SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Monogram Mafia Group Build

176200 views
1697 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Toledo Area OH
Posted by Sparrowhyperion on Sunday, November 20, 2011 7:32 PM

I had to change my builds months ago.  I completed 2 F9F Panthers in 1/48 scale, and two Monogram P39 Airocobras in 1/48 scale.  I sent up images of both.  Right now I can't build anything but a handful of kits since 99% of my stash is in storage.  I just started a 1/48 Monogram B17G, which is one of the 7 kits I have with me since  we had to move in with my Mother In Law.

 

Hans von Hammer

Need to hear from the following Modlers about their build-status:

Roster:

Helo H-34- 1/48 A-37 Dragonfly / F-100D Super Saber (Behind the curve a LONG way... Did you get busted?

AaronW- 1/72 P-36 (Started) / 1/72 F7F Tigercat   (Started)

LewBud- 1/72 F7F Tigercat (75%) (?)

Taxtp-  Chaparral 2D Coupe / 1/24th Triumph TR-7 Wedge (Started) (?)

Von Brakken- 1/48th AD-6 Skyraider (Started)  / F-4J "MiG Ace-Showtime 100" (?)

KG4PQ-- OS2U Kingfisher / Ju87G-1 (T-6 Tenative) (?)

Sparrowhyperion--  DH Mosquito (Hold @ 70%) /  1/48 F4F Wildcat (Started-50%) (?) 

The Baron-- SBD Dauntless (As A-24 Banshee) (Started) / A6M5 Zero (25%) (?)

MrSquid2U--TBA / TBA (Wo bist Du?)

Vetteman--  (Did you receive the Dio-Bible?)

BigSmitty-  1/48 F-15C Eagle / 1/48 Mi-24 Hind D (?)

TimR-- 1/48 P-61 Black Widow (STARTED) / 1/48 Hawker Typhoon (STARTED) (?)

Tonka--  1/72 P-51B (STARTED) / 1/72 AC-47 / 1/24 "Rommel's Rod"(STARTED) (?)

 Eatthis-- 1/48 F-104(STARTED) / 1/48 F-20 (STARTED) / 1/72 B-1B Lancer (Started) (?)

AndrewMcC-- 1/48 F-4C Phantom II / 1/48 Me 262 (?)

Dante 821--  1/48 P-38J / P-40B (?)

Bobbaily--  1/48 P-51D (STARTED FINAllY!) /  1/24 Cobra (?)

Tal Afar Dave-- 1/48 P-38J Lightning (Started) (?) 

 Hutchdh-- 1/48 F-86 Saber (Started/Hold) / Red Baron Show Car (Finit-O!) / F-100D (99.9999%  Come'on!) (?)

The Navigator-- 1/72 Bf 110 (FINITO!) / 1/48 F-14 Tomcat  (90%) / P-39 Airacobra (70%) (?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This's an awful lot of incompletes. I had to have missed some updates from you guys... Lemme know your status ASAP...  Please?

In the Hangar: 1/48 Hobby Boss F/A-18D RAAF Hornet,

On the Tarmac:  F4U-1D RNZAF Corsair 1/48 Scale.

  • Member since
    June 2008
Posted by lewbud on Sunday, November 20, 2011 7:26 PM

Hans,

Still here.  Got sidetracked by work and the weekend build.  Just got to paint the props, wheels and canopy then attach the cowlings and decals.  Gonna try to push the Firecat through by Wednesday as I'll be in Houston for Thanksgiving.  Definitely finished by the end of the month.  Contemplating what to build for Monogram Mafia-The Sequel.

Buddy- Those who say there are no stupid questions have never worked in customer service.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Sunday, November 20, 2011 7:01 PM

Hans von Hammer

Need to hear from the following Modlers about their build-status:

Roster:

Helo H-34- 1/48 A-37 Dragonfly / F-100D Super Saber (Behind the curve a LONG way... Did you get busted?

I know Helo is alive and well turning out a boat load of 1/72 builds in my Korea GB. I am suprised to see him building 1/48 here...Surprise

 

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

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Southern New Jersey
Posted by troublemaker66 on Sunday, November 20, 2011 6:06 PM

Hans von Hammer

Need to hear from the following Modlers about their build-status:

Roster:

Helo H-34- 1/48 A-37 Dragonfly / F-100D Super Saber (Behind the curve a LONG way... Did you get busted?

