Secret Santa GB 22/23

ROSTER: Completed builds

Santa: BrandonK  Completed LATE...02/08/2024

CEO: Chief Elf Officer-Modelcrazy

mawright20:

castelnuovo: Completed 03/29/2023

keavdog: Completed 09/22/2023

DiscoStu: 1/48 Eduard P-51D Completed 06/08/2023

Dodgy: Finished Dec. 20 2023

Glamdring:

Mopar Madness: SS Gift 21/22 Completed

Mach1:

Mongoose:

John 3:16 KJV:

GermanArmor:

I sent you my wish. Looking forward to it ,especially after my hobby room is complete,

Put me in Coach. Will forward info when available.

I am in, list coming soon. Thanks for hosting 

I'm in.  E-mail sent.

Thanks,

John

I'd like to join.  This has been a fabulous GB and one I look forward to every year.

That said, I PROMISE to finish my gift from last year before this one.  Scout's honor.

I'm in and thanks BK. Sending info now.

Dodgy

Sounds good, I will get an email over after thinking of my wishes for this year...

Edit: Email has been sent, along with a 2nd that has my correct zip code...

Im in.  I look forward to this one every year. Putting the final touches on last year's gift! 

I'm in as well. Thanks for hosting again this year Brandon!

Little more than a week away. If you want to play, get in now.

BK

Joined! Just sent the email! 

4 days to go. I have to say that this is one of the most exciting part of this GB. Who will I get? What will they wish for?

Everyone, double check and make sure your name appears on the roster...

BK

DiscoStu

I'd like to join.  This has been a fabulous GB and one I look forward to every year.

 

That said, I PROMISE to finish my gift from last year before this one.  Scout's honor.

 

BK

I have your address unless it's changed. Just need wish list........!!!!

BK, information sent earlier today.

mawright

I have everyone, I believe. Except Stu.

BK

Names are drawn, just waiing for last minute sign ups.

I guess there was an issue with getting my wish list to you? I forwarded it again from a different email address. Let me know if you don't get it.

Looks like I have everyone. Names are drawn, just waiting for last minute signups. Emails going out on Thursday.

For those that get giftees out of the US, I suggest either Amazon Prime and direct ship or buy from a shop in the same country and drop ship. Amazon is my go to as it works well and is cheap with prime free shipping. 

BK

Check your emails, everyone should have what they need. If anyone is missing anything let me know and Ill get right back to you.

BK

Is their still time to sign up?

Apologies to my secret santa, haven't quite finished build my gift, just need to get the correct paint for it.

Email me your infor, Ill get you added.

BK

BrandonK

Email me your infor, Ill get you added.

 

BK

 

Roger that!

BrandonK

Email me your infor, Ill get you added.

 

BK

 

Could you PM me?  I seem to be having issues sed you a PM.

German Armour

 

 

BrandonK

Email me your infor, Ill get you added.

 

BK

 

 

 

 

Could you PM me?  I seem to be having issues sed you a PM.

 

BK

Email has been received, let the shopping begin!

Email sent.

Ok, I need to work on a badge.

BK

Well, I've already got an idea of what I'll be forwarding on to my giftee. Wonder what my secret Santa will get, though? 

Bought and sent.  This is always my favorite part of the group build!

The gift has been picked and paid for, now it is in the hands of the logistics elves.

I want everyone to remember the new rule!!!

ANY unfinished builds from past SSGB's are welcome to be carried forward into the existing one. Let's keep this thread busy with kits. Lord knows I have two to do this time, as I too, am behind. Love this time of year.

BK

Santa done his shopping in Oz and the gift is in the sack.........

Bought and paid for! Now if the elves get it to me and i get it back out it should arrive ahead of time...

Found exactly what I was looking for - on it's way here for wrapping and a quick turn around.

I plan to make my purchases today! Boy, I hope it ships fast! :)

My order arrived today.  I'll wrap it quick and send it right back out 

My order arrived yesterday. It came with other stuff so I need to find a suitable box to send it out.

Gift procured and in the hands of the logistics elves.

Same here, shopped and shipped few days ago, just though to mention.

