, I really dont plan on racing with a halloween body for the next 3 months! lol. So i wont be entering aything this month.

[Piggy89373]

Wow, only 4 entries this month. :confused: I realize we still have 10 days left, but I was hoping for more entries.

If you're considering putting something together for this competition, do so. If you were planning on skipping this competition, don't! Without going into detail, this is your chance for glory. ;) Use your imagination, put something together, and achieve greatness!!

[MrCrash]

I'm slowly putting mine together. With any luck, I can start spraying the paint tonight.

[FESTER2004]

whats november & decembers restrictions?

[LEADFOOT]

look in the schedule thread you so prominently post in

[FESTER2004]

my bad, i thought i saw it somewhere,lol ...i doubt i will get to paint to anyway---too cold here in ny

[MrCrash]

Body: stock Team Losi Mini-T
Size: 1/18 mini-t
Class: amateur to the extreme
masks: Hand cut with cheap masking tape
Paint: Createx Auto Air Iridescent/candy colors

I got side tracked, and forgot to apply several of the mask parts I planned on using, so once I started spraying the black, it was too late :(

http://photoslasher.250free.com/pics/new1.jpg
http://photoslasher.250free.com/pics/new2.jpg

I'll take some better pics tomorrow.

[FESTER2004]

does it bite?lol! very good job- i like it!

[Legend_Car]

that is probably the most unique mini-t body i have seen along with resps dragon. Nice work

[MrCrash]

Thanks! It was Resp's body that inspired this one.

[RCFXdotNET]

Haha... i like the creativity alone. Nice job man

[Piggy89373]

Crash, thanks man. Now, if we can get more people to go vor it, we'll be set. ;)

[FESTER2004]

come on gang! lets get some! more entries in for the month!

[CDG]

I beleive my 11 year old son Adam, qualifies as a beginner:
I'm just damn prowd of what an awesome job he did.
Who: Amatuer
How: This is his first design and paint, ever. found the images on the internet(RC site with some sample stencils, ie. the skull should look familiar), printed them out on paper, taped them to the inside of the body, traced, then hand cut the masks to match, Taped with regular masking tape, and he spent hours with the exacto knife getting the Masks just right :rolleyes:
What: Proline Stadium Truck
Size: 1/10 scale RC10T3? now on a RC10GT frame(note the extra holes, so this body is transplatable to other vehicles, Bonus marks?
Paint Brand: Painted with Racing Finish Paint(no lead)
When: Mid September 2005
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/CDG/30726.JPG
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/CDG/30729.JPG
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/CDG/30727.JPG

[FESTER2004]

Dam that is nice! he did a awesome job!

[CDG]

I'm not sure if I posted the right pics of his work, if someone could look at all the shots of this truck in the RC10GT Orange folder and let me know if I should post any different ones, I'll do that, obviously before Oct 31
Link to all our rides (http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?CDG|5934)

[CDG]

Thanks Fester, I'll be sure to tell him you said so. :)

[FESTER2004]

yr welcome!the pics u posted are fine! i think u will fine!

[griz11]

Man I wish I could paint that well and I'm over 50. Eleven years old. Man when I was that age I couldn't sit still for long enough to turn out a paint job. Excellent job keep up the good work.

Griz

[winning edge designs]

Awesome work, for an adults first time, the fact that it was a younger R/C racer is awesome and lets me know i'll be able to retire someday from R/C painting and someone will fill in just fine...;), Jim

[LEADFOOT]

I know a couple people waitin' in line Jim ;)....just say when

[HRDforever]

i guess...well i can probibally enter one sooner or later here...

[waiknott]

This is my Revo that I raced (crashed) at this Summers Monster Madness Race. The body is a Pro-Line Extended Ford F-150 (I think, its F something)
The mask is all hand cut with a little help from the Stika cutter. I also used the mess from a garmet bag as a mask for the scales. I guess I would have to enter in the professional category since I do a lot of painting for local racers. The body is painted entirely with Parma FasKolor paints. The body is a little scratched (I told you I crashed alot) but otherwise is holding up well. This will be my first attempt at posting pictures, so if they dont show I will try again.

[waiknott]

Heres another picture, a little bigger I hope, also in my first post there is a typo, it should be mesh, not mess.

[globaltruckin]

Mine will not be done, too much evil, in my airbrush. argh. maybe next open month i will enter it.

[FESTER2004]

waiknott-that is awesome work man!now that is defintly scary!

[waiknott]

Thanks for the kind words FESTER2004,

[adrcracing]

OK, heres that body I talked about pages ago. lol
Class: Pro
Body: Pro-Line Razorback Quad!
Paint: Spaz Stix and Faskolor Black.
Masking: Nope. It's all done with shields.


