tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31057098724790139322024-03-19T00:34:43.646-04:00DONS HOBBY KEEPAnker Stone Blocks: Architectural Building blocks made of stone for all ages. Card Model Building: Making three dimensional volumetric models from card stock. Plastic Model Building: Build almost anything that interest me. Photography: Pictures I find interesting and want to share with others.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-41297312866363685052012-12-30T14:31:00.000-05:002012-12-30T14:32:56.193-05:00New Airfix Models and Molds<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqkcBh0tuY8lESyezClCaSdHToGJF_6DQ16-fMj0kOObxbYB5O2mVJoX8T6YbnFJ0cdzhgg90zvZYE5IctRdajaLsMIeALokcoODFZhpx4PURE6-0jM6av_xXj1huP4XIbxh2yzZXJOFk/s1600/DSCN0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqkcBh0tuY8lESyezClCaSdHToGJF_6DQ16-fMj0kOObxbYB5O2mVJoX8T6YbnFJ0cdzhgg90zvZYE5IctRdajaLsMIeALokcoODFZhpx4PURE6-0jM6av_xXj1huP4XIbxh2yzZXJOFk/s320/DSCN0098.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span>For most of my life, I have built mainly military model kits, but not exclusively. One of the more popular types of model kits in the early days of plastic was a company called Airfix from England. The models came in poly bags and the detail was sparse to say the least and the decals; well lets just say the decals were from hunger however; the price was right. For many years, Airfix kits were almost impossible to find in the United States. Recently Airfix, now part of a much larger group of companies, began publishing there own magazine both print and electronic versions. The kits have begun showing up in local hobby stores and more important many are now new molds and or new models which are completely on par with the big Japanese and Chinese companies. The model pictured here is one of the new molds and model of an early A-4 Skyhawk naval jet fighter. What's even better, this type of aircraft was a fighter attack wing attached to our carrier while I was in the service in the 1960's.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-12224023521140140472012-12-10T14:53:00.000-05:002012-12-10T14:53:25.558-05:00With nothing to do the other day, I opened my box containing my Anker Stone puzzles and there sat two boxes of miniature stone blocks. One manufactured by the factory and is available from the Toy House. The second box is one I designed myself and added stones to make the original set more versatile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkunIdbwnS_qX2fPc7mNQ6tkutqcpUAdaP1jTS34M7sADqOXHRL0Wxo8rbqhk82zAUR8z_FKoAMMFsXmCS12NSjE96r9CXX50q50aqqawBvHVcaIKHrPYFcMNAGhPMBBkrZB4El8Ga36u/s1600/DSCN0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkunIdbwnS_qX2fPc7mNQ6tkutqcpUAdaP1jTS34M7sADqOXHRL0Wxo8rbqhk82zAUR8z_FKoAMMFsXmCS12NSjE96r9CXX50q50aqqawBvHVcaIKHrPYFcMNAGhPMBBkrZB4El8Ga36u/s320/DSCN0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So what the hey, lets make something, I thought to myself. So the photo shows a gate somewhat based on some gates in one of the design books. Total building time, about nine or ten minutes.<br />
<br />Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-8437458612021583502012-06-13T11:40:00.000-04:002012-06-13T11:40:04.046-04:00Titanic Part 9 (Finished?)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvLTWGsPPlWB9ZNGScBQkhwNcH5JgkBZyWNqxBnwISN8UrZdy_p4xEpeN_TEXZGZhyphenhyphenIt5GgWZU0onPVjTR6-Nz86n2jp2F9Bscu7Q8hDQZH9RzQ_mM5BwFfkF-otCj2dC5Y21l0oVuwon/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvLTWGsPPlWB9ZNGScBQkhwNcH5JgkBZyWNqxBnwISN8UrZdy_p4xEpeN_TEXZGZhyphenhyphenIt5GgWZU0onPVjTR6-Nz86n2jp2F9Bscu7Q8hDQZH9RzQ_mM5BwFfkF-otCj2dC5Y21l0oVuwon/s320/DSC_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amid ships shot</td></tr>
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Well it's been a few weeks since I lasted updated my Blog on the Titanic. During that time, almost all of the deck, bow and stern have been finished. To be certain, there were some minute PE parts that did not make it on the model. Either from the instructions I could not see where they went or these PE parts were so small as to not work well with my eyes and my fingers. One of the main features yet to be added are the deck benches. and the radio antenna.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLOCxJg5yyMRtUePr9zBf2_v9NhP1xta5JksFlpNMIbjEZK1hQogd7wcjVMgxMU3JS5PxnqgPqXkYIonvwtiLfcjlH5PoqVPgxubz4gn1YzMXIXzm37VDdGp6eh3AM2-yxK3IieXeY0Zr/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLOCxJg5yyMRtUePr9zBf2_v9NhP1xta5JksFlpNMIbjEZK1hQogd7wcjVMgxMU3JS5PxnqgPqXkYIonvwtiLfcjlH5PoqVPgxubz4gn1YzMXIXzm37VDdGp6eh3AM2-yxK3IieXeY0Zr/s320/DSC_0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bow</td></tr>
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The story gets interesting from this point. On the weekend June 9th and 10th, our complex held its annual Garage Sale. I thought I might put the Titanic out on the table to see if it would draw people to our sale. Some two hours later, a young boy rode up on his bike and stared open mouthed at the Titanic model. I also had on the table a Monogram B-25 that turned out not bad, but certainly not one of my best. The young lad looked at it and "Wow!" was his comment. "is that the Titanic"? he asked. Yes, it is. "How much do you want for this airplane"? Remembering my youth and the models or toys I was given, I told him he could have it for $2.00. He pulled out some money and paid me the money, taking it in his hand, hopped on his bike and was gone.<br />
About twenty minutes pasted and he comes back with his Dad. They both started looking at the Titanic and making comments like "Such a detailed model, look their are the collapsable boats and the derricks. Look how the funnels have the support wires, did you build it this"? "It's a beautiful model. so highly detailed." "Yes, I built it." "You did a beautiful job, is it for sale"? he asked. I replied yes and told him the price. His son said "Dad are you going to but it? He said I want your Mom to see it. He thanked me and they left. <br />
Another twenty minutes or so past and here comes the lad with his, Mom and sister. She took a quick glance at the model and ask if I would hold it till the first of July as that's when she gets paid on the 30th of the month. She wants to buy it for her husbands birthday. She told me he is really into the Titanic as his Great, Great Aunt was a Titanic surviver. She then looked at both her children and told them not to say a word about this to their father, and made them promise. I took the model off the table and told her I would hold it. she promised she would be back on the 1st and pay for it. <br />
So now it sit on the shelf where I have been folding the deck benches and preparing to put them where they belong on the various decks. By the time the 1st arrives, it should be totally done. So after the 1st, look for a Titanic Part 10.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-6414140784981732812012-05-30T09:23:00.002-04:002012-05-30T09:30:23.605-04:00Titanic Part 8<br />
Some time has past since I posted my last part (7). Progress has gone forward as well as backward. So lets begin with once the deck was attached. <br />
The next thing I decided was to use the plastic railing that comes in the kit. My reason at first, was this piece or pieces would be one of the more outstanding items when viewing the ship from the stern. The photo etch (PE) parts for this railing is one piece versus the plastic which contain several smaller pieces making up the rail. Now. I am not the worse modeler working with PE parts nor am I the best; in most cases I do acceptable work. Trying to bend the one piece PE rail would be a challenge as there are several right and left folds necessary for this section. I figured I would probably screw it up and ruin the desired effect. So I opted for the kit railing. After I attached this railing, I decided I did not like it. Unfortunately the glue had set up and trying to remove this would only mar the final appearance. I'll leave it I said, and do the rest of the railings with the PE parts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-H_w1mUapueMISzHH5yeOALSksOPYYbkM-5XGh_InNAEGa6EeQEHrxvC13HMEF24FHbhOvuPzr-SfPsIsIejDkGdPDw991PMGNihaI9OOl901P8G2s_bh5q0WWJRxo_TWLGVs11UOqfm/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-H_w1mUapueMISzHH5yeOALSksOPYYbkM-5XGh_InNAEGa6EeQEHrxvC13HMEF24FHbhOvuPzr-SfPsIsIejDkGdPDw991PMGNihaI9OOl901P8G2s_bh5q0WWJRxo_TWLGVs11UOqfm/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good view of the stern railing referred to in the text</td></tr>
