Gunner Mike

A good North Korean War MIG 15. The Trumpeter kit is a BB gun target. Same for a NVAF Mig 17

I would like to purchase one of these for my HPH Helldiver build. I am in SoCal. Please contact me direct at jmwitous@aol.com Thank you

Howdy Mikey, Happy Holidays. Regarding air compressors........ I have gone from a large industrial compressor in my garage, with a 50 foot airline to my man cave. Mice ate the rubber airline. I used a Grex compressor (very nice) for about 2 years. But I took some advice from my squiddly TVMC co-founder (Pauli) and am now using a compressed air tank. This is the best. No noise, no moisture and the cost for entire set up was about $100. I have the HK B-17G on the bench now. Doing a Frankenstein using the starboard fuselage of the E/F kit and the tail gun. I will have an early G with un-staggard waist guns and the earlier tail gun. The plan is to sell parts off the new kit to offset the price. Happy New Year- we miss ya.

Howdy Mikey, We miss you bro, when are you going to be out here next? Here’s my take on the sonic cleaner,,, I bought mine from Harbor Freight for about $25. I clean my Grex airbrushes, glasses, sunglasses, Jewelry and my dental bridge. Use Hot Hot water and a Polident tablet. I generally run it for 20 minutes. Be cool

Ok Boyos. My real intention for Pauli to ‘Ranch Sit” was for him to finger fondle the kits that I plan on selling him at the BBQ. Basic sales tools is to plant the seed and create a need. Once he perceives the need the higher margin I will make. A few beers, set the hook and reel em in.

We are celebrating year 6 of this annual event at the Ranchito in Southern California. As in the past, this is free to attend although we ask that you purchase a minimum $5 raffle ticket. We will have over $500 in raffle prizes. We usually get 70+ model geeks showing up for a great time. It is BYOB ( beer or beverage of choice) we will cook up rollers and sliders. The TVMC members will bring side dishes. We will have plenty of ice. It is also BYOM- Bring your own model, in process or finished. If you want to sell stuff at the swap meet, bring a table and maybe a pop up tent. Set up is at 1100 and takedown will be at 1700 ( 11am-5 pm) We will also be selling Barritus Brewery merchandise to support the Barritus foundation which I am a co-founder. Please see our website. www.barritusbrewery.com This is a non-profit for veterans needs. We have a great time at this event and look forward to seeing all who can attend. Please RSVP to my email at jmwitous@aol.com prior to 11 October. At that time I will send you the address and directions. Bella Vista Ranch is about 11 miles west of the 15 FWY in Murrieta CA. Between Corona and Escondido CA) Ranchito Del Mikey Go DUCKS!

Howdy Gus, I made my own too. Total cost about $125. The frame is a 4 shelf Gorrila Rack from Costco with the “booth” framed in to the top shelf with particle board. The vent is an over the stove type that vents out of the man cave.. The inside of the booth is lined with marker board material for easy cleanup. It has an inexpensive light bar. It is about 48” wide by 28 inches deep. Big enough to do most large projects. I will add some pictures as soon as I figure out how to post them.

Outstanding build Pauli. Congrats on taking the silver at Ontario IPMS contest yesterday. What’s next? a Leopard?

Should be Dark Ghost Gray upper and light Ghost Gray lower. I prefer Tamiya paints for airbrushing and mix my own to match color chips. I do use Tamiya fine primer gray as a base coat. good luck on the Bug, please post pics when you can

Thanks Mikey, The hardest part of the build was figuring out how to put the swastikas on. the decals are in 2 pieces and there's nothing on the directions. Take care. We miss ya.

Thanks, this was an anomaly.

Tanks Pauli. Your Tiran looks great.

Thanks James, Sorry no in progress pics. I was going too fast and trying to watch the games.

3 years ago I made a bet with one of our club members. I lost the bet and had to build a German aircraft. The last German aircraft I built was in the back seat of my Dad's company car while he was with a customer, drinking beers in Kelley pub in K.C. on St Patrick's day, 1962. It was Aurora's red plastic Me 109. It was put together in about an hour and yes, I got a good buzz off the glue. Fast forward to December 31 2013 when out of the blue I bought Meng's ME -163 at my LHS. I started the build watching football games on New Years Day and finished the little bugger 4 games later. Built out of the box with some artistic license regarding the camo. It's very detailed but the fit is tricky. Don't worry Mikey, I haven't gone to the dark side. but at least I paid off the bet. Happy New Year

Howdy Pauli, We probably need a review session on figure painting from Col. Lewis when he gets back. I look forward to future postings on this site. S.F.