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/adrcracing/DCP_0005zone.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/adrcracing/DCP_0003zone.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/adrcracing/DCP_0015zone.jpg

[raz9]

One word:WOW. That´s probably one of the nicest bodies I´ve ever seen. Nice work! How long did it take?

[RespirologyRC]

I agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Piggy89373]

HOLY S*&T!!!!! Dude, you weren't joking!!! Errrrr....uummmm...WOW!!!!

CharlieB, okiedokie man, the gauntlet has been thrown down with serious force!! Eyes are on you.

[LEADFOOT]

very nice AD! :D

[raz9]

for sale too: http://www.adrcracing.com/Bodies_for_sale.html

[FESTER2004]

man -ad,can u do that on my full size quad? lol that is mint!

[FESTER2004]

ad- i just checked out yr website there,can someone help me pick up my jaw????wow! your work is mint!!!!!!!

[waiknott]

AD- I've admired your work for some time, I used to sell (try to compete) against you on EBAY. My seller name was RCREADY2RACE.
Keep up the great work, it inspires the rest of us

[winning edge designs]

Ad, your stuff is awesome, almost as good as normal paint work(non reverse) on some show cars.
Funny, I have had some people send me pictures of your e bay stuff asking me to paint it for less.(insert buzzer sound!) WRONG!

Worth every penny you charge!........Jim, W.E.D., jconcepts

[mdewitt71]

AD- have you ever done a full size paint job?
I am just amazed at your fire jobs.
I went to a carshow in Branson, MO and saw this and thought of you..............

[MT2 owns you]

adrcracing- thats freakin incredible!

[adrcracing]

raz9, it took about six hours to finish. Thanks for the link!

MT2, no, I've never done one, but am thinking maybe I should do my Blazer. It has a black base coat already.

Thanks everyone, you guys are to kind.

[NitroBoy24]

Wholy crap! That is the best paint job I've seen on an RC body to date :eek:

[Farwar]

That is jaw dropping! I have a hard enough time trying to paint tru-fire on paper and plastic and thinking about doing it backwards boggles my mind.

[Legend_Car]

ad that quad is truly amazing. You should paint your blazer you would have the sweetest paint job in town

[mes]

Here is my submission for the Halloween theme contest
Body: Parma Grave Digger for the T-maxx
Paint:Parma Fasorange, Fasblack, Faswhite, Fasred, Fascent Blue, Faspearl Charcoal and Fascoat.
Masks:Liquid mask( for the tendons and skull), masking tape, and a ton of stencils cut from poster board
Level: Amature (this is only the third one I've painted and haven't sold any of them)

[mes]

Here's another

[mes]

.......and my third.......

[FESTER2004]

mes-that is awesome man!wicked paint job!

[mes]

Thanks Fester. I had an awesome time painting it.

[misho]

OK, heres that body I talked about pages ago. lol
Class: Pro
Body: Pro-Line Razorback Quad!
Paint: Spaz Stix and Faskolor Black.
Masking: Nope. It's all done with shields.

awesome work dude. Can I ask what paints (colours) you used from the Spazstik/Faskolor range - thanks

[FESTER2004]

no prob!i wish i could paint like that,but i have to keep practicing,hey how long did that body take u to do?,if ya dont mind me askn?thanx

[mes]

I was just calculating that. It took me about 4 hours to do the tendons and skull. and about 8 hours to do the rest of the scenes. I am pretty slow because I like to plan out my steps a lot. I also wasted a lot of time cutting stencils and then didn't use them anyways and went to plain old masking tape. I hope to get faster at it the more I do.

[FESTER2004]

ok!thanks,i figured u had a lot of time into it.thanks!

[tripple]

mes
very nice

[adrcracing]

awesome work dude. Can I ask what paints (colours) you used from the Spazstik/Faskolor range - thanks


Spaz Stix Hard Anodized Candy Apple Red, Orange, Yellow and Solid White.
Faskolor Black.

[Piggy89373]

Integra_d12, I'd like to request a one day grace period for CharlieB. He's been struggling to find time to do up a body for this months entry and needs an extra day.

Considering the lack of entries for this month, an extension of a day for both classes might bring in an extra body or two. Judges, what's your ruling on this?

[tkcustoms]

I could really use a one day extension myself. I am just starting to mask as I type this.

I'll try my best to get it done by midnight tonight but I have to take my daughter trick or treating tonight too.

Thanks
TK

[suckfish]

ok guys how's this for a cool Baja Bug.. courtesy of RespirologyRC just got it back in the mail.. it looks Awesome.. picture dont do it justice..