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So I started attaching the PE railings. Right off the bat, it seem like I was about to get into trouble. The PE is so thin, it's almost impossible to remove the railing from the fret without distorting the railing. Once bent where it was needed and attached, the railings became almost invisible. This is not to take into account that the funnel rigging had been completed, making it very difficult to fit the railings in place. After attaching three or four railings it became evident that the PE railings were not going to work. It was back to the kit railings. I thinned the railing with sandpaper as much as I dared for fear of destroying these in the thinning progress. As can be seen, they do not look all that bad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRCI2CenkT_dhJ6FPt6Nv5n138ZXrzRxrnyXqwt8WGIobCYgTrljsan_nS63HiZ9MFdhYpj8XNjy5y1EIrcwlDdhqJOcGuElAq_wdkwVEaDk2_uP0OqlRsQ3dPifPFo6NQ3vtZNpdowiF/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRCI2CenkT_dhJ6FPt6Nv5n138ZXrzRxrnyXqwt8WGIobCYgTrljsan_nS63HiZ9MFdhYpj8XNjy5y1EIrcwlDdhqJOcGuElAq_wdkwVEaDk2_uP0OqlRsQ3dPifPFo6NQ3vtZNpdowiF/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cover over the dome</td></tr>
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So now that the railing was done, the skylights over the famous glass domes was to be attached. Again a problem occurs. <br />
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The PF skylight, although perfect in folding does not fit properly over the dome. The dome sits to high not allowing the skylight to sit on the deck as it should. To make it sit lower would call for a major reconstruct of this area or dis-forming the skylight. What to do? Easy, leave the dome off, unless one is looking for the dome by close up examination, you won't notice its not there. the hole in the cover are small enough to hid where the dome would sit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPs_ztgGYJ6-Rt352qJWgNl_uk-q8IwqSvMgyACwgVT3qpkh9mTwpcIGWhVlmxBvVVwWxTD0yN9OkK6hJwENyBgMwftkpAlOSOdtpRrzm-hTX1LS0t-FL56m3PszN4VEgw2QQNRHa7ICGZ/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPs_ztgGYJ6-Rt352qJWgNl_uk-q8IwqSvMgyACwgVT3qpkh9mTwpcIGWhVlmxBvVVwWxTD0yN9OkK6hJwENyBgMwftkpAlOSOdtpRrzm-hTX1LS0t-FL56m3PszN4VEgw2QQNRHa7ICGZ/s320/DSC_0123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bow without the railing attached yet.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaL3ur9v2xdVZNqLQ6-6bFSN0Gs8Aw04We7bqmmO1wNGpBLTPY7U6Tf07vbpIf5NzweT4LkAllMIlVqWCm7etpKrHqvk7pGIx0N7m61dzeQHyE0wt6F3PRy1SMzSTtTZ3KMBT3L646i4p/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaL3ur9v2xdVZNqLQ6-6bFSN0Gs8Aw04We7bqmmO1wNGpBLTPY7U6Tf07vbpIf5NzweT4LkAllMIlVqWCm7etpKrHqvk7pGIx0N7m61dzeQHyE0wt6F3PRy1SMzSTtTZ3KMBT3L646i4p/s320/DSC_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a>Next the bow and stern. I begin by drilling out the port holes on the bow and thinning out the railing. When I test fitted this piece it just did not look good. Like a large white glob. So I carefully cut the railing off in hopes of using the PE ones. I believe in this case, it just might work out okay. Time will tell and look for the next Titanic Part 9. By then that should be done.<br />
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<span id="goog_703556617"></span><span id="goog_703556618"></span>Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-89872711271528378142012-05-17T13:03:00.002-04:002012-05-17T13:03:24.102-04:00Titanic Part 7Just a short add on to this on going series. In viewing to photo files of the titanic that I have, it is apparent that the port holes at deck level should be drilled out. Fortunately with the hull being so flat sided without projections sticking out over the hull, it is easy to lay the hull and on side and drill out all the port holes which are only indented on the model.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJVUMKTNmUwoX2MG578OTBAAe-W3DjPXDgiXYlHej0k5HD0uhtE20XbwF8dQf29uktSk3gIJ6Azi2vIHC8OnqVMh_wupI-jS-HbOsGfIN8J9OitOrcPq9jR-kWGJqsBbAVI-Rlx6B8RT9/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJVUMKTNmUwoX2MG578OTBAAe-W3DjPXDgiXYlHej0k5HD0uhtE20XbwF8dQf29uktSk3gIJ6Azi2vIHC8OnqVMh_wupI-jS-HbOsGfIN8J9OitOrcPq9jR-kWGJqsBbAVI-Rlx6B8RT9/s320/DSC_0119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Starboard side the holes have all been drilled out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0wVUtWsALheR7Of7_d6oPqA1Bbrk7791wenH-mVTdyFmQpfFK3YWOzjGpJYLvJZWXPMAWlczzS4dL3K9Ts_PwTomdRsoyXdXVBAoFtzvZVwTZZNODW0LfEqwDkpJvf1rFN6pkjXAwi_E/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0wVUtWsALheR7Of7_d6oPqA1Bbrk7791wenH-mVTdyFmQpfFK3YWOzjGpJYLvJZWXPMAWlczzS4dL3K9Ts_PwTomdRsoyXdXVBAoFtzvZVwTZZNODW0LfEqwDkpJvf1rFN6pkjXAwi_E/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One can see a big difference compared to the Port side which still remains to be done.</td></tr>
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One can also see that some of the detail work is in progress on the boat deck and above now that the stacks have been finished.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-208618268575310222012-05-12T12:45:00.001-04:002012-05-12T12:45:59.677-04:00Titanic Part 6The experience keeps growing; when last I wrote in part 5, I was about to tackle the decks and the sides. In studying the instructions it became apparent the four funnels needed to be assembled and rigging put in place before attempting to attach the decks. Not to be out smarted by the instructions, I would glue the fore and aft decks to "A" deck then attached the decks to each other. Well that was not the smartest thing to do. Pay attention to the instructions, they sometimes know the proper sequence that should be followed. I soon realized the were correct. <br />
So I backed off and proceeded to finish the boat deck attaching the funnels before rigging. This also proved not to be the best way to apply rigging to the funnels.<br />
there was so much flexing of the deck assembly that it became impossible to rig the funnels in this way.<br />
As an end result, I glued the decks to the sides and managed with a lot of struggling to get the entire assembly attached to the hull. It took a lot of pressing, snapping and cuss words before I was able to get this assembly to fit as it should for the most part. There are still a few areas which will require some additional fitting and I assume more cuss words before I am satisfied with the final fit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_8_rl_dX82K06dBZvZzxt2oCQDEtzVOdm5G2Vdq9Je2UMZFve6V8tw3VRgBuJTnRIscB8j5TicbCpia7bwZYwUO6vA5hBYpHP9Kemx9y7XJbs97Wmq1cjM4G1zsLw8fTTXqYQpVvxOuj/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_8_rl_dX82K06dBZvZzxt2oCQDEtzVOdm5G2Vdq9Je2UMZFve6V8tw3VRgBuJTnRIscB8j5TicbCpia7bwZYwUO6vA5hBYpHP9Kemx9y7XJbs97Wmq1cjM4G1zsLw8fTTXqYQpVvxOuj/s320/DSC_0113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ship as she sits on my work bench</td></tr>
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Now came the problem of how to complete the rigging of the funnels as they are designed to have the rigging attached to the boat deck run up into the funnel laced around and back down through the boat deck and up again into the funnel until the funnel is fully rigged and ending at the bottom of the boat deck where it is to glued to the underside of the deck.<br />
Instead of this being a simple thing to do, I now must rig each funnel by single lines glued first into a hole on the boat deck then run up into the funnel glued and trimmed. This has slowed the entire process down by a considerable amount.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmDqzn32bL_t4nX3TF3s0QFBCh8YY6M8lDG1Q-k6jEegZJGbZRaOOcfoRjGWj6R6i52EDVvOs7-B6ysPAJIwyXDTylC5XagNK2GMyKLB54qW9RSsjOY8c-VMWqXXmq8pJbwDHNtxsPGE0/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmDqzn32bL_t4nX3TF3s0QFBCh8YY6M8lDG1Q-k6jEegZJGbZRaOOcfoRjGWj6R6i52EDVvOs7-B6ysPAJIwyXDTylC5XagNK2GMyKLB54qW9RSsjOY8c-VMWqXXmq8pJbwDHNtxsPGE0/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of the funnels are done, two more to go.</td></tr>
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In short it sometimes behooves one to follow the kit instructions to a tee. I say this as an experience modeler. Many times in the past, due to painting or some special detail it is not always best to follow the instructions. Changing the assembly sequence only makes the modification more difficult to do. In this case the instructions are correct.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-55648144622024478942012-05-07T16:59:00.000-04:002012-05-07T16:59:36.081-04:00The Lionel Little TrainA little departure from the Titanic. I discovered this Lionel train that runs on AAA batteries and is remote controlled. The entire set comes with engine, tender, gondola, caboose, enough track to make a small circuit going up a grade, across a trestle and down again. There is also a loading station with two cubes for a load and two switches. A number of small accessories complete the set. The engine chugs along and the hand controller has a whistle. In reverse, it gives a sound like a real steam engine going in reverse.<br />
I will probably sell it on Ebay but for now, I am going to see if I can purchase more additional track from Lionel. I have some doubts as the entire set is manufactured in China and in Chesterfield, Lionel I believe only has offices now. <br />
