Way cool Ken! They were here in Colorado a few weeks back and for various reasons, the biggest being the near 100 degree temps that weekend, I didn't go. Saw it fly directly over my house though...

Thanks so much for posting those photos Ken; looks like a great day too. A shame you couldn't  fly around the flagpole a few times but that price tag would prevent most of us I think. Last time I saw one was in 2004 during an air show and it was the first time I'd seen one up close. It seemed smaller than what I'd imagined.

Wow, those are great photos Ken, thanks for posting them! If she's the same bird as the old Confederate Air Force, I think it's Commemorative Air Force or some such now I saw her some twenty-five years or so ago!  

Nice Ken!  I belong to NAS Wildwood, a WWII museum in Cape May County Airport, NJ. Hanger 1 is a historical landmark and is where the Navy trained fighter and dive bomber pilots. They have an "Airfest" every year in August and they have the Nine O Nine, a B17G and the Witchcraft, a B24 fly in for the weekend. There is also a Mustang "C", I think it`s called Betty Jane that flies  in with the other 2. I prolly have 200 pics of the inside of NineONine...lol.

Cliff, I think your dot filtering looks fine. It's suppose to be subtle, and I think it would be easy to overdo it on the dark green.

Ken, you haven't mentioned the Phantom for a few days. Have you had any time to work on it? Or are you still waiting for those burner cans?

In the meantime, I finally was satisfied my gloss coat on the KT was cured enough to move on, so I "borrowed" some crosses from the Panzer IV kit (it had plenty to spare). The white borders on the crosses are a bit larger than the originals, but what difference will it make?

Next will be repainting details, a black wash, dull coat, and another careful attempt at some dot filters, AVOIDING the white this time. Then there's attaching all the bits on the outside: Hatches, mufflers, tools, tow cables.... *SIGH*! So much yet to do!

Funny thing happened when I took out the Panzer kit to rob it of a few decals: I had to wait for the paint to dry on the Tiger II, and I just wanted to test fit a few parts. Before I knew it.....

They just sort of cemented themselves together....

All those hatches could be posed open, but there is no interior detail. so it would be pointless.

Still not ready to jump back to my Hornet, so maybe just one more piece of armor for now...

Jim: After all the trouble of having to repaint the results look good. And yeah that's the cool part about armour, you can assemble the whole darn thing and paint, nice work on the Panzer IV there.

Sadly, tonight I learn of another death in my family. This person is actually the husband of one of my cousins, and not a blood relative. The thing is, the guy has been battling brain cancer for more years than I can recall, and been given a number of death sentences by Doctors, but far outlived their predictions.

I was shocked and very moved when, in spite of his illness, he showed up at Moms visitation! I was told he had insisted in getting dressed and  coming down to the mortuary to give his respects. I was told people would understand If I couldn't make it to the services, but in light of that, how could I not be there?

Jim: Sorry to hear about that. Still I'm impressed too, I think that never-say-die attitude keeps you alive and active as much if not more than medication.

jimbot58

Sadly, tonight I learn of another death in my family. This person is actually the husband of one of my cousins, and not a blood relative. The thing is, the guy has been battling brain cancer for more years than I can recall, and been given a number of death sentences by Doctors, but far outlived their predictions.

I was shocked and very moved when, in spite of his illness, he showed up at Moms visitation! I was told he had insisted in getting dressed and  coming down to the mortuary to give his respects. I was told people would understand If I couldn't make it to the services, but in light of that, how could I not be there?

Hang in there Jim.  I know you can do this.  Sometimes being able to talk with someone who is also grieving can help, since you have a better since of what the other person is going through.

The "C" word.  Everyone dreads it.  It takes more friends and family than I think anything else.  I live in fear of it.  So many people on my Mom's side of the family has died from it.  And I seem to have picked up most of my genes from my Mom's side than my Dad's.  I have warned my doctor about it.

On another note, I am finally on vacation.  But it is not a vacation for fun.  I think I may have mentioned this before, I have an old Saturn that needs a new clutch.  But to replace it I have to pull the engine.  My goal by the end of this week is to have the engine out of the Saturn and onto the engine stand.