[mdewitt71]

ok guys how's this for a cool Baja Bug.. courtesy of RespirologyRC just got it back in the mail.. it looks Awesome.. picture dont do it justice..

Did you forget to attahc a pic?
I too am waiting for a body by RespirologyRC, he does great work dont he? Plus he enjoys doing the lidz so much its almost free.............

[Farwar]

I will give a one day extension to people who need it. Some very cool paintjobs this month.

[integra d12]

im cool, I will be out till wendsday anyhow.

[Piggy89373]

Cool beans!! Contest will end tomorrow night, so get painting! :D

Thanks.

[suckfish]

take a look awesome job by http://home.comcast.net/~roundyr/roundyr.html sorry the couldnt get it to upload to big.. here it is on my web page it awesome

[suckfish]

yes his body came out great I cant say enough... he even autographed it, I'm not sure I should even run it ... looks too good.. and yes he did it for a song very cheap

[mdewitt71]

Cool, now I really cant wait to see the one he is doing for my wife's mini-t!!!!!
GREAT Lid!!!

[RCFX]

Great job!

[Farwar]

Ok so the entries for Amateur are:
Azizhousecallz
Tripple
MrCrash
CDG
Mes

If I am missing someone, please tell me. I am probably going to have the results tommorow.

[SpamCake]

Ah, I am so very glad for the existence of the word 'extension'. Especially in this thread. :D Hopefully it'll apply broadly enough that my entry will still count. The extra few hours allowed me to finish my primary piece, and I managed to slap together a second one in between waiting for paint to dry on the first.

My primary piece is as follows:

Body: 1/10 Mercedes Atego from Carson
Paint: Alclad II Chrome, Createx Acrylics
Masks: Liquid mask and paper stencils, hand-cut.
Class: Pro

I've slapped together a few quickie photos, I plan to put up more hopefully by tonight on my website... my schedule has been nightmarish of late so for starters we'll have to make do with these. I leave it of course up to the judge as to whether he wishes to take the extra pics into account.

Pic 1 of 3 attached.

[SpamCake]

Pic 2 of 3 attached.

[SpamCake]

Pic 3 of 3 attached. I've got a couple others, but they should wait 'til tonight I think.

[SpamCake]

Second entry, as follows:

Body: Protoform 1/10 Stratus 2.0
Paint: Createx Acrylic
Masks: Supplied Vinyl Window Masks
Class: Pro

A client wanted a quick pink-to-white fade, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it, so I decided to freehand a skull on the hood and sling down a few freehand-stencil flames throughout. Being fluorescent pink it isn't showing well in the photos, (what's that on my face? egg? :p ), and since I'm currently posting during a few stolen minutes at work, I can't do much about reworking them at the moment. Fresh pics will hit my website of course, and again it'll be up to the judge as to whether they matter.

Anyway, pic 1 of 2 attached.

[SpamCake]

Pic 2 of 2 attached.

[Buggyracer28]

WOW SpamCake!!!! Those are AWESOME!!!!

[MaxxThrasher]

That's some excellent AB work SpamCake. The Atego body is a great choice for that one too.

Great fire Ad, they get better every time.

[RespirologyRC]

Spam cake I love that truck body. Ever since that Steven King movie; Maximun (something or other), I have always wanted to do a similar paint job. How much was that lid? Is it a 200mm body? Website?

[adrcracing]

Spam! That Mercedes is sweet!

[tkcustoms]

Spam! That Mercedes is sweet!

What he said!

I hope I get mine done in time, I hate rushing. :(

[charlieB]

Thanx for teh extension...i had an emergency last ngiht and didnt get to finish it, but i played hookey today to keep working on it. I should be done in about 4 hours from now. I hope i wont disapoint and did not inconvenience anyone for the late entry. Im doing a lot of freehand on this one so it will take a lil longer.


Thankyou again for your patience.

[tkcustoms]

Body: Revo Crowd Pleaser 2.0
Paint: Pactra Lacquer
Masking: 3M green tape and a lot of freehand
Class: Pro

Haven't even been able to trim it yet, the paint's too fresh. I would have liked to done a better job but I only had about 6 hours of free time to paint.

http://tkcustoms.com/pics/halloween1.jpg
http://tkcustoms.com/pics/halloween2.jpg
http://tkcustoms.com/pics/halloween3.jpg

[RCFX]

Man, i wish I could get shading down like that... awesome skull!

[MrCrash]

Holy Crap! There is some awesome pro talent on here!