I received a plain brown box from Santa!

The elves have the football!

Received a beautifully wrapped package today. Went straight under the tree!

Received a package today. Now the hard part. Must...not...open it

This year is coming together smoother than last year. We really have a good solid group once again and I think things are really starting to gel. Now that my busy season is winding down, just one more week. I can get back to hiding at the bench. Looking forward to moving some of these builds along.

BK

Package is on the way!

Got a box yesterday, beautifully wraped. Thank you Santa.

Looking forward to opening this bad boy.

I can confirm my gift arrived...last week.  It got mixed in with all the other Christmas delivery boxes that have been arriving and I didn't realize it until this evening while we were sorting out what arrived so far.   It is still unopened and will remain as such for 10 more days!

Confirming my SS gift arrived! :D

I show myself, Steve, Robert M, Chad, Csaba, Chris and Mark have their gifts in hand. Anyone else?

BK

Mine has arrived and is sitting under the tree....

Nothing yet.  But there's still time.

Mine has arrived and been placed under the tree.

My disabled son has been in the hospital for a few days now. I am out most of the time. I will check in as soon as I can. Keep going. I hope to be back to normal anytime.

BK

BrandonK

My disabled son has been in the hospital for a few days now. I am out most of the time. I will check in as soon as I can. Keep going. I hope to be back to normal anytime.

BK

 

You take care!  Hope all works out well.  

Still no joy from my Santa.  Hoping it comes through before the weather gets ugly.

I hope everything will be fine Brandon. 

Hope you and your son are back home soon BK.

My gift arrived!  Thanks SS!

So far I show Stu and Ariel with no gift YET. I will attempt some tracking.

BK

I began work on the Panther from the 22 GB and have road wheels and hull nearly done. I will update and post pics as I am moving it overhere to work on with this year's stuff. I hope to have my son home Saturday and life can get back to normal.

BK

Merry Chirstmas!!! Thank you secret santa!!

SS you nailed it. What a super cool kit. I can't wait to work on this one. I've never built any Tamiya car kits nor any racecars like this. Super happy. THANK YOU SANTA !!!

BK

keavdog

Merry Chirstmas!!! Thank you secret santa!!

 

 

BK

Clearly, we're off to a great start! Those are two mighty fine kits.

My Secret Santa gift is the Tamiya M10!

Will have to upload a picture later.

Super happy!!

BrandonK

SS you nailed it. What a super cool kit. I can't wait to work on this one. I've never built any Tamiya car kits nor any racecars like this. Super happy. THANK YOU SANTA !!!

BK

 

Nice!  I've had this car in my wish list for a long time... may pull the trigger.

I got Trumpeter's Mig-23MF! Thanks Secret Santa, I'm really looking forward to building this!

Mach1

I got Trumpeter's Mig-23MF! Thanks Secret Santa, I'm really looking forward to building this!

 

BK

German Armour

My Secret Santa gift is the Tamiya M10!

Will have to upload a picture later.

Super happy!!

 

BK

Opened mine this morning.

Thank you Santa! I hopt to get to it sooner than later.

modelcrazy

Opened mine this morning.

Thank you Santa! I hopt to get to it sooner than later.

 

BK

WooHoo Secret Santa! My plain brown box yielded a bright light with a loud pedal! This I'm super excited aboit building. Will have to move it up the list on my bench. Good thing i was cleaning up the workroom this morning to get ready for the next project.

TheMongoose

WooHoo Secret Santa! My plain brown box yielded a bright light with a loud pedal! This I'm super excited aboit building. Will have to move it up the list on my bench. Good thing i was cleaning up the workroom this morning to get ready for the next project.

 

Ohh!  Very nice.  That should be a excellent kit, have the Revell version and from what I've read, the Tamiya is a superior one.

TheMongoose

WooHoo Secret Santa! My plain brown box yielded a bright light with a loud pedal! This I'm super excited aboit building. Will have to move it up the list on my bench. Good thing i was cleaning up the workroom this morning to get ready for the next project.

 

BK

BrandonK

So far I show Stu and Ariel with no gift YET. I will attempt some tracking.