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So enjoy this quick movie!Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-12707957358601628832012-05-03T15:25:00.001-04:002012-05-03T15:26:34.259-04:00Titanic Part 5The thumb is on the mend, so it's back to building the titanic. I have painted and removed all the deck chairs where necessary and applied the wooden decks. Per the instructions it looks like they want the rest of the decks and stacks built before assembling all the decks to the sides and attach the whole unit as one piece.<br />
As yet, I have not decided on how I will tackle this next step. I have assembled two of the chairs and placed them on the Bridge deck as shown where I removed two plastic ones early on in the construction, one on each side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnElHk6EDLIOWY0uSNQaYUMvoP6fsruCcoD07b-QFc9poK3DW5ql6dXz6K1u8fqzraOTxzUf-gxyz-I1qU4LUJ8dluzSewevffLvrOVddWxedlVgE6ooYh_11mbbJujq7AfkPPF3HXkpf3/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnElHk6EDLIOWY0uSNQaYUMvoP6fsruCcoD07b-QFc9poK3DW5ql6dXz6K1u8fqzraOTxzUf-gxyz-I1qU4LUJ8dluzSewevffLvrOVddWxedlVgE6ooYh_11mbbJujq7AfkPPF3HXkpf3/s320/DSC_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here the remaining decks have been laid in place for these pictures</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDm72I5MGsIHve8XBKmN45EDQZkOJ26qNZTRv2_iAL6yCCHyDHlAHwaAstS9JLsavd9pEE-zhHgt_3IB6_6WTurcDYgKnzYYScwzj4RfMnRXQF_o8NgOB0cs0bmBsmcIYIvc8cuafavlA/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDm72I5MGsIHve8XBKmN45EDQZkOJ26qNZTRv2_iAL6yCCHyDHlAHwaAstS9JLsavd9pEE-zhHgt_3IB6_6WTurcDYgKnzYYScwzj4RfMnRXQF_o8NgOB0cs0bmBsmcIYIvc8cuafavlA/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stern gives a good view of the screws</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv5U4ZdELFI0Ni-1Im8vwKk_O4e6Nw7j_Zm828K7M7cFdgc7xd9mQdKLK-eYT25IIT3qFMLN2XO2jgauCELsvgvTH9UoOoTlUDq4G8fNGHjVeHWcqRvyx6LouY4TsIrujJWgA2XIr1LM5/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv5U4ZdELFI0Ni-1Im8vwKk_O4e6Nw7j_Zm828K7M7cFdgc7xd9mQdKLK-eYT25IIT3qFMLN2XO2jgauCELsvgvTH9UoOoTlUDq4G8fNGHjVeHWcqRvyx6LouY4TsIrujJWgA2XIr1LM5/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking carefully, you can see the deck chair, not yet painted on the deck just to the right of the hatches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZFk0nbZKmjginjfk3yrmryFU7qzgBdQvLBDdIlQfTqgDvKigg5JRuGwA_72C9cBEiJmyscueApzVESqnenEjXym84md_ypyxZocLT566TTVKZeg0JYCfalmervAJOsmsg0fw4WnnRKSd/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZFk0nbZKmjginjfk3yrmryFU7qzgBdQvLBDdIlQfTqgDvKigg5JRuGwA_72C9cBEiJmyscueApzVESqnenEjXym84md_ypyxZocLT566TTVKZeg0JYCfalmervAJOsmsg0fw4WnnRKSd/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the bow.</td></tr>
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Stay tuned, I may not be updating until I have figured a way to go and have proceeded.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-63564969567619448252012-04-29T10:10:00.002-04:002012-05-03T15:04:33.256-04:00Titanic Part 4Well what would be a model without some sort of damage somewhere. In this case, the damage is to me. So lets go back in time for a brief spell; say the 1940's. Back then, most men shaved with Gillette Double Edge Razor Blades. In order to cut out model parts that were printed on Balsa wood; it was necessary to snap a razor blade in half taping the broken edge so ones fingers could negotiate around the printed area of the part. This was not always successful and many a finger or thumb ended up with a razor cut. Then came the Gem Single Edge Blade and wow we still managed to cut a finger or thumb somewhere along the way. <br />
Fast forward to the present and all the advance modeling tools and imagine one still being able to inflict damage to one fingers. In this case, it was my thumb when a simple slip of the blade cut into the face of my thumb right down the center to the first joint. Deep, but not requiring stitches. So. Well wrapped in gauze and tape my modeling has slowed to a crawl.<br />
The damage occurred while removing some plastic which was to represent benches. These would be replaced with photo etched benches during final assembly. It was necessary to remove these in order for the deck to fit flat at that area.<br />
I was able to remove three and a half of the the four benches before the mishap took place.<br />
and early this morning with my thumb on the mend, I finished removing the fourth bench and attached the wooden deck. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN5SiPlM36W2C4FhpCxuWRFKkm-TOetgGeORnUG3g3bHMaQuEu3SRbDYyEwIO_RWEYn-yuVdk05zVB13dL8Ul0OEn3gU0Whu7UHj1xB-f2w_yg94ZzA_jqA9goaqFmKhq5OsbDwVt2KKm/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN5SiPlM36W2C4FhpCxuWRFKkm-TOetgGeORnUG3g3bHMaQuEu3SRbDYyEwIO_RWEYn-yuVdk05zVB13dL8Ul0OEn3gU0Whu7UHj1xB-f2w_yg94ZzA_jqA9goaqFmKhq5OsbDwVt2KKm/s320/DSC_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"A Deck" - Where it will finely go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIOd2_8JqorgOVH20inwgxu7k7qLzak_TGwYKxMp3Qh_HqVylHIhflWU1oUdvlraLhvF26z69cRtL0RgmFdF1gFi_3KtyTGQh_DIOCyqI8YybLwCz8PN4-r3RchxDLKrXSvpE7FSG-vPS/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIOd2_8JqorgOVH20inwgxu7k7qLzak_TGwYKxMp3Qh_HqVylHIhflWU1oUdvlraLhvF26z69cRtL0RgmFdF1gFi_3KtyTGQh_DIOCyqI8YybLwCz8PN4-r3RchxDLKrXSvpE7FSG-vPS/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full View</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuyLeortlrMTYz2zYBZf5WAN6GF4QaJlz5gcejV9BYUfQeHH75Y2H4CI-KhX__0M1QmJJkwyZToig73GIFnccCxZSfLb3tmldZikoMj5H32OGXJt0INViK7_IK2ww8Rk_mkl46_yDI94K/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuyLeortlrMTYz2zYBZf5WAN6GF4QaJlz5gcejV9BYUfQeHH75Y2H4CI-KhX__0M1QmJJkwyZToig73GIFnccCxZSfLb3tmldZikoMj5H32OGXJt0INViK7_IK2ww8Rk_mkl46_yDI94K/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several parts yet to opened, assembled and attached.</td></tr>
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Todays pictures, give you another photo of another deck, in this case "A Deck" the culprit; temporarily placed in position. In these photos, one can get an idea of the amount parts yet to assembled and attached to the ship.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-63275019247087814132012-04-27T16:42:00.001-04:002012-04-28T13:19:36.257-04:00Titanic Part 3The next step per the instructions call for the assembly of the Bridge Deck. This is very simple, and only three small pieces of wooden deck was necessary. Again for the most part, finial finishing won't take place until all the decks are assembled and ready to install on the hull.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydi6kKrtr5fmpKbKsbstHvCt3UUcbpV5sfOLfQGSDGScc9pR5lZAErYIRRO8YHDx-DcmO_oJ8PneGB7xgjjLI0Ar84wCFcQ67iTvc2cER0FOxG7hapNknc6su7CQXsWx8MKkoz8UIdfcd/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydi6kKrtr5fmpKbKsbstHvCt3UUcbpV5sfOLfQGSDGScc9pR5lZAErYIRRO8YHDx-DcmO_oJ8PneGB7xgjjLI0Ar84wCFcQ67iTvc2cER0FOxG7hapNknc6su7CQXsWx8MKkoz8UIdfcd/s320/DSC_0097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stern</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYPIEprflcQcFY2uheyAAFPIASqDefaCQTP7EZ2YSgd5OkGS1S9QSOUlIe9PprCD-HutdTBReyvzOHm47ojRMON86RAc4kxDWTwpGhKfDZzamh7LacuZ4uTT1qUaqI_FqODIJahMZeyK1/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYPIEprflcQcFY2uheyAAFPIASqDefaCQTP7EZ2YSgd5OkGS1S9QSOUlIe9PprCD-HutdTBReyvzOHm47ojRMON86RAc4kxDWTwpGhKfDZzamh7LacuZ4uTT1qUaqI_FqODIJahMZeyK1/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bow, not the Bridge deck covers both the stern and the bow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFuQjzw1qCLeyaCHQbm4yv7866GrNaWFh5qHw8U1UFuovPh_CfHmv5aw0Nb2mEiNsW9q_7ohBitmdFMFV0JngKEVwqfYPILnhgf0GuA9QPSKizXV7-1J1fVQPWvi6tLu9OS-v18Gy2rAf/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFuQjzw1qCLeyaCHQbm4yv7866GrNaWFh5qHw8U1UFuovPh_CfHmv5aw0Nb2mEiNsW9q_7ohBitmdFMFV0JngKEVwqfYPILnhgf0GuA9QPSKizXV7-1J1fVQPWvi6tLu9OS-v18Gy2rAf/s320/DSC_0100.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can the wooden deck in place</td></tr>
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I have temporarily placed this deck on the hull along with the fore and stern decks to give you an idea of the progress. None of the pieces have been permanently set in place. I only placed them there to take these pictures.<br />
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</div>Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-71164778500307775662012-04-26T15:01:00.000-04:002012-04-26T15:01:21.875-04:00Titanic Part 2Well I have partially finished the Fore and Stern decks and thought I might give you an insight in the construction. I will admit without reservations that if you are going to spend the money and the time to build such a model, and there are a few worth spending the above, do it right.<br />