AaronW- 1/72 P-36 (Started) / 1/72 F7F Tigercat   (Started)

LewBud- 1/72 F7F Tigercat (75%) (?)

Taxtp-  Chaparral 2D Coupe / 1/24th Triumph TR-7 Wedge (Started) (?)

Von Brakken- 1/48th AD-6 Skyraider (Started)  / F-4J "MiG Ace-Showtime 100" (?)

KG4PQ-- OS2U Kingfisher / Ju87G-1 (T-6 Tenative) (?)

Sparrowhyperion--  DH Mosquito (Hold @ 70%) /  1/48 F4F Wildcat (Started-50%) (?) 

The Baron-- SBD Dauntless (As A-24 Banshee) (Started) / A6M5 Zero (25%) (?)

MrSquid2U--TBA / TBA (Wo bist Du?)

Vetteman--  (Did you receive the Dio-Bible?)

BigSmitty-  1/48 F-15C Eagle / 1/48 Mi-24 Hind D (?)

TimR-- 1/48 P-61 Black Widow (STARTED) / 1/48 Hawker Typhoon (STARTED) (?)

Tonka--  1/72 P-51B (STARTED) / 1/72 AC-47 / 1/24 "Rommel's Rod"(STARTED) (?)

 Eatthis-- 1/48 F-104(STARTED) / 1/48 F-20 (STARTED) / 1/72 B-1B Lancer (Started) (?)

AndrewMcC-- 1/48 F-4C Phantom II / 1/48 Me 262 (?)

Dante 821--  1/48 P-38J / P-40B (?)

Bobbaily--  1/48 P-51D (STARTED FINAllY!) /  1/24 Cobra (?)

Tal Afar Dave-- 1/48 P-38J Lightning (Started) (?) 

 Hutchdh-- 1/48 F-86 Saber (Started/Hold) / Red Baron Show Car (Finit-O!) / F-100D (99.9999%  Come'on!) (?)

The Navigator-- 1/72 Bf 110 (FINITO!) / 1/48 F-14 Tomcat  (90%) / P-39 Airacobra (70%) (?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This's an awful lot of incompletes. I had to have missed some updates from you guys... Lemme know your status ASAP...  Please?

Lucky for you Hans, I live in the Pine Barrens...I`ll start diggin` a really big hole....Wink

Len Pytlewski

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Sunday, November 20, 2011 5:56 PM

Need to hear from the following Modlers about their build-status:

Roster:

Helo H-34- 1/48 A-37 Dragonfly / F-100D Super Saber (Behind the curve a LONG way... Did you get busted?

AaronW- 1/72 P-36 (Started) / 1/72 F7F Tigercat   (Started)

LewBud- 1/72 F7F Tigercat (75%) (?)

Taxtp-  Chaparral 2D Coupe / 1/24th Triumph TR-7 Wedge (Started) (?)

Von Brakken- 1/48th AD-6 Skyraider (Started)  / F-4J "MiG Ace-Showtime 100" (?)

KG4PQ-- OS2U Kingfisher / Ju87G-1 (T-6 Tenative) (?)

Sparrowhyperion--  DH Mosquito (Hold @ 70%) /  1/48 F4F Wildcat (Started-50%) (?) 

The Baron-- SBD Dauntless (As A-24 Banshee) (Started) / A6M5 Zero (25%) (?)

MrSquid2U--TBA / TBA (Wo bist Du?)

Vetteman--  (Did you receive the Dio-Bible?)

BigSmitty-  1/48 F-15C Eagle / 1/48 Mi-24 Hind D (?)

TimR-- 1/48 P-61 Black Widow (STARTED) / 1/48 Hawker Typhoon (STARTED) (?)

Tonka--  1/72 P-51B (STARTED) / 1/72 AC-47 / 1/24 "Rommel's Rod"(STARTED) (?)

 Eatthis-- 1/48 F-104(STARTED) / 1/48 F-20 (STARTED) / 1/72 B-1B Lancer (Started) (?)

AndrewMcC-- 1/48 F-4C Phantom II / 1/48 Me 262 (?)

Dante 821--  1/48 P-38J / P-40B (?)

Tal Afar Dave-- 1/48 P-38J Lightning (Started) (?) 

