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Computers For Reference at the Workbench?

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  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Computers For Reference at the Workbench?
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, May 26, 2013 2:37 PM

Though so far I have not yet used a computer or computer monitor at the work bench during a WIP.....

........many of my upcoming builds will require having reference photos at my workbench so that I can quickly compare a project with the actual subject.

So far I have been able to make do with printing reference photos or text, but that quickly becomes expensive- for me.

Next year I may purchase a tablet PC ( or equivalent ) and use it for displaying reference photos at my work bench if I can protect it from solvent splashes.

Have any of you been using a computer at your work bench?

If so, what type?

PC with monitor, Laptop or Tablet PC?

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Sunday, May 26, 2013 4:21 PM

I have my work bench right next to my desk with the computer on it. It is a Big (really Big) gaming-PC with a monitor.

Clemens

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, May 26, 2013 4:26 PM

SchattenSpartan

I have my work bench right next to my desk with the computer on it. It is a Big (really Big) gaming-PC with a monitor.

Clemens

Do you use the computer on a regular basis for hobby related information and research during builds?
Gaming PC?
Out of curiosity, 
What video card do you have in it?
  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Sunday, May 26, 2013 4:32 PM

I use it for reference if I find some good pictures of the subject I'm trying to display. It is also handy for looking up which particular plane had which particular prop for example.

The video card is a HD 7950 (retailed by Sapphire with a nice cooling solution). It is a beast of a GPU. It handles everything I throw at it with no problems. I could overclock it, but that is not necessary at all...

I have a question as well. You mentioned that you use printed reference materials. I would need some for all my P-47 builds. Can you recommend me some books of the Thunderbolt?

Clemens

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Guam
Posted by sub revolution on Sunday, May 26, 2013 4:41 PM

I regularly bring my laptop to the workbench with me to look up photos of areas that I have questions about. Plus it has the added bonus of music on it!

NEW SIG

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: near Nashville, TN
Posted by TarnShip on Sunday, May 26, 2013 4:48 PM

I use my computer to help with the builds,,,,,,,,,but, mostly as a database machine

I only rarely run into needing a picture that is on the internet, but not in one of my books in my collection,,,,,,,,so, when that happens, I open it and can leave it on the monitor as I work,,,,,,,flipping through the physical books for all of the other pictures

I do a lot of typing up build projects, saving the documents and linking them into the DB,,,,,,,,but, once I start a project, I print those word docs out and hang them up next to the kit instructions and decal instructions

I don't use many PC photos because I am not a big fan of "click here", then "here, here and here" during the build process,,,,,,I prefer to take my glasses off and scrape my nose across physical paper photos

but, we all use our PCs in different ways,,,,,,that is why they were called Personnel in the first place

Rex

almost gone

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:00 PM

I don't have many reference books sadly, as I'm just starting wit hthe hobby. But I'd like to get some for the Hellcat, Wildcat, corsair, Thunderbolt, Mustang and FW-190. Any recommendations?

Oh, listening to some music while building is a nice extra of course! I listen to a lot of AC/DC and CCR whien I'm working on some models.

Clemens

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:17 PM

SchattenSpartan

I use it for reference if I find some good pictures of the subject I'm trying to display. It is also handy for looking up which particular plane had which particular prop for example.

The video card is a HD 7950 (retailed by Sapphire with a nice cooling solution). It is a beast of a GPU. It handles everything I throw at it with no problems. I could overclock it, but that is not necessary at all...

I have a question as well. You mentioned that you use printed reference materials. I would need some for all my P-47 builds. Can you recommend me some books of the Thunderbolt?

Clemens

Clemens, Thanks for the info.