One of the nicest features of wooden decks, is the fact that deck accessories don't have to painted very carefully to avoid smearing paint on the deck or vise versa. I started by painting the bulkheads white, then masking them after drying. next came the hatches brown and lastly the bollards black. Then came the wooden decks which are self adhesive. As you can see by the pictures they are now ready to be applied to the Stern.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcStANpfD0-5MhQFEjTynklb6roFI4-ypgcIKPaFMv2RXHzG2N77spK-e2Kya8l1DyR3IyubU0l3WqahPoVmYEy5cJCJQx7wMimVKp-hxliePMY6nh48znu3jS36AmTG2Jn-OdX4xnOrA/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcStANpfD0-5MhQFEjTynklb6roFI4-ypgcIKPaFMv2RXHzG2N77spK-e2Kya8l1DyR3IyubU0l3WqahPoVmYEy5cJCJQx7wMimVKp-hxliePMY6nh48znu3jS36AmTG2Jn-OdX4xnOrA/s320/DSC_0097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stern deck spray painted and ready for the decks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m4PoXTQdbltnLMziXVhs0SGY0oF0VtDhMZIIIdTmfofxRsWWJvT7gjY81QLjnUXkDX3coLFsxckcecbx3wkhp9hbv-j0gkUK-8zfywN2INWgYOzedLiIkx5zaE2IHyRDi2c5xkQ3Grei/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m4PoXTQdbltnLMziXVhs0SGY0oF0VtDhMZIIIdTmfofxRsWWJvT7gjY81QLjnUXkDX3coLFsxckcecbx3wkhp9hbv-j0gkUK-8zfywN2INWgYOzedLiIkx5zaE2IHyRDi2c5xkQ3Grei/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see the deck pieces ready to be applied.</td></tr>
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Meantime I have spayed the hull and it now rest on the base to cure for a week or so or until I need it.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-46481736188800819502012-04-24T17:57:00.000-04:002012-04-24T17:57:07.402-04:00Building the Anniversary Model of the Titanic by Academy (Part 1)There are many different models of the Titanic available, suffice to say all of them are inaccurate in one sense or another. The purist among modelers like to go around with the manufacturer drawings in hand pointing out this error or that omission. Well really who cares except those purist.<br />
When finished each of these models looks like the Titanic. Whether or not there are errors, the average person viewing any model looks at the over all appearance and see's a model hopefully pleasing to the eye.<br />
This year being the Centenary of the Titanic's sinking, Academy Model Company Ltd of Korea has produced a special 1/400 scale model with many extra goodies and limited to only 5,000 kits. My kit is number 3,515 of the 5,000. The extras include a 150 piece jig saw puzzle of the kits Box Art, a special Titanic booklet with many pictures and the Titanic story, photo etch parts replacing many of the plastic parts to enhance the over all appearance of the model and finely wooden decks which over lay the plastic ones in the kit.<br />
To date, I have cleaned up the hull, removing the parting line where necessary, masked and painted the the underwater portion of the hull, and attached the screws. The base was assembled so as to have a place to rest the model on during assembly. next the hull will be flat sprayed and then given a light coat of Future Floor Wax to preserve the hull from marring during the rest of the assembly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDEPfxTQTlfpFXiHSEORgDEn3nX-m1CyTmT-AaXUWLaCJJJW_1DsBqCOb3JyKTCbeiYtycMp4gyc6p_gSgInxlKwDrtBUoQuCmqDZafQPxtHnO3lk8Aa_cutCY6zlkBz-g7abs-cNv7xc/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDEPfxTQTlfpFXiHSEORgDEn3nX-m1CyTmT-AaXUWLaCJJJW_1DsBqCOb3JyKTCbeiYtycMp4gyc6p_gSgInxlKwDrtBUoQuCmqDZafQPxtHnO3lk8Aa_cutCY6zlkBz-g7abs-cNv7xc/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kit's box showing the puzzles picture.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNtpp6pIcomL61gzWwQygexO0a97FA7uRP_jOe9N1LgLz2WL5yYpnoPqPbkqY9GQZdI-NqPMzHzu-6nCJFVv_wu3yTFs-F-kA35gECTKQg4RFZM6r9GeDSkm3ni1w8Q06rZHIamV39iSX/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNtpp6pIcomL61gzWwQygexO0a97FA7uRP_jOe9N1LgLz2WL5yYpnoPqPbkqY9GQZdI-NqPMzHzu-6nCJFVv_wu3yTFs-F-kA35gECTKQg4RFZM6r9GeDSkm3ni1w8Q06rZHIamV39iSX/s320/DSC_0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One cannot see the kit number in the Holograph, but it is there.</td></tr>
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It is my intension to post future parts of this story as I progress building until the model is finished.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-3927046793165875882012-04-07T23:05:00.000-04:002012-04-07T23:05:23.926-04:00An Experience buying an Air GunWhat a bunch of B.S.! Just to buy a Pellet Pistol (air gun). I have had guns all my life, from my first Red Rider BB gun to competition guns. Over the years I have sold off my gun collection and recently wanted to do some tin can plinking with a pellet pistol. So I went to one of my favorite sites Beamen's and Air Gun Depot. At AGD, I found a nice single pump 177 cal. pellet gun used made by Ruger. Now the problem started. Can't ship gun to Michigan! Michigan has so many rules regarding pistols that it's almost impossible to buy one legally. To do so, required going to the Sheriff's Department, waiting till your turn is called, fill out this questioner, pay five dollars to have it notarized then go to a Gun shop that has a gun you wish to purchase. the permit is only good for 10 days. So you must have the gun and the location ready when you get the permit. Now comes the next problem! Do to all these laws most gun shops don't carry air pistols any longer. I found a gun, not the one I wanted, but it will do. So now comes, three pages of forms to fill out for the State Police and the FBI. Everything must match right done to the dot above the (i) or its rejected by the State Police. This takes about three hours and by the way, you must also purchase a gun lock! I was however lucky having been given one by the dealer. But you cannot leave without either your own or one that you purchased. Lastly, once all this is done, the remaining parts of the gun permit must be taken back to the Sheriff's office within the 10 day period or you are subject to a fine of $250.00. UNBELIEVABLE!<br />
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What ever happened to going into a gun shop looking over several different guns, pick one that you want; purchase it; take it home and shoot with it. I was told this came about after 911 and when a group of kids or a gang went around shooting out car windows a few years ago.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-47711398513729766582012-03-11T13:05:00.005-04:002012-03-11T21:31:58.249-04:00Running out of RoomI've been busy building so many models these past two years that I find I am running out of room to display them; so I did the only thing I could. I hung them from the ceiling so I can enjoy them and have room for more. All are 1/48 Scale. Please enjoy viewing some my hangings so to speak!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKj8t34L438ZRwtLIo7CiGWCQsL1Ax_bILB_rgd9y23s8y96pgAUxGP2RjKwO5lD70IaEFK8hOnRrjcyAupk6Q_BdGusxKedWWpxgXaSBeTXDra2W4QxXvkevyd0s9bFDuSerLIaTjo5cs/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKj8t34L438ZRwtLIo7CiGWCQsL1Ax_bILB_rgd9y23s8y96pgAUxGP2RjKwO5lD70IaEFK8hOnRrjcyAupk6Q_BdGusxKedWWpxgXaSBeTXDra2W4QxXvkevyd0s9bFDuSerLIaTjo5cs/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monogram/Revell Kingfisher</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXYps86EcZvWe6WylbKvQg102k4tbT46wwNMOjmuTJPxf-vgvxRLUL0NvcEPg-LcEAKTHv2j-ujds4bA0NJUvMYnjgaaF-wu02yB0yr_LqpJUeN-GcXT1bh11U49lLQkNF1hzwksEqpG-/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXYps86EcZvWe6WylbKvQg102k4tbT46wwNMOjmuTJPxf-vgvxRLUL0NvcEPg-LcEAKTHv2j-ujds4bA0NJUvMYnjgaaF-wu02yB0yr_LqpJUeN-GcXT1bh11U49lLQkNF1hzwksEqpG-/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italeri T-6 Texan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_gRQcfXwRaIiy64tg8n-CC16xwXnJmeBmjhx-LspLXWqdBGlDRj957xl-oWEOg1R1sVzY038Cvf9OE0Jp5H2NL4yCr1HLuPAzYR8l68rGLtM24IOTfcijqJyjcBWdJNNgKHCvrSwpp_u/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_gRQcfXwRaIiy64tg8n-CC16xwXnJmeBmjhx-LspLXWqdBGlDRj957xl-oWEOg1R1sVzY038Cvf9OE0Jp5H2NL4yCr1HLuPAzYR8l68rGLtM24IOTfcijqJyjcBWdJNNgKHCvrSwpp_u/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Academy Bf-109</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUwfTAvXL2pWm0lHEUxrxpWuDJlO05fckYK9ZQFjABfbziQDJvLhrV2E8m1kAQ-3RPr15ndcjCvW0UdEZ_paFVzHJXJaj1Tivl91l_Zj9aRqAopOGoNUqIcGBrDyjgDdlAyxFyML-DQQf/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUwfTAvXL2pWm0lHEUxrxpWuDJlO05fckYK9ZQFjABfbziQDJvLhrV2E8m1kAQ-3RPr15ndcjCvW0UdEZ_paFVzHJXJaj1Tivl91l_Zj9aRqAopOGoNUqIcGBrDyjgDdlAyxFyML-DQQf/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monogram/Revell Spitfire Vb</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbArX2z1AknCxRmH1esF8MHaEbto6wtv2Qk4YTpCzazUxr8mwaQcGtfWhgWh85g9aj50Y3XfHoBvIVeCvMD45riRLQ2Iuo3AEqpQq3avxfwp2OISm7Qshb4kmJUD3uy2J1Aw3FlOeSMlJR/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbArX2z1AknCxRmH1esF8MHaEbto6wtv2Qk4YTpCzazUxr8mwaQcGtfWhgWh85g9aj50Y3XfHoBvIVeCvMD45riRLQ2Iuo3AEqpQq3avxfwp2OISm7Qshb4kmJUD3uy2J1Aw3FlOeSMlJR/s320/DSC_0063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S2F