EIGHT08 BLOGS: Big Bad Dad’s Scale Models
Model cars has been around almost as long as real cars with the earliest toy cars making their inception as far back as the late 1800s. Just as model trains were a hit in the 19th century, miniature models of the latest and most exciting transportation innovations were also popular. Model cars started out as toys for wealthy children, but the model car industry has grown and changed greatly throughout the decades. Model car sales declined in the 70s and 80s due to the innovation of electronic cars ie radio controlled cars, video games, and other new technologies, but the model car still remained a timeless treat for kids around the world. Now in present day, a large portion of the model car industry’s sales has shifted to the adult collectors and automotive enthusiasts. Adults who hold nostalgia for the model cars of their childhood
Automotive enthusiasts who want to build and display model car versions of their car besides their actual car at car shows
And automotive enthusiasts who want to build and display models of their favorite cars, as well as model car collectors
One such individual who I have found out recently who has an interest or should I say a passion for model cars is Seiji “Katsu” Katayama of Big Bad Dad’s Garage. I have known Seiji “Katsu” Katayama for sometime now via Oahu’s car show culture, and I have crossed paths with Katsu basically at each and every car show wherever it may be on our island of Oahu
At the time, Katsu was entering his JDM inspired Mazda 6 which was taking home trophies left and right as I was entering my Lexus IS300 throughout the various car shows as well
Throughout the years, Katsu has supported Supremacy Car Club’s annually held Food Drive and Show & Shine with his customized trike pictured below but I haven’t had known of his passion for model cars until as of recently
Date: Sunday, October 15th, 2023. Location: Kaimuki, Hawaii. The 2023 Hawaii NNL Model Car Show to be exact. Upon entering the Hawaii NNL Model Car Show, my eyes were immediately attracted to a display incorporating a candy green metal flaked model truck with a figurine standing besides it. I was flabergasted. The figurine standing besides the candy green metal flaked model truck looked very familar 🤔 It looked like Katsu aka Seiji Katsu Katayama but a smaller, much smaller version of himself 😜 Upon confirmation and a messenger chat here and there to set up a feature for his model car creations, I present to you this blog spotlighting (3) of Katsu’s model car creations 👍
Pictured above and below are photos of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1941 Chevrolet Model Truck aka “Shop Truck”
Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1941 Chevrolet Model Truck rocks a Candy Luscious Green automotive based color hue incorporating a Mercury Silver basecoat up top and an Abyss Black basecoat on the bottom for a two tone paint scheme
Body mods include a chopped top, and sectioned body to achieve a tire tucking lowered stance. Found on all four corners are a set of COPO Chevrolet Performance Option wheels
Found in the rear of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1941 Chevrolet Model Truck is an Accuair Air Suspension kit and a Vaiair compressor. Intricate details such as a narrowed and c-notched frame can be seen from atop and below Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1941 Chevrolet Model Truck
Found within the engine bay of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1941 Chevrolet Model Truck is a fuel injected 572 C.I. backed up by a myriad amount of details and custom parts
Interior details for Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1941 Chevrolet Model Truck include air conditioning, an electronic dashboard, and a billet steering wheel
Pictured above and below are photos of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1959 Cadillac Model Car aka “Naughty Girl”
Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1959 Cadillac Model Car rocks a Coral Reef automotive based color hue, very similar to Hot Pink, and utilizes a blue pearl for that added pop in the sunlight
Found on all four corners of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1959 Cadillac Model Car is a discontinued set of Fujimi Wire Spoke Wheels sponsored by Hien Le aka Hondamatic. The chassis of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1959 Cadillac Model Car had to be tubbed in order to fit these super wide wheels
Found within the engine bay of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1959 Cadillac Model Car is a 500 C.I. Cadillac motor incorporating intricate and hand made details such as a carburetor, fuel lines, and much more
Pictured above and below are photos of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1949 Mercury Model Car rocking a Candy Seductive Blue automotive based color hue atop a Mercury Silver basecoat
Found within the engine bay of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1949 Mercury Model Car is 500 C.I. Cadillac motor incorporating intricate and hand made details such as an air cleaner, fuel lines, throttle linkage, spark plug wires, and a whole lot more
Spanning the entire length of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1949 Mercury Model Car are custom flames utilizing a Miami Beach automotive based color hue, similar to Metallic Blue, sprayed atop a white basecoat and accented with a Green Ooze color hue throughout the flames
Found on all four corners of Seiji “Katsu” Katayama’s 1949 Mercury Model Car is a set of Supreme wheels wrapped in whitewall tires