 Hutchdh-- 1/48 F-86 Saber (Started/Hold) / Red Baron Show Car (Finit-O!) / F-100D (99.9999%  Come'on!) (?)

The Navigator-- 1/72 Bf 110 (FINITO!) / 1/48 F-14 Tomcat  (90%) / P-39 Airacobra (70%) (?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This's an awful lot of incompletes. I had to have missed some updates from you guys... Lemme know your status ASAP...  Please?

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Sunday, November 20, 2011 2:07 PM

quick update on the F-15...she;s on her wheels...pylons added..Photobucket:550:0]

Photobucket:550:0]

Photobucket:550:0]

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/Photobucket:550:0]

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Saturday, November 19, 2011 11:51 AM

Just a reminder.. Send me a PM (Start Conversation) ASAP if your build-list is not correct and up to date!!

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Friday, November 18, 2011 2:22 PM

Distant cousin.. He got all verklempt after hookin' up with Rogers and changed the pronounciation to "hammer-StYne" ... Th' Shmuck...

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Thursday, November 17, 2011 3:33 PM

Hans von Hammer

Oy Vei... 

And it was "Hammerstein", Stikker... Wink

Shalom.. 

Hammerstein? Was it you or your brother doing the musicals? Catchy tunes in South Pacific and Sound of Music WhistlingWink

Shalom aleichem

 

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

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Thursday, November 17, 2011 11:51 AM

No offense taken, Stik, I knew what you meant Smile.  The whole "spirit of the build" thing came to me, then, as I was congratulating myself again on spending less than a buck for the bottle of paint Wink

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Carmel, CA
Posted by bondoman on Thursday, November 17, 2011 12:54 AM

You all make me smileBig Smile

 

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Thursday, November 17, 2011 12:15 AM

Been makin plans for round 2 for a while now. Hey does this mean we are all now members of the " Offical Monogram Fan Club " ???

Look for Round Two around 1 JAN 12... 

And No..

It means you're Officially Monogram Mafia... 

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Thursday, November 17, 2011 12:13 AM

But yes, using craft paints is vey much in the spirit of the GB here... sometimes I think the boss could have dropped the last portion of his name from vonHammerwitz with his seeming instinctive frugality (just joking, before anyone starts getting all offended and sending flaming arrows, torches and pitchforks my way), and I love seeing how guys here improvise in that manner.

Oy Vei...  Why shlep all over town to find the right shade of hobby paint and pay 4.00 for a color that you only need a shtikel of to put a bisel of color on a stick-boot, or gunsight...  What am I? An Eizel?

I've always bought craft paints, just for the prices.. Or course they're not super-fine pigments suitable for airbrushing, but face it... Why bother airbrushing everything? I paint 99% of the build's interior with brush paints... Airbrushing's for the outside (and inside overall color).. And if I got a rattle-can the right color, I don't airbrush that part either..

And it was "Hammerstein", Stikker... Wink

Shalom..

 

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 1:04 PM

Baron my friend, I was being pure tongue in cheek there. No.1 this is not my thread to re-direct- the boss is great for getting it back on track if he thinks it needs getting done; no.2, there was somebody whining at Trouble over on the Tamiya paint thread because not all the comments were specificly about when said paints were gonna be re appearing at the LHS or online store and since he is so consumed by the subject and is getting emails about updates to that thread, he got his underoos in wedgie configuration.... no 3.) I am more than happy to see threads stray and see about things like using craft paints in place of the allmighty Vallejo bandwagon (sorry they do not impress me)... my only gripe about about craft store paints is that being displayed under flourescent lighting they most always appear different under natural light and when your looking for just that perfect tonal variation for uniforms, tents, tarps, etc, the results of your purchase are not quite what you intended... But yes, using craft paints is vey much in the spirit of the GB here... sometimes I think the boss could have dropped the last portion of his name from vonHammerwitz with his seeming instinctive frugality (just joking, before anyone starts getting all offended and sending flaming arrows, torches and pitchforks my way), and I love seeing how guys here improvise in that manner.

 

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

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 12:24 PM

troublemaker66

BARON-

You say you used craft paint? How did it work for you?  I`m about to start experimenting with them to try and find a usable alternative to model paint, which is getting a bit pricey in my opinion.

Len

Hi, Len, it was "Americana" brand.  I also have "Apple Barrel", both of which are sold at Michael's, and often on sale for 89¢. I bought it originally for use on figures, because I'll be darned if I'll Andrea or Vallejo prices, even acknowledging that they are a little finer in quality.