BK

 

Sorry, BK! I got it and had it all wrapped up and put with the tree! Just opened it last night, though!

Thank you, Santa, for the great kit and the generous extras! I love it!

You guys rock! Santa was awesome this year and brought a 1/48 Tamiya German HE-219 'Owl' night fighter! Will attempt to get some pics. This will be a cool addition to the collection. Thanks SS!

RIGHT ON SECRET SANTA! BINGO! Had this on my wish list for a while. Thank you, thank you

A Macchi for the holidays with all the trimmings! You really knocked this one out of the park!  Thank you Secret Santa.

TWO He-219's? Wow, what a GB this is gonna be. And a FOLGORE?! I have that kit in my stash, can't wait to see these all get built. Amazing.

BK

John 3:16 KJV

 

 

BrandonK

So far I show Stu and Ariel with no gift YET. I will attempt some tracking.

BK

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry, BK! I got it and had it all wrapped up and put with the tree! Just opened it last night, though!

 

Thank you, Santa, for the great kit and the generous extras! I love it!

 

 

BK

I have been blessed with a two-fer this year, and I stoked for both:

Hasegawa 1/72 F-16CJ Fighting Falcon and F-4E Phantom

This will be a nice change of pace, thank you!

I'm a big fan of those shark mouth phantoms! That's gonna be a nice build.

Oh wow, two He219's! This might be a first.  Stellar Tamiya kits! 

John 3:16 KJV

 

 

BrandonK

So far I show Stu and Ariel with no gift YET. I will attempt some tracking.

BK

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry, BK! I got it and had it all wrapped up and put with the tree! Just opened it last night, though!

 

Thank you, Santa, for the great kit and the generous extras! I love it!

 

 

Man Mongoose, that's a smooth looking supercar!

BrandonK

SS you nailed it. What a super cool kit. I can't wait to work on this one. I've never built any Tamiya car kits nor any racecars like this. Super happy. THANK YOU SANTA !!!

BK

 

modelcrazy

Opened mine this morning.

Thank you Santa! I hopt to get to it sooner than later.

 

Mach1

I got Trumpeter's Mig-23MF! Thanks Secret Santa, I'm really looking forward to building this!

 

Glamdring

I have been blessed with a two-fer this year, and I stoked for both:

Hasegawa 1/72 F-16CJ Fighting Falcon and F-4E Phantom

This will be a nice change of pace, thank you!

 

This is gonna be a steller year.

BK

Here's the kit,  and a couple aftermarket details I had.  Now I need to find some photos of a armored M10 :D

This one really opens itself up to many great weathering possibilities! Look forward to see what you make of it. 

German Armour

 

Here's the kit,  and a couple aftermarket details I had.  Now I need to find some photos of a armored M10 :D

 

BK

Lots of great stuff here for sure. A couple of my favorites that I'll definitely watch are going to be the Flogger and that Mercedes, Mach 1 and BK dang those are both gonna end up being awesome paint jobs from you guys!

G'day all and seasons greetings. I hope all are safe and well given the terrible winter you are having. I apologise for not responding earlier, but my wife went into hospital with some serious health issues the week before Christmas and is still there. Then I had trouble with logging in, so I am now playing catch up. The range of gifts looks fantastic and I am very, very pleased with mine. Thank you Santa. I am hoping Jill will be home today/tomorrow and I plan to start my build next week.

Dodgy

This is soooo cool. I really wanted one of these Eduard Zero's

Dodgy

G'day all and seasons greetings. I hope all are safe and well given the terrible winter you are having. I apologise for not responding earlier, but my wife went into hospital with some serious health issues the week before Christmas and is still there. Then I had trouble with logging in, so I am now playing catch up. The range of gifts looks fantastic and I am very, very pleased with mine. Thank you Santa. I am hoping Jill will be home today/tomorrow and I plan to start my build next week.

Dodgy

This is soooo cool. I really wanted one of these Eduard Zero's

 

Don't worry about working on it. Get your wife handled and if time remains then you can think about models. Family first!!

