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Whats your favorite source for research

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Whats your favorite source for research
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 12:14 AM
Question [?]Smile [:)] Mine is live static displays I'm lucky to have a good one close. The Pima Air and Space Museum in Tuscon Arizona. They have a B29, B17 and SR71 Blackbird to name a few. I also have several aircraft books which are a great source for correct paint schemes.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 1:25 AM
I like you have a great resource nearby Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum....and not to far away is Battleship Park in Mobile which is Home to the USS Alabama, the USS Drum a B52,SR-71, aslew of other A/c, even a few tanks...but if I have something I cant find I usually google it...ask here or try to find books on the subject.
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Washington State
Posted by leemitcheltree on Saturday, November 1, 2003 2:30 AM
I've found so many excellent sources for research.....
The web, museums, books, online forums.............I guess it depends on the subject.
Having access to places like Pima and Pensacola would drive my wife to distraction - the costs of developing the photographs would be HUGE!!
I'm envious.
Cheers
LeeTree

Cheers, LeeTree
Remember, Safety Fast!!!

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: United Kingdom / Belgium
Posted by djmodels1999 on Saturday, November 1, 2003 4:23 AM
The internet has become something I can't do without, even if it can take ages before I can find the right stuff...

Other than that, mags, books, museums...
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: New Zealand
Posted by nicholma on Saturday, November 1, 2003 5:30 AM
Because of my location its the internet or photos taken by friends at events or museums. I also take my camera to the odd event I get to. My best day was at Donnington Park Museum where I was allowed behind the ropes and spent about 4 hours and 5 rolls of film photographing the cars from inside and out - and I've subsequently discovered I still missed that specific shot needed for a particular detail! As race/rally cars are my main focus web sites with race car "walk arounds" are a significant research source, failing that books/magazines.
Kia ora, Mark "Time flies like the wind, fruit flies like bananas"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 7:25 AM
The Internet, I should say is the primary source. Of course it's good to go on trips to the museums & visit military installations but as LeeTree pointed out the cost of developing photos would top the monthly budget as what happened to me, & it still happens, when we went to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 7:41 AM
Books are usually my #1 source. I try to buy at least one book for each kit I build. If I need more photos then I go to the net.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 7:56 AM
The internet has become my primary source of research. I also have a myriad of museums and static displays in a 75 mile radius of Providence, RI but most of it is outside of my modelling interest.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 8:06 AM
For warbird modeling, I currently subscribe to two mags: Aviation History and Flight Journal, both are excellent. Scale Aviation Modeller is so-so. I use the web and I have a tome entitled The Complete Book of Fighters which covers the entire gambit.

Over and out.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Dahlonega, Georgia
Posted by lizardqing on Saturday, November 1, 2003 8:55 AM
Since the only thing close to a reference near here is the Blackhawks flying over the tree tops from the local Ranger camp, the web is my only real source with here being the primary place.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 9:04 AM
google,altavista and you all guys!!!!! plus my books of course and museum correspondance.
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Panama City, Florida, Hurricane Alley
Posted by berny13 on Saturday, November 1, 2003 9:25 AM
I have a collection of Detail & Scale, Walk around, and In Action books that I use for reference. The digital camera I have uses the 120 MB Super Floppy disk which can hold around 1,400 pictures per disk. I just pop it into my Super Floppy drive on my computer and use one of my photo programs to bring it up. I have used it for air shows and plan on using it at P-cola for the convention.

Some of my reference is stored in my head from being around aircraft for so many years. Of course, it doesn't have the capacity of my digital camera. Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D]

Berny

 Phormer Phantom Phixer

On the bench

TF-102A Delta Dagger, 32nd FIS, 54-1370, 1/48 scale. Monogram Pro Modeler with C&H conversion.  

Revell F-4E Phantom II 33rd TFW, 58th TFS, 69-260, 1/32 scale. 

Tamiya F-4D Phantom II, 13th TFS, 66-8711, 1/32 scale.  F-4 Phantom Group Build. 

 

  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by shermanfreak on Saturday, November 1, 2003 9:29 AM
The internet is for me one of the top research tools. And of course reference books and photos that I have collected through the years.
Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Waukesha, WI
Posted by David Voss on Saturday, November 1, 2003 10:47 AM
I see I have to go back and edit everyone's post to include the FineScale forums and magazine. Wink [;)]

