Nice haul Gamera.  I have the Enterprise 1701-A in that scale.  I had the original Enterprise kit as a kid too.  Got it for Xmas when I was very small.  My Grandfather got it for me along with the original Galileo shuttle and the Bridge kit.  I think I had the Mr. Spock kit too, but I was so little I don't remember that well.  I miss those simple fun kits sometimes.  I am dying to see how your kit comes out.  I am going to try and light mine when we get our own place and I can build it. 

I got my Daughter a trio of BlueRay flicks starring you..  She just loves Kaiju (Giant Monster) flicks.  I was going to get her a Gamera model kit I saw on eBay but I needed a small amount left to get the Mrs. something.  As for me, a good friend gave me some nice kits.  Still waiting for one of them, but with the holidays, the PO is probably backed up til March. lol.

On subject, I have just about completed assembly of an F-84F and I am trying to find my last 1/4 jar of Aluminum.  I just don't have the patience or paint to do Camo on this one.  Besides, some of the decals for the Camo version are damaged.  Today is going to be paint prep and masking. I have to be REALLY careful.  Anyone who has done the R/M 1/48 F84F knows what a pain the front landing gear bay doors are.  They break if you sneeze on them wrong.  I really wish they had made them so they could be closed for a wheels up pose.  

Rich

Gamera

Well Dom, as long as they don't tell you that you're so valuable that they can't pay you what you're worth so they have to let you go...

BTW: The last of my Christmas presents for me came today!

Slightly over one hundred US bucks for all of the above on Hobby Link Japan's Cyber Monday sale. The Enterprise below was about a hundred by herself, but dang the kit is over a yard/meter long in 1/350th so how could I resist!?!?!

Yay! Hope you got the newer movies, my older ones weren't as good. Though they were funny esp the one where I swing around on the beam like a gymnast.

Funny I never had the shuttlecraft or the Spock kit. Just the Enterprise and the Klingon battlecruiser. And more lately I've picked up a bunch of other starships like the Reliant and the Excelsior etc. Don't know when I'll get around to building the giant Big-E since I really don't have anywhere to put her!

Looking forward to more updates on the F-84F!

I have approximately 8 hours of work left this year. By news year day im hoping to complete something lol.

Scorpiomikey

I have approximately 8 hours of work left this year. By news year day im hoping to complete something lol.

Ugh! I still have 40 hours of work this year, or possibly 48 if we work this Saturday!

My Christmas has arrived:

The weapons set at the top has some AN/AAQ-28 LITENING targeting and navigation pods I wanted for a future build (an F-16C with Colorado ANG markings). The F-15 already has a set included. PE kit on the right is for the Strike Eagle.

The goodies inside the F-15 kit. Sure it is a "D" with added parts and some modifications needed. I'm no expert, but this kit may be the best to be had for now in 1/72nd scale. Interesting is the bag on the left which has the targeting pods and a stand (I'm not going to use that!). The sprue is the exact same one that is included in the munitions and pods set as above! I will probably build the old F-15E kit I have as a "D" some day. I have some AM decals I could use for that.

The PE set for the interior of the Eagle. Now I have all this, but when will I do it? Who knows?

Nearly done with the decals on the A-7, but so much to do yet! Such as: pin wash for the panel lines, dullcoat, add the pitot tubes on the nose, landing gear, figure how to mount the canopy open as the kit didn't really set up that option and oh yes! Can't forget the weapons stores for the undercarriage! Plus there are a few more PE parts that go on the doors of the avionics bay.

*drooooool* thats a nice set.

Im all done and dusted for the year. The boss gave me $50 in vouchers (just a wee thank you he always passes around at xmas) All the shoppings done, i dont need to leave the house until the crazies get locked up again lol.

Well im off to the office to plug away at the skyhawk some more.

jimbot58

Scorpiomikey

I have approximately 8 hours of work left this year. By news year day im hoping to complete something lol.

Ugh! I still have 40 hours of work this year, or possibly 48 if we work this Saturday!