BK

Work on last years gift (2022), the Panther, has begun in earnest. I am still planning on putting this one on a colapsed bridge dio. I am making my way forward so I can begin the zimmerett applicaiton. I've never done this before so it should prove interesting. Road wheels are done but I have left the suspension loose so I can set it once I have the position dialed in on the bridge. Then I can set the wheels and build the tracks.

I am planning on starting this years kit (2023), the Mercedes, next week. I am trying to finish up on more kit for 2022, a P-51B for Lewbud. Painting on it has begun.

Keep up the great work guys,

BK

Dodgy

G'day all and seasons greetings. I hope all are safe and well given the terrible winter you are having. I apologise for not responding earlier, but my wife went into hospital with some serious health issues the week before Christmas and is still there. Then I had trouble with logging in, so I am now playing catch up. The range of gifts looks fantastic and I am very, very pleased with mine. Thank you Santa. I am hoping Jill will be home today/tomorrow and I plan to start my build next week.

Dodgy

This is soooo cool. I really wanted one of these Eduard Zero's

 

That's a awesome gift!  I've heard good things about the Eduard Zeros

I love Zeroes and just must get one with all the trimmings. Once Sprue Brothers has Eduard on sale I'll have to pull the trigger. 

Wishing for a speedy recovery for your wife.

Are those boomerangs on the table?

This looks like it will be a great build roster with these colorful schemes.

Nice start on the Cat, Brandon.

I have a side question, I think you posted about some database software for model stashes.  Was that you and what was the name of it?  I tried searching, but the forum search function leaves much to be desired....

Glamdring have you checked out Scalemates?

Hey BK the Panther is looking great! The broken bridge Dio sounds really interesting. I'll just be doing a plain base for my Tiger.

Cheers 

Dodgy

G'day German Armour! The Eduard Zero kit is stunning. I will post some pics of the sprues.

Dodgy

modelcrazy

I love Zeroes and just must get one with all the trimmings. Once Sprue Brothers has Eduard on sale I'll have to pull the trigger. 

 

Steve you won't be disappointed with the Eduard Zero.

Dodgy.

This is what I'm going for on the Panter build. Gonna take awhile.

BK

keavdog

Wishing for a speedy recovery for your wife.

Are those boomerangs on the table?

 

Thanks for your kind wishes John and yes that is a boomerang. It's a hunting one. I'll post a pic of the full length with something to indicate it's size.

BK that is going to be a great Dio.

Dodgy

I promise, 2022 Secret Santa, I haven't forgotten about last year's gift! She's ready for the paint booth.

Mopar Madness

I promise, 2022 Secret Santa, I haven't forgotten about last year's gift! She's ready for the paint booth.

 

BK

Got started on the Mercedes today. Mostly cleaning up parts and getting them ready for primer and some base coats. Most of the pieces have multiple colors on each one, so there will be tons of hand painting also.

BK

BrandonK

This is what I'm going for on the Panter build. Gonna take awhile.

BK

 

Does this help?

https://fieldsofglorymodels.co.uk/products/1-35-scale-wooden-multispan-beam

keavdog

 

 

BrandonK

This is what I'm going for on the Panter build. Gonna take awhile.

BK

 

 

 

 

Does this help?

https://fieldsofglorymodels.co.uk/products/1-35-scale-wooden-multispan-beam

 

 

BK

I got to say that's definitely going to be an ambitious project! It will be an attention getter though. I know you'll make it look great.

I am still working on my LRDG truck but I just couldn't resist, had to open the He 219. Holly molly, this is going to be a big aircraft.

This is a very heavy metal part for the cockpit. Heavy enough to keep the plane upright, There are more frames but they are identical to these, just the other side of the plane.

What a great idea, having a metal piece to keep the nose down. Why don't other companies do that? Looking forward to seeing this one.

BK

That 219 is a really sharp kit. You'll enjoy it.

BrandonK

What a great idea, having a metal piece to keep the nose down. Why don't other companies do that? Looking forward to seeing this one.

BK

 

Indeed a great idea. The Me-262 I built not too long ago also had a metal machinegun platform in the nose and the Salamander jet came witha heavy metal ball bearing plus a small bracket to keep it in place.