It means taking away time from the workbench but it must be done.  It gets 35 mpg.  The huge 1 ton truck that I am driving for transportation now only gets 9.5 mpg.  Plus the maintenance cost is huge.  The truck has dual rear wheels and needs new tires.  I just replaced the front tires and that cost just under $500.

Ken

Good luck Ken, I know how expensive, hard, and time consuming car repairs can be.

Definitely have to make the car repairs the priority. Certainly less fun than model building. Until you can figure out a way to fit into the cockpit of the F-4 a car will be necessary.....

Son Of Medicine Man

jimbot58

Sadly, tonight I learn of another death in my family. This person is actually the husband of one of my cousins, and not a blood relative. The thing is, the guy has been battling brain cancer for more years than I can recall, and been given a number of death sentences by Doctors, but far outlived their predictions.

I was shocked and very moved when, in spite of his illness, he showed up at Moms visitation! I was told he had insisted in getting dressed and  coming down to the mortuary to give his respects. I was told people would understand If I couldn't make it to the services, but in light of that, how could I not be there?

Hang in there Jim.  I know you can do this.  Sometimes being able to talk with someone who is also grieving can help, since you have a better since of what the other person is going through.

The "C" word.  Everyone dreads it.  It takes more friends and family than I think anything else.  I live in fear of it.  So many people on my Mom's side of the family has died from it.  And I seem to have picked up most of my genes from my Mom's side than my Dad's.  I have warned my doctor about it.

On another note, I am finally on vacation.  But it is not a vacation for fun.  I think I may have mentioned this before, I have an old Saturn that needs a new clutch.  But to replace it I have to pull the engine.  My goal by the end of this week is to have the engine out of the Saturn and onto the engine stand.

It means taking away time from the workbench but it must be done.  It gets 35 mpg.  The huge 1 ton truck that I am driving for transportation now only gets 9.5 mpg.  Plus the maintenance cost is huge.  The truck has dual rear wheels and needs new tires.  I just replaced the front tires and that cost just under $500.

Ken

That shows again Ken, that we are alike in being do-it-yourself guys.When I had my 1986 Ranger, it needed a clutch and after I was quoted prices from $1700 to $2300 to do the work, I put it up on ramps, and dropped the transmission myself. I ended up spending $300-400 dollars on that. Things I did learn, was that if you decide to separate the transmission and the transfer case (4WD) before removing them to make them lighter, drain the fluids first! Unless you enjoy dumping a couple of quarts of 90W gear oil into your lap....

Jim

No fun time tonight! I was up early to take care of things, got ready to go to my occupational therapist for my wrist, which they cancelled at the last minute. Extra hours at work due to someones error, then I had to work on a packet of papers that needed to be prepared to transfer the stocks my mom owned. And a planned trip to the post office in the morning to send this thing certified mail. This whole week has been trips to the bank for notarizing papers. getting checks issued, etc. I sat there looking at my KT after I finished and realized it's after one a.m. I just had to turn off the light and try again another night...

jimbot58

Son Of Medicine Man

jimbot58

Sadly, tonight I learn of another death in my family. This person is actually the husband of one of my cousins, and not a blood relative. The thing is, the guy has been battling brain cancer for more years than I can recall, and been given a number of death sentences by Doctors, but far outlived their predictions.

I was shocked and very moved when, in spite of his illness, he showed up at Moms visitation! I was told he had insisted in getting dressed and  coming down to the mortuary to give his respects. I was told people would understand If I couldn't make it to the services, but in light of that, how could I not be there?

Hang in there Jim.  I know you can do this.  Sometimes being able to talk with someone who is also grieving can help, since you have a better since of what the other person is going through.

The "C" word.  Everyone dreads it.  It takes more friends and family than I think anything else.  I live in fear of it.  So many people on my Mom's side of the family has died from it.  And I seem to have picked up most of my genes from my Mom's side than my Dad's.  I have warned my doctor about it.

On another note, I am finally on vacation.  But it is not a vacation for fun.  I think I may have mentioned this before, I have an old Saturn that needs a new clutch.  But to replace it I have to pull the engine.  My goal by the end of this week is to have the engine out of the Saturn and onto the engine stand.