[MaxxThrasher]

TK, another great entry, looks like a lot of intricate work, what brush did you use for that?

[tkcustoms]

TK, another great entry, looks like a lot of intricate work, what brush did you use for that?

Thanks a lot! I used an Iwata HP-C to do the details.

[Piggy89373]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: Wow!!! Wow, again!! Beautiful work, TK!! Thanks for coming through.

Mr. Charlie Barnes...where are you?!?! We're waiting on you, bro! It doesn't matter if it's past midnight, post up your work...please.

[slow one 2]

WOW!!!!!!!!! good luck to the judges. Very nice work everyone.

[FESTER2004]

wow,spamcake your work is mint,the truck is mint!the car is cool too!TK-your work is awesome too! i was sooooo blown away i almost fell off my chair here!everyone has awesome entries this month! everyone should be proud of themselves!

yeah charlieb----u entering?lol

charlie.charlie,charlie ! whoooowhhoooooo!!!! ( i watch too much jerry springer,lol)

[Piggy89373]

I just got word from CharlieB. He's been up all night working on his entry. He's given me his word he will post up a body. Integra, please allow his entry despite his tardiness. He's been working hard trying to get it done and his entry will only elevate this contest even further.

[Farwar]

Ok here is the results for the Amateur class:

5TH Place - Azizhousecallz: It’s a nice clean body that fits the Halloween theme but it just doesn’t compare to the others. From what I read the skulls are decals and that lost you points, as well as not masking off the windows. It looks nice and clean but if you painted the skull, you would have gained more points.

Design: 3
Execution: 4
Difficulty: 1
Total: 8

4TH Place - CDG: You should be proud of your son because that it a very nice paint job for his age and skill level. The graphics just slip by in counting it for a Halloween theme. The skull and the colours meet the theme. I like the stripe down the centre and the skull in the front. There are a couple of things I would improve on. You could continue the stripe down the whole body and have the graphics on top of it. This would make the body look better and more complete rather then stopping it half way and starting it again. The flames could use a little smoother cutting with the Xacto knife. Overall the body is very well put together and he should be proud of what he painted and I hope to see another one in the future.

Design: 6
Execution: 6
Difficulty: 5
Total: 17

3RD Place - MrCrash: Very neat idea with making the body look like a monster instead of a car body. I like the way you made the windows the eyes and put a mouth in the front. There are a couple of things that I would improve on. For the teeth, try shading around them to give them a 3D depth and make them look real instead of flat. The eye mask could have had a smoother cut to them and try to give it more depth by putting different colours in the eye. You had a very cool design but the execution didn’t make it turn out as good.

Design: 8
Execution: 5
Difficulty: 4.5
Total: 17.5

2ND Place - Tripple: This is the body that made me say wow. It fits the theme them perfectly and you did an excellent job at designing and painting it. The metal tears a very well done and gives the effect of actual metal. The ripped up paint or whatever you want to call it on the sides is very well done giving the effect that there is more behind the grey. One thing I would suggest is maybe put skulls in the background to make it suit the theme even more. Overall it is very well done and executed.

Design: 8
Execution: 9
Difficulty: 9
Total: 26

1ST Place - Mes: Another body that made me say wow. I like the webbing around the whole body and the skull tangled in it. The graveyard scene in the background has a spooky feel to it with the fog and the grim reaper. It is a very good example on what a Halloween body should look like. I like the colours you chose for the webbing and background to contrast each other and make them look separate. It is bright enough to make it stand out but dark enough to be spooky. The highlights and shadows are excellent and that it the best looking part of the body with the skull. One thing that I would improve on is choose a direction where the light is shining on it and shadow from there. On the webbing, you have shading on both sides. It would make it look more real if you had it all from one light source.

Design: 9
Execution: 9
Difficulty: 9
Total: 27

Congrats to Mes for winning October's contest! Everyone did a awesome job and I hope to see everyone enter again. I tried to keep judging fair and I hope I didn't offend anyone. You should all be proud of your artwork and keep on painting!

[mes]

Farwar,
Thanks for the first place finish. It was an exciting contest and my first. I checked the site about ten times a day to find out your scores. Congrats to all the amature entrants. You(we)all did awesome work and one day we'll be in the pro class. We'll meet again in the next competition. Until then.......

[charlieB]

Congrats to the winners!!! Sorry mine was late...please feel free to disqualify me if needed. it took 18 hours for masking/painting this beast. So..if i didnt make the cut..id understand. here is the teaser. hehe

[charlieB]

ok..here is the final.