Mopar, that is a sweet lookin aeroplane!

Dodgy

castelnuovo

 

 

BrandonK

What a great idea, having a metal piece to keep the nose down. Why don't other companies do that? Looking forward to seeing this one.

BK

 

 

 

 

 

Indeed a great idea. The Me-262 I built not too long ago also had a metal machinegun platform in the nose and the Salamander jet came witha heavy metal ball bearing plus a small bracket to keep it in place.

 

I noticed that with my Salamander as well. I'll agree that is a classy move by Tamiya, especially with a plane as large as the He-219.

The jet factory has opened fot the year, starting with the Phantom.  The office is nearly finished and the seats temprarily occupied for the photo.

I think the plane's stick is supposed to be molded into the pilot figure, since there is not a separate piece for one.  That or they molded him doing something unmentionable... 

Glamdring

The jet factory has opened fot the year, starting with the Phantom.  The office is nearly finished and the seats temprarily occupied for the photo.

I think the plane's stick is supposed to be molded into the pilot figure, since there is not a separate piece for one.  That or they molded him doing something unmentionable... 

 

LMFAO

TheMongoose

 

 

Glamdring

The jet factory has opened fot the year, starting with the Phantom.  The office is nearly finished and the seats temprarily occupied for the photo.

I think the plane's stick is supposed to be molded into the pilot figure, since there is not a separate piece for one.  That or they molded him doing something unmentionable... 

 

 

 

 

 

LMFAO

 

BK

Hi folks, this is looking like a great year, some awsome kits in there, if you don't count questionable behaviours of Phantom pilots....... Would never happen in the Navy......

Anyway, moving right along, as they used to say on Laugh In..... I have taken pics of the sprues for the Zero, as I thought you might like to take in the detail, so bear with me.

This kit is simply awesome, but be aware, a good study of the instructions and colour plates will pay dividends. I have chosen to do an aircraft of the Tainan kokutai at Buna in 1943. Now spending some time looking at references. Thaaaaaank you Santa!

Dodgy

That does look like a really nice kit, Robert. Certainly has far more parts than the old Tamiya kit. Should build up awesome.

BK

Progress has been made on the Phantom.  The fuselage has been sealed and the wings installed.

The seams needed some work, but I think they are set.  We'll find out when I prime it.

I am thinking of making this an in flight display, if the wheelwell doors have a good fit and don't pose too much of a hassle.  Do any of you experienced aircraft builders have recommendations for a stand?

Glamdring

Progress has been made on the Phantom.  The fuselage has been sealed and the wings installed.

The seams needed some work, but I think they are set.  We'll find out when I prime it.

I am thinking of making this an in flight display, if the wheelwell doors have a good fit and don't pose too much of a hassle.  Do any of you experienced aircraft builders have recommendations for a stand?

 

BK

Starting to make some headway on the Mercedes. I have the nose piece glued in and filled. The kit part just adds this where the real car the nose is all one piece. I have filled the gap with CA and putty. I primed all the parts and found the nose to still need some work. More sanding and she is looking ready for more primer. Filled some pin holes with CA again. I have also started to paint all the small parts. I hope I can paint the body this weekend, but I'm not gonna rush it. I want it perfect. That's it for now.

BK

That is a sweet looking ride!

That really is going to be a nice Mercedes!

Clear acrylic rod would definitely be the way to go.  Need to put a brass rod in the phantom to accept the clear rod. 

Thanks for the tips for a display base.  I have been watching a number of youtube videos on the matter, and some indeed used acrylic rods.  We'll see....

Assembly is bascically done on the aircraft itself, this was the state of it last night.

Today's build session was spent cleaning up the intake seams, priming, and chasing other seams.  I ordered a Vietnam War jet paint set, so painting will take place later this week, hopefully.

Looks great.  I just love the phantom.  I have a J done, an E in the stash and I want a wild weasel G

Glamdring

Thanks for the tips for a display base.  I have been watching a number of youtube videos on the matter, and some indeed used acrylic rods.  We'll see....