It means taking away time from the workbench but it must be done.  It gets 35 mpg.  The huge 1 ton truck that I am driving for transportation now only gets 9.5 mpg.  Plus the maintenance cost is huge.  The truck has dual rear wheels and needs new tires.  I just replaced the front tires and that cost just under $500.

Ken

That shows again Ken, that we are alike in being do-it-yourself guys.When I had my 1986 Ranger, it needed a clutch and after I was quoted prices from $1700 to $2300 to do the work, I put it up on ramps, and dropped the transmission myself. I ended up spending $300-400 dollars on that. Things I did learn, was that if you decide to separate the transmission and the transfer case (4WD) before removing them to make them lighter, drain the fluids first! Unless you enjoy dumping a couple of quarts of 90W gear oil into your lap....

Jim

  Been there and done that!  And there is not enough soap to wash it out!   

Ken

jimbot58

No fun time tonight! I was up early to take care of things, got ready to go to my occupational therapist for my wrist, which they cancelled at the last minute. Extra hours at work due to someones error, then I had to work on a packet of papers that needed to be prepared to transfer the stocks my mom owned. And a planned trip to the post office in the morning to send this thing certified mail. This whole week has been trips to the bank for notarizing papers. getting checks issued, etc. I sat there looking at my KT after I finished and realized it's after one a.m. I just had to turn off the light and try again another night...

I always have to remind myself that if it weren't for the unhappy and hard things in life, it would not make the nice and happy things seem so great.  Hang in there Jim, it will always get better.

Ken

That's a good way to look at stuff like this Ken. On the bright side you guys are making progress in taking care of the problems.

Gamera

Wow, those are great photos Ken, thanks for posting them! If she's the same bird as the old Confederate Air Force, I think it's Commemorative Air Force or some such now I saw her some twenty-five years or so ago!  

mikeymize

Gamera

Wow, those are great photos Ken, thanks for posting them! If she's the same bird as the old Confederate Air Force, I think it's Commemorative Air Force or some such now I saw her some twenty-five years or so ago!  

Just wondering...."Confederate"  Air Force may be a victim of political correctness, No? LOL

Yeap, from what I've heard that was exactly it

Gamera

mikeymize

Gamera

Wow, those are great photos Ken, thanks for posting them! If she's the same bird as the old Confederate Air Force, I think it's Commemorative Air Force or some such now I saw her some twenty-five years or so ago!  

Just wondering...."Confederate"  Air Force may be a victim of political correctness, No? LOL

Yeap, from what I've heard that was exactly it

Now it`s the Commemorative Air Force....prolly spelled it wrong...

Hans had not only good rants but good advice as well. That guy knew some stuff; always willing to share knowledge and tips too. Didn't see the one on this subject but I would assume he pulled no punches The whole PC debacle is simply anathema to free thought and speech; Orwellian as well as disturbing. End of rant......

Hello all.

Finally sat aside everything else and made to the hobby desk. Really didn't accomplish a lot other than getting the black wash back down on the KT:

And now back to waiting for all that to dry.

So I played around a bit more on the Panzer IV cementing hatches on, and some details inside no one will ever see:

Gee! Should I fill those ejector pin marks as well? No one is going to see them either, I suppose. Not unless a friend shows up who is only 1 inch tall....

All the hatches, including the ones covering the engine compartment, are made so that they could be posed open. However, no interior details such as an engine are provided. I suppose, with some scratch building skills, lots of reference material, and the help of that tiny friend, it would be possible to add all those details!

mikeymize

Hans had not only good rants but good advice as well. That guy knew some stuff; always willing to share knowledge and tips too. Didn't see the one on this subject but I would assume he pulled no punches The whole PC debacle is simply anathema to free thought and speech; Orwellian as well as disturbing. End of rant......

I try to be polite to people but PC isn't polite, it's pretty much thought control- and I'm going to shut up before I get in trouble!

I miss Hans too, I love my Tamiyagawa kits and disagree with him on that but agreed with him on mostly everything else, and I did love his posts, he did always have something interesting to say.

Jim: Again nice work on the Tiger. And I'm impressed with the Panzer IV, that level of detail on the hatch viewing scopes on a 1/72nd kit? Wow! You can get resin sets for engines and interior, I'd guess that's why the hatches can be posed open. Or as you said just scratchbuild it. I did that once for a 1/35th Japanese SPG, kinda sloppy job but you can't see much and there's almost no reference material so no one can tell me it's wrong!