Looks like a nice video card from the specs I see online.Big Smile

I'd forgotten about overclocking; been used to thinking of that in terms of PC CPUs, but video cards now need their own processors.Surprise

I intend to build a new PC next year, I'll have to check the computer forums for the latest info.YesCool

Unfortunately, I do not yet have P-47 reference books as I have not yet purchased any kits of the P-47- as astonishing as that might be.Embarrassed

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:24 PM

SchattenSpartan

I don't have many reference books sadly, as I'm just starting wit hthe hobby. But I'd like to get some for the Hellcat, Wildcat, corsair, Thunderbolt, Mustang and FW-190. Any recommendations?

Oh, listening to some music while building is a nice extra of course! I listen to a lot of AC/DC and CCR whien I'm working on some models.

Clemens

Back ground music helps. Big Smile
As far as reference books, I have the Polish / English AJ Press Model Mania books on the P-51D Nr 3  ISBN 83-7237-163-6 and FW' 190D  nr 7
ISBN 978-83-7237-185-0
and think they are excellent..
Both came with decals.
  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:28 PM

TarnShip

I use my computer to help with the builds,,,,,,,,,but, mostly as a database machine

I only rarely run into needing a picture that is on the internet, but not in one of my books in my collection,,,,,,,,so, when that happens, I open it and can leave it on the monitor as I work,,,,,,,flipping through the physical books for all of the other pictures

I do a lot of typing up build projects, saving the documents and linking them into the DB,,,,,,,,but, once I start a project, I print those word docs out and hang them up next to the kit instructions and decal instructions

I don't use many PC photos because I am not a big fan of "click here", then "here, here and here" during the build process,,,,,,I prefer to take my glasses off and scrape my nose across physical paper photos

but, we all use our PCs in different ways,,,,,,that is why they were called Personnel in the first place

Rex

Rex, thanks for the insight on your build procedure; having the documents printed out next to the instructions is a good idea.
till now I've preferred to stay with paper, but the sheer number of reference photos I will need for armor builds is forcing me to look for alternatives.
  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:30 PM

sub revolution

I regularly bring my laptop to the workbench with me to look up photos of areas that I have questions about. Plus it has the added bonus of music on it!

That is mostly what I expect folks to do with PCs at the workbench.
I used to watch TV but found it too distracting and the advent of easy internet access to music has helped.
  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:44 PM

Thank you very much, I'll look those books up!

Clemens

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:49 PM

SchattenSpartan

Thank you very much, I'll look those books up!

Clemens

Big SmileYes
  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:52 PM

I found books for the Lightning, Corsair and Hellcat, but none about the Thunderbolt...

How about the these books:

www.hannants.co.uk/.../BGSB019

www.hannants.co.uk/.../SQSP6001

www.hannants.co.uk/.../WPSSP01

www.hannants.co.uk/.../SQS1208

I'd like to buy me one or two of them, but I don't know which ones are worth it.

Cheers, Clemens

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, May 26, 2013 6:02 PM

SchattenSpartan

I found books for the Lightning, Corsair and Hellcat, but none about the Thunderbolt...

How about the these books:

www.hannants.co.uk/.../BGSB019

www.hannants.co.uk/.../SQSP6001

www.hannants.co.uk/.../WPSSP01

www.hannants.co.uk/.../SQS1208

I'd like to buy me one or two of them, but I don't know which ones are worth it.

Cheers, Clemens

Unfortunately, I've not seen those books before so I don't know of the contents.
From past experience, the Squadron books have always been useful references for those just learning about a subject as they have good quality photos as well as color profiles.
Sometimes Amazon.com advertisements will have preview sections that permit viewing a few sample pages.
  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Sunday, May 26, 2013 6:04 PM

Ill probaably buy the Barracuda one and the "P-47 in action" from Squadron for a beginning.

Clemens

  • Member since
    March 2003
Posted by icit on Sunday, May 26, 2013 6:39 PM

Goose, go to walmart and get yourself one of those digital picture frames that plays pictures from a flash drive. Every project I load up every picture or piece of reference materail ( including video) and I just flip to the file I need and get to work. They are small enought to mount on the wall or just to sit up right on the bench and depending on how much money you want to spend you get the ones with remotes and zoom etc... it beats paying hundreds for a a desk top computer. Good luck.