Brush:Iwata HPC,Revolution,Eclipse
Body:Protoform Mazda 6 190mm
Paint:House of Kolor:Tangerine,Burple,Orion SIlver,Basecoat Black,Chrome Yellow,Basecoat White,Oriental Blue.
Tape:Blue 3M masking tape
Total Hours:18 painting,3 Masking
Inspiration:One of my very good friends love this movie...she also inspires me as a person.

CAUTION: Large Pix!

http://socal.rcracing.com/Images//final1a.jpg
http://socal.rcracing.com/Images//final2a.jpg
http://socal.rcracing.com/Images//final3a.jpg

[tkcustoms]

Very nice job! I'm glad that you got it done.

[charlieB]

thanx tk! Urs rocks!!!!

[adrcracing]

Wow, very nice work by TK, Charlie and spam!

[LEADFOOT]

Wow....all three of you.

Those last two are the best airbrushing I have seen on a RC body and rival the best in the country in all media. I know Spam and TK have already expanded...
Charlie, when are we gonna see you doing bikes/ cars, etc.....can I be your shop boy?!?!? :P

[charlieB]

hehe...i painted for Indian Motorcycles. The Limited Edition T3 paintjobs was my gig. =)

[tkcustoms]

hehe...i painted for Indian Motorcycles. The Limited Edition T3 paintjobs was my gig. =)

Got pics?

[LEADFOOT]

this one Charlie?
http://motorportal.com/T3_Pipeside_2.jpg

[charlieB]

wow...you found it!! There is also Arnold's portrait on the dash....where you can't see it obvously. We were gonn have him sign each piece...but he wanted $500 per signature. Ahh...to be famous.

[mdewitt71]

you say "painted" ... you dont do it anymore?
Pretty cool layout you did on the bike, NICE WORK....very talented...........

[Rahxephon]

Wonderful work you guys! Wish I could've joined in but time does not allow it. Plus I don't think it'll be a good idea since it has been awhile since I've joined any of these competitions, I'm geting really rusty lol. Hopefully around December I can submit something. Keep up the great work! :).

Goodluck on the judging, this will be a real tough one.

[MaxxThrasher]

Charlie, WOW! Tons of thought and detail went into that little body. The headlights and taillights are killer, makes me laugh. 18 hours! You have my permission to take the rest of the week off, tell 'em I said so! :p

What a competition!

[charlieB]

you say "painted" ... you dont do it anymore?
Pretty cool layout you did on the bike, NICE WORK....very talented...........

Well, the company who commissioned me is no longer in existance..or at least, tehy moved and changrd their name. It was their 3rd name in 4 years.

[charlieB]

Charlie, WOW! Tons of thought and detail went into that little body. The headlights and taillights are killer, makes me laugh. 18 hours! You have my permission to take the rest of the week off, tell 'em I said so! :p

What a competition!


I wish can can sleep now...im still wired!!! :eek:

[CDG]

Thx Farwar, we are very proud of our 4th place, my son says, WHAT, we lost 3rd by 0.5? I just had to laugh.
We agree, we should have carried the stripe right thru the graphic, and we also noticed that the flame colours didn't really contrast enough, and should have been cut better, but since we used old masking tape, and a dull exacto, I'm not sure we could have done any better.
We now have that really nice thin film we can precut and stick on, and a brand new set of exacto blades, so Adam's next job should show some better precision. He has a 10th scale buggy body to paint for an RC10b that we will be selling, so the big challenge is to pick the right video game theme, and plan.

As I look at the Expert jobs I find it hard to beleive they can be that good!! and it must be a real bitch to do that from the inside of the body?
Adam is now asking me to buy an air brush :eek: Oh boy, here we go...$$$$$$. I'm going to try and find a local course on Air-Brushing he can take. $$$$ and the supplies $$$$, and then he'll want more bodies to paint $$$$.

[charlieB]

Thx Farwar, we are very proud of our 4th place, my son says, WHAT, we lost 3rd by 0.5? I just had to laugh.
We agree, we should have carried the stripe right thru the graphic, and we also noticed that the flame colours didn't really contrast enough, and should have been cut better, but since we used old masking tape, and a dull exacto, I'm not sure we could have done any better.
We now have that really nice thin film we can precut and stick on, and a brand new set of exacto blades, so Adam's next job should show some better precision. He has a 10th scale buggy body to paint for an RC10b that we will be selling, so the big challenge is to pick the right video game theme, and plan.

As I look at the Expert jobs I find it hard to beleive they can be that good!! and it must be a real bitch to do that from the inside of the body?
Adam is now asking me to buy an air brush :eek: Oh boy, here we go...$$$$$$. I'm going to try and find a local course on Air-Brushing he can take. $$$$ and the supplies $$$$, and then he'll want more bodies to paint $$$$.