Wasting time on youtube, found this sad video...

That was truly an ignominious end for such a warbird. Kind of strange seeing something that was so technologically advanced for its time being relegated to the dirt.

mikeymize

That was truly an ignominious end for such a warbird. Kind of strange seeing something that was so technologically advanced for its time being relegated to the dirt.

I guess there were several reasons for doing this. First, it's to insure that the technologies would not end up in the wrong place. The other was economics: many hazardous and toxic materials were used in the F-111's construction and it is cheaper to bury it in the dessert than to try to remove it.

Another sad thing I saw one time was pictures of the Germans smashing up Phantoms with bulldozers. At least ours get mothballed to the dessert. (With the exception of those B-52's we're chopping up into pieces to follow the START treaty.)

An interesting thing to do is check out the airplane graveyard at Davis-Monthan Aif Force Base.

http://www.satellite-sightseer.com/id/1426

There is about any aircraft you can think of. If you look real hard you can find an F-18 still wearing it's Blue Angel colors. Surprising, I didn't know the Navy had scrapped any of those.

The site also offers views of many sites all over the world. Kind of fun, in a way.

Thanks for the links Jim. Hate to see them end up like that too but I guess not all of them can end up in a museum or as a gate guard. Still better than those that were equipped with robot pilots and blown up as targets in missile tests.  

Well, I think I'm ready for the rubber room. Been working on the Panzer turret and the darn thing has over 30-40 pieces (I quit counting! It made my head hurt!)  including the big gun!

Many of those pieces on the inside will never be seen, but I was like a man possessed and went ahead and installed them anyway!

At this point, I'm not even half-way done with the turret.

Trying to picture how it will look....

All those hatches had to be cemented in place as well...

I also managed to apply my flat finish on the KT. Almost ready give the dot filter another go-just no white this time! Then afterwards I can add the rest of the bits and pieces.

How big is a King Tiger compared to a Panzer IV?

Well, I better be off to bed, I am going to that memorial service in the morning. My boss is pretty cool. Told me if I want to use a sick day, I can. I just need to phone him in the morning to make it "official". I decided I will as I found out it's at the same church we used when my Dad passed in '99. No doubt that's going to stir up a few memories.

Jim

jimbot58

Well, I think I'm ready for the rubber room. Been working on the Panzer turret and the darn thing has over 30-40 pieces (I quit counting! It made my head hurt!)  including the big gun!

Many of those pieces on the inside will never be seen, but I was like a man possessed and went ahead and installed them anyway!

At this point, I'm not even half-way done with the turret.

Trying to picture how it will look....

All those hatches had to be cemented in place as well...

I also managed to apply my flat finish on the KT. Almost ready give the dot filter another go-just no white this time! Then afterwards I can add the rest of the bits and pieces.

How big is a King Tiger compared to a Panzer IV?

Well, I better be off to bed, I am going to that memorial service in the morning. My boss is pretty cool. Told me if I want to use a sick day, I can. I just need to phone him in the morning to make it "official". I decided I will as I found out it's at the same church we used when my Dad passed in '99. No doubt that's going to stir up a few memories.

Jim

Hi Jim,

Well all those pieces does add a lot of detail.  I guess if you are going to peer inside with a flashlight you will see it!  It looks nice though!  Boy that King Tiger looks like it could run right over that Panzer!  The King Tiger is looking pretty sweet too Jim!!     

I hope all goes well at the memorial service today.  I will be thinking about you.

Ken

Hi all.

The service went ok for what it was. Made me regret not knowing the guy better, and regret not being closer to my Dad's family. I think the way mom was influenced a lot of that as these people were not her family so she kept away from a lot of them and kept the kids away as well. My own tendencies to be a bit of a recluse doesn't help. I need to change some of this as one of my cousins worked in banking for most of her career and has offered her help with what I need to do going forward.

Other than that, after I left there I went to the LHS snooped around. No purchases other than a needed bottle of decal set, but as I was off of work, and I just wasn't ready to go home yet.. I did spend a little time putting parts together on the Panzer. There are pics, but I really just feel like hitting the sack for now.

Later

Jim