Assembly is bascically done on the aircraft itself, this was the state of it last night.

Today's build session was spent cleaning up the intake seams, priming, and chasing other seams.  I ordered a Vietnam War jet paint set, so painting will take place later this week, hopefully.

 

BK

Thanks, guys.  Yeah, the set was Vallejo's Vietnam War SEA set.  

Started some work on He-219. Hans and Fritz are in their office but not quite ready for takeoff

castelnuovo

Started some work on He-219. Hans and Fritz are in their office but not quite ready for takeoff

 

BK

BK: Nice Mercedes! That's gonna look real sharp.

Glamdring: Phantom is looking good. The more I see these built, the more the plane grows on me. This may just be the motivation I need to finally pick up a J.

Castel: Very nice cockpit. I'm really looking forward to seeing this one come together

Glam - You're making good time on that Phantom!

Castel - Tell Franz to keep an eye on Fritz. I heard he made a visit to the Biergarten last night for a few pints of Pilsner!

Just when I think I'm ready to glue the canopy on and call it done, I overthink the weathering and delve into a mess. This is controlled chaos I promise.

Nice work on the office Castel.

Good luck Mopar!  LOL

The Phantom has the camo based in, still working on some clean up spots, and trying to figure out why the metallic has bits of the basecoat showing through that I can't see with the Mark 1 eyeball, but show up on the camera.  

Next up, detail painting, the external stores, and eventually the in flight display base when all those supplies arrive.

Mopar Madness

Just when I think I'm ready to glue the canopy on and call it done, I overthink the weathering and delve into a mess. This is controlled chaos I promise.

 

BK

Glamdring

Nice work on the office Castel.

Good luck Mopar!  LOL

The Phantom has the camo based in, still working on some clean up spots, and trying to figure out why the metallic has bits of the basecoat showing through that I can't see with the Mark 1 eyeball, but show up on the camera.  

Next up, detail painting, the external stores, and eventually the in flight display base when all those supplies arrive.

 

BK

After few Pilseners in der Biergarten with few Frauleins, Hans and Fritz feel that some pieces are not quite where they should be

Nice work on the office Castel.

Good luck Mopar!  LOL

The Phantom has the camo based in, still working on some clean up spots, and trying to figure out why the metallic has bits of the basecoat showing through that I can't see with the Mark 1 eyeball, but show up on the camera.  

Next up, detail painting, the external stores, and eventually the in flight display base when all those supplies arrive.

If you need any advice or help on the base drop me a line at cvandegr at icloud dot com be happy to help. Here's my last one with a simple acrylic rod in the exhaust. No holes needed lol

castelnuovo

After few Pilseners in der Biergarten with few Frauleins, Hans and Fritz feel that some pieces are not quite where they should be

 

BK

TheMongoose

Nice work on the office Castel.

Good luck Mopar!  LOL

The Phantom has the camo based in, still working on some clean up spots, and trying to figure out why the metallic has bits of the basecoat showing through that I can't see with the Mark 1 eyeball, but show up on the camera.  

Next up, detail painting, the external stores, and eventually the in flight display base when all those supplies arrive.

If you need any advice or help on the base drop me a line at cvandegr at icloud dot com be happy to help. Here's my last one with a simple acrylic rod in the exhaust. No holes needed lol

 

BK

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT !!

Just a quick announcement for all the wonderful peeps that join me every year in this super fun build. After this year wraps up I will no longer be doing the SSGB. If someone wants to take up the mantle and run it and do their own thing with it, they are more than welcome to do so. Sign ups are pretty steady over the years, but actual participation in GB's is at an all time low and I'm getting tired so I feel it's time to pass it on and move on. FSM seems to be dying, I don't know why, but it shows big time in the GB's over the past few years. This year is the worst I've ever seen. We will continue to have fun with this one and watch as everyone builds those super cool gifts.

BK

I hear you and don't quite know what to say. There was that discussion about bleak GB scene. I sign up here and there but few topics get my attention, even if i really enjoy GBs. But I build what gets my attention, not just for the sake of building something. Danno re dying FSM...maybe. I don't have a subsription, there is nothing there that one can't get here for free. I checked other modeling forums but they all look somehow disjointed, way too many sub forums, sub-sub topics etc. Just can't be bothered to figure them out, FSM is very easy and well organized.