ICIT

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Sunday, May 26, 2013 6:50 PM

Really no room on the bench,I will print out info that I need and use that for reference

G-J
  • Member since
    July 2012
Posted by G-J on Sunday, May 26, 2013 7:33 PM

Both my computer and phone on right next to me.  I use them both all the time.  The computer gets used for reference, music, and all of other distractions/white noise.

On the bench:  Tamyia Mosquito Mk. VI for the '44 group build.  Yes, still.

On deck: 

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Sunday, May 26, 2013 7:38 PM

icit

Goose, go to walmart and get yourself one of those digital picture frames that plays pictures from a flash drive. Every project I load up every picture or piece of reference materail ( including video) and I just flip to the file I need and get to work. They are small enought to mount on the wall or just to sit up right on the bench and depending on how much money you want to spend you get the ones with remotes and zoom etc... it beats paying hundreds for a a desk top computer. Good luck.

ICIT

Oh, yes !Idea
I'd forgotten about those.
Looked at them at intro time a few years ago but found them too expensive.
Should be a lot cheaper than a computer with the same screen size.Hmm
Perfect for all the armor detail and reference photos I've taken at the First Division Museum
and elsewhere.
And I can scan my old prints for digital display.
Thanks for the reminder..
I will take a look again.
One of those should do the trick ! Big SmileYes
  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: SE Pennsylvania
Posted by padakr on Monday, May 27, 2013 7:02 AM

I have my son's old laptop on a stand near my workbench.  I use it occasionally when I need to look up something, usually trying to get a better picture of how some part of a subject looked when the instructions are a bit vague.

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Monday, May 27, 2013 7:28 AM

padakr

I have my son's old laptop on a stand near my workbench.

You found a use for an old laptop computer....................

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Monday, May 27, 2013 7:31 AM

Do those of you who use a computer to play music also listen to internet radio?

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Monday, May 27, 2013 9:09 AM

I used to print out reference photos on glossy photo paper.  You are right- that stuff can be expensive.  Lately I have been printing out on regular paper. Cheap but not as pleasing to eye.  However, I find it works fine for reference.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Monday, May 27, 2013 9:34 AM

Don Stauffer

I used to print out reference photos on glossy photo paper.  You are right- that stuff can be expensive.  Lately I have been printing out on regular paper. Cheap but not as pleasing to eye.  However, I find it works fine for reference.

I agree on regular paper for reference.
I just replaced my 10 year old printer so I notice a difference in quality.
I tried printing a sample photo on regular paper;.
Compared to my old printer, the results look surprisingly good but photo paper would presumably be better for sharper detail.
I intend to buy some blank decal sheets eventually and have been noting comments on water soluble ink.
I did not buy an HP printer to specifically do decals, so I do not know if HP 564 ink has been causing problems, but will check for posts.
  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Monday, May 27, 2013 9:37 AM

SchattenSpartan

Ill probaably buy the Barracuda one and the "P-47 in action" from Squadron for a beginning.

Clemens

Best of luck on your search, Clemens. Big Smile
Let us know when you find some good references. 
  • Member since
    February 2013
Posted by Offlaker on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 2:13 PM

I use an IPad all the time

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 3:02 PM

I just ordered the "P-47 in Action" book made by squadron and I'll buy myself the Barracuda one in early-mid June. I just have to decide if I want the hardcover version or not....

Clemens

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 11:26 PM

I have started using my tablet at my workbench for online reference...

today it helped with this

Image

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 7:28 AM

My workbench doubles as the kitchen table... or is it the other way around?? Space is at a premium. I sometimes pull the laptop out to check references as I'm working on some details, but I'm more likely to transfer those photos onto my iPod due to the smaller space required.

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

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