I don't have any proof of when the tape was applied but from a logical POV I would say that the tape or patch was applied by the armorers after weapons were cleaned and loaded. A patched or taped over gun port signified that the aircraft was armed and ready. As far as the reason why, I would agree with those comments from others. Moisture seeping into the barrel then freezing at high altitude is a bitch as well as sand, dirt etc. That's my take Jake.....

I can sell you some at a great price Pauli.

We are expecting 90 or more people for our annual get together. The food and soft drinks are free and you can bring adult beverages. There is no charge for the swap meet and the raffle tickets are 6 for $5 or 12 for $10. We will have a show and tell of whatever kits you are working on or completed. We have car guys, ship builders, armor, Sci-fi and aircraft builders from Northern California to Baja California Mexico who are planning on attending. Again, there is no cost for our guests. This is sponsored by the TVMC. When: Saturday, October 12. Tee off time is 11 am and will last till the last college football game is over. Where: At my ranchito, west of Murrieta/ Temecula CA (SoCal) 18310 Avenida Caleta Murrieta CA 92562 951-677-3816 or 951-837-0671 Purpose: Watch football, eat, drink beer, and talk about our hobby. Please RSVP Paul Miles or myself by October 6th so I know how much Santa Maria style salsa I have to make. Please visit our facebook page to RSVP at Temecula Valley Model Club or you can email or call me direct. Special thanks to the 'Brick and Mortar" Hobby Shops of Southern California for their generous donations for the raffle. Go Ducks!

Holy shamole Pauli, It was your Birthday last week and I had no idea. I will definitely give you a great deal on the next kit I sell you. You may even get a really cold and frosty Silver Bullet with your purchase.

Hey Doogs, are you a Vampire too? It's gotta be 0300 in the Republic. It's 0100 here in the other Republic and I lost track of time finishing up a Tiran 5. This is a group build and I wanted something quick before the big 17 flies in. I ordered it from Sprue Bros and they are suppose to start shipping tomorrow- er today. I may see it Tuesday. Right now, the ranch is 61 degrees, clear and I can hear 155's from Camp Pendleton. The Reservist are in town and for many, this is the only time of the year the artillery guys can "pull the tail of the dragon". Ah. the smell of cordite, coffee and diesel in the early morning brings back some good memories. I have a staff meeting at work in 7 hours. I'm hitting the rack. Out here.

Jamme, Efrick, Lindsey, Doogs, Rick, Grant, Mikey, Pauli, and Artful - Thanks for your comments. (Doogs, how the hell does your paint dry in 90 degree temps with high humidity? )

Howdy Mikey. We miss you and your RUSH T-shirts. I hope you can make to the BBQ in October. Mi casa es tu casa amigo....

Pauli, I would never ever give away your beer........ I might sell it but I wouldn't just give it away......

For 7 days I have been putting together the Tamiya Tiran 5. Today I spent organizing the specus (The Latin word for Cave is Specus, Specus is defined as: cave, cavern, grotto, den and Vir is man. I usually do this twice a year. I had the whole day to upgrade the stereo system with Sirius radio and yes, that is Gloss Sea Blue for the work tables and cabinets. The room was designed from the beginning to be my workshop and my wife believes we built the rest of the house around it. The room is 10 feet wide by 24 deep. It is air conditioned, heated and the paint booth vents to the outside. The deck is indoor/outdoor low nap carpet So welcome to my abode. This is what it looks like from the outside. It can be entered through the 5 foot wide overhead door or from 2 doors from the garage and patio. This area is also where the hounds hang out when we're not home. This is the port side of the bay. Looking forward. the 4 drawer files contain my reference material. File drawer, top left-WW II aircraft This is the starboard side. The desk is a 1940's drafting table that I bought 30 yrears ago from Northrup Aviation I like to work on a tempered glass table top (an old shower door) This is my paint booth. It has lighting and vents to the outside The interior is white enamel marker board which is easy to clean. It's also a great place to store the model I am working on. Another picture of the desk top. All my tools are within reach and very easy clean up That's the tour of the specus. BTW there's beer and sodas in the fridge. If you are in the Temecula/Murrieta stop on by. Mike Witous S.F. Visit us at: http://www.meetup.com/TemValModClub/

I would like to provide the research, photos etc. for 3, AD-4 Skyraiders aboard USN carriers during the Korean War. 1/32 scale. One of these will be "501" from VA-195 from 1952. I am not sure about the others. I do not have the graphix knowledge, manufacturing skills or equipment to do the production of the actual decals. I do not want to get in the "business" . So, if there are any decal companies or individuals who would be interested in this venture, please contact me off-line. All I am looking to get out of this is maybe 3 or 4 sheets when they are available. I would hope that we could do this within 60 days. Please contact me direct at jmwitous@aol.com Thanks