Stuff</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q1zIwYhy0lYpQwkLkUaJ2ZOMoLL59ycwFo5h_CiWb_wflLuo8dzgMWUSOn_FbLVln7kaDUKgyvw1CcNWpHmXVDONhyphenhyphenqJrLuAF_VCaZriL8VDVU_PUewKXDsuaRe8m6pseycR8K0dK-vX/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q1zIwYhy0lYpQwkLkUaJ2ZOMoLL59ycwFo5h_CiWb_wflLuo8dzgMWUSOn_FbLVln7kaDUKgyvw1CcNWpHmXVDONhyphenhyphenqJrLuAF_VCaZriL8VDVU_PUewKXDsuaRe8m6pseycR8K0dK-vX/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eduard Mig-21</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cvzAiSFVX4JocfGGKlFvt5l7S4pR4nLFBl9BJSKQsSJ9IN2-4jHQwljDCPZJtGQIuqBl8I7k7IrxWK6lNwM1dpDx4IZ8h5LDM55ywYShKqOQJ9k-wztGtApANKploAOFKYr2oBjm_14s/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cvzAiSFVX4JocfGGKlFvt5l7S4pR4nLFBl9BJSKQsSJ9IN2-4jHQwljDCPZJtGQIuqBl8I7k7IrxWK6lNwM1dpDx4IZ8h5LDM55ywYShKqOQJ9k-wztGtApANKploAOFKYr2oBjm_14s/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trumpeter Mig-3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUbX3sPdfbxLeGWbA78Z6QxvuI5dumPnPhXkJu1k0TqEPuuDDvItfmXSWzN9XzWl_HMGNuezemZwzTJ-ZFG5aG8WcNNFBzqosl4vzyWUsPm9SGFgZUrsZqbwipxX3fO6sD1J_u7MoDzw4/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUbX3sPdfbxLeGWbA78Z6QxvuI5dumPnPhXkJu1k0TqEPuuDDvItfmXSWzN9XzWl_HMGNuezemZwzTJ-ZFG5aG8WcNNFBzqosl4vzyWUsPm9SGFgZUrsZqbwipxX3fO6sD1J_u7MoDzw4/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eduard Bf-108</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-70527659838176247802012-02-01T08:45:00.000-05:002012-02-01T08:45:40.749-05:00Revell/Monogram Spitfire Vb<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXi0w8-2XYwz1YKkQyaMbECCnN6tbDwl2-6nIhIO9wG5AzWkVYnMAr6UCqk6pb-3leHZfbMkbAIVppkHaOHF52JaA7MbDNIgoCpV_8NZZQizYa7t7fuen8uHqVv-OneulRcRbMvCcin8Q/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXi0w8-2XYwz1YKkQyaMbECCnN6tbDwl2-6nIhIO9wG5AzWkVYnMAr6UCqk6pb-3leHZfbMkbAIVppkHaOHF52JaA7MbDNIgoCpV_8NZZQizYa7t7fuen8uHqVv-OneulRcRbMvCcin8Q/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I built this with an open canopy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">An old kit, re-issued for Christmas sales at the Big Box Stores, this is an old Spitfire from Monogram of the 1960's. It still makes a fair model now that it has an up-dated cockpit and canopy that can be assembled in either open or closed position. The packaging is the typical white box with Revell clearly printed in the upper left corner. I purchased it for $4.99 at the Christmas Clearance aisle in our local store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwR190ebH-js7ej-BpFAYyYoy1xEUbv24Rc75d_wUtkfIiIsoj2ozQTNeY7fkIoH03ZbDgk7iSQPr4yV325pp5UXOJdnLYXMr_py7sLck5fjNT1-0dPeRxTqpytBXviU_OP6Klz2zFEHB/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwR190ebH-js7ej-BpFAYyYoy1xEUbv24Rc75d_wUtkfIiIsoj2ozQTNeY7fkIoH03ZbDgk7iSQPr4yV325pp5UXOJdnLYXMr_py7sLck5fjNT1-0dPeRxTqpytBXviU_OP6Klz2zFEHB/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still not a bad looking model considering the kits age.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-56423519322295359542012-01-10T09:31:00.001-05:002012-01-11T19:08:31.462-05:00Italeri Junker's Ju-87 B2 in 1/48 ScaleWell it's the beginning of a new year and I just finished up this JU-87 that I started and sprayed with Future Wax then set it aside for at least four weeks before applying the decals.<br />
This is a great departure in modeling for me in many aspects. First, I built and painted the fuselage, wings, and smaller parts without attaching these parts into a completed model. Once the wing was complete with most of the small parts attached, (most being the key word here) I masked and sprayed the three colors necessary for this aircraft. Likewise, I did the same with the fuselage. As this aircraft is a low wing aircraft, meaning the wings are attached to the bottom of the fuselage it becomes much easier to finish the model as separate pieces before attaching all the parts into a complete model.<br />
Next I sprayed these parts with several coats of Future Floor Wax until a nice smooth coat could be felt over the surfaces of the model. Then it was set aside on the shelf for almost four weeks before I even looked at it again. <br />
Finally, I started applying the decals on Saturday and Sunday. As I found out, the background film is almost eliminated. The other secret is to dab some decal set on the surface where the decal is to be applied first. This seems to totally eliminate the background film. There were a few small decals where I missed the mark, but one has to scan the model carefully to find these.<br />
As to the kit, it is an Italeri kit with several different markings available. The kit was on sale at our local hobby shop and also comes with a small PE set comprising of seat belts and windscreen shield and a detailed engine should you want to leave the cowls off. The part fit is right on and it was truly a joy to assemble. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpewqNDftox0_j0IJiq3LZfwoou6yBZsu2ckCMjbrma9srZX5Ah6jgH3d5OryE_oTCyETUPuaigu1m0QeJDMi-qhBfJlfdG7JC8DipAH_aR4qt8et6iu4YLhFhI7Vb6rYpbMC8CaPl8gd/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpewqNDftox0_j0IJiq3LZfwoou6yBZsu2ckCMjbrma9srZX5Ah6jgH3d5OryE_oTCyETUPuaigu1m0QeJDMi-qhBfJlfdG7JC8DipAH_aR4qt8et6iu4YLhFhI7Vb6rYpbMC8CaPl8gd/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtBkxP3ojcfJ3_uX3cI69vVd1jU_1zwjr088hSnRGku4zN6EV_6mFLRwtwS53qkD_Se42d1tffgNQbSB8tRNw-N4ff1rzn8fcTo7_0MgrPhyBqLUGfjnNw1GCGaPjCOueY0XN4Wznn3T6/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtBkxP3ojcfJ3_uX3cI69vVd1jU_1zwjr088hSnRGku4zN6EV_6mFLRwtwS53qkD_Se42d1tffgNQbSB8tRNw-N4ff1rzn8fcTo7_0MgrPhyBqLUGfjnNw1GCGaPjCOueY0XN4Wznn3T6/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7HYJSHugqT7iKitSaENqhGLyVXP-AW63nDD5IeDyW0BDKyGX6aJghqNPax9doA6xN2YXs_982eCYxmyF9sfDdWgSCTLx8Nsfb93sNiBwA7Ib0M-XZkF1XHlFiK3Aq5o7wKFC_3SOlXQt/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7HYJSHugqT7iKitSaENqhGLyVXP-AW63nDD5IeDyW0BDKyGX6aJghqNPax9doA6xN2YXs_982eCYxmyF9sfDdWgSCTLx8Nsfb93sNiBwA7Ib0M-XZkF1XHlFiK3Aq5o7wKFC_3SOlXQt/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wing walks are also photo etch parts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What surprised me was the fact that our Grumman Hellcat is a more robust airplane for it's size compared to the Ju-87. I have seen real Hellcat's close up, but never a JU-87 and the Hellcat seems larger in stature. Here are some photos of my completed Ju-87. Enjoy.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-51360245613637352322012-01-01T11:53:00.000-05:002012-01-01T11:53:51.380-05:00Happy New Year 2012 - LCAC HovercraftChristmas brought a 1/350 scale model of the Navy's LCAC Hovercraft by MRC. It is a small but cute little model. The entire model composes of 18 parts and measures less then three inches in length with two kits per blister package.<br />
Total building time was about nine hours spread over five days including the diorama that the model now sets on. Most challenging was painting the top surfaces of both side superstructures. The diorama was constructed of a small piece heavy board stock given to me from a friend. It came out of the zipper type garment bags used to store clothes. The wood frame was cut from a wood paint stirring paddle thanks to Home Depot. Water was from a small piece of Triang plastic sea from their 1/1200 scale waterline ship models. This material has not been available in over forty years. Even today it is hard to find something suitable to serve as water without going into a large modeling project such a Woodland Scenics.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOM2qvzg7mM/TwCOWfevs8I/AAAAAAAAAk4/4qFz-elHHm0/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOM2qvzg7mM/TwCOWfevs8I/AAAAAAAAAk4/4qFz-elHHm0/s320/DSC_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed model on the package it came in</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2S0yC2AyTKk/TwCOXU3o1PI/AAAAAAAAAlA/WATqvmXijtg/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2S0yC2AyTKk/TwCOXU3o1PI/AAAAAAAAAlA/WATqvmXijtg/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tan piece represents the beach which the hovercraft<br />