My Christmas has arrived:

The weapons set at the top has some AN/AAQ-28 LITENING targeting and navigation pods I wanted for a future build (an F-16C with Colorado ANG markings). The F-15 already has a set included. PE kit on the right is for the Strike Eagle.

The goodies inside the F-15 kit. Sure it is a "D" with added parts and some modifications needed. I'm no expert, but this kit may be the best to be had for now in 1/72nd scale. Interesting is the bag on the left which has the targeting pods and a stand (I'm not going to use that!). The sprue is the exact same one that is included in the munitions and pods set as above! I will probably build the old F-15E kit I have as a "D" some day. I have some AM decals I could use for that.

The PE set for the interior of the Eagle. Now I have all this, but when will I do it? Who knows?

Nearly done with the decals on the A-7, but so much to do yet! Such as: pin wash for the panel lines, dullcoat, add the pitot tubes on the nose, landing gear, figure how to mount the canopy open as the kit didn't really set up that option and oh yes! Can't forget the weapons stores for the undercarriage! Plus there are a few more PE parts that go on the doors of the avionics bay.

Nice score Jim!  I know with your skill set it is going to come out looking really nice!  I can't wait to see you start it.

Ken

Scorpiomikey

*drooooool* thats a nice set.

Im all done and dusted for the year. The boss gave me $50 in vouchers (just a wee thank you he always passes around at xmas) All the shoppings done, i dont need to leave the house until the crazies get locked up again lol.

Well im off to the office to plug away at the skyhawk some more.

Hi Scorpio Mike!

I am done for the year myself, at least at my job!  I have not had a chance to get anything done at the workbench for a while.  I did finally get my new stove installed but that opened a whole can of worms as far as getting other things done before Christmas.  My wife subtly mentioned how she would like to have a couple of walls in the kitchen painted a different color, new moulding around the doors, new face plates on the electric switches and outlets, etc.  So I have a "Honey do" list to get done before Christmas.

Ken

lol lets buy an oven, oh no it doesnt go with the decor, well have to repaint the kitchen, hang new curtains, new cutlery...

Womens logic, buy what you want and make everything else match eh?

jimbot58

Scorpiomikey

I have approximately 8 hours of work left this year. By news year day im hoping to complete something lol.

Ugh! I still have 40 hours of work this year, or possibly 48 if we work this Saturday!

My Christmas has arrived:

The weapons set at the top has some AN/AAQ-28 LITENING targeting and navigation pods I wanted for a future build (an F-16C with Colorado ANG markings). The F-15 already has a set included. PE kit on the right is for the Strike Eagle.

The goodies inside the F-15 kit. Sure it is a "D" with added parts and some modifications needed. I'm no expert, but this kit may be the best to be had for now in 1/72nd scale. Interesting is the bag on the left which has the targeting pods and a stand (I'm not going to use that!). The sprue is the exact same one that is included in the munitions and pods set as above! I will probably build the old F-15E kit I have as a "D" some day. I have some AM decals I could use for that.

The PE set for the interior of the Eagle. Now I have all this, but when will I do it? Who knows?

Nearly done with the decals on the A-7, but so much to do yet! Such as: pin wash for the panel lines, dullcoat, add the pitot tubes on the nose, landing gear, figure how to mount the canopy open as the kit didn't really set up that option and oh yes! Can't forget the weapons stores for the undercarriage! Plus there are a few more PE parts that go on the doors of the avionics bay.

Two of my all-time second favourite airplanes!

I love the F-16 as it was the product of two incredible minds, John Boyd and Harry Hillaker.

I wish Canada would just break down and buy F-15's.

I got away early today but I cover 2 days next week.......still working.....lol

I hope you get a chance to seriously tuck into some kits over the next week Jim!

Dom

Scorpiomikey

lol lets buy an oven, oh no it doesnt go with the decor, well have to repaint the kitchen, hang new curtains, new cutlery...

Womens logic, buy what you want and make everything else match eh?

Yes, but she is worth it.  She lets me have my hobby and spend the money that I do on it.  So this is a small price to pay.

By the Russ, I will post a picture when I am done!   

Ken

Bockscar

Nice haul for sure Jim!

Two of my all-time second favourite airplanes!