It worked OK, and I'll continue to test with it.  It does need to be mixed well, though I found that water and isopropyl were equally effective as thinners.

They're all part of the arsenal--I have all kinds of paints in the box.

stikpusher

This thread is not about craft paints! It is about paying tribute to the family of original Monogram kits... take posts like this to where they  belong,,, spamming some new guys mail box in the "I cant get Tamiya  paints whining thread"...

Just kidding... I swear that some lines of paints such as Citadel and others for Gaming subjects are the same thing as craft paints, just in a different label/container.

Hehe, yes, understood, but I'll say, being frugal and not necessarily using high-falutin' brand paints is within the spirit of this build, the spirit of scratchbuilding.  And in any case, I was curious to see how the craft paint would work.  Just have to burnish the edges of the masking better next time  Wink 

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: USA California
Posted by vetteman42 on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:29 AM

p38jl

ToastYes cant wait for Round Duex...!

Ditto

Been makin plans for round 2 for a while now. Hey does this mean we are all now members of the " Offical Monogram Fan Club " ???

Randy So many to build.......So little time

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 9:18 AM

ToastYes cant wait for Round Duex...!

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Southern New Jersey
Posted by troublemaker66 on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 5:02 AM

Hans von Hammer

Been trying to update the front page, but I'm having issues with my computer when I open the multiple windows I need to do it with... So..

Need y'all to check the front page and see if I got your stuff right.  If NOT, then PM ME with what it should read...

Thanks again to all for making this GB a sucessful one!  With it, it's been shown to the nay-sayers that Monogram kits are still among the best, and they CAN be built into fabulous replicas of some of our favorite things... Also, you have shown that, with a little "imagineering", some scrap parts, and some sheet styrene, these gems can hold their places and even WIN against ANY "high-end" kit, even under the pressure of dual-kit build and a tough time-limit!

Wear your badges with pride and don't hesitate to whack those clowns out there that say "Monogram kits are dogs".. Well, these dogs bite, and those that can't build 'em up are just pups on the porch wishing they could run with the big dogs!

 I'm proud of each of you and it has been an honor to build with you all!

 

That was beautiful Hans...I think I`m gonna cr.....um....go whack some Tamigawa guys...Big Smile

Len Pytlewski

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Carmel, CA
Posted by bondoman on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 1:27 AM

Hans von Hammer

 I'm proud of each of you and it has been an honor to build with you all!

And that's a fact, Jack!

I painted my "Tres Amigos" square bottle all the way. Those paints have SO much pigment in them that a mixture of 10% each R/B/(G (Yellow at 50%, Blue at 50%)) "MacBeth" color system mixed with thinner can hit any color on the printing press closely. All brush work too Geeked

Still working on the "Phantom Mustang" but I will finish it.

 

 

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 11:54 PM

Been trying to update the front page, but I'm having issues with my computer when I open the multiple windows I need to do it with... So..

Need y'all to check the front page and see if I got your stuff right.  If NOT, then PM ME with what it should read...

Thanks again to all for making this GB a sucessful one!  With it, it's been shown to the nay-sayers that Monogram kits are still among the best, and they CAN be built into fabulous replicas of some of our favorite things... Also, you have shown that, with a little "imagineering", some scrap parts, and some sheet styrene, these gems can hold their places and even WIN against ANY "high-end" kit, even under the pressure of dual-kit build and a tough time-limit!

Wear your badges with pride and don't hesitate to whack those clowns out there that say "Monogram kits are dogs".. Well, these dogs bite, and those that can't build 'em up are just pups on the porch wishing they could run with the big dogs!

 I'm proud of each of you and it has been an honor to build with you all!

 

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Southern New Jersey
Posted by troublemaker66 on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 4:45 PM

stikpusher

This thread is not about craft paints!Angry It is about paying tribute to the family of original Monogram kits...Super Angry take posts like this to where they  belong,,, spamming some new guys mail box in the "I cant get Tamiya  paints whining thread"...Wink

Just kidding...Stick out tongue I swear that some lines of paints such as Citadel and others for Gaming subjects are the same thing as craft paints, just in a different label/container.