is about to come ashore on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4UJ4kTVlWI/TwCOYO-NF6I/AAAAAAAAAlI/8_TB739bplw/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4UJ4kTVlWI/TwCOYO-NF6I/AAAAAAAAAlI/8_TB739bplw/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the stern view with it's two large fan power plants.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-90432746468975535372011-10-18T18:27:00.002-04:002011-10-18T18:33:14.020-04:00Eduard Models Follow-UpAfter finishing the blog from the other day, I finished Eduard's P-39Q Aircorba. This is an earlier model in the Eduard range purchased from eBay. This model, like others in this range is excellent with the fit on almost every part right on. I finished mind in the sand color with blue under surfaces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWc2a7tQCg9z4WmOWl0u3PPQuYLizOjU3CYeDCfEOFq7TXA8p_BKBiSWSmRxYPrDoxLk25e8KYD1ICdTzF8snHjfjT1UjOoepr1aLbhyphenhypheno2wewZ3kLickUq3JuR_J_kdOToFxoPo5SHAke/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWc2a7tQCg9z4WmOWl0u3PPQuYLizOjU3CYeDCfEOFq7TXA8p_BKBiSWSmRxYPrDoxLk25e8KYD1ICdTzF8snHjfjT1UjOoepr1aLbhyphenhypheno2wewZ3kLickUq3JuR_J_kdOToFxoPo5SHAke/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q-RZH9CWZI4m2aYmVlGqj3sIauAIlv50KBWsch-h-SnwCd_t30mLMCXIr4JrqPfgVySKIEmtjjyMfZadz_Ikz0B4VGpximAd_PKdQZq5XjMFsqE6GAeVAv2S6h9ga8Z8Y8b6Dt4zCXlD/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q-RZH9CWZI4m2aYmVlGqj3sIauAIlv50KBWsch-h-SnwCd_t30mLMCXIr4JrqPfgVySKIEmtjjyMfZadz_Ikz0B4VGpximAd_PKdQZq5XjMFsqE6GAeVAv2S6h9ga8Z8Y8b6Dt4zCXlD/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Currently I am trying to find a few more so I can do some other P-39's with different markings. One thing I really liked about this model is the included weight in the kit. designed to fit where the engine would normally go on most aircraft, it gives just enough weight to allow it to sit on the tricycle landing gear.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-9470954155791028222011-10-14T14:53:00.000-04:002011-10-14T14:53:11.593-04:00Eduard ModelsRecently I have been busy building plastic models almost as fast as I can get the cement to dry on the parts. Wheather it's just time on my hands or a renewed interest in plastic kits I cannot say; suffice to add I've enjoyed every minute of the time I have spent. <br />
Perhaps it's the fact that I have discovered the Eduard line of kits from the Czech Republic. Eduard makes a number of kits in all scales from 1/144 to 1/32. They maintain a web site, blog and can be found on Facebook. Perhaps their gain to fame are the photo etch parts they produce for a number of other manufactures kits. The most recent being a number of photo etch parts for Tamiya's 1/32 scale P-51 Mustang.<br />
On this blog, I would like to show a few photos of two Eduard Russian airplanes I've completed in the past few weeks. Each model is a 1/48 scale "Weekend Edition". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKhrBhL9IpOkMm-OBcHvsdITM77_PbROZSDeV3ofuQ-6xt4t64Wp_QEGHPBACwTmRjwtdnZeOWh7XxcjOywdjnYkiqmkRtOZ_5_tDGODcccGGSj8atVbD3kEbMH14dGzuQWmSbI1rtVtD/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKhrBhL9IpOkMm-OBcHvsdITM77_PbROZSDeV3ofuQ-6xt4t64Wp_QEGHPBACwTmRjwtdnZeOWh7XxcjOywdjnYkiqmkRtOZ_5_tDGODcccGGSj8atVbD3kEbMH14dGzuQWmSbI1rtVtD/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS9_FELknddSUU2sO9GveiKXfgjLWxOyt51U4CANUSvuf_Xl2qkdWJGLVVxyJE_cQx-Qt-R7C6xQmCr8hCSwJvdr1AvL2_RfHdY4YeyrN40PaiJ0Y5NmjX6Nwou8TJODJeNOQQoD9oPgW/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS9_FELknddSUU2sO9GveiKXfgjLWxOyt51U4CANUSvuf_Xl2qkdWJGLVVxyJE_cQx-Qt-R7C6xQmCr8hCSwJvdr1AvL2_RfHdY4YeyrN40PaiJ0Y5NmjX6Nwou8TJODJeNOQQoD9oPgW/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXXXr6s67C-t2iGbKgD2CyRCJ5TM7dV2I1q5Zdy4jz0560lsFyfSLgHDo4MBNmMjt7lt_x2BWpe5OoHc10_yI31bH7FgdkLaabw5ZqgN4Syn0ixBNzwCmLCCN-Ut7KnSeja-3gOCTKBJH/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXXXr6s67C-t2iGbKgD2CyRCJ5TM7dV2I1q5Zdy4jz0560lsFyfSLgHDo4MBNmMjt7lt_x2BWpe5OoHc10_yI31bH7FgdkLaabw5ZqgN4Syn0ixBNzwCmLCCN-Ut7KnSeja-3gOCTKBJH/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Usually Eduard produces several different versions of the same model. The Limited Edition, ProfiPack, Combo and Weekend. The weekend edition has the same plastic trees as does each other version, only different options are less. As an example a Limited Edition may have several photo etch parts, maybe some epoxy parts, canopy masks, several different marking sets and something special for the collector. The ProfiPack will be the same, but no special something for the collector and different markings. The Combo may be two or three different versions of the same aircraft with all the photo etch, and different markings. The last and least expensive version is the Weekend version. Same plastic parts, no photo etch, no canopy mask, one or two different markings and in some cases a plain black and white instruction pages while the box contains the color art of the model inside.<br />
As for recommending the Eduard kits, I place them on an equal or better level as the Hasegawa and Tamiya kits. As we know today, Eduard sometimes uses dies from other manufactures as does Tamiya and several other companies. Only real problem I have encountered is the availability to get them from U.S. distributors. Both Stevens and MND never seem to have the models in stock. I have ordered several different models in the past few months and only was able to get one out of six different models ordered. So I have turned to Ebay as a source.<br />
If you have not built an Eduard kit, please give them a try, I'm sure you will find them well worth the money spent. Here is the web address. http://www.eduard.com/store/index.php?cur=2&Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-58294625313931957862011-08-19T13:18:00.002-04:002011-08-19T13:28:48.397-04:00A Stick & Tissue Wind VaneWhen I was around eleven years old, I built several Balsa Wood Stick Models covered with tissue paper. Back then, plastic kits were something new and not readily available; besides one could fly these models. A rubber band motor and a large propellor was all that was needed for a free flight model. So the years past and these types of models are still around but not in the great varieties as back then. One of the two best types as far as I am concerned were Monogram "Speedie-Built" and "Top Flight" models. They were much easier and quicker to build as for the most part the wings were solid balsa while the fuselage was almost solid balsa.<br />
So years past and one week while looking for something to build I came across a Domus Kit of a Curtiss Robin. The box said laser cut parts. Well I quickly recalled the hours of frustration when a part would split when trying to cut it without the use of a single edged razor blade<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JEmrNZesRCYDMZ5Z8i-e2h7yX-u-oNxi9RQedYsydcE_Q-MuV4dAOxxhf4DiNxwH9qyX57J01nbL1QXaQ14glnmy7IWHBctA4Nkl4h1w4rl9acY4mkbIB6wZ8KL5oc2buASaRrEZ4wRV/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JEmrNZesRCYDMZ5Z8i-e2h7yX-u-oNxi9RQedYsydcE_Q-MuV4dAOxxhf4DiNxwH9qyX57J01nbL1QXaQ14glnmy7IWHBctA4Nkl4h1w4rl9acY4mkbIB6wZ8KL5oc2buASaRrEZ4wRV/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Single edge blades were not popular in our house as my Dad used Gillette double edge blades. So we had to snap the blade in half and put a band aid on the broken half to prevent it from cutting into our fingers which it did on many occiasions when trying to cut a part out of the printed balsa sheet. Laser cut parts; well that should make building these kits much easier. So I bought the Curtiss Robin and soon it was built and covered with tissue. Yes it was easier to assembly and I had not forgotten all that I knew about building these types of models. Super glue like "Zap" replaced the old tube Balsa glue and assembly was much faster.<br />
Yes! it flew and I only added a small trim tab on the rudder once it had been balanced to keep it in a straight flight path for the most part. So it soon ended up on top of a shelf in my room and collected dust for a couple of years.<br />
In our yard, we have a Red, White and Blue pin wheel that we put up Memorial Day. All summer we watched it spin around. The other night while sitting on our swing, the idea came to me that perhaps the Robin might make a cute wind vane. After all; all that was necessary is a rudder to catch the wind and make it turn, a airplane for the main part and a propellor to spin in the wind. DRAWBACK! IT'S TISSUE PAPER!<br />
Problem solved, I got it off the shelf check it out and said to myself spray it with Krylon sealer. No Krtlon; what do I have I can use? An old can MinWax Acrylic stain. That should work just fine. It's an Acrylic sealer and the stain color was light so it should not effect the tissue color.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5TwHh018SSNiMzQTswlffGfvvmBia91fnAoiMCMMk8fTtYV1Rrw1JBNSsEauTrrOV38a4nkSs4lukRM47CfCSDUiVjqFB_1J2-SvOdQDgMguFrLhyBFahtS4_nTC_DQDEWOHY1k1z948/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5TwHh018SSNiMzQTswlffGfvvmBia91fnAoiMCMMk8fTtYV1Rrw1JBNSsEauTrrOV38a4nkSs4lukRM47CfCSDUiVjqFB_1J2-SvOdQDgMguFrLhyBFahtS4_nTC_DQDEWOHY1k1z948/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I put three coats for a good seal. For sure the Robin will never fly on its own any more, but it stands in our yard atop a pole and looks as proud as can be. I am sure it will not survive any major rain storm or our Northern Winters but at least for now she is one proud airplane enjoying a second life.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-70478190075691847832011-06-28T11:45:00.003-04:002011-06-28T11:55:53.129-04:00Squadron Encore Models<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-oXzafU5J3lhFy3-gFa7IdoGMgh1ZHpMHj8zY9cUArY9xXJyY88q88L3SoD9jiqEfIFzVaEqt59FgouAbZGNV-QtuTCsrCFlAx5YAg6I1u2nAayVsyQ5I1-V8kdNAYtxcPlP60XaO8Cr/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-oXzafU5J3lhFy3-gFa7IdoGMgh1ZHpMHj8zY9cUArY9xXJyY88q88L3SoD9jiqEfIFzVaEqt59FgouAbZGNV-QtuTCsrCFlAx5YAg6I1u2nAayVsyQ5I1-V8kdNAYtxcPlP60XaO8Cr/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The Sopwith Camel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The other day while visiting our local hobby shop, I found some kits in plastic bags. Marked on the package was "Squadron Encore Models". There were at least three or four different models as I recall and I purchased two of them as the price was somewhat attractive at $9.95 each. The packaging does not allow one to see much of the contents inside as on one side of the bag has a color drawing of the aircraft inside. The model itself is inclosed in the instruction folder which covers the other side of the bag. So needing something to do over the weekend, I took two models home, they were the Sopwith Camel and Albatros D.V in 1/72 scale.<br />
