CANicoll

I always start off this way, but it doesn't stay that way very long! The black mesh baskets are a huge help in keeping things organized, especially when I'm doing two builds at the same time, or have a lot of AM to keep organized. I didn't the wall rack of my paints or the wood table where I organized the paints I'm going to use and line up the parts to be painted. Like you, it helps me keep things in the same place so I remember what is where. Periodically I look through my other bins to remind my self what is in there. And also, can't have enough light! The magnifying ring light is my best and most used tool. I almost can't build without it.

Merry Christmas Gary!!

I've been holding off on starting another build until the GB on Jan 1, so this is what is on my bench right now: The desk is ready to go! Storage baskets for the sprues and bins for assemblies in progress is ready to roll: Happy holidays everyone!!

Martin, This is absolutely beautiful. Umm, keeping spare seats at the ready?

Nice looking build! I do like the triplanes and nice job on the multi-colored wings. That not easy to replicate.

Whoa, nice build! Paint looks terrific. Can't wait to see the wings attached.

It was 27 when I woke up, then the temperature dropped to 19 in about four hours and the windchill is 1. The wind is something! Ironically, it is very sunny outside. Gee, I wonder what to do now that its best to stay inside? Hmm.. I wonder if the boss will grant us an 'early release' to get started on the "Let's get Wet' group build?

Isn't that how it always is?!? Glad the part showed up. When this happens to me, I usually find the part months later, after I've done some other work around...

I was just going to ask where to get one from. Which Gundam store? I did a quick search and looks like Amazon is between 40 and 60$. Thanks! Chris

I have exactly the same problem: if I'm not that interested in the subject, I really don't have an interest in the build. I really have that issue with WNW kits. They are amazingly detailed, incredibly well researched, beautifully engineered, and just too involved to keep my interest. As much as I love the look of the WWI planes, doing rigging and turnbuckles and all just doesn't do much for me. Saves me a ton of $$ too!

Ernie, I had to go to my display case and take a good look at the prop. Aren't you just dazzled by the glare?!? I never tried to BMF props again, after this experience. People who foil entire aircraft just amaze me. However, far be it from me to turn down any supplies - I go through sanding sticks like babies go through diapers ...

DONE???? Another beauty! You finish your beautiful models in less time than it takes me to open a box and wash the sprues!

I'm going for simplicity since I'm whacking off the tail. Yeah, I do love the AVG P-40s but that masking is something to work with. But I have every confidence in your skills!

I hear you and you are making good progress on the P-40. The markings on that bird are iconic so very much looking forward to seeing how yours turns out. I'm looking at doing a 'Black Cat' so the painting on that is a LOT easier !

Wow, I missed this over the weekend. The big bird is looking terrific - very smooth and NO hint of the nose alignment shenanigans of earlier. I had to go back and look at the build to date. As usual, your work is amazing. The cockpit is so detailed and that IP is amazing. Now comes your stellar painting and can't wait to see result. Definitely think Oliver and Hubert have the right idea - keep going on the Hawk, but also work in the GB start.

Looking good! I completely forgot Microscale has a website.

Did someone say "Hustler"? And, yes, I have the B-29 as well... And no place to put them once built. The instruction sheet for the Hustler has turned yellow. The decals are actually seemingly in pretty good shape. Anyone know who has decals for a 1/48 B-58 Hustler?? I'm seriously thinking of painting this in SEA Camo... Really.. IF I get around to build it that is. Thoughts?

A Hustler in 1/32? OMG, well maybe with all the petrol we are saving with electric vehicles we can divert it over to styrene production for the B-58 and maybe a B-36 and B-52 to round out the bomber list?

Found this over at Britmodeller: 1/32- Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird by Vintage Fighter Series - test model - release mid 2023 - The Rumourmonger - Britmodeller.com. This will be one seriously large (and I bet, mega expensive) model!

A desert spit! Yay and go for it!!

Beautiful build and a great display stand as well! Excellent detail. Thanks for sharing.

Definitely let us see what you build for a display case!! Love the build, and I'd be delighted to try my hand at it, but I just cannot afford the kit!

Hi folks, I've had a few folks in my local hobby club ask me about venting spray booths outside so I thought I would share something I came up with the vent those noxious fumes we don't like. My spray booth is from MicroMark (the smaller one) with the exhaust out the back. There are four basic elements to the solution: some insulation foam board, 1" thick (pink seems to be the color at most DIY/home improvement stores), some flexible dryer vent hose, a flexible metal joint and finally, a dryer vent. This started out when I was trying to vent out of a window that opened horizontally - that is, opened bottom to top. I'd stick the dryer vent into the window opening and stuff the rest of the opening with a towel. It worked great, until I moved and now my window opens left to right, so the opening space is vertical. Hence the addition of the foam board. Here is the hose set-up. The metal flange attached to the white dryer vent was needed as the flexible hose would not stay firmly attached to the dryer vent. Now it fits pretty tight. I took the flaps out of the dryer vent as I usually put this into a window that has a screen in it which prevents the flaps from opening when the spray booth fan is on. I think pretty much everyone has done something similar to this. The next problem to solve was how to block up the open window when I have dryer vent installed. I've tried a few different things, but this is what I have settled on - using the insulation foam board. But a single piece of board would not go easily into the gap, so I crafted a three-piece solution (but two pieces would work just find, too). This way I can "unfold" the board into the window frame grooves top and bottom. The flange from the dryer vent fits perfectly into one of the window frame grooves, while the foam board fits into the gap where the window would normally close into. This keeps the board very stable once the window is closed. The pieces are taped together with packing tape which seems to stick better than regular tape, and is also impervious to the weather (yes, I spray in all weather and temps!) To strengthen the joints, it is a good idea to tape the other side as well: This also helps make the joint wind-proof. When this is in the window, there is very little air infiltration coming in unless the wind is REALLY blowing outside. The extra piece also makes the set-up fold up a bit smaller making it a bit easier to store when not in use (see the first picture). So far this has been pretty durable - it has been in use for 3 years now. Hope this is helpful for anyone who is finding it challenging venting their spray booths out a window, and needs a solution that is portable and does not keep the window open the whole time. If someone else has another solution, please feel free to add to this thread. Happy holidays!

Gary, You are amazing with the rivet detail. I just can't even fathom trying my hand at that - the straight-line problem not withstanding. I'm still debating on getting the HGW rivet set for the 1/48 P-38J. It is the holiday season after all!! Chris

Gus and Kevin - great looking work! Love the smaller builds, esp the WWI birds. NMF is a challenge as the base has to be perfect, but yours looks great. I keep going back to Vallejo's gloss black primer, which I also use as a gloss black when needed. Sometimes it LOOKs bad after I spray it, but it then settles down into a nice glossy black that seems pretty tough. It also dries incredibly quickly - I've sprayed over it in a matter of a few hours, and done light masking in the same timeframe.