I've been working on an Andrea Miniatures 54mm "Virtual Fighter" (aka "The Matrix) to help get me back in the building mood.

I started this build in 2002. The body was painted dark metallic green and there are lighter metallic green ghost flames.

I messed up the vinyl top and got fed up, so the car sat in its box until March 2006.

This build is a replica of a car I saw in Mopar Collector's Guide. The car caugt my eye because of the faux vinyl top, plain color and power antennae on the passenger quarter panel.

Some model cars and figures I'm working on.

This Mopar Garage Scene simulates a cutaway of a garage. Inspired by exploded engine diagrams.

• Building frame, floorboards, joists, shelves, bench, stairs etc. scratch built from pine 2 X 4s, ripped on saws to 1/18 scale specs to match props. Wood treated with lacquers and stains
• Nails on wooden surfaces simulated with sharpened pencil tip
• Tire marks / oil stains on floor simulated with pencil that was rubbed into wood with index finger
• Most tools and props purchased from Peachstate and Ertl American Muscle but customized with model car decals and computer scanned Mopar decals / stickers
• Car parts throughout diorama detailed from miscellaneous 1/18 scale Mopars
• Books, beer boxes, beer cans, electrical outlets, fuse box, power strip and license plates scratch built from actual examples using scanner and miscellaneous supplies
• Wires to and from bench and drill custom fabricated as well as scratch-built overhead lighting
• Overhead lighting is wired and works
• All shop manuals and books are replicas of Mopar books and magazines and were created on the computer
• Ads and pictures created from original vintage Charger and Chrysler / Plymouth memorabilia
• Year One boxes fabricated from real examples using computer and scanner
• Engine hoist scratch built using washers, hammered copper, chain jewelry, miscellaneous hardware and paint
• 10 gallon fish tank contains the diorama protecting it from dust and debris