Upon opening them I discovered they are Roden kits from the Ukraine. They appear to be early molds as the have a fair amount of flash and are somewhat of a poor fit. Having several years of modeling experience behind me, these two kits only presented a little challenge. I begin with the Sopwith Camel and it was finished in two days. Some of the points that need to addressed to aide in construction are:<br />
1. Enlarge all holes for wing struts.<br />
2. Likewise with the landing gear.<br />
3. I found the joy stick and rudder pedal are not visible, so I omitted them.<br />
4. Some extra care is needed on the rear rudder and stabilizer.<br />
5. Sand off all stubs on both wings as they make it almost impossible to apply the decals.<br />
6. Great care is needed when applying the decals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu0kM0UZ2iUjJ4rp181Tyn7DILMZADs3asYvqRVsg99c4kxMY0oQ3OSqRum4cOl3kDRyKh8ZwfGdqlGzBg9VntQkAxxKiIAhFLtEpmC6ooVMiecC5iegEIo8uprGHzA-LOAyNDFNEO9em/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu0kM0UZ2iUjJ4rp181Tyn7DILMZADs3asYvqRVsg99c4kxMY0oQ3OSqRum4cOl3kDRyKh8ZwfGdqlGzBg9VntQkAxxKiIAhFLtEpmC6ooVMiecC5iegEIo8uprGHzA-LOAyNDFNEO9em/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albatros D. V</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Likewise the Albatros presents its own unique set of problems as follows:<br />
1. The wings are separate pieces and are butt joined and glued. I used "Super-Glue".<br />
2. Again enlarge all strut locations.<br />
3. The struts are very weak and care is needed when glueing the wings to the struts.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>4. Same holds true to the under carriage.<br />
5. The German Iron Crosses are separate pieces white and black.<br />
6. Great care is needed when applying decals as they are very thin.<br />
The Albatros also took two days to build. The rigging was done with paint brush hairs in black from a 3 inch cheap brush purchased at our local hardware store. When one views each model at normal viewing distance, they look quite presentable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu0kM0UZ2iUjJ4rp181Tyn7DILMZADs3asYvqRVsg99c4kxMY0oQ3OSqRum4cOl3kDRyKh8ZwfGdqlGzBg9VntQkAxxKiIAhFLtEpmC6ooVMiecC5iegEIo8uprGHzA-LOAyNDFNEO9em/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-89711288439038810062011-06-23T16:16:00.000-04:002011-06-23T16:16:56.086-04:00Eduard Bf-108In the past, Eduard kits were not one of my first choices in looking for something to build. Eduard model kits are made in the Czech Republic and mostly in 1/48 scale. They have made 1/72 and 1/32 scale models as well. I guess their claim to fame is in photo etch parts for many other kits on the market. I first discovered them while looking for canopy mask. So I googled mask and came up with the Eduard Home page. www.eduard.com Soon I found myself hooked on the web pages for there is so much information and lots of other goodies to discover. This was followed up by a visit to our local hobby shop in search of some Eduard kits. I found a few; what Eduard calls "Weekend Editions". They were World War I types and although very nicely molded, there were just to many fine parts and some almost impossible to remove from the tree without breaking them. So on to Ebay searching for Eduard Kits. To my surprise, I found a lot and many were priced below Eduards suggested retail price. Kit Number 8054 is the Bf-108 commonly called the Taifun. This kit came with colored photo etched parts and a mask for the canopy. Price was very attractive and I ordered it from DeCarlo's Jewerly, in IA.<br />
What a surprise to find many of the super fine and not necessary parts; were in the kit and if one chose, they could go blind trying to attach them and some of the super small photo etch parts that would not be seen once the model was assembled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA7JpOEqGMzsATqm6F-Xu0n4Tn8i6ZhuevjRQw50PZS6s_O7bgt2Rfxu5wwsn3l-Knvgki_-QyudNfoVUw9g9sOTHixd4_fDD0mGTZADd7SbjRciUnR-yllKuldLnk7IMEQ4gKAqdwgnn/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA7JpOEqGMzsATqm6F-Xu0n4Tn8i6ZhuevjRQw50PZS6s_O7bgt2Rfxu5wwsn3l-Knvgki_-QyudNfoVUw9g9sOTHixd4_fDD0mGTZADd7SbjRciUnR-yllKuldLnk7IMEQ4gKAqdwgnn/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cockpit with the seat belts in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Bf-108 assembled well and and I did struggle a little with the seat belts, but what a difference they make especially when the canopy area is so large and the inside so visible. Today problems seem to be buying Tamiya Paints. Fortunately I had all the colors I needed. One of the things I have been wanting to try is painting the panel lines in black to high-lite them. I read several articles on how to accomplish this and I decided to go with the lighter fluid method. Basically it goes like this. Paint your model with acrylics, seal with a clear gloss and let dry completely. i.e. I should have left my model dry a lot longer then I did. Lesson learned! When you are ready, dilute enamel black with lighter fluid so that it becomes sort of a wash. Then carefully paint over all panel lines on the model with the wash. You don't want to get sloppy or you will end up with a larger mess to correct. Once this is dry, put lighter fluid on a clean rag on your finger tip and remove the over flow off the model. It works great and the lighter fluid will not attack either the acrylic or the enamel paint. The key is the gloss coat to protect the base paint.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6I3l22V9d-WlpqtNd3E7owQhl1c9mScxgU_YRGgAg7ysIf9H_3ftAzQ6AdvLzs7-zSbQKzegcG7UWtZvsenwDIz36jocAFVI0b_YqVSl4El2Ip6rFfYVKMPnclHFPqHg2lKXDcN9FBQb/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6I3l22V9d-WlpqtNd3E7owQhl1c9mScxgU_YRGgAg7ysIf9H_3ftAzQ6AdvLzs7-zSbQKzegcG7UWtZvsenwDIz36jocAFVI0b_YqVSl4El2Ip6rFfYVKMPnclHFPqHg2lKXDcN9FBQb/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez_NKjQ0u_QDiTOTF918_Y_N9WHk8ADBt69jyWcAECf0NS4VDOHJktT-M4xEYjkaA_YIaHyRuuuhJwSotC6GzdHu2Aq2IXd_21G1H8axiUM05n_6UJ7l3QEfwu0gBDmte9bAKnKM6SXbA/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez_NKjQ0u_QDiTOTF918_Y_N9WHk8ADBt69jyWcAECf0NS4VDOHJktT-M4xEYjkaA_YIaHyRuuuhJwSotC6GzdHu2Aq2IXd_21G1H8axiUM05n_6UJ7l3QEfwu0gBDmte9bAKnKM6SXbA/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice one can still see inside the canopy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This done and decals applied the model looks quite well. So I can say Eduard models are well worth looking into, the colored photo etch is a nice added touch especially in the seat belts. The parts fit very well and the canopy mask is a real blessing. Finally the black panel lines adds a real demential look to finished model.Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-35848708677576933752011-05-03T10:02:00.019-04:002011-05-09T12:26:08.968-04:00Revell's Arado AR-196 Floatplane<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q9J-kd7_KX7IpB561DN2CjrsKHik98WBTm5hH3vNTurYG3mJVUGHvD6maUNI6GIqHWrw3biZJ-58hpPz-s3IVfF2rirsrA1qaInDOerO2okzVm_g1jJEj4Yas9sByMhM600Nf2FAWeSt/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q9J-kd7_KX7IpB561DN2CjrsKHik98WBTm5hH3vNTurYG3mJVUGHvD6maUNI6GIqHWrw3biZJ-58hpPz-s3IVfF2rirsrA1qaInDOerO2okzVm_g1jJEj4Yas9sByMhM600Nf2FAWeSt/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revell's Ar-196 - Wings Folded<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The new Revell's 1/32 Scale Arado AR-196 Floatplane can be assembled either with the wings extended for flight or folded for storage aboard a ship. I opted to make my model with the wings folded as she would be when stored on any of several German Warships such as the Graf Spee or Bismarck. Instructions for each style are clearly marked on the instruction sheet. The Arado was the main-stay aircraft used in almost every front during World War 2.</span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj81ybUKtxrqfRzfFtEZs4sHAErwngontFWi4-a3jt7BZ2oonXWWALPSxRyKDWtiqC-0O4kQN509wvcXIk_dy5ZhCa8zWf3fGwXBRzBJINqEBhKFpcC7uMEyeHPB88rrUh-m4jZ202YlN/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj81ybUKtxrqfRzfFtEZs4sHAErwngontFWi4-a3jt7BZ2oonXWWALPSxRyKDWtiqC-0O4kQN509wvcXIk_dy5ZhCa8zWf3fGwXBRzBJINqEBhKFpcC7uMEyeHPB88rrUh-m4jZ202YlN/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used the prop blade to cover the machine gun opening.