If you are local in Socal, coast airbrush does classes weekly. Working on some classes myself!

[Rahxephon]

Hey Charlie, those weekly classes at coast airbrush do you know how much they run for? I'd be really interested in taking a few when I have more time. Is it taught by Craig Fraizer?

[charlieB]

Hey Charlie, those weekly classes at coast airbrush do you know how much they run for? I'd be really interested in taking a few when I have more time. Is it taught by Craig Fraizer?


the Automotive ones are...and i think teh sheetmetal classes are too. Noah teaches teh basic,mural, and portrait classes. RC..well...lets just say it is in the works. ;)

They start from $350 for an 8 hour class on a saturday to $900 for teh weekend.

[Piggy89373]

Charlie, it took you long enough! :D :D :D It was well worth it!! I have to say it's your best RC work to date!! It's great to see what you can do when you challenge yourself. Thanks for coming through, you had me worried!

I can only reiterate Leadfoot's comments, we have three of the best works of art in RC and easily rival any media! Thanks for all the hard work.

Farwar, thanks for fair and honest judging.

Mes, congrats on the win. You'll be next months judge for the amateur class. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask. I'll go out of my way to help in any way I can.

Integra...whoooo boy! You've got your work cut out for you!! Thanks for judging. We couldn't have a more qualified judge for this months competition and it's going to be tough!!! Best of luck!

Thanks again to all who entered. It doesn't take much to slap some paint on a body and run. It takes guts, determination to excel, and pride in your work to post up your creations for all to see and be judged. Regardless of where you placed, take pride in your accomplishments and congratulations on a job exceedingly well done!!

[FESTER2004]

charlieb- besides ad's fire quad ,integra's rat funny car n the friday the 13th panel truck ( body that was done along time ago) some of u know what i am talking about.)anyway i also agree that is one of the best paint jobs i've seen on a rc body myself.i also like the way u painted that indian motorcycle! awesome job man!

congrats to everyone!

[CDG]

We're in Vancouver BC, so It would be a littel too much of a commute :D

[charlieB]

charlieb- besides ad's fire quad ,integra's rat funny car n the friday the 13th panel truck ( body that was done along time ago) some of u know what i am talking about.)anyway i also agree that is one of the best paint jobs i've seen on a rc body myself.i also like the way u painted that indian motorcycle! awesome job man!

congrats to everyone!


I actually had a more realistic looking flame with a T1 in teh fire buring on each side...unfortunatley, it took a lot longer adn cost more for production...personally, i think those flames are ugly..=( oh well..when anythin CUSTOM is made into PRODUCTION, i dont think it should be considered CUSTOM anymore......

[RespirologyRC]

I will have to say I think that this months competition looks like a PRO comp for sure! If you look through all the pics it's very impressive to see the level of art that is on these pages.

[MaxxThrasher]

Impressive indeed, but I think more to the point, inspiring. Because after all, I think that's what it's all about. Painters like Ad, TK, Spam and Charlie are good and they know their good and they don't need to enter a competition to prove it. They've spent 12, 15 to 18 hours on a paint job for an RC body because it's fun, they love what they do and they do it for the rest of us. Those of us that want to learn and achieve a higher level of skill. They really stepped up this month and made the Paint Competition here, I think one of the best I've seen in years. They have succeeded in inspiring the rest of us and those that have never painted before, to pick up some paint and get to work on our own creations. We should take a moment to show our appreciation and say thanks to all that entered and made this month spectacular. Thank you all that entered. It has been truely inspiring and very much incredibely appreciated.

[sasonrally]

Oh boy at fist I thought no one would have a nice paint job for this comp, but man was I proven wrong completely. These bodies are over the top for sure.

I am inspired. I just pulled out my brushes out for cleaning and lubing.

I would hope to throw one of my bodies soon to these competitions just for giggles.

thanks!!

[FESTER2004]

maxxthrasher-well said my friend!couldnt said better myself!

[Paulista1011]

Hi, I designed my own graphics but don't know what stck to use to print it on my epson printer... Can you help!!!

I painted this car few months back but it falls within the guidelines, and i think its perfect for this Holloween entry. When i first painted it i sent the pictures to HPI for there gallery.
Body: Subaru wrx by: HPI
Size: 1/10 sedan
I don't know the name of the paint i used , but it was air brushed.
punisher decals were done by hand on reflective vinyl no mask used.
Class: amateur for sure!
http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher1m.jpg
http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher2m.jpg http://www.hpiracing.com/graphics/gallery/2005/05/week2/punisher3m.jpg

[waiknott]

I agree with everything MaxxThraser said. The bodies posted this past week show the rest of us inspiring artist what is possible. When you consider the painting is done on the inside, you have to learn to think backwards and plan your every move it just makes someone appreciate the effort put forth that much more. Keep up the great work, and I'm glad I found this forum.

