The Bird on the Bench (new pics added)

Thats awesome. It looks like you could climb in and start it up! What kind of camera are you using to take these with? the depth of field is incredible and it shows all of the detail really well.

nice work!

Wow, that is looking very nice. Can't wait to see the whole thing when complete. Keep up the good work.

Thanks, roadkill, dj, & Swanny.
roadkill - I use a Canon Power Shot G2 camera (4 megapix). The pics were shot at f-8 (smallest aperture setting), 1/4 sec. exposure ( on tripod), ISO 50 equivalent, manual focus. (I don't use any auto settings).
Swanny - I'll post pics of the gun & gear bays when they're done. Just ordered decals today.
Glad you like it, & thanks again.

You sound like a real photographer. Back in the day I used to shoot fine arts and sports for the Detroit Free Press. Rare to see someone bandy about ISO numbers and F stops. Ahhh, the memories..... Now I'm going to have to dust off the ol' Nikon.

Great looking office, Pix! I take it this one will be open pit?

demono69

Nice, Pix!
I take it that's 1/48?
Thanks for sharing your camera technique, too.
I'm just starting to get the hang of my Canon Powershot A70.

I've been using an old Pentax K1000 with an Albinar-ADG macro lense, I use the lowest settings I have. I've also been using a mini-tripod that I bought on clearance at K-mart for $3. I also have a Canon Ae-1 Program, but I can't take detail shots with it and use it mostly for my landscapes and B&W. I shoot almost exclusively with Kodak and Fuji. Have you tried any of the high-speed films on models yet? Like an ASE of 800 or 1600? I'm curious on how that works! I am really looking forward to seeing more pics of your storm bird.

Thanks, demono & J-Hulk !
Swanny _ I just finished 3 semesters of photo. I'm SO glad I don't have to smell fixer in the darkroom anymore !
J-Hulk - Yup. Its 1/48. My eyes aren't good enough to see 1/72 anymore, and from what I've heard, the 1/32 Hasegawa kit would probably take me YEARS to get to a level of detail that I'd want to display.
demono - the cockpit will be open, but its a small opening, and RLM 66 is such a dark color. To show the cockpit on the built aircraft, I would end up overexposing the rest of the plane in the pic.
roadkill - that's the first 35mm camera that I had (Pentax). It has a pretty good light meter, but it needs a gray card (Ansel Adam's "Zone 5") to properly calibrate. I stay away from the high-speed film. They are more sensitive to light by having larger Silver Halide crystals in the emulsion. The prints get VERY grainy if you try to enlarge them any more than 5" x 7". For clear pictures, I would suggest an ISO of no higher than 125. They are less sensitive to light (use tripod), but the crystals are very fine. My FAVORITE B&W film is Kodak Plus-X. Nice, smooth grayscale.

Wow-- that bit of modeling (as well as photography-- my two favorite hobbies) is exquisite! I can't wait to see the finished results. Thanks for showing us before the detail gets hidden in the finished product... :)

Thanks, polyphenus. For an "old" mold, the DML kit has some fine detail, and the Verlinden set really add to it. I only wish they had done an instrument panel also. Guess that gives me an "excuse" to get the Tamiya kit. I've heard the fit is much better. The DML kit has a few problem areas (nacelles to wings, bottom wing to rear fuselage), but I've built 5 or 6 of these & I know how to "fix" them.
This was my first attempt at using oils for dry-brushing. BIG difference ! I mixed titanium white w/ RLM 66. If you've never tried it, pick some up & give it a shot.
I think that I enjoy photographing my models almost as much as I enjoy building them !

Looks smashing Pix.. I'd love to sink my teeth into something like that and still end up with a passable result.. give us a shout when the rest of the schwalbe is up and running!

Thanks, Michaelvk !
Well, here's some pics of the rear fuselage interior. This will be lost forever, as there is an open access panel that's only about 1/4" square. Oh, well. At least I know what's in there ! The gun bays will be open, but they'll be tough to photograph once the covers are in place. Hope you like it, and thanks again for letting me share it with you !

Something I learned in the theater: EVERYTHING is visible. Even if you think that no one will ever see it, you'd be surprised what shows up and what doesn't. I once painted the interior of a tank when it was only visible if you held it up at a certain angle in a certain light, and lots of people checked to see if it was really done or not. Attention to details is what separates the casual modeller from the true enthusiasts and artists. I think it's great the amount of detail you're putting into this one. JMHO.

demono69

Wow! Suitably busy areas there! Looks great.

Pentax K1000? I 've still got mine! Bought it used in 1980 for fifty bux (US). It's still the only 35mm SLR camera I have. Still going strong after 23 years in my service!

J-Hulk,
I bought mine at a garage sale a coupla years ago for $20. It came with an 80-120mm zoom, 55mm standard and the macro. Plus it included the original leather camera bag, cleaning kit and owners manual. The lady I bought it from said she bought it brand new in 1958 when she went on vacation in Canada!
Pixilater, there a build up of the Tamiya ME-262 in a recent issue of Scale Aviation Modeler, The one with the kettenrad. I like yours better.

Thanks, demono, J-Hulk & roadkill.
I got the fuselage & engine nacelle halves glued together today, along with the wings, after removing the slats & flaps for the resin replacements. This one is coming along quickly. I gotta add a LOT of weight to the nacelles, as that fuel tank in the rear fuselage, behind the main wheels, is solid resin.
Thanks a lot, again. I probably won't post any more pics 'till she's done.

WOW!!! thats lookin good!! what would happen if I pushed that red button?

I have to say that cockpit looks better than the one I just finished for the same model. Mine is almost finished (working on the flat coats over this weekend), and I would love to use my new Canon 10D camera to show everyone... but I don't currently have anywhere to store the photos on the net. I guess I will have to wait to show my photos for another day.

Once again, great job Pixilater!

Thanks, caine !
Did you know that we have access right here for storing photos ? Go to the General Modeling Discussion pages, and look for RonUSMC's topic, called rongeorge gallery. Go to the last page of this topic, though, as the instructions have changed.
What markings are you using ? Looking forward to seeing your Schwalbe !

Very nice -
I'm looking forward to seeing the airframe finished.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
LeeTree

I have tried to upload pics to RonUSMC's server...but since he changed everything I haven't been able to upload pictures and is looks as though I am not the only one. Anybody know how it works these days?

Okay, I was finally able to get up a picture. I think Ron's web page is getting a little over loaded these days... it runs a little slow at times. Anyway, here are a couple pics from my Me-262. This is the version with the 50mm canon and it still has a little ways to go, but here it is. Enjoy!

Pix,

Great job on the tub!!! Are the harnesses and buckles part of the set or were they scratchbuilt?

footcav42

Thanks, LeeTree & footcav !
Looks, good, caine ! I've also built that one, but it was one of the ones damagwd when I moved a while back. Good to see someone else building the "old" DML kits ! I love 'em !
footcav - the seat is part of the Verlinden set. Its resin, with the belts molded on. This is my preferrence for belts, as you can apply a wash that you can't do with P.E. or scratch. If I ever get brave enough to try casting, I would only use resin seats with the belts molded on.
Thanks, again ! I'll let you know when the bird is ready to fly !