I don't mind hosting GBs but it is quite disheartening to have bunch of people sign up but only few finish.

Either way, thanks for hosting this one, it is much appreciated

The main landing gears were a nice little sub-project

castelnuovo

The main landing gears were a nice little sub-project

 

BK

Thanks Brandon. The springs are plastic, painted metalic gray.

BK, I agree. Of the few years I've participated, I've only seen a couple kits I bought actually built. Not really a GB meant for adding kits to someone's stash. 

castelnuovo

The main landing gears were a nice little sub-project

 

castelnuovo

The main landing gears were a nice little sub-project

 

I'm also a sucker for a really good 219, and those look fantastic! Really enjoying seeing this bird come together.

BrandonK

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT !!

Just a quick announcement for all the wonderful peeps that join me every year in this super fun build. After this year wraps up I will no longer be doing the SSGB. If someone wants to take up the mantle and run it and do their own thing with it, they are more than welcome to do so. Sign ups are pretty steady over the years, but actual participation in GB's is at an all time low and I'm getting tired so I feel it's time to pass it on and move on. FSM seems to be dying, I don't know why, but it shows big time in the GB's over the past few years. This year is the worst I've ever seen. We will continue to have fun with this one and watch as everyone builds those super cool gifts.

BK

 

I feel like I am a part of the problem in that I am now seeing this this two weeks later when going to post an update...yikes.  Thanks for putting these together over the years BK.  It is a true story when I say that the SS GB was what drew me back to the FSM forums after a multi year hiatus.

The Phantom is on a break, and I was out of town for most of last week, so I decided to start the F16.  Unfortunately, it seems my camera corrupted some of my early WIP shots of the Falcon.    

Here is where I am at:

Robert, too bad about the pics but what you show looks pretty nice and I am looking forward to seeing this build up. I need more modern jets in my life. I should build some of my own. One day I suppose. Glad to see you enjoying your gift.

BK

This is a great little kit.  For the average builder, it would make a great weekend project....for me, count on a month.  

I had a chance to get started on the GT 40 this weekend! The Wright Field Scale Modelers have a build day at a local hobby shop and I thought it would be perfect to open the box there. This is a really superb kit. The body is so smooth that it is gonna paint up really nice. I think I'm gonna do Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi 1968 powder blue and orange scheme for it. I don't like any of the standard red blue white black that they do now.

Since we're working on a folding table i focused on subassemblies. Here's where i left off...

more to come. I've got some great MCW Enamels to use for the paint scheme!

Always great to see WIP pix. Here is the latest from Hans and Fritz...

On the side of the pic and on the top of the paint jars are 2 of the 5 radar antens. They are thin and fragile and attached to the sprue at 5 places. So one has to do 25 very careful cuts in order not to break them and then 25 more careful trims. Phew, made it without breaking anything.

TheMongoose

I had a chance to get started on the GT 40 this weekend! The Wright Field Scale Modelers have a build day at a local hobby shop and I thought it would be perfect to open the box there. This is a really superb kit. The body is so smooth that it is gonna paint up really nice. I think I'm gonna do Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi 1968 powder blue and orange scheme for it. I don't like any of the standard red blue white black that they do now.

Since we're working on a folding table i focused on subassemblies. Here's where i left off...

more to come. I've got some great MCW Enamels to use for the paint scheme!

 

 

 

 

BK

castelnuovo

Always great to see WIP pix. Here is the latest from Hans and Fritz...

 

On the side of the pic and on the top of the paint jars are 2 of the 5 radar antens. They are thin and fragile and attached to the sprue at 5 places. So one has to do 25 very careful cuts in order not to break them and then 25 more careful trims. Phew, made it without breaking anything.

 

BK

Gotta love those surprises in the mail.  My Santa delivered this week!  The wonderful Eduard P-51 early-version (Without the tail fillet)

I'll post some pics shortly when I can pry my phone away from my son.

