Background Information on the Virtue RSX
to Mark S. Gustavson

Hello Mark,

This is the background information (behind the scene story) for the build of "Virtue RSX"

Progress:
Anytime you are building a model like this; inspiration doesn't always come at one time. There were many times that I did not know what to do next. Sometimes I had to develop a new idea and explore new thinking. Like I said in my short speech, just don't give up on your dreams. Sometimes it is not meant to be, and there is something missing, or lessons to be learned. Remember, modeling is not about arriving, it's about the journey, " Patience is a Virtue".

First the Name:
Picking a name for this car was difficult at first. The name Virtue which most people are aquatinted with seemed logical. The word Virtue speaks of the highest quality, merit, excellence, and distinction. To build a model and name it Virtue would be a difficult standard to live up to. The doublet for Virtue is Virtu, which is likened to a one of a kind masterpiece. This drove me to constantly raise the bar. No work short of the best I could perform would be accepted.

The License Plate:
Since the type of car, is an Ultra Custom Concept Show Car, it must sport a "Michigan Manufacturer Plate". An exact Manufacturer Plate was measured and duplicated, but not without special meaning. The combination of numbers and letter "M" is correct. This includes two digits, the letter "M", and three digits. The Manufacturer plate reads "37M629". The meaning for the "37" is my daughter Angela's Birthday, March 7. The capital "M" is for Marcia my wife. And the "629" is for my son Brent's Birthday June 29. This was a way to personalize the car without being obvious.

The Big Daddy Roth Connection:
At the Detroit Autorama in January 2002, I met Ilene Roth, Big Daddy Ed Roth's wife, Ilene. I told her that I was sorry for Ed Roth's passing away six months earlier. I mentioned to her that I had been building a new model to premier at GSL XIX, and my wish was for him to see my model. I went on to tell here that it made me sad that I would not be able to show it to him. In a kind and gentle way, Ilene told me to finish the model, and Big Daddy would be there in sprit to see the model when I entered it. I didn't really think much about it until the March 27, 03 GSL Brunch. I don't know how to say this, but at the moment of winning Best In Show, I felt the strangest feeling, that besides the room full of fellow modelers, there were others there celebrating at that moment, and were there only in sprit. I guess that is why it was such an emotional moment for me, and from what I have read on the message board, other builders felt the same JOY I did, and may have shed a few tears also. I now believe that these kinds of things do happen! I am including a picture taken after the awards ceremony. The picture of Augie, Roth family member, and myself. What a trio! You can see on our faces, what a proud moment it was, and great fun we had.

The people I want to thank:
When you tell people that you are going to build a model car in 1/25 scale and enter it in an International Contest, some people just don't understand. But the people below believed in my dream, and helped me with technical advise, made suggestions, gave me thoughtful ideas: Mark, if possible please mention these people, it means a lot to me.

I want to thank God, and Jesus Christ my Savior

My wife Marcia, Son Brent, Daughter Angela, and all Family members, for their encouragement

My great friend Victor Demichei,  For building encouragement for over 25 years

Another friend Rodney Bankston For building encouragement- and support

Flint Plating,-  Rick Hicks, Flint Mi.

Finish Masters Paint Supply- Staff, Flint, Mi.

Ordway's Body Shop-  Kyle Ordway, John Owen, in Corunna, Mi.

Rider's Hobby Shop,  Staff, Flint Mi.

And a Thank You to GSL:
I want to thank you, and everyone that ran the GSL XIX contest. Without your team none of this would have been possible. And thanks to everyone who extended their hand of hospitality to my family and myself, and made us feel so comfortable and welcome.

Parting Thought:
It has always been my goal to build a model to the best of my ability. I feel that modeling is becoming a true "Art Form". In light of that, let me give you the first line to a journal I wrote while building "Virtue".

" To dream a dream is but a dream, but to love it enough is to make it live".

I can't tell you where some of the thoughts came from, except from God.

Your Friend,

Bruce Owen