DocRob

, didn't know there is one in large scale. I will buy a Border Stuka soon (too?) Cheers Rob

Maybe a 'Schmiss', not uncommon for German officers of the time. A Schmiss is a scar caused by a sword in a strongly regulated duel, with blinded eyes, which was typical for conservative students associations. Cheers Rob

Your Mustang looks absolutely gorgeous Kevin. I really like the shaded panels. Obviously the Trump P-51 can't be that bad, or at least, you mastered the kit perfectly. Cheers Rob

Amazing little bottle rocket. I missed some updates (no idea how, given the color of the thingy) and whoops, it's almost done. You're building almost as fast as the real thing. I like the multi material mix of the kit, which would be on my wish list in it's non neon version, if there will be a re release. Cheers Rob

I like the figures a lot Gary, macro shots can be cruel, but I can't see fails with your guys. I also love the problem solving with the tarpaulin covering the shells. That made me smile. Cheers Rob

There were some boxings with additional PE and goodies available from Tamiya. Some where indeed limited editions and some were made as an addition to address some problem areas with older kits. My stash tells otherwise, but I'm not a hoarder. Things I buy are for use, being it rare kits, rare vinyl records or whatever. If it achieves a high value, it's good to know for me, but of no real importance, as I don't sell stuff. Cheers Rob

Figures start to look the part, Gary. Working with different shades, very much attracts the eye. You've put yourself in a bad spot with the repetitive work on the shells. I probably would have gone AM, if there exist any. Cheers Rob

I have the boxing of the mysterious German 3 ton truck in stash, which comes with an Aber PE set and clear acetate for the windows and dashboard. The Aber set includes the Opel Blitz logo embossed. Cheers Rob

I don't care if it's 1/35 or 1/32 when I really want to build it. Border is not the first company to do it, there are some helis around. I'm considering buying their Ju-87, as I believe it's the best kit in 'large scale' in the moment. The only let down is fitting aftermarket and figures, which is not an issue for me with the Stuka. To put some oil into the fire, I'm waiting for some of the usual armor suspects to release a 1/32 scale tank range . ZM did a Kettenkrad, without a huge outcry, if I remember right. Cheers Rob

If you think, I'm dancing around rigging as long as I can, you're absolutely right . I decided to start with the bowsprit, there are no ratlines at least. The wooden parts and fittings are glued on and varnished, but the bowsprit itself is not glued in place, as rigging is simpler separated from the hull. I found, I need to pad a piece of plank under the bowsprit, to get the angle right enough to accept the figurehead. I also added the anchor cable and fitted it around the winch and through the holes in the hull. Cheers Rob

I'm officially jealous Peter, not only for the perfect presentation of your progress, but even more, that you have a full crew at hand, only for preparing priming . The engine and plumbing looks absolutely great, makes me want to build one as well. Cheers Rob

Muchas gracias hombres, you will not have to wait for too long. Mayor works including all the interior painting will be done today, then tomorrow, reshuffeling stuff back to normality and then it's doors and windows to paint for our contractor. Even last week, I managed to do some things, so lets see. Cheers Rob

I remember you being followed by a submarine kit somehow Carl, mysteries, mysteries, ...

Thanks Peter, on to the rigging, but not before I weathered our actual heat wave and the painter has finished his work in our houses and I don't have to move everything everywhere. Cheers Rob

All the mast parts are done, except for the fittings. Some sections have delicate shapes, where you have to ponder a while for the best approach to get it done. Finally work was faster and better, as some routine started to develop. I also altere the layout of my machines on their base board for better handling and faster measuring. Now I have to think about how to add the masts, completely assembled as in the manual or building them up section per section for possibly easier rigging. Cheers Rob

Indeed Gary, I was positively surprise, that nothing flew away. I even wore safety glasses with my eyes so close to the thing. Cheers Rob

Thanks, I will try this method with lead foil from wine bottles, should work great and substitutes at least partly a punch and die tool. Cheers Rob

Some situational music from some San Diego outcasts from long ago, The Beat Farmers singer Country Dick Montana has some words for you . Hope you feel better afterwards. BTW: Figures conversion is looking promising. Cheers Rob

You are welcome Martin, wooden ship modelling obviously has a longer history than our normal plastic kits. I'm very satisfied, that my first tries in this area are supported by a well designed kit. To do. I have the greatest respect for those, who do it the old way, like you described. Do you have pictures of your fathers models? Cheers Rob

I checked everything concerning my setup today and found that the cutting tool seemed not to be totally tight in the collet. Maybe because of the high frequent vibrations, the tool itself moved in the collet. It's my only explanation for the issue. Cheers Rob

Today, I put the patched mast into the lathe and turned the upper square part round, where it meets connecting parts and nothing flew away, phew. The picture shows, how it looks now, but nothing is glued. This area of the mast will be painted black, which will hide the patched part. I milled some more square areas onto the middle segment of the mainmast without issues today. It takes time, but I'm seeing an end to preparing mast and yards. Cheers Rob

Many might not be the right term, at least from me . Wooden ship models are even more time consuming than plastic models. HMS Sphinx is very special to me as I always wanted my own frigate and it was a present from my wife, the first model related one. Cheers Rob

Thanks Kevin, I will look for the displays over there on MSW, where I'm a member now too. As I have no special display in mind, I will ponder about that when time comes. Cheers Rob

Poco a poco, step bay step, like we say here in Spain. We will find a place for the Duchess, WHEN she is finished . BTW.: HMS sphinx is lurking on my shelf. I wanted to have a frigate all my live, this will be the jewel at last. But I like the DoK nearly as much, it is just a gorgeous ship. Cheers Rob

It's a long way to the finish and this part of the build gives me the creeps more than building up hull and decks, but yeah, once it's done it will feel special and The Duchess will be the only kit accepted by my wife in the living area. Cheers Rob