The downside?  I'm still several weeks away from my workshop being completed as part of our basement reno.  While they're 3-weeks ahead of schedule, we're still waiting on flooring, paint and electrics.

DiscoStu

Eduard P-51 early-version (Without the tail fillet)

BK

It'll be a fun one.  Already picking out some AM stuff while I wait for them to finish downstairs.

Yeah that Ford GT looks like it has some of the cleanest molding I've seen on any car kit!

Castel, looks like you can almost see the finish line for that 219!

Here's last years SS gift complete and ready for the shelf!  Time to get cracking in this years gift!

Mopar Madness

Here's last years SS gift complete and ready for the shelf!  Time to get cracking in this years gift!

 

BK

Edit, nope. It's a PM kit from 97. Great kit.

Bravo Chad!  Nice build you have there.

The Falcon finally looks like a plane jet:

And it has it's color too:

It is now at the same place as the Phontom...I have a lot of decalling to do on these two birds now.

BrandonK

 

 

Mopar Madness

Here's last years SS gift complete and ready for the shelf!  Time to get cracking in this years gift!

 

 

 

 

Nice finish, Chad. That is awesome. For an older Revell PM kit it is really nice. I wonder if this is someone else's kit reboxed. Excellent finish, gorgeous!!

 

BK

Edit, nope. It's a PM kit from 97. Great kit.

 

That Me looks super good! Well done.

Thanks guys!  Glam, nice progress!  That's definitely my favorite modern jet. 

G'day mates I'm back and I have really missed you all. I've also got a lot to catch up on. Chad that's a beautiful job on the 410. BK I'm truly sorry to hear about your decision with the SSGB, but I fully understand. I have not been doing a lot for obvious reasons, but just before Jill passed I received the 1/48th scale workable tracks for my King Tiger from last years SSGB.

Dodgy

G'day mates I'm back and I have really missed you all. I've also got a lot to catch up on. Chad that's a beautiful job on the 410. BK I'm truly sorry to hear about your decision with the SSGB, but I fully understand. I have not been doing a lot for obvious reasons, but just before Jill passed I received the 1/48th scale workable tracks for my King Tiger from last years SSGB.

 

BK

Thanks Chad, I agree the F16 is growing on me.  It is like the go cart in the fighter jet world...and I think the Wisconsin ANG flies them out of Madison so I may try and find a decal set and build another.

Dodgy, glad to see you back at it, well done on those tracks!

Thanks fellas, the tracks require a lot of patience, but the detail is beautiful. Now waiting on paints, Tamiya and Mr. Colour, to finish the King Tiger and start the Zero. I'm told they may take some weeks! It seems to be getting harder and harder to obtain supplies out here and considering where I live, it's not like I can just pop into a shop.

Dodgy

Dodgy

Thanks fellas, the tracks require a lot of patience, but the detail is beautiful. Now waiting on paints, Tamiya and Mr. Colour, to finish the King Tiger and start the Zero. I'm told they may take some weeks! It seems to be getting harder and harder to obtain supplies out here and considering where I live, it's not like I can just pop into a shop.

Dodgy

 

As far as supplies, yup, even here in the states some things are getting harder to get and I don't have any shops around me at all. I've been stocking up on many things in the event we can't get stuff I'll be ok. Keep on trucking.

BK

Well, Hans and Fritz finally got their  together and are ready to fly...

Very nice job!  Sure do like that plane.

Wow that is one good looking bird. Great work and the scheme could not have been easy but it looks sooooo good. I am totally impressed with this one. Very nice work. Congrats on being the first one done. I will update the front page.

BK

Bravo Castelnuovo!  Now have fun making sure those whiskers stay attached!  

Thank you gentlemen and thank you Brandon for hosting. As for SSGB 2024, it remains to be seen...

castelnuovo

As for SSGB 2024, it remains to be seen...

BK

I don't think it is something you have or have not done. I think when you put time and effort into something and then the participation is just not there it is dishearthening/demoralizing. I bet you would feel much more energized and feel appreciated if there would be more WIP updates, more participation etc. Just my thoughts.