[MrCrash]

3RD Place - MrCrash: Very neat idea with making the body look like a monster instead of a car body. I like the way you made the windows the eyes and put a mouth in the front. There are a couple of things that I would improve on. For the teeth, try shading around them to give them a 3D depth and make them look real instead of flat. The eye mask could have had a smoother cut to them and try to give it more depth by putting different colours in the eye. You had a very cool design but the execution didn’t make it turn out as good.

Design: 8
Execution: 5
Difficulty: 4.5
Total: 17.5


:D:D:D I didn't expect to do quite this well.

[Piggy89373]

Crash, awesome job!! Very creative and well done. Glad you entered and congrats on taking third place!!

Integra, still waiting on your decision. I don't envy you in the least!! Post up whenever you're ready.

Best of luck to the pros, and thanks again for making this such a memorable competition!!

[integra d12]

Got back in the matrix yesterday, I will be reviewing the entries and posting results most likely tonight. I will keep you posted if there are any delays.

[SpamCake]

I know I promised more photos of my work earlier, but it just ain't happening. I dunno what's going on, but I couldn't photograph my way out of a wet paper bag lately. I do grasp the poetic justice of it all, having harangued so promimently on the topic last month. :o
In any case, there is some very impressive work up this month. I think it's great that the bar is being set so high - it'll certainly give me something to shoot for in future competitions. :)

All best to integra d12 for his judging efforts tonight.

[mikevillena]

Got back in the matrix yesterday, I will be reviewing the entries and posting results most likely tonight. I will keep you posted if there are any delays.

Wake up NEO.........The matrix has you.......

YOU ARE THE ONE.....
Good luck with the unenviable task. But then again, who better to judge some incredible entries. :D

[tkcustoms]

Bump...........the Pro entries for the November contest are going to need a judge. Hint, hint. :D

[RespirologyRC]

I'll be the judge:
In the pro mini class first place goes to Respirologyrc
In the 1/10 class Adrcracing
then everyone else

[Piggy89373]

I haven't heard anything from Integra on the judging. I'll give him till tomorrow night before I pull something out of my butt. Thanks for being patient.

[Piggy89373]

Sorry folks, looks like Integra isn't coming through on this. I've heard no word and we still have people waiting on the results. Given the time shift to end as well as more than ample time for the judge to post results, I've no choice but to judge this myself for the sake of time. I'd prefer to pass this one off to a pro to judge for fairness to all the great work the pro's entered, but people are waiting for results.

I tried to judge fairly and objectively, though I felt like a 4 year old fingerpainter telling Michaelangelo what's wrong with the Sistine Chapel.

So, without further ado:

8th
SpamCake
Pink Skulls

Design: 4
Difficulty: 5
Execution: 4
Total: 13

Hmm…it’s pink. :D Once again, it’s something thrown together but still looks great. It’s easy to tell it’s a rushed job, but it’s easier still to tell it’s a rushed job from a pro. It didn’t score as high due to the competition. Once again, thanks for coming through.

7th
Waiknott
Monster Madness

Design: 7.5
Difficulty: 6
Execution: 7
Total: 20.5

Used a Stika cutter (I’m jealous and envious). Great design and great creativity in using household items for masks. I don’t see too much detail on the hood, where most eyes are drawn to on a body. The lack of clarity doesn’t do the body full justice, I’m sure. But, it looked like something with only a little freehand work. I don’t see enough shading and highlighting to promote a 3D look or even a pseudo 3D effect. The graphic on the hood has a little depth, but really needed that extra step to making it pop out at the viewer. Great work overall, but I’d like to see what you can do with a bit more effort into it.

6th
RespirologyRC
RC18T Oriental Dragon

Design: 7.5
Difficulty: 8
Execution: 6
Total: 21.5

Excellent idea and a good design. You took the time to give some depth to the dragon, but left out detail on the tears. The tears have no shadows and really detracts from the 3D effect achieved from the dragon entering and exiting various points of the body. The general design of the dragon looks good, however, a bit more research would have placed the whiskers lower towards the teeth and slightly outside to prevent comments of “snaking boogers”. You went all out on this, and it shows. Your difficulty is slightly higher because it was done on a micro body. If you had gone that extra step of a bit of research and some shadowing, you’d have scored much higher. I like what you can do when you put your mind to it and take your time.

