15 replies to this topic

[Jairus]

 

 

The guy on the left is Gregg Hutchings, editor of Model Cars Magazine. On the Right is Jimmy Flintstone and this is his work shop. It is based outside of Chicago, IL, and is a full-service resin casting source of virtually anything including fantasy figures.

 

Gregg and I traveled to his workshop in October of 2006. I took a mess of pictures that trip but will post a few here and the rest can be seen on my Fotki account.

 

Jimmy's work is first rate and the quality and service the best in the business. Most of his car stuff are street rods and modified designs since Modelhaus and Replicas and Miniatures already cover the exacting replicas of Ford, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Buick, Olds, etc., that are not available in kit form.

 

 

Jimmy also has a huge selection of fantasy and... aaaa... erotica is the best way to describe it (Dr. Flintbone). His master-builder (no pun intended) are some of the best in the business and even I was amazed and wanted to bring home a couple of pieces. (But didn't.)

 

 

These are just a few of the masters Jimmy uses to make the molds.
Jimmy not only casts resin, but vacuum forms windshields and die casts white metal details as well all in the one shop.

 

 

The molds are numbered and on a shelf at easy reach.

 

 

The molding process is quick. Jimmy takes a list of his products that customers have ordered. Pulls down the molds. Mixes the resin and pops the mold into a vacuum chamber. Minutes later the mold is removed and the new body extracted from the mold. Careful... they are hot! I didn't get pictures of the actual process because it was so quick that I had to keep closing my jaw...

 

 

Jimmy got his start by airbrushing t-shirts at local car shows. Indeed he still does that to this day... although most are now by mail order. Meeting Jimmy was one of the highlights of that year as I found the man to be very approachable, funny, and easy to talk to. He is I believe the closest thing to a rebirth of Ed Roth if ever there was one!

 

So... if you want someone to do any casting for you I would suggest you give Jimmy a try. He can only say no....

Lots more pictures on my Fotki.

[Dooner]

Jairus,

Thanks for posting. I like the yellow rat rod on the top shelf.

[MG Brown]

I met Jimmy a few years ago at a model car swap meet in Milwaukee. I had a great time chatting with him and talking about his upcoming projects.

One of the "true" characters in car modeling!

[endbelldrive]

Thanks, Jairus. I love looking at the shots of his studio... it's like I'm there! Any pictures of your studio?

[Jairus]

Yeah... on my Fotki. But they are two years old. Prob. should take some current ones and post, huh?

[Horsepower]

Two questions:

1) Is that his real name (can't be!)
2) Does he have a retail shop where you can walk in and pick up stuff?

Thanks!

[MG Brown]

Gary:

It's not uncommon for artists to work under assumed names (i.e. Noose).

As of the last time I spoke to JF, his products are only available web/mail order or from selected retailers (i.e. Model Empire USA). He does appear at some swap meets within driving distance of Milwaukee/Chicago with some stock for sale.

[Horsepower]

Thanks, MG!

[Jairus]

Yeah thanks, MG. Jimmy told me his real last name over dinner... but I had too much wine that night to remember what it was. Sorry.

[Jean-Michel Piot]

What a coool place !

But I do not see where he finds space for casting... So many things everywhere...

[Gator Bob]

Wow,

 

Thanks for the link, Jairus....Very, very cool stuff.

I've seen some of it on ePay but it's great to see inside 'the shop'.

 

Is the Mermaid from the Lunatic Fringe line...?  ?

 

I see a SW on the table. 

[Lone Wolf]

I always talk to him at the NNL model show in Jersey. He is hilarious, we always have a good laugh about something. Probably the fumes.
 
I will also add that many of his creations are reasonably priced as well and a bargain for the quality of the pieces. 
 
He also makes some incredible shifter knobs with monster heads, etc.

[SlotStox#53]

Have two of his masterpieces being put over two vintage dragsters for the upcoming Florida Proxy.

Can attest to the quality and value for money. He's got so many great models I could be making dragsters for a looong time!

[Gator Bob]

Have two of his masterpieces being put over two vintage dragsters for the upcoming Florida Proxy.

 
The what / where!?    
 

Can attest to the quality and value for money. He's got so many great models I could be making dragsters for a looong time!

 
 Long time, like for 'future vintage' races?    

[SlotStox#53]

Most definitely future "vintage races".

Just when you think you've got a handle on what cars you want to build you see the range of shells Jimmy does and your build list multiplies.

[MG Brown]

Jimmy is certainly a character- fun to hang out with. Wish we could get him interested in painting slot car bodies.

Anyone interested in his products can check his website or stop by Model Empire in West Allis, WI. (Model Empire does not have on-line shopping, unfortunately.)