LOL!!! Thanks Stik...I needed that! Glad you guys chimed in over there. I picked up 3 bottles of craft paint at AC Moore but havent had a chance to play with them yet. I`ve used hardware store enamels before, when I couldn`t get out to get paint at a HS, without issue. I know there`s all kinds of paints out there and some of them are compatible with modeling...just have to find `em..Wink

Len Pytlewski

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 4:19 PM

This thread is not about craft paints!Angry It is about paying tribute to the family of original Monogram kits...Super Angry take posts like this to where they  belong,,, spamming some new guys mail box in the "I cant get Tamiya  paints whining thread"...Wink

Just kidding...Stick out tongue I swear that some lines of paints such as Citadel and others for Gaming subjects are the same thing as craft paints, just in a different label/container.

 

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

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Southern New Jersey
Posted by troublemaker66 on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 4:11 PM

BARON-

You say you used craft paint? How did it work for you?  I`m about to start experimenting with them to try and find a usable alternative to model paint, which is getting a bit pricey in my opinion.

Len

Len Pytlewski

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 11:52 AM

Oh, and I will touch up some other spots, too.  Along the leading edge of the starboard wing, for example, the dark green needs to wrap around a little further.  But SOON I will have this finished Wink

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 11:49 AM

Just to let everyone know that I'm still alive, and not in the Tamigawa Witness Protection Plan, here is an update on the Zero.

As some of you may remember, I am a complete novice when it comes to using an airbrush.  I bought a Paasche VL second-hand, years ago, with the intention of teaching myself to use an airbrush.  A compressor followed years after that, and in 2009, I even made a New Year's modeling resolution to start using the brush.  Well, it's November 2011, and I finally used the brush to put paint on a model.

After reading about it, discussing it with so many of you who use an airbrush, and having so many ideas and questions, I used the brush to do the yellow ID markings.  I used craft store acrylic, thinned with water in one pass, and with isopropyl in anoter.  The results weren't too bad, overall:

There was seepage on the upper surfaces, but not because of a problem with the brush as such, but because I didn't burnish the tape down well enough, in my eagerness to shoot.

Here's a view from the other angle:

There was some overspray, too, but I was able to clean up some of it with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl.  But I need to touch up a lot, before I do the next airbrush exercise--airbrushing the gloss coat for decals.

And the most important lesson I learned in this pass was:  TAKE THE CAP OFF THE NOZZLE!

The A-24 is coming along, too, just about ready to assemble the subassemblies and apply the OD and gray.

 

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Monday, November 14, 2011 7:34 PM

I agree 110%Stick out tongue I have one in my stashYes it's all right, I'm in the same boat. She sent me off to AMPS Chapter with the admonishment, "Dont bring anything home"...

 

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

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Southern New Jersey
Posted by troublemaker66 on Monday, November 14, 2011 4:41 PM

stikpusher

She has you well trained Wink

Sad but true...Crying  Seriously though, check out that kit...looks way cool!

Len Pytlewski

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Monday, November 14, 2011 4:30 PM

She has you well trained Wink

 

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

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Southern New Jersey
Posted by troublemaker66 on Monday, November 14, 2011 4:26 PM

 There are a LOT of possibilities in this old kit and researching it also sparked an interest in Vietnam Brown Water Navy kits for me.

[/quote]I was in a HS this weekend and had a Tamiya "Pibber" kit in my hand...1:35 with lots of detail. I almost bought it but I heard my wife`s voice ringing in my ears..." ANOTHER MODEL?!?!?!?" So I bought some rubber cemant and a magazine...Big Smile

Len Pytlewski

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Monday, November 14, 2011 1:34 PM

Ken, I actually had a wonderful Veterans Day with my family. We had dinner at a Japanese restaurant, and had a splendid meal there ( I can thank Uncle Sam for sending me to the land of the Rising Sun years ago where I accquired the taste for Sake, Asahi, Sushi and proper Japanese cuisine). I hope that you and your loved ones had a great Veterans Day as well.

Thanks everybody for the kind words on the Swift Boat. I am mostly pleased in the finished results. I wanted to do quite a bit more add ons, but the time limts here did not allow for that due to my late start on it. EmbarrassedVette, the coiled anchor lines are actually molded into the deck on the original kit. That is nothing more than paint and washes. There are a LOT of possibilities in this old kit and researching it also sparked an interest in Vietnam Brown Water Navy kits for me.

 

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

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.