5th
SpamCake
Mercedes Atego

Design: 8
Difficulty: 7.5
Execution: 7.5
Total: 23

That’s a body you don’t see too often. The teeth and eyes on the front look haphazard and definitely not the usual Spam work I’m used to seeing. The cheesey vampires on the sides are a great effect and go well with the body. Their teeth could have been dulled down a bit, but it does not detract in anyway. The pentagram on the top looks fantastic and the demon is superbly done. It’s a great paint job, but overall looks like a rushed Spam work, not the usual detailed and methodical works I’m used to seeing. Thanks for coming through despite being rushed.

4th
Romuald31
Nemo

Design: 8
Difficulty: 8
Execution: 7
Total: 25

Great looking car for any kid (or for any adult). It looks like you had a few paint blobs when doing the detail work on the fins, but it detracts in no way to the body. I didn’t deduct anything for the lack of the “lucky fin.” What puzzled me was your lack of depth. You went to trouble to provide depth for Nemo scriptwork, but didn’t follow through with the rest of the graphics. It would have looked good to see something similar between the orange and blue. Also, round surfaces are relatively easy to shade, but I didn’t see any indication of shading. Great work, definitely something anyone would be proud to run on the track, but a few basics were overlooked.

We have a tie for second place. I tried to deduct or add points to determine a clear placement, but just couldn't do it.

2nd
Adrcracing
Fire Skull

Design: 9.5
Difficulty: 10
Execution: 9
Total: 28.5

Wow! Excellent work at bringing fire graphics to a new level. You have mastered real fire, but fall just short of mastering graphics within the fire. The skull looks fantastic, but the edges are a little too hard. It almost looks like the skull is wearing a mask. Soften up the brow ridge a bit and provide a bit more detail in the teeth. The teeth look a little too blocky. I realize it’s no easy task, but if someone can perfect skull graphics in real fire, it’s you!! You really raised the bar several hundred notches with this entry! Thanks.

2nd
Tkcustoms
Demon Skull

Design: 9
Difficulty: 10
Execution: 9.5
Total: 28.5

My first impression of this was you had spoofed all of us by putting up a 3D computer graphic of a demon skull. I’ve never seen a graphic that jumps out at you quite like that…it captivates the eyes. The details of the skull are absolutely perfect and the adjoining skeletal work is flawless. My only beef is the seemingly random dark swirly bits underneath the skeletal work. If you had continued with the hint of fire like you did under the skull, it would have worked better. The teeth look a little bright, but not overly so and don’t detract at all from the skull work. You, like Adrc and everyone else, definitely raised the bar in these competitions! Thanks for taking the time and doing something this good.

1st
CharlieB
Nightmare Before Christmas

Design: 10
Difficulty: 9.5
Execution: 10
Total: 29.5

So this is what 18 hours of work from CharlieB looks like….wow. The whole car is a piece of art. It looks almost like the exact screen shots (not replicas) were pasted to the cars. The only quirks I see are the moon on the right side (not sure it was that dark and orange around the characters) and the lines on the pumpkins don’t look as crisp (I’m not sure they could be any finer using any airbrush). You’ve completely expanded the possibilities of RC painting far beyond “brain speed graphics” could ever hope to achieve.

Congrats CharlieB and to all who entered, and thank you for taking the time and effort to make this the most memorable monthly contest RCZ has ever seen. This contest has proven that scallops, flames, and other “brain speed” type graphics aren’t necessary to create a truly magnificent piece of RC art. Everyone who’s entered, both pro’s and amateurs alike, have shown there are no limits in RC painting.

[tkcustoms]

Good job Charlie!

Piggy I agree with the black swirlies, I am not happy with that part either. In fact I have never been completely satisfied with any of the work that I have done.

There was going to be a whole lot of skulls mixed in there but I just ran out of time.

[adrcracing]

Congratulations to Charlie, you deserve to win.

Thanks for judging Piggy, your the best.

[FESTER2004]

congrats charlie!

[MaxxThrasher]

I tell ya what, this has got the be the toughest comp. to be judged ever! Congrats to Piggy for stepping up and taking on the job. It musta been so hard on Integra they had to put him in a straight jacket and carry him away!

I personally thank all that entered as it was the most inspirational comp I've seen in years. A job well done to all involved!

[charlieB]

Thankyou veryone including TK and Ad, i really figured this would be an exibition for us, not a comp...but i humbly accept regardless. I guess i just needed a little push...i actually had fun doing this so i guess this means i will have to start on more projects now. Thankyou for the comp Piggy, as always, Top Notch Job!