Personally, my favorite sources are the Internet (reference sites and forums) and reference books.
David Voss Senior Web Developer Kalmbach Publishing Co. Join me on the FSM Map
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 11:02 AM
I have several dozen A/C books I go to and the odd navy and army subect books. I then head to the internet for the resr. If it is a mater of technique I go to the forum and past FSM. I only have back to 97 though.
We do have a local Air Park at CFB Comox with a few A/C, CF 104, F101,CF100, DC3, Mig16 I think and a helicopter. Thety are working on a spitfire as we speek. Cant wait to see it finished.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 2:00 PM
I think if possible there's nothing like the real thing to get the most detail information. Using a digital camera you can share this information with all our friends at this forum.
Fine Scale Modeler is close to the top of my list for reference and learning material. The best publication I have seen for this hobby.
  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by shermanfreak on Saturday, November 1, 2003 7:32 PM
How could I not have mentioned that wonderful, action packed, deepest well of information .... none other than (fanfare please) Fine Scale Modeler Bow [bow]
Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Central MI
Posted by therriman on Saturday, November 1, 2003 7:44 PM
Anything I think will help. Internet, Books, Magazines, etc.
Tim H. "If your alone and you meet a Zero, run like hell. Your outnumbered" Capt Joe Foss, Guadalcanal 1942 Real Trucks have 18 wheels. Anything less is just a Toy! I am in shape. Hey, Round is a shape! Reality is a concept not yet proven.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 8:36 PM
Save for my F-105 Thunderchief, and my A-6E Intruder books, the only research tools I have are Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide(MAGNIFICIENT three-views in there!), and FSM and the FSM Forums! But mostly, I just trust the model companies. I mean, they wouldn't stay in business long if they were'nt making accurate models, right? So I just go with the instruction manual, mostly. Besides, most of my detail is not only scratchbuilt, but imaginary(ever seen a Bradley IFV with a flagpole and cargo box behind the turret? Didn't think so...)!
Speaking of imaginary, I LOVE that Cessna 150HS in this month's Reader Gallery, the one with the Jolly Rogers markings and the Pheonix missiles! WOW! That's one AMAZING conversion/mindjob!!
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: NE Georgia
Posted by Keyworth on Saturday, November 1, 2003 8:49 PM
Did I mention that all-inclusinve invaluable reference, FineScale Modeler, as well as other periodicals by Kalmbach? I would be remiss if I didn't Big Smile [:D]Whistling [:-^]
"There's no problem that can't be solved with a suitable application of high explosives"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 9:23 PM
With all the reference material out there all the members have access to. We could start our own library.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2003 10:49 PM
Museums mostly. I am fortunate to be able to travel on business so I usually visit them whenever possible.
I do use web information but I always try and cross check it as I have been led astray in the past by some sites ... (Never this one though!)
Books, when I can find those that cover my subjects.
Magazines like FSM and Ship in Scale.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Central USA
Posted by qmiester on Saturday, November 1, 2003 11:13 PM
A. Magazines (FSM & Scale Aircraft Modeler International are my two favorites)
B. Monograms ( ...In Action, ...Walk around, Profiles etc)
C. Internet
D. Flight (or Operators) and Maintenance Manuals
E. You guys

By the way, what does the 150HS have for a power plant? - when I learned how to fly, my instructer and I got into a 150, we had to unload 5 gallons of fuel to get under max gross weight.
Quincy
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Third rock from the sun.
Posted by Woody on Sunday, November 2, 2003 11:21 PM
Books and magazines are my favorite sources but the web has it all! Just look at this one forum, FSM. Tons of useful info just for the asking. Smile [:)]

" I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Saratoga Springs, NY
Posted by Jeeves on Monday, November 3, 2003 7:25 AM
One of my favorite online research sources, "It's All About Warfare" has closed down :( I do rely heavily on my books as well...as well as you guys :)
Mike
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Tochigi, Japan
Posted by J-Hulk on Monday, November 3, 2003 7:29 AM
Books and mags, books and mags...
~Brian
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 3, 2003 10:16 AM
I love the NASM at the Smithsonian just a few minutes away and soon we will have the new annex opening at Dulles Airport only ten minutes away.Bow [bow] Having a friend who works at the Garber facility has been helpful in getting close to the subjects not on display. The Aberdeen proving grounds are only a day trip away and that is great for researching armor. I take dozens of rolls of pics at the annual Andrews AFB air show. Too bad they don't let people as close to the aircraft as they did before 9/11. I am a chaplain in the Confederate Air Force and they have an impressive collection of WWII aircraft.Big Smile [:D] I try to see the real thing if it is possible. Whenever I travel, I look for the nearest base or museum or any place that has displays. Puget sound was a good place for WWII ships in their mothball fleet. Other than that I look in cyber spaceAlien [alien]Approve [^]Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by cassibill on Monday, November 3, 2003 10:27 AM
Mags,books, documentaries, the WEB, and my most trusted, the Veterans and actual pieces, if I can.

cdw My life flashes before my eyes and it mostly my life flashing before my eyes!!!Big Smile The 1/144 scale census and message board: http://144scalelist.freewebpage.org/index.html

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Waukesha, WI
Posted by David Voss on Monday, November 3, 2003 1:26 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Jeeves

One of my favorite online research sources, "It's All About Warfare" has closed down :( I do rely heavily on my books as well...as well as you guys :)


I don't think I've ever been to that site. Out of curiousity, why did they close down?
David Voss Senior Web Developer Kalmbach Publishing Co. Join me on the FSM Map
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Saratoga Springs, NY
Posted by Jeeves on Monday, November 3, 2003 2:05 PM
I am not sure David...I only went to the site when I needed a picture or some information as the site owner butch2k seemed to have more books than anyone else I know. His last post is here...but I was never a regular reader at the site so I don't know what happened:

http://pub131.ezboard.com/fallboutwarfarefrm54.showMessage?topicID=1.topic

It was a great site as it had categories for Land, Air, and Sea for every major era in history-- including WWI, WWII, and the Modern Jet era....truly a great resource that I hope someone will try to revive.
Mike
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