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Arado kit comes from Revell Germany and like the S-100 (reviewed on an earlier Blog) is a suburb model with many fine detailed parts. A good example is the gunners seat which slides on the tracks as it should; and the back rest can be positioned for seating forward or facing back to the machine gun. Molded in light gray, I found no flash and the parts fit right on. I would suggest one studies the instruction closely when it comes to assembling the engine. I thought I had it perfect, but when it came time to assemble the cowl the opening for the machine gun would not line up correctly. Somewhere during assembly I screwed up. </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If I were to mentioned a negative side, I would say the canopy was the down fall. It comes in separate pieces and has to be glued together. It became for me at least a little difficult to hold the correct angle to fit the cockpit opening. When trying to position the center and aft section they did not seem to fit like the rest of the model did. I am hoping to build Revell's 1/32 scale Ju-88 next, but If the price proves to be to high for now, I may build another Arado, this time with the wings extended for flight.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpnJX1kp3EcRTrl61r21ivsyDAo290hyphenhyphenQRJq248XZ0S5TI8eKde_sIKuqzimWeJPSgBKXjON0HbgXIG3BKk_VUmJykE45aid_fwhKsXK1e0CRMije3bHu0SMpJRVHo8MW_rp9FhEASlXp/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpnJX1kp3EcRTrl61r21ivsyDAo290hyphenhyphenQRJq248XZ0S5TI8eKde_sIKuqzimWeJPSgBKXjON0HbgXIG3BKk_VUmJykE45aid_fwhKsXK1e0CRMije3bHu0SMpJRVHo8MW_rp9FhEASlXp/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Close up of the cockpit, this kit has a lot of details and could be enhanced more. There is plenty of room for a super detailing.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-24239572148601288562011-03-26T11:42:00.000-04:002011-03-26T11:42:25.024-04:00Revell's S-100 Schnellboot<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRXM3mT6uMv5B35pLA4qlJpJDmNTNUexwwSNkWLGOl3_S_s9td0bZm8RWbCzRK5BUxHzvtm2yOY_mNZkVsnWjKqxku11but0i_9Xjh-d_jGZytCY_je6tBNtvYlYfoogcqy7O_-g6lEct/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRXM3mT6uMv5B35pLA4qlJpJDmNTNUexwwSNkWLGOl3_S_s9td0bZm8RWbCzRK5BUxHzvtm2yOY_mNZkVsnWjKqxku11but0i_9Xjh-d_jGZytCY_je6tBNtvYlYfoogcqy7O_-g6lEct/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed model</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have not really built a plastic model lately that I found enjoyable until now.<br />
While browsing our local hobby shop, I came across this Revell 1/72 Scale German S-100 Schnellboot. What made this all the more enjoyable; the price of the model was on sale, almost half the original cost.<br />
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From out of the box, the hull fit well and the deck almost snapped in place. Parts were easily removed from the trees and the fit was right on. A minimum amount of sanding and even less body putty was needed. My only negative comment lies in the fact that Revell chooses not to include other paint manufactures color numbers. I use Tamiya paints and guessed at what colors would best matched Revel's color numbers. They do give some basic ideas as "Sea Gray, Medium Gray, Steel" etc.<br />
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The Schnellboots were used throughout the war and were very successful in destroying a good many ships. More commonly known as E-Boats, the S-100 series was the final version and several modifications were made to the all the boats during the war years including up- grade guns and mine laying versions. Many boats survived the end of the war and became prized war booty to many nations.<br />
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This Schnellboot is a German produced kit and can easily be identified by the green box it comes in. If these German made kits are an indication of the quality in these models, I look forward to building more German Revell models. I would like to get the Gato Class U. S. Submarine in the same scale as this S-100 model (1/72), but the cost is over $100.00 and that almost puts it out of sight except that I can put it on lay-a-way which our shop offers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpoMsgDoEzqhOPVTJ2_6kUWYPeq4JcxQX32lYHNn8K5dJcAyqdKMAzAfQMpiomk-lwvTIRZ9KKCvFdX4NgDs7AAPpKOMxRSpc-oN4Xt2R_OQd1o6Zzj-lxb6geun0_NCBeSmL0BbITGud/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpoMsgDoEzqhOPVTJ2_6kUWYPeq4JcxQX32lYHNn8K5dJcAyqdKMAzAfQMpiomk-lwvTIRZ9KKCvFdX4NgDs7AAPpKOMxRSpc-oN4Xt2R_OQd1o6Zzj-lxb6geun0_NCBeSmL0BbITGud/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bow shows a lot of detail that is just not in many other kits.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5OURdXG19n4B2Msxur3TBHYH7iuhJcxleIs8aMVM88x0DMl67L_XoEHrAGAUH5olkxiV8m6pgvctjo3l8NJBczFsVpOZyvImf5-84VSsKwMlTfXcYe_A0EhVwqMSPu-CvRG00E_LDyMS/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5OURdXG19n4B2Msxur3TBHYH7iuhJcxleIs8aMVM88x0DMl67L_XoEHrAGAUH5olkxiV8m6pgvctjo3l8NJBczFsVpOZyvImf5-84VSsKwMlTfXcYe_A0EhVwqMSPu-CvRG00E_LDyMS/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a top view, note the ropes holding the rafts to the engine exhaust.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the other side of the coin, is Revell's PT-109. This kit is quite old and was made by Revell when they produced kits in California. Molded in dark green plastic. this kit will require much work to even come close to the the quality of the Schnellboot. Many details are molded right into the model and not nearly as detailed. These American produced kits come in the usual off white colored boxes often seen in the "Big Box Stores."Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105709872479013932.post-1683713563981350062011-01-30T11:15:00.000-05:002011-01-30T11:15:38.265-05:00St. Michael's Basilica by Anker<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay10lO9LSqimJweSMC3rT1hO6gQVOzST7gMCljz7R2p5_AwXlsxhKPgjyWsICFwb8DcfNR1FMRairjhwkMliq955XUAANM4qW4QFgY2jthq-1jQgUbUpYJKIS2yds6PJxVjfr42wzzZau/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay10lO9LSqimJweSMC3rT1hO6gQVOzST7gMCljz7R2p5_AwXlsxhKPgjyWsICFwb8DcfNR1FMRairjhwkMliq955XUAANM4qW4QFgY2jthq-1jQgUbUpYJKIS2yds6PJxVjfr42wzzZau/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The Basilica </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div>I have waited a while to get this model from Anker. If I understand correctly, the people at Anker intend to produce stone models of historical buildings in the future with this being the first.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvBP6uN0QWH20tkQ6dwDongBYrruO7_sVho7ctS7tJHK6RJcL_tDyzMRIxW-mtvDXnCyXoIdCC-fwnhJHFz1jZswZZTpCmbtJknbuObEBMLamYzcSVdTAv7zQ7HafjSMwzHrIatrRMpCy/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvBP6uN0QWH20tkQ6dwDongBYrruO7_sVho7ctS7tJHK6RJcL_tDyzMRIxW-mtvDXnCyXoIdCC-fwnhJHFz1jZswZZTpCmbtJknbuObEBMLamYzcSVdTAv7zQ7HafjSMwzHrIatrRMpCy/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stones inside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The blocks come in the usual wooden box measuring 7 1/4 inches square and contain in this case 74 stones. This represents what seems to be a new approach in marketing as the packaging is quite attractive. Inside the box, you will find a booklet describing the Basilica in German and English. At the end of the booklet are the building diagrams which are done in the 3D style as well as the flat plan style. Also on the rear cover is the box layout instead of it being glued to the underside of the box lid. My model came from the ToyHouse, which is now owned by Jon Stolz and a thanks for getting to me by my birthday.<br />
Once unpacked and inspected, building the model took about 15 minutes and although not something one will want to build over and over again, it would make a nice diversion for your grand kids to play with. Or you might just incorporate the stones into your collection, as their seems to be a few new stones that I don't have in my collection such as stones 1557 (small 1/4 round) or stones 1558 (small cone). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuuwhdAg1AwqwLqVAesMERKVUp86II0F6dfaX174hun-dAvQv272uG-Tl6pcjF2sbK14LFBmMdMSYwD4M1tCu1nI5Z3BG1DHeAUxlm0UD7jDPyUgo3LyPGYYOgdhitQHw7Qt3pTdZr7R7/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About half built</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaFDh6dDLgtrg5Tq9RtWmJwsESMyR_j-EFqBqoP8CKOe7UhXJCfTwsWpaffrL4HUolFimQrpeZwoV5tdSG-Qqim4Orm7ds23Z923z6CuNNQH8kq76eWEjOy1V_jdq4gOH9XsjpfAcKRQx/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaFDh6dDLgtrg5Tq9RtWmJwsESMyR_j-EFqBqoP8CKOe7UhXJCfTwsWpaffrL4HUolFimQrpeZwoV5tdSG-Qqim4Orm7ds23Z923z6CuNNQH8kq76eWEjOy1V_jdq4gOH9XsjpfAcKRQx/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished model with booklet in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Model Builderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891761836351070942noreply@blogger.com0