I love the F-16 as it was the product of two incredible minds, John Boyd and Harry Hillaker.

I wish Canada would just break down and buy F-15's.

I got away early today but I cover 2 days next week.......still working.....lol

I hope you get a chance to seriously tuck into some kits over the next week Jim!

Dom

Hey Dom,

So you got three days with your weekend making five days off in a row?  Not too bad.  Then I assume you get some days off for New Years?  Got any of that keg left?   

Ken

I have to agree about the F16s.  Awesome little birds.   I don't know about buying F15s.  I would think Canada would want something more up to date, like the F35.

I was working on a R/M 1/32 P-51B tonight when I had a mishap.  While attempting to button up the fuselage, the Testors Model master bottle split a seam.  The resulting mass of glue did a number on the kit.  Mostly on the starboard fuselage back of the cockpit.  I have a LOT of sanding to do now.  I was trying to get this one out of the in progress pile, but now it may be in the spare parts pile. lol

Still waiting on paint for a couple of kits as well as the new tailwheel for a Hasegawa P51D.   I am trying to clear off a lot so I have room to work on my secret Santa kit.  That and the FGR.2 which I am still waiting for some paint for.

Still no Camera.  So no pics yet.

Rich

Nice haul for sure Jim!

Two of my all-time second favourite airplanes!

I love the F-16 as it was the product of two incredible minds, John Boyd and Harry Hillaker.

I wish Canada would just break down and buy F-15's.

I got away early today but I cover 2 days next week.......still working.....lol

I hope you get a chance to seriously tuck into some kits over the next week Jim!

Dom

F-35's? Have they renamed them the white elephant yet?

Scorpiomikey

F-35's? Have they renamed them the white elephant yet?

 Indeed, from the same conglomerate that brought us the C-5A,B and now the "super duper" M model. But then they came up with the C-130 which is actually a great plane. I wonder if this is another one of their over-engineered aircraft, it seems like a whole lot of money for such a problem child of a plane. I understand every new airframe has "teething" issues but holy cow!!!

Jim: Wow, nice stuff there! Sorry when you asked about the Hasegawa F-15E I just assumed you meant the 1/48th kit, whoops! If you're going to build her soon please post photos, I'd love to see how she goes.

Ken: Figured as much, I'm single but I know how replacing a stove can turn into buying a whole new kitchen or a new bedspread can result in having to renovate the whole bedroom...

As to the F-35, I think I said before on the aircraft forum that it looked like a great new aircraft at first until the Pentagon just kept adding new features on top of new features until there's no way a single airframe can do all that. I'm no expert but it seems to me they should just release the thing with the basic options and then let the users customize it from that point. 

Well, it was either the XF35 or the XF32 which couldn't even properly hover.  Personally, I also thought theXF32 was the ugliest thing to come down the pike since the Gnat or the Pogo.

I saw a special on TLC about the competition and the designing of each, the XF35 and the XF32.   I think just having the VTOL capability would make it worth the effort.  The Harrier is a great plane but it is really showing it's age now.  Having a plane that is stealthy, has VTOL, ultra high speed, and as maneuverable as the F35 is something the military should appreciate.  And the cost benefit of having one basic design as the primary fighter for all military services has got to have a great cost benefit where you can use common parts for all and I imagine it will make logistics a bit better.  Yes all new aircraft have teething pains, even planes like the F15 had their issues.  But what you gte when they get past them is worth the effort.  The F22 is just too expensive to be produced in large numbers, the F35 has a big advantage there.  I just wish Revell would come out with a 1/48 one. LMAO...

mikeymize

Scorpiomikey

F-35's? Have they renamed them the white elephant yet?

 Indeed, from the same conglomerate that brought us the C-5A,B and now the "super duper" M model. But then they came up with the C-130 which is actually a great plane. I wonder if this is another one of their over-engineered aircraft, it seems like a whole lot of money for such a problem child of a plane. I understand every new airframe has "teething" issues but holy cow!!!

I'm no aviation engineer but it just seems to me they're trying to shove too many features into one aircraft. I mean it's supposed to be stealthy, super agile, carry pretty much every weapon in the Western arsenal, and some versions have the VTOL ability- just seems like they're trying to push the thing too far. 

