In
2008, as The StraightLineModeler enters its tenth year of existence,
it seems important to reiterate just what we're all about. Simply
put, we are a group dedicated to the construction of scale Drag Race,
Dry Lakes and Bonneville/Land Speed Record racing replicas.
While our focus is on the three aforementioned aspects of motorsports,
simly because they are the most prevalent forms of StraightLine racing,
ocassionally, you may see other vehicles that fall under the StraightLine
racing umbrella such as pullers, drag boats, mud boggers and sand
draggers.
By definition, a replica is a duplication of an actual object. By
extension, the term scale replica implies a smaller version
of the same thing. At the risk of alienating some of our membership,
all too frequently we see models that don't meet the criteria put
forth by that definition. Also be aware that, in this instance, the
term replica isn't used to exclusively denote replicas of actual
cars, but proper representations of vehicles that could
have been. While there is certainly a place within our hobby for models
that are good enough, the purpose of this website is to promote
excellence within our hobby. This website is about promoting elitism.
If that ruffles some feathers, so be it. In the song Grand Designs,
Rush's
Neil
Peart wrote "So much style without substance; So much stuff without
style; It's hard to recognize the real thing; It comes along once
in a while". In 2008, let's all strive toward that substance,
toward that "Real Thing". That's what it's going to take
to see your creation on these pages, and we hope that each and every
one of our members would indeed like to see their own model featured
within these pages.
We're working hard to produce a website that is loaded with valuable
references for StraightLine modelers (and that looks good, too). We're
working just as hard to make it easier to navigate. Excellence requires
a melding of substance and style. Excellence is about challenging
yourself. It is about pushing the limits of one's own ability. In
2008, we'll push to bring you more ways to help in your drive toward
becoming a better modeler. We'll bring you more how-tos, more reference
and more excellent scale replicas. Here's hoping that yours will be
among them!...Dan Himmel (SLM's Dictator For Life)