ScorpyMike: Did the stuff you ordered come yet? I think it is on it's way now:

lmao nice one gam.

Havent seen it yet. Im hoping it will arrive tommorow, but then itle probably be new years before i see the courier again.

As for the F-35, its no longer VTOL. Yes it has the capability, but for some reason they cant get it to transition from vertical to forward flight while off the ground. So now the 3 variants are Carrier (Strengthened undercarriage, arrestor hook etc for navy) CTOL (Conventional takeoff and landing for airforce) and STOVL(Short takeoff vertical landing for marines) Vertical landings all good, but what use is an aircraft that you can get in, but cant get out again?

I think they needed to stick with the lessons they learned from the harrier. 4 points of lift distributed either side of the COG.

I feel like the F-35's rotating exhaust is too complicated and theres an easier way to do it.

But then, im in the same boat as Gam, im not an aircraft engineer, so i have no idea. Youd hope the guys at lockheed would know what theyre doing...

As for a canadian F-35.

Scorpiomikey

lmao nice one gam.

Havent seen it yet. Im hoping it will arrive tommorow, but then itle probably be new years before i see the courier again.

As for the F-35, its no longer VTOL. Yes it has the capability, but for some reason they cant get it to transition from vertical to forward flight while off the ground. So now the 3 variants are Carrier (Strengthened undercarriage, arrestor hook etc for navy) CTOL (Conventional takeoff and landing for airforce) and STOVL(Short takeoff vertical landing for marines) Vertical landings all good, but what use is an aircraft that you can get in, but cant get out again?

I think they needed to stick with the lessons they learned from the harrier. 4 points of lift distributed either side of the COG.

I feel like the F-35's rotating exhaust is too complicated and theres an easier way to do it.

But then, im in the same boat as Gam, im not an aircraft engineer, so i have no idea. Youd hope the guys at lockheed would know what theyre doing...

As for a canadian F-35.

problem is our administrators up here ended up in a lot of nasty hot water over the usual administrative

problems and costs. The other thing, right or wrong, is that Canucks like to fly twin engine birds when escorting our Russian friends back into neutral airspace. I'm all for Super-Hornets or F-15's.

They are proven, I'm sure we can get them RAM upgraded, and quite economical.

Heck, we could put 3 F-16's into the sky for the cost of an F-35, but I'm happy if someone corrects

my arithmetic on that one.

Dom

Gamera

I'm no aviation engineer but it just seems to me they're trying to shove too many features into one aircraft. I mean it's supposed to be stealthy, super agile, carry pretty much every weapon in the Western arsenal, and some versions have the VTOL ability- just seems like they're trying to push the thing too far. 

ScorpyMike: Did the stuff you ordered come yet? I think it is on it's way now:

  

My guess is he's a guy with a girlfriend who's a bit ticked off.......

Dom

Well, I got a chuckle out of it and figured might as well share it!

I find the F-35 to hold little interest for me. Looks like they are using lots of my money to try to make this "one aircraft for everything" thing work. I read somewhere that a simulation was done and several F-35's were pitted against one F-22 and the F-22 came out on top. I could be wrong, but I read something like it somewhere. Of coarse the F-22 has yet to be battle tested either.

The model industry seems to hold little interest as well. I know it's still in development, but there hasn't been a lot of kits put out there yet.

As to the XF-32, I prayed that that ugly motha' would lose the fly off against the F-35. I was afraid that if the F-32 went ever went into battle, all the other planes would laugh at it! I also heard that the XF-32 demonstrator was incapable of transitioning from VTO to forward flight. It was necessary to remove and change several parts of the airframe while still on the ground to demonstrate it's vertical take off capability.

F-35 Jack of all trades, Master of none.

After posting with you guys for almost 4 years, I think I

just had my first 'Snitch' experience (Rich's evil cat).

I was peeling three layers of enamel from the old fuselages of

some vintage Lindberg F-91's, and I pulled one out of the juice-jug

full of DOT-3 i was soaking them in to run it under the tap.

A few minutes later, I go back into my model room, and the jug has

fallen over, emptying it's contents onto the floor, all over the carpet,

and splashed all over the stacks of kits i have neatly 'hidden' under my

model desk.

Good news, it did not spill on the desk itself.....spooky......

There was no cat in the room.....spooky......

So I was up to my elbows in DOT-3 for three bitter hours cleaning the

mess up, and displacing so many well hidden kits......nasty....

More good news.....DOT-3 is water soluble, has a low odour,

and thanks to gosh, the SHtuffIT actually drys up!!!...lol......

I have crinkeled wads of paint I peeled off those fuselages, looks

like post-sun-burn-peel off of Iron-Man's outer skin....lol.....

Dom

Scorpiomikey

lmao nice one gam.

Havent seen it yet. Im hoping it will arrive tommorow, but then itle probably be new years before i see the courier again.

As for the F-35, its no longer VTOL. Yes it has the capability, but for some reason they cant get it to transition from vertical to forward flight while off the ground. So now the 3 variants are Carrier (Strengthened undercarriage, arrestor hook etc for navy) CTOL (Conventional takeoff and landing for airforce) and STOVL(Short takeoff vertical landing for marines) Vertical landings all good, but what use is an aircraft that you can get in, but cant get out again?

I think they needed to stick with the lessons they learned from the harrier. 4 points of lift distributed either side of the COG.

I feel like the F-35's rotating exhaust is too complicated and theres an easier way to do it.

But then, im in the same boat as Gam, im not an aircraft engineer, so i have no idea. Youd hope the guys at lockheed would know what theyre doing...

As for a canadian F-35.

Here is my worth on the subject of the F-35.  Why the top officials can't learn from history is beyond me.  They must live in a bubble.

You cannot build a single plane that does it all and be able to do all of them well.  You end up with the mess that you are looking at here.  The F-22 is a wonderful fighter.  It is a single purpose plane.  It does it's job very well.  Top of the line.  Everyone brings up the cost.  Yes, the F-22 costs a lot, but if you are going to go into a dogfight and have your choice of aircraft, I think most of you will agree that the F-22 is the best choice.

When you start making the costs of an aircraft the highest priority over the performance, then you are actually throwing away your money.  Because if your aircraft cannot perform the mission or an opponent can out perform your aircraft, you will either have to leave the aircraft on the tarmac or lose it and the pilot in battle.

So the F-35 should be an aircraft developed for vertical take off and landing for a smaller niche where that type of aircraft makes sense.  But trying to make it a "replacement" for an all purpose, all military fighter for all allied nations and all military roles is retarded.

On a last note, it does look pretty!   

Ken

Well, Mikey and Ken, you guys have the right idea.

I think we are going to shelve the F-35 do to the costs, it was important

because the US Airforce is buying them, so there's theoretically an

economy of scale, but I just hope we don't end up with Typhoons or

Mirages.

Dom

Ill admit its a nice looking aircraft, but what good is looks when its outperformed by everything currently in operation? That's like having a gorgeous accountant that's dyslexic, fun to look at, fun to play with, but when it gets serious you're up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

Dom. Sucks to heap about your dot 3 incident. With all the earthquakes round here (which have settled thankfully...touch wood) i learned pretty quick if im stripping paint, do it in a sealed container that remains sealed at all times unless im adding or removing bits.

Out and about today and wished I stayed home. Traffic was horrible! Plus I hurt my foot last week and I should have just stayed off of it today, but I didn't! I did stop by a little LHS that been around for about forever and found this:

Maybe I'll get encouraged to go back to work on my F-105G...

  All this talk of the F-35 made me realize what I most dislike about engineers, be they Lockheed or any others and that is the lack of thought they give to the maintaining of these things. As a maintainer I always wished that there could be a representative from our side of the house as opposed to just the op's guys. Not that it would take precedence but that it would be given some attention. I believe they may have with the F-15 at least for us avionics guys but that's the exception rather than the rule.

 Also, Jimbot, that 105 made me want to build one. I loved that plane; not sure why but it